About The Republic of Cyprus:
Republic of Cyprus is the internationally recognized government of the island of Cyprus and a member of the European Union since 2004. It controls the southern two-thirds of the island, although it claims sovereignty over the entire island, including its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, except for the British military bases.
Turkey invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974 in response to a Greek junta-sponsored Cypriot coup d’état five days earlier. As a result, Turkey occupies the other third of the island and claims it as The Turkish Republic of Cyprus. There is an un-easy peace between the two.
Catholic places of interest in The Republic of Cyprus:
Nicosia: Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia or Lefkoşa, is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus. Nicosia is home to Holy Cross Church, main hub for the Roman Catholic community in the capital, featuring multiple chapels, which is administered under the Franciscans by the Latin Patriarchate of the Holy Land.
In addition to Greek, Masses are offered Saturdays or Sundays in seven other languages, including: English, French, Tagalog and Polish. There is daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well.
Larnaca (Larnarka): port city on the south coast of Cyprus with The Church of Saint Lazarus: 9th-century church said to contain the tomb of Saint Lazarussnf Saint Mary of Graces (Larnaca): administered by the Franciscan friars. Also known for Finikoudes Beach, a sandy strip in the city center backed by a palm-lined seaside promenade. Just offshore, the MS Zenobia wreck is a popular dive site.
Limassol: Built in the 1870s and inaugurated in 1879, this church features a Baroque-style interior and an eclectic exterior facade, situated along the coastal road.
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa (Paphos): A historic site shared with other denominations, allowing Catholic services, and often referred to as St. Paul’s Pillar.
Traveling to The Republic of Cypress:
By Air:
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is the largest and busiest airport, with flights from major US cities like New York (JFK, EWR, BOS), Boston (BOS), and Chicago (ORD) via airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Aegean Airlines Rome2rio+1.
Paphos International Airport (PFO) is smaller, often served by budget carriers, with more European connections.
Flight times from the US are typically 14–16 hours depending on layovers Rome2rio.
North Cyprus (TRNC): No direct international flights; you must fly via Türkiye. Main airport is Ercan International Airport (ECN) near Nicosia, with connections from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other Turkish cities via Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AnadoluJet. Same-day international tickets are possible with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus the-northcyprus.com.
By Sea
South Cyprus: Limited seasonal ferry services from Greece or Israel to Limassol or Larnaca.
North Cyprus: Regular ferries from Turkey to Kyrenia (Girne) and Famagusta (Gazimağusa) from ports like Mersin, Taşucu, and Alanya. Ferries can be foot or car passengers; luggage rules vary.
By land:
You can cross from the Greek side to the Turkish side of Cyprus, and the process has become much easier for citizens of the European Union since Cyprus joined the EU in 2004. The most common way to cross is through Nicosia, which has several border checkpoints, including the Ledra Street Crossing (pedestrian-only) and the Ledra Palace Border Crossing (for both pedestrians and vehicles).
Travelers need to present a valid passport or EU ID card to cross the border. For U.S. citizens, a passport is sufficient, and no additional visa is typically required for short visits While EU citizens can cross without restrictions, travelers from other countries should check specific visa requirements for entering Northern Cyprus.
Be aware of customs regulations regarding the amount of goods you can bring across the border, especially concerning alcohol and tobacco.
Tips for Crossing: It’s advisable to cross during off-peak hours to avoid long waits at the checkpoints.