I’m in Cyprus: where to travel during my internship abroad?
You’ve just arrived in Cyprus, your internship is just starting, and already a question is on your mind: so, what am I going to do with all my free time? Because just because you’re working in a local company or spending your days in a nursery, hotel, or repair workshop doesn’t mean you should miss out on what this country has to offer.
And this country, believe me, has a lot to offer.
Maybe you’re here because you chose the destination for the climate (let’s be honest, it’s sunnier here than in Nantes or Charleroi), or perhaps because Cypriot culture intrigued you. Or maybe it was just a lucky draw—you checked the boxes “sun” and “not too far” on your form, and they answered: Cyprus, does that sound good?
Either way, you’re here. And honestly, you won’t regret it.
Here’s my very personal, very subjective, and very human guide to enjoying Cyprus during your internship abroad. Pack your bag, charge your phone (or forget it for once), and go explore. I promise you moments you won’t forget.
Nicosia: more than a capital, a city that tells a story
Alright, we’ll start with the capital, of course. But not just any capital: Nicosia, also known as Lefkosía in Greek, is the only divided capital in Europe. And that alone is already a good reason to visit.
When you arrive in Nicosia, the first thing that strikes you is the strange feeling of being in a normal city… until you come across the border. A real border, with a checkpoint, guards, barriers. And that Green Line, monitored by the United Nations, which has divided the city in two since 1974. On one side, the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek side. On the other, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, not recognized by the UN (except by Turkey). Pretty wild, right?
And yet, in this city marked by history, life goes on.
You can move from a Greek neighborhood, with its modern cafés and colorful streets, to a Turkish neighborhood where the calls to prayer echo between minarets, simply by crossing a street. It’s a powerful experience, not always easy to explain, but one that stays with you. And then there are all those contrasts: the Venetian walls encircling the city center, old hammams turned into museums, colonial buildings, and politically charged graffiti on the walls… Nicosia is a bit like a conversation between past and present. It speaks of history, culture, wounds, and resilience.
Don’t miss the Laiki Geitonia neighborhood, a charming little gem with its cobbled streets, climbing plants, and small artisan shops. It’s the place where you can buy a handmade ceramic necklace or savor a Cypriot coffee flavored with cardamom. Beware—it’s strong. And very sweet. But it will definitely wake up your taste buds.
And most importantly, take your time. Sit at a terrace, watch the people go by, listen to conversations, notice the little details. Nicosia isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a place to live.
Limassol: between sea, mountains, and dancing nights
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to chill, soak up the sun, dance, and eat… look no further: Limassol is waiting for you.
Located on the southern coast, it’s the island’s second-largest city. And it has it all: 330 days of sunshine a year, endless beaches, a festive atmosphere, rich culture, and above all, an energy that’s hard to describe. A mix between a seaside town and a cosmopolitan crossroads.
The first thing to do is to stroll along the promenade. It’s a long, landscaped path between the sea and the city, lined with palm trees, contemporary sculptures, cafés, skaters, families, tourists… A true hub of life. You can spend hours there watching the sea, reading a book, or simply daydreaming.
Then there’s the old town, with its lively pedestrian streets, markets, tavernas serving mezze (those small sharing plates), and bars where you can listen to live music until late. Want to experience Cypriot nightlife? Limassol is perfect. Evenings filled with traditional Greek music, circle dances, shots of ouzo (but take it easy)… all with incredibly welcoming locals.
But Limassol isn’t just about beaches and cocktails. It’s also the gateway to the Troodos Mountains, and that’s a whole other world. Imagine small stone villages perched in the mountains, 11th-century monasteries, fresh water fountains, bakeries smelling of cinnamon. There, you can hike, breathe pure air, and take breathtaking photos. Want a real nature break? Head to Platres or Kakopetria. You’ll fall in love.
And finally, there’s Kourion, an incredible archaeological site with its ancient theater perched on a cliff. Want an Instagram photo that stands out? That’s the place. But beyond the photos, it’s the emotion that matters: sitting on those millennia-old stones, facing the sea, imagining performances from 2,000 years ago… it really puts things into perspective.
Larnaca: a simple city, but full of charm
Often, when people think of Larnaca, they think “airport.” It’s true that’s often how you arrive. But reducing Larnaca to just an arrival terminal means missing out on a real treasure.
Larnaca is a calm, gentle, accessible city where life feels good. It’s not the loudest, not the biggest, not the most “Instagrammable”… but maybe that’s exactly why we love it so much.
Want a relaxing day? Take a walk along Finikoudes Beach, order a nice cold frappé coffee, lie down on the sand, and listen to the gentle waves. Nothing more is needed. Sometimes, that alone is enough to be happy.
But the city also has its corners of history: the Church of Saint Lazarus, for example, a superb example of Byzantine architecture, and the fortress overlooking the sea. And for the more curious, there’s even a salt lake just outside the city where flamingos come to rest every winter. Yes, flamingos in Cyprus—you read that right.
And Larnaca is an excellent base. Everything is within reach, so you can easily explore the whole island from there. Plus, the people are chill. Not rushed. Not stressed. It feels good.
A getaway to Turkey? Do it at least once
One of the craziest things about being in Cyprus is that you’re just a few kilometers from Turkey. And not the Turkey of tourist guides—the real one, the southern part, with its small ports, markets, and lively cities like Mersin or Adana.
If you spend a weekend in the northern part of the island (the Turkish side), you can easily hop on a ferry and, in just a few hours, find yourself on another continent. That alone is worth the trip.
Once there, a guaranteed cultural shock awaits. Bustling souks, the scent of spices, piping hot teas served in tulip-shaped glasses, and people welcoming you with a smile even if you don’t speak a word of Turkish. Want to eat for three euros, stay in a family-run guesthouse, and feel like an explorer? That’s exactly what you’ll find there.
And it’s also a great way to better understand the tensions and connections between the two cultures present in Cyprus. By experiencing both sides a bit, you gain a deeper appreciation of the island’s complexity and beauty.
And after that? The rest of Cyprus awaits you.
Cyprus isn’t just a postcard frozen in time. It’s a living country that deserves to be explored, felt, tasted. So get out. Take the bus. Get lost. Talk to people. Visit a random village. Eat at a restaurant where you don’t understand the menu. Say “kalispera” to the baker. Learn a couple of words in Greek or Turkish. Say yes to an invitation. And above all, say yes to the unexpected.
Because your internship abroad won’t just teach you a job. It will open your eyes. Transform you. Show you that you’re capable of much more than you ever thought.
And if you haven’t found your internship yet, you know where to find us. Cyprus is waiting for you. And we’re here to take you there.
And you, where are you headed this weekend?
Enjoy every moment, explore without limits, and above all, let Cyprus teach you what maps don’t show: the beauty of encounters and little unexpected moments.