Journey Through Cyprus - Europe Travel Documentary

Cyprus has been at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia and is among the most diverse and fascinating places in the Mediterranean Sea. Located on the edge of Europe, the island has been influenced by traditions, religions, and cultures from three different continents.

Due to its complicated recent history, the country is divided into two parts, that are inherently different yet surprisingly similar. For the traveler, Cyprus offers an abundance of ancient sites, spectacular natural scenery, vibrant cities, tasty food, and friendly, welcoming people.

In this travel documentary, I’m traversing Cyprus, visiting some of the most beautiful and interesting places, in both the Southern and Northern part. The video was made in November 2022, when I had the chance to travel around Cyprus for 2 weeks.

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Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media

Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:

We start this journey in Nicosia, the vibrant capital city of Cyprus, also known as the ‘last divided capital in the world’, symbolizing the island’s complicated political situation. We explore both the South and North, and witness some of the contrasts and similarities. While the narrow streets of the old city offer some incredible historic monuments, we also visit some newer parts of Nicosia.

After renting a car, we drive through the Troodos mountains, a spectacular region with picturesque villages, rugged mountain landscape, and hidden monasteries that contain colorful frescoes. Some of the highlights include Mount Olympus, Agros and Kykkos Monastery.

Our next destination is Paphos, a friendly tourist center that boasts the mesmerizing ‘Pafos Archaeological Site’. Following the coastline, we briefly stop at Aphrodite’s Rock (or Petra tou Romio), a mythical landmark surrounded by pretty beaches.

We visit the ancient city-state of Kourion with its striking location on the Mediterranean, before catching a break on the coastal promenade of Limassol (or Lemesos), a cosmopolitan city and important business and entertainment hub.

Driving back inland, we come across one of the oldest and best-preserved pre-historic sites in the region, Choirokoitia, before arriving in Lefkara. Surrounded by steep valleys, this photogenic village is famous for its historic embroidery, lace, and silverware production. Although the industry has diminished over the years, you can still witness artisans at work in the narrow cobble-stone alleys.

Larnaca is a laidback city and gateway to the island, providing a good introduction to Cypriot daily life and culture. It’s our last stop before arriving in Cape Greco peninsula and national park, the Easternmost point in the European Union. It’s a beautiful place with rugged scenery, full of walking trails.

We return to the North of Cyprus, visiting the intriguing walled city of Famagusta. The historic center provides a great insight into this former stronghold, with narrow alleyways, crumbling churches, and the massive Lala Mustafa Mosque. Just outside central Famagusta is Varosha, where we are tragically reminded of Cyprus’ complex political situation. This abandoned neighborhood used to be a thriving beach resort but has now turned into a ghost town.

Traveling further North, we visit Bellapais, with its imposing Abbey, and arrive in Kyrenia, the most visited city in Northern Cyprus, partly due to its connection with Turkey. The skyline is dominated by the massive castle, but the city also offers a pretty old town and lively harbor with restaurants and cafes.

Not far from Kyrenia is our final destination, St Hilarion Castle. Built on a craggy mountainside, it’s a captivating place to explore, with crumbling towers, tunnels, hidden courtyards, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Timestamps / video chapters:

0:00 Introduction
2:21 Nicosia
11:36 Troodos Mountains
17:22 Paphos
20:31 Aphrodite’s Rock
21:09 Kourion
22:27 Limassol (Lemesos)
24:15 Choirokoitia
25:28 Lefkara
28:11 Larnaca
30:31 Cape Greco
31:30 Famagusta
35:17 Varosha
38:52 Bellapais
40:21 Kyrenia
43:34 St Hilarion Castle
45:18 End

[HP]

Gotta love Stef's style. No unnecessary upbeat tunes or fast clipping, and best of all, no selfpromoting nonsense. Keep 'em coming Good Sir.

[johnnywires]

Cyprus is one country and that is how it should be.Good to see you toured the whole island and showed it all as Cyprus.All the world wishes Cyprus to be one with one nation and one identity and sovereignty.All outsiders should leave it alone and in the hands of Cypriots, after all it is their country.

[AnthonySmith-Magee]

I love the fact that Cyprus has assimilated a little bit of UK making it such a coming home for us Brits we absolutely love it and especially its people who are so understanding and loving..CYPRUS feels like my second home

[victoriaromanenko]

Thank you for the beautiful film about this large island in Mediterranean Sea. You showed very well typical Cypriots architecture, cuisine and dominant cultural traditions.

[JusticeGlobal]

Authentic, eclectic, and surreal! Breathtaking views and diverse Turkish, Greek, and Mediterranean landscapes...

[KeremToros]

A unique documentary on all sights of Cyprus without any political prejudice. Congratulations to Stef! This is a must see for all Cyprus lovers and prospective visitors.

[earthpeoplechurchforhumani]

You are among the world's finest drone photogrphers.
Thank you!

[ItsShowTime-zn]

Cyprus is an amazingly beautiful country that I did not even imagine

[juliantaylor]

One of the best travel documentary productions I have seen! Great work Stef.

[chietbrink]

A couple of years ago I went to Cyprus and it is really a great joy to watch this beautiful video.
A really handy guide also !!!!

[a.d.y]

Such a great documentary. I love your style, both the editing and filming!

[havingalook]

That was exceptionally well done. Simply brilliant. Thank you - I loved every minute of it and your commentary was very sympathetic. Well done.

[СветланаПойманова-щъ]

Автор, буть счастлив!!! 🎉 Любви!!! Здоровья 🎉

[thatkanpuriaguy]

Beautiful documentary. Love the style, the slow pace, the soothing unhurried narration and the natural sounds peppered with mellifluous background score.
Love from India🇮🇳

[helencarandreou]

Thank you Stef for this well researched and presented video. I love it. I live in Australia and have Cypriot friends. I visited Cyprus in 1970 but never knew it has such rich history and culture. The people are so hospitable and interesting. I also have relatives living in Cyprus.

[LittleTut]

Stef, what a journey! You're always giving the best tours of some of the most beautiful countries in the world. 😊👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[rajeshkcrajesh]

wow beautiful explanation cyprus, real traveling feel cyprus thank you so much

[johnellis]

Really enjoyed this intro into Cyprus ❤

[wandererblog]

Your video is very interesting and informative! I wish you good luck!I love this country very much

[lazyllevlogs]

My first travel/ documentary video i watched, love this🎉🎉🎉