Nicosia (Lefkosia) ~ Capital of Cyprus
Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek) is Europe’s last remaining ‘Divided City’. The historic center is full of ancient churches and medieval buildings and the capital boasts excellent shops. (See Attractions in Nicosia).
Getting to know Nicosia …
The city is located in the center of the island with a population of 213,500 and is surrounded by the Kyrenian mountains (Pentadactylos – five fingered mountains).
Lefkosia has been the capital of the island since the 11th century and has a history dating back to the Bronze Age.
Lovely tree lined avenues in the old town are surrounded by 16th century Venetian walls resembling the shape of a hand grenade.
With a labyrinth of tiny streets and pedestrianized squares. The city is full of cafès, bars and restaurants.
Elefteria (Freedom) Square is where the old city meets the new. A few of the gates of the wall are still standing and the area around Famagusta Gate is well worth a visit.
Nicosia Tours
Lefkosia and Lefkara Full-Day Tour from Paphos
Enjoy a view of the Venetian Walls, the ‘Green line’ and Famagusta Gate.
Take advantage of an optional visit to historical museum ‘Leventis’. Visit St John’s Cathederal in Lefkosia and visit the Pano Lefkara Village (see ‘Lefkaritika’ lace & silverware).
Northern Cyprus
Kyrenia Hotels
Originally drawn in 1964 it has remained since the Turkish invasion of 1974.
The barren stretch of land which is known as the United Nations Buffer-Zone, divides the government-controlled south from the unrecognised, Turkish occupied North.
However, with the recent loosening of restrictions, it’s now possible to apply for a pass which will enable you to cross the green line.
Part of the wall was recently demolished and there will be another way to enter the North of the island.
FREE Nicosia City Walking Tours & Markets
Free guided walks are held on Monday and Thursday and start at 10am from the CTO office in the Old City.
Monday
Pallouriotissa and Kaimakli: The Past Restored Guided bus and walking tour.
Starting point: CTO Information Office in Laiki Geitonia
Time: 10:00
Free participation / Further information and bookings please contact +357 22 674 264.
(Note : Booking in advance is necessary)
Thursday
Discover old Nicosia and its walls walking tour.
Starting point: CTO Information Office in Laiki Geitonia
Time: 10:00
Free participationOffered by the Lefkosia (Nicosia) Municipality in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association.
Open Air Fruit & Veg Markets
Every Wednesday and Saturday – “OCHI” Square – (Lefkosia within the walls)
Every Friday – Strovolos Municipality (Industrial area, traffic lights).
Organised by the Nicosia Municipality.
Nicosia Flea Market
Saturday and Sunday : This is the first indoor flea market in Lefkosia. You can find new and used books, toys, furniture, electronics, appliances, clothes, household items, collectibles and antiques. There is also a coffee shop.
Address: 2, Yianni Koromia Street, Kaimakli
Time: 9:00-20:00
Free Entrance
For further information please contact +357 22 432 478.
Horse Racing in Nicosia
Organised by the Nicosia Horse Race Club. For further information please contact the Nicosia Race Club tel. +357 22 782 727.
Start: 1 Jan 2015
End: 31 Dec 2015
Find out more ~ Attractions in Nicosia >>
Getting To Nicosia from Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos
Taxi & Service Taxi
A taxi from Larnaca or Paphos Airport to Lefkosia can be very expensive. From Larnaca Airport a taxi will be about 60 euro. However, if you rent a seat in a service taxi the cost can be as little as 7 euro.
From Paphos Airport a taxi will be even more expensive at about 120 but to rent a seat in a service taxi it will cost about 14. If you are coming from Limassol Port a taxi will be about 85 and if you rent a seat in a service taxi it will be about 7.
Buses
All the bus routes start at the Solomos Square terminal in the centre of the city and cover all the areas of the city.
Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes depending on their destination while on weekends they run less frequently. For more information as well as for the current fares you can call the Nicosia Bus Company at 22778841.
Yellow Buses
Nicosia Municipality also operates the well-known Yellow Buses which will get you around the city within the city walls.
***There is no fare charge for these routes***
Where To Stay in Nicosia?
The Hilton Park Hotel is a 10 minute drive from the city center and surrounded by gardens with a lagoon-shaped swimming pool and a gym.
Features include a fitness center with outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool and Spa. Rooms are air conditioned with soundproofed windows opening onto a balcony.
The Holiday Inn is centrally located and features a lovely roof terrace in the summer. Fully equipped business center, fitness center and indoor pool and sauna, restaurant, bar and restaurant (à la carte).
The hotel is only minutes away from the Internations Conference Center, the State Fair Exhibition grounds, commercial and historic districts.
