The Rough Guide to Cyprus

Rating:
Summary: Could be fantastic if updated!
Review: I bought the 2002 edition of this book for a trip to Cyprus in 2004. Alot changed on the island in those 2 years but I found this book to be invaluable in spite of some outdated material.

The author does not try to hide his distaste for the direction the island is heading in development that encourages cheap package travel, but I thought that his description of the island was right on the mark. He also spends a great deal of time describing all that is unique and wonderful about this island.

My first impression reading it before my trip was frustration at the long-winded writing style of the author. During my travels, however, I appreciated his level of detail. Reading this book made me want to explore the island beyond the southern beaches and gave me the information to do so. I used it to explore the mountainous region and small villages in the center of the island and gain access to some of their amazing painted churches.

The downside of the outdated material is in the fact that this island is changing so quickly, development and the political situation create constant change. The lack of information in his book relating to traveling between the north (Turkish) and south (Greek) territories is its' biggest flaw. I did travel to the north with my Cyprian hosts and I only wish I had spent more time on my own exploring the north, passing the border is actually quite easy. The Turkish culture and the pristine beaches of the north offer a very different and more authentic experience than the overdeveloped and tourist driven south. The information given on the north was in itself very detailed, the book answered several questions that my Cyprian hosts could not.

I went to Cyprus last August not seeking the kind of adventures that I usually do when I travel. I expected a beach vacation punctuated by a wedding in a new culture and a new church. The wedding was indeed amazing but the experiences I had exploring the island with the information in this book were beyond my expectations.

Please update this book! Thanks to my new brother-in-law, I now have access to a house on Cyprus and plan on visiting it many more times.


Rating:
Summary: By far the better of the two Cyprus books I bought
Review: I bought The Rough Guide to Cyprus and the Blue Guide Cyprus at the same time. I've had the chance to live on Cyprus for about a year so I've had time to read both and compare what they say with my experience of the island. And the result is that I highly recommend this book. It has well written and fairly detailed sections pertaining to the islands history and culture. Each region of Cyprus is dealt with in reasonable detail. Additionally, the book does not shy away from the difficult political and social issues that vex Cyprus, and in my opinion is even handed in assigning blame and praise (there is plenty to go around!). I didn't feel at all like one of the other reviewers, that the author disliked Cyprus. Cyprus is a bit of a difficulty as well as a bit of paradise - in fact, it's history and current reality are quite heart rending to grasp. But there is still much to appreciate. This book has been invaluable to me.

Rating:
Summary: Dont buy this book
Review: I bought this guide for the summer I am spending in cyprus. The author clearly didnt like the island: his description of most things are tainted with a negativity and he clearly didnt get beyond the tourist traps. He fails to include essential information, like phone numbers anda proper listing of hotels. If I had stuck with the book I never would have discovered the wonderful things that the island has to offer. If you cant find a good book, rather look at online sites (like gonomad.com has great info).

Rating:
Summary: Great for the independent low-budget traveler!
Review: I used the Rough Guide last spring when I traveled independently to Cyprus from Israel. I found it to be very comprehensive and accurate. There are lots of maps, phone numbers and other useful info. It is great for someone wanting the nitty-gritty details of how to get around and how much money to bring. I especially appreciated the suggestions for good low-budget accomodations.