Expertly Curated Travel Experiences

If you're setting foot on this beautiful island, or "Kypros" as it's called in Greek, and have managed to find yourself a cozy spot to stay, it’s easy to fall in love with it, kick back and relax. Indulge in a lazy afternoon by the pool or beach. Soak up the sun, have a dip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and enjoy a cold KEO beer.

But hold your horses—just one afternoon of leisure is enough for now. You've got a mountain of things to tackle.

Visiting Cyprus as a tourist is a whole different ballgame from settling down here.

This book is here to shed light on the beauty and complexity of this vibrant country for new expats. Let’s be honest—it can be pretty bewildering to move to this far-flung island in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Middle Eastern traditions mix with European influences.

And just to set the record straight, yes, it’s an actual country (even if it's on the smaller side)! I’ve lost count of how many times people have asked if I live in the “Greek” or “Turkish part.” For newcomers from every corner of the globe, understanding the correct terminology is crucial. There’s only one Cyprus.

My sister's trying to send me a parcel but can't decide: should she put "ROC" or just "Cyprus"? 

- Easy fix: just tell her to go with "Cyprus." 

- What if it lands in the Turkish part? 

- Don’t say “Turkish part.” Down here, it’s always "Occupied Territories." 

- Just tell her to send it to "Cyprus"—everyone knows that refers to the Republic of Cyprus.

But once you dig a little deeper, living as an expat in Cyprus can turn into a thrilling and enriching adventure. 

In case you're curious about the preliminary sketches and illustrations scattered across this page, they've been created by yours truly. These visuals set the tone and complement some key topics we’re diving into, like “Where to Live?”, “Laid-Back Vibe, Local Traditions, and Food,” and “Driving in Cyprus: Quirks and Caution!”.

ABOUT MYSELF:

I'm a seasoned reporter and researcher specializing in the Middle East, with my work featuring across print and broadcast media. I thrive in diverse environments—whether in the Middle East, Asia, or Europe. For the past six years, Cyprus has been my home base. As a passionate language learner and teacher, I speak eight languages, including Greek, and I’m currently diving into Kypriaká.