The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a popular location for many people seeking a holiday in the sun. There's much more to this island paradise than its holiday resorts. Once a Greek colony, the island of Cyprus has a long and spectacular history. Indeed, it has been described by some as a location where history really comes alive. When visiting the island, many tourists like to take the time to explore, allowing them to see much more than the popular beach resorts.
In recent years, much of the island's history has become dominated by politics. The northern part of the island is occupied by Turkish Cypriots, while the southern portion of the island remains an independent state, with close ties to Greece. The United Nations does not recognise the existence of the Turkish-occupied part of the island as a country in its own right. Although it is possible to visit Northern Cyprus, travellers from the UK have to fly their via Turkey.
