The University of Cyprus is located in Nicosia (Lefkosia), the island’s capital city. Nicosia is the administrative, commercial, cultural, educational and religious centre of the country, and is also geographically at the centre of the island. A modern highway system connects Nicosia to all main towns and cities, many in under an hours’ driving time. Economic service (group) taxis and bus routes operate between all main cities.
Nicosia, with a population of around 256.000, is the island’s largest city. Although Nicosia is a modern city with highrises, shopping centres, theatres and restaurants, it has retained its historical character in the preserved and renovated “Old City” centre, located within the Venetian walls. These city walls, which separate the old town from the new, testify to Cyprus’s long history of domination by foreign rulers.
The ceasefire line (also known as the “Green Line”) alerts visitors to Nicosia’s status as the last divided capital in Europe. Despite that, Nicosia is a modern commercial centre, with a rich cultural and social and athletic life. A number of theatres, cinemas, night clubs, restaurants and athletic centres enrich the visitor’s stay.
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine all year round. Long, dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer temperatures can be very high (> 40o at time), while winters are rather mild, with some rain throughout the island and snow on the Troodos Mountains. Lightweight cottons and linens during summer months, and warm clothing and rainwear during winter as recommended, as is facial sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.
