International Removals to Nicosia with The Moving Partnership
Nicosia is one of the most attractive cities to move to in the EU. The low taxes, inexpensive cost of living, and Cyprus’ Mediterranean climate mean it’s particularly enticing for retirees.
The Moving Partnership offer international removals to Nicosia. Here is our lowdown on the key features of the city, and how we can help you move there.
The History and Heritage
There have been human settlements in the area of Nicosia as far back as the Bronze Age and Roman times. It has also come under the jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Venice and more recently the British rule over the subsequent centuries.
Cyprus became an independent country in 1960 and Nicosia was established as its capital. However, Greek and Turkish Cypriots both had claims on the city. The two were separated by a Green Line, named after the colour of the pen used by a UN official to separate them
In 1974 the Turkish Army invaded the island, effectively splitting the capital in two. The two nationalities now co-exist much more peacefully, although you should carry your passport with you because the city is like post-war Berlin, with both Greek (to the south) and Turkish sectors.
Getting There and Getting Around
Nicosia Airport has been largely closed off since the Turkish invasion of 1974, with it now being used as a base by UN peacekeeping forces. The nearest international airport which has flights to all the major European capitals is at Larnaca, about 40km (25 miles) away. There is a regular shuttle bus service to Nicosia from the airport.
The cities of Larnaca and Limassol also have passenger ferry and cruise ship terminals. Once you are there, there are cheap bus services (both within the cities and to other cities in the country), although many people get around the island by car.
The Main Attractions
The walled Old City is a must. It dates back to the Venetian period in the 16th century and is small enough to get around on foot. Here the Cyprus Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Folk Art Museum all tell the story of the city’s rich and varied past.
To get inside the walls, there are three access points on the north, east and south sides of the city. One of them, The Famagusta Gate, has been restored and serves as the Lefkosia Municipal Cultural Centre, which is used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and occasional performances.
The Selemiye Mosque is probably the most distinctive religious building, dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
Shopping Around and Eating Out
Ledra Street is in the middle of the walled city and is the busiest shopping street in the capital. Other main shopping areas include Archbishop Makarios Avenue and Stasikratous Street. The latter, in particular, is notable for its designer boutiques as well as silverware and fine porcelain.
For something more artisan, try the Buyuk Han, a former caravanserai or roadside inn complex which is now home to a number of shops (particularly crafts) and restaurants.
As for eating out, the favourite dishes in Cyprus include lamb kofte (ground or minced meat served as a kebab or meatball), calamari (a type of squid, usually stuffed with herbs, spices and vegetables) and, for dessert, baklava, which is a combination of filo pastry dough and crushed nuts, drenched in honey or syrup.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the pedestrianised area of the city, known as Laiki Yitonia or the Folk Neighbourhood. There’s also a thriving coffee culture in the city with local independent cafés still thriving alongside the big chains.
International Removals to Nicosia with The Moving Partnership
The Moving Partnership don’t just move people and businesses to Nicosia - we can move you to all parts of the country, including Larnaca, Limassol, Kyrenia, Paphos and all the other major population centres. We can move entire businesses as well as people, and will be able to offer a competitively priced package if you want to combine the two.
For more information on our domestic and commercial removals to Cyprus, follow this link.
