Hotels in Nicosia

Nicosia: The Last Divided Capital in Europe

Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek) sits at the centre of Cyprus, roughly 50 km from both the northern and southern coasts. It is the only divided capital city in the world, split since 1974 by the UN Buffer Zone — the Green Line — which cuts through the Old City walls built by the Venetians between 1567 and 1570. Visitors cross between the Republic of Cyprus side and the Turkish Cypriot north at the Ledra Street checkpoint, a five-minute walk from Eleftheria Square. The contrast is immediate: Byzantine churches on one side, Ottoman mosques converted from Gothic cathedrals on the other.

Where to Stay in Nicosia

Most hotels cluster in the southern city centre, along Makarios Avenue and near the Famagusta Gate arts district. The Walled City offers boutique guesthouses in restored 19th-century townhouses. Business travellers typically prefer the Engomi and Strovolos suburbs, 3–5 km from the Old City, where international-brand 4-star properties concentrate.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The Old City is walkable; buses connect suburbs, but a rental car suits day trips to Troodos or the coast.
• Crossing the Green Line: Carry a passport — an ID card suffices for EU nationals.
• Climate: Summers exceed 38 °C; spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are cooler for sightseeing.
• Currency: Euro in the south; Turkish lira accepted in the north.