The airports of Cyprus

Many travellers to Cyprus are unaware of the size of the island. With more than 3,500 square miles of land, this is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Cyprus attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. By doing a bit of research before you travel, you can make the most of your visit.

There are two international airports available, Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport. Don't make the mistake of believing that you'll be able to fly direct to Nicosia.

Although Nicosia Airport is still listed on many maps, it was closed in 1974 and is not in use for travellers from overseas as a result.

Paphos International Airport is located on the western side of the island and is mainly used to serve the resort of Paphos, which attracts some 1.5 million visitors each year.

Paphos is a pretty resort, located around a harbour.

Although the town has expanded greatly in recent years, you can still get a taste of what Cypriot life is like.

Many visitors choose to hire a car, allowing them to visit more remote, rural areas. In rural areas it's clear that a traditional way of life is still maintained by many local people.

Larnaca International Airport is used to serve the eastern resorts on the island, most notably Ayia Napa.

Ayia Napa has achieved fame thanks to its lively nightlife. The dance music scene makes the town popular with younger tourists from all over Europe and many suggest that it now helps Cyprus to rival the Spanish island of Ibiza.

Make sure that you fly in to the right Cypriot airport - you can save yourself a lot of time travelling round this relatively large island.