You will probably know that Cyprus is a member of the European Union. But not all of it if you are of a Turkish persuasion. In that case, approximately the top third of the island is formally known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a state which is only recognised by Turkey. The rest of the world regards the whole island as the Republic of Cyprus. This situation arose from a political fall-out between Greece and Turkey over 50 years ago which remains, and is likely to be so, unresolved. There is a de facto border, administered by the United Nations, which involves the partitioning of Nicosia, the country’s largest city and the capital of both sides. It’s a bit like Berlin used to be.

The exchange rates shown for the euro – you know what you’d be getting for a pound or a dollar but the rouble was unspecified

Anyhow, taken as a whole, Cyprus is the third-largest Mediterranean island, after Sicily and Sardinia. We were holidaying in the non-contentious part of the country, on the west coast at Paphos (or Pafos as the natives have it). And they certainly know how to make the Brits feel right at home. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road and mostly you don’t need an adaptor for your plugs: the GB three-pin socket is pretty much a staple. Fish and chips and afternoon teas are also available.

A view across to the harbour at Paphos…this was a day when an unusually strong wind made the Med a little more frisky than normal

However, if it’s something more in keeping with your surroundings that you’re after, Paphos can provide that, too. The old town is full of shops and markets selling local wares and foods, plus several archaeological sites and catacombs. But it’s around the old harbour with its medieval castle, itself a replacement protection for the port after the original edifice was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222, that the city perhaps comes most alive. The whole area around the harbour is teeming with tourists and locals. Boats come and go, including a Caribbean-style ‘booze cruise’ for those who are happy to risk some sunburn while enjoying a cocktail or two.

About 2,000 square feet of extraordinary mosaics have been unearthed in the House of Dionysos at Kato Paphos

Perhaps the most stunning sight the place has to offer is over 2,000 years old, but it has only been known about for a little over 60 years. The ruins at Kato Paphos suggest the villas here were the homes of exceedingly wealthy Romans. Work on realising the extent of what previously lay beneath the earth began in 1962 and what has been discovered thus far is an amazing spectacle. The white lighthouse seen in the photo below is also worthy of attention, but despite its proximity it has no connection to the Roman ruins.

The Odeon (hence the cinema name) at Kato Paphos used to stage theatre in Roman times; today it regularly hosts concerts in the summer

So that was our sojourn in Cyprus. We might make another one. I wonder what it’s like up north?

Robert Green