Cyprus

Photo: Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock

Centuries ago, divided capital cities weren’t wholly unheard of in Europe.

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Now, only one remains, the Cypriot capital of Nicosia. This Mediterranean island is half-Greek, half-Turkish, and though it’s an independent nation, the culture on the island is visibly divided. Not that you’ll feel tension necessarily, but you will get to experience two distinct cultures in one small city, a venerable BOGO of a European destination.

But Cyprus has beaches too, as one might expect from a warm-weather island in the Mediterranean. Nissi Beach and Fig Tree are two of the most popular, but ask around and you can find some that aren’t packed all summer. You’d also be remiss to skip the archeological sites in Cyprus, most notably the Tombs of the Kings and Kato Paphos.

Cyprus

Culture

Culture

What It's Like Visiting Nicosia, Cyprus, the Last Divided Capital on Earth

Cyprus

Food + Drink

Food + Drink

In This Small Village in Cyprus, ‘Thief’s Kebab’ Unites Everyone