Cyprus

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Cyprus
Information
Language:	Greek, Turkish
Capital:	Nicosia
Population:	794,600
Currency:	Euro ( € ) in the south, Turkish Lira (TRL) in the north
Hitchability:	<rating country='cy' />
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Cyprus is a Eurasian island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It is divided into Greek (Republic of Cyprus) and Turkish (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) parts. The UN still treats the North of the island as a militarily occupied area. The Republic of Cyprus is part of the European Union.

In the North buses are a little expensive, but frequent and fast & hitching quite easy. In the South you can move around a single region for one or two Euro, and for this reason most people will be confused as to why you're hitch-hiking. Never the less, it's quite easy to find a ride, even within the city, but be sure that they take you to a good location if not going to your destination. Many times I have been dropped off in the middle of nowhere, or even right on the motorway, of which, the police aren't too understanding. In rural areas and in Troodos mountains it's easy to hitchhike, even with little traffic, everyone stops for you, even without asking. The locals simply put out their hand with the palm to the ground, but all seem to understand the thumb, and this is probably good for you as a sign that you're a traveller.

Cities

(Turkish names of cities in brackets)

• Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
• Kyrenia (Girne)
• Larnaca (İskele),
• Limassol (Limasol, Leymosun)
• Nicosia (Lefkoşa)
• Paphos (Turkish: Baf/Kasaba)

Border Issues

The EU doesn't recognise the Turkish right to put a border, so if you have a passport/visa valid for the EU you can cross it 10 times a day. It makes no difference if you entered from Turkey and have a stamp. (Note all native born Northern Cypriots can enter the south, but most Turkish immigrants and other guest workers from the north cannot, because they don't have EU visas)

Ferries to Cyprus

From Turkey there are ferries Between Taşucu (Mersin Province) to Kyrenia ("Girne"), Alanya and Antalya. The night (slow) ferry From Taşucu is 72 Lyra, including port taxes. In summer fast ferries run everyday, but in the winter there are 2 slow ferries weekly (60TL or 100TL return) There are also ferries Between Mersin City in Turkey and Famagusta "Gazimagusta" in the East of the North side. But, apparently booking a plane ticket from any major city in the South to the Airport in North Cyprus is cheaper. It only requires some pre-planning.

From the South side there are no ferries 2012-13, an agent comments
There is a 2012 discussion about Israel ferries. Salamis Lines sometimes have cruises 2013 Schedule
Ferrylines.com provides info on most ferries in the Mediterranean.

Costs

- In the South costs are higher than most of Europe except for when taxes are lower like for alcohol & cigarettes. Southern Cyprus like many places has become 2 cultures on top of each other native and immigrant i.e. a village square has a store and opposite a Bulgarian/Romanian/Philipina place with cheaper stuff. The North is usually about half price for many things, but alcohol is a little more expensive.

Bus

see http://www.cyprusbybus.com/default.aspx

FAQ

• Paphos Airport to Nicosia - best take the bus to Limassol City then change to Nicosia bus. In Paphos the Nicosia bus is up the hill at Paphos Karavella which is only directly connected at at 08:00 or 19:00 (Otherwise you first take the bus to Paphos Harbour & then to Paphos Karavella) http://www.cyprusbybus.com/routes.aspx?sid=8
• Larnaca Airport does have direct buses to Limassol or Nicosia http://www.cyprusbybus.com/routes.aspx?sid=9

Places to stay

Due to costs being high I list a few
Free camping is allowed with the land owners permission. It seems OK on beaches and forests.
Girne : Cyprus Dorms eur 10 (ask for the workers side it's without AC €offers) [1]
Larnaka : Youth Hostel next door to old market for eur 10
Lefkosa : On the North side there are workers dorms from 10TL ask around. In the South there is a Youth Hostel near Famagusta gate for eur 10 (over 35 year olds not allowed)
Lemassol : The new owner at the Luxor Hostel can only be pushed down as far as €15
Pafos : the Triton Hotel is eur 15 upper town
Polis : camping can be bargained to eur 5
Pegia near Paphos : There is a rainbow Community (maybe WWOOfing) [2]
Lower prices may be found through offers on Hostelworld.com

More Details
- Kyrenia: Cyprus Dorms: 10 euro for a dorm. Best to book (egg. hostelbookers) cause there are only four dorms available. Free wifi, kitchen with fridge and lockers. Very nice location. Recommended. Address: Bozoklar Sk
- Famagusta: Golden Set: For 30 TL (13 euro) you have a single with cold shower. 60 for a double with hot shower. Good location and free wifi. No kitchen, but cheap food next door. Address: Yesil Deniz (between Othello Tower and Porta del Mar)
- North Nicosia: Aksaray Pension. Nice place with a courtyard and friendly owner. Excellent located in the old town. Free wifi, but no kitchen and no lockers. 10 euro for a dorm. (workers places are cheaper see above) Address: Mecidiye 63 (Old Town, near Buyuk Hamam) Website: http://www.aksaraypansiyon.com/
- South Nicosia: Youth Board: Free wifi, kitchen, lockers and a fantastic location. Also perfect for doing day-trips from here (Kourion, Paphos, …) to places with more expensive accommodation. Age limit is 35. Dorm is 10 euro. Address: Chrysaliniotissis (North-East Old Town) Website: http://www.youthboard.org.cy/default.asp?id=297
- Larnaka: Old YHA. 10 euro for a bed in the dorm. Perfect location. Kitchen, but no wifi, no lockers and only cold showers. The least attractive place for me, but a good option for connecting flights. Address: Nikolaou Rossou (opposite Livadhiotis; go through the archway and up the stairs on the right) Paphos: HI hostel charging 25 euro (book ahead) http://www.hihostels.com/hostels/Paphos-King's-Hotel-Cyprus-index-E-CY-014001.php also Triton Hotel is eur 15 in upper town

Couchsurfing Info

see http://couchwiki.org/en/Cyprus

Countries of Europe

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CYPRUS : Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=15&keywordid=113