Journey Through Cyprus - Europe Travel Documentary

Cyprus has been at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia and is among the most diverse and fascinating places in the Mediterranean Sea. Located on the edge of Europe, the island has been influenced by traditions, religions, and cultures from three different continents.
Due to its complicated recent history, the country is divided into two parts, that are inherently different yet surprisingly similar. For the traveler, Cyprus offers an abundance of ancient sites, spectacular natural scenery, vibrant cities, tasty food, and friendly, welcoming people.
In this travel documentary, I’m traversing Cyprus, visiting some of the most beautiful and interesting places, in both the Southern and Northern part. The video was made in November 2022, when I had the chance to travel around Cyprus for 2 weeks.
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Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media
Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:
We start this journey in Nicosia, the vibrant capital city of Cyprus, also known as the ‘last divided capital in the world’, symbolizing the island’s complicated political situation. We explore both the South and North, and witness some of the contrasts and similarities. While the narrow streets of the old city offer some incredible historic monuments, we also visit some newer parts of Nicosia.
After renting a car, we drive through the Troodos mountains, a spectacular region with picturesque villages, rugged mountain landscape, and hidden monasteries that contain colorful frescoes. Some of the highlights include Mount Olympus, Agros and Kykkos Monastery.
Our next destination is Paphos, a friendly tourist center that boasts the mesmerizing ‘Pafos Archaeological Site’. Following the coastline, we briefly stop at Aphrodite’s Rock (or Petra tou Romio), a mythical landmark surrounded by pretty beaches.
We visit the ancient city-state of Kourion with its striking location on the Mediterranean, before catching a break on the coastal promenade of Limassol (or Lemesos), a cosmopolitan city and important business and entertainment hub.
Driving back inland, we come across one of the oldest and best-preserved pre-historic sites in the region, Choirokoitia, before arriving in Lefkara. Surrounded by steep valleys, this photogenic village is famous for its historic embroidery, lace, and silverware production. Although the industry has diminished over the years, you can still witness artisans at work in the narrow cobble-stone alleys.
Larnaca is a laidback city and gateway to the island, providing a good introduction to Cypriot daily life and culture. It’s our last stop before arriving in Cape Greco peninsula and national park, the Easternmost point in the European Union. It’s a beautiful place with rugged scenery, full of walking trails.
We return to the North of Cyprus, visiting the intriguing walled city of Famagusta. The historic center provides a great insight into this former stronghold, with narrow alleyways, crumbling churches, and the massive Lala Mustafa Mosque. Just outside central Famagusta is Varosha, where we are tragically reminded of Cyprus’ complex political situation. This abandoned neighborhood used to be a thriving beach resort but has now turned into a ghost town.
Traveling further North, we visit Bellapais, with its imposing Abbey, and arrive in Kyrenia, the most visited city in Northern Cyprus, partly due to its connection with Turkey. The skyline is dominated by the massive castle, but the city also offers a pretty old town and lively harbor with restaurants and cafes.
Not far from Kyrenia is our final destination, St Hilarion Castle. Built on a craggy mountainside, it’s a captivating place to explore, with crumbling towers, tunnels, hidden courtyards, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Timestamps / video chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:21 Nicosia
11:36 Troodos Mountains
17:22 Paphos
20:31 Aphrodite’s Rock
21:09 Kourion
22:27 Limassol (Lemesos)
24:15 Choirokoitia
25:28 Lefkara
28:11 Larnaca
30:31 Cape Greco
31:30 Famagusta
35:17 Varosha
38:52 Bellapais
40:21 Kyrenia
43:34 St Hilarion Castle
45:18 End

[@HP84963]

Gotta love Stef's style. No unnecessary upbeat tunes or fast clipping, and best of all, no selfpromoting nonsense. Keep 'em coming Good Sir.

[@LittleTut]

I totally agree! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for that, I appreciate it. And I will try to keep uploading.

[@davidwonder3631]

​@@stefhofferI really love what you do sir

[@victoriaromanenko9733]

Thank you for the beautiful film about this large island in Mediterranean Sea. You showed very well typical Cypriots architecture, cuisine and dominant cultural traditions.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your kind words, I'm glad to read that you enjoyed the film.

[@earthpeoplechurchforhumani9456]

You are among the world's finest drone photogrphers. Thank you!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for that.

[@Pilgrim06]

You’ve captured the essence of Cyprus so well- Cyprus in its finest details; it makes me homesick. Glorious cinematography, I wish I was at home in Troodos to offer you a coffee😊🙏thank you so much!

[@havingalook2]

That was exceptionally well done. Simply brilliant. Thank you - I loved every minute of it and your commentary was very sympathetic. Well done.

[@stefhoffer]

Glad to hear that, thanks for your comment. It really helps 😊

[@thatkanpuriaguy8177]

Beautiful documentary. Love the style, the slow pace, the soothing unhurried narration and the natural sounds peppered with mellifluous background score. Love from India🇮🇳

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@chietbrink3977]

A couple of years ago I went to Cyprus and it is really a great joy to watch this beautiful video. A really handy guide also !!!!

[@stefhoffer]

I'm very happy to read that! I'm sure you enjoyed that trip :)

[@juliantaylor4568]

One of the best travel documentary productions I have seen! Great work Stef.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for that Julian!

[@beyondtheshadow1224]

Deeply THANK YOU from 💕🇧🇷💕

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you too :)

[@bodnica]

Beautiful!

[@siegridthomas9674]

I had a WONDERFUL vacation there

[@MagnoliaDavis]

Tabike 👍 Vacation with Steff as our tour guide in Cyprus 😍

[@stefhoffer]

Happy to hear that!

[@WaqarHasan-rc9rt]

Subhan Allah !

[@a.d.y8499]

Such a great documentary. I love your style, both the editing and filming!

[@Mark723]

Always insightful and entertaining - a master at his craft. Thank you, Stef, for all that you do for the travel community.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot, I'm happy to read that!

[@WaqarHasan-rc9rt]

Beautyfull island !

[@JusticeGlobal]

Authentic, eclectic, and surreal! Breathtaking views and diverse Turkish, Greek, and Mediterranean landscapes...

[@LittleTut]

Stef, what a journey! You're always giving the best tours of some of the most beautiful countries in the world. 😊👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@stefhoffer]

Happy to hear that, and thanks again for your kind words!

[@LittleTut]

@@stefhoffer a

[@tayrowell]

Beautiful.

[@danielsullivan9271]

So good! i was here only once in summer 2021!

[@jibansadhanarpathe]

Thank you❤❤

[@stefhoffer]

You too :)

[@SamadhBachoo]

Marvellous, it's full of history, hope to visit soon.

[@lazyllevlogs8627]

My first travel/ documentary video i watched, love this🎉🎉🎉

[@stefhoffer]

Glad you did!

[@rajeshkcrajesh9431]

wow beautiful explanation cyprus,real traveling feel cyprus thank you so much

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind comment, happy that you enjoyed it.

[@user-kb5fi1hm3u]

I lived in Akrotiri village for 3 years between January 1976 to November 1978.. it was an interesting period.

[@leticiaguarino4447]

REALLY INTERESTING!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@WaqarHasan-rc9rt]

Nice places !

[@eveliopastrana9448]

Thank you for so interesting video.

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you, happy that you liked it.

[@johnellis414]

Really enjoyed this intro into Cyprus ❤

[@stefhoffer]

Glad to hear that John, thanks for your comment. It really helps 😊

[@Explorerdhk]

Thank you for this wonderful video ❤

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for watching :)

[@Rose-zz2rw]

it's a very clean city.

[@ingriddurden3929]

beautiful place, food looks delicious. what a pity of the divide ! thanks for sharing.

[@mehmetakifakgul8666]

Why what a pity for the divide! Do two very different People have to live together?

[@ingriddurden3929]

@@mehmetakifakgul8666 I find it sad, that whole city blocks are standing there empty, falling apart. I find it sad, that horses, donkeys, cows, goats, sheep, deer, badgers.... can share the same space, but people of the same species cannot. I find it sad, that when moving to another country, they can live together with the others, but in their own, they obviously cannot. I am a foreigner in this country, came here 20 years ago, living among people from different countries, and we all get along...

[@mehmetakifakgul8666]

I sympathise with your feelings but you are telling these feelings to the wrong person. You should address your thoughts to those that created the situation Just before the Turkish intervention to save Cypriot Turks from ethnic cleansing. I can elaborate more but you could do more research yourself!

[@Dirsanat]

Wow, the videos you make are amazing, I really like them. I see something in you that I would like to work with in the future. You have an amazing talent. I just said this, I have no words for you

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for that, I appreciate your kind words.

[@freddyblanco5408]

Thank you Stef for this excellent video about the island of Cyprus. I did it know the country being dividing this is sad I though thi island was a part of Greece. Any way, the island has a beautiful landscapes and history. Hello from USA.

[@stefhoffer]

Hello back Freddy, and thanks for your kind words. Happy that you liked the video.

[@jimibikergr]

nice bravo !!

[@WaqarHasan-rc9rt]

Asalaam o alaikum ! Mein yeh video Pakistan se dekh raha hoon.

[@nami-vlog]

Wow, amazing 💜💜💜💜👍

[@TechRevTravel]

Cyprus!

[@senraXD]

Amazing video!

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you!

[@brunopappacoda5577]

Splendido lavoro! Complimenti Stef Hoffer!

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you!

[@shohagali1082]

Spectacular video & explanation.. love from Bangladesh

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you, glad that you enjoyed it.

[@WaqarHasan-rc9rt]

Khoobsurat island !

[@mararoncarati6109]

Documentario bellissimo,

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you

[@petr-podrouzek]

Very nice, great job ! 🙂

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks Petr!

[@lauracolonello]

Grazie😊

[@stefhoffer]

You too :)

[@larnacacity]

The best country great content ♥

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you, a wonderful place indeed 😍

[@WaqarHasan-rc9rt]

Umda jagaaien !

[@welcome_Moscow_walks]

Nice and interesting country 😊

[@stefhoffer]

Absolutely agree.

[@beyondtheshadow1224]

Valeu!

[@stefhoffer]

That's very generous, thanks a lot!

[@gamingbrother9545]

Bro do you want promotion

[@danielahenze8094]

The Life ( english language ) - das Leben ( deutsche Sprache ) - Livet ( svenska språk )

[@didemgursoysavim1349]

I wish you will visit Lefke, Gemikonağı Vuni Place and Soli Ruins, Yeşilırmak, Apostolos Andreas Monastery, Kantara Castle, Bufavento Castle, St. Hilarion Castle and many more historical places ....... Many greetings, Didem

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your input, and I wish so too! St Hilarion castle is right at the end of the video.

[@user-qc6kz9jo9j]

We had a wonderful experience over there.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤learnt greek as well.

[@stefhoffer]

Happy to hear that, it's a beautiful place :)

[@user-qc6kz9jo9j]

@@stefhoffer Beware of racism though..lol

[@kkraja977]

🙏🙏

[@RamizAhmed-ky8sw]

Cute Cyprus 💌 Marvel

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you.

[@RamizAhmed-ky8sw]

@@stefhoffer welcome 🤩

[@beyondtheshadow1224]

✨✨🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏✨✨

[@WaqarHasan-rc9rt]

Hye ! I seeing this video from Pakistan.

[@stefhoffer]

Hi, greetings to you :)

[@adamosadamou8513]

Hi Steff. This is a wonderful video. It captures all elements of Cyprus! Is it okay if we use this wonderful video to showcase the tradition of Cyprus in our Tavern? We will give credit to this KZbin channel. We would be really grateful!

[@stefhoffer]

Hi Adamos, thanks for your kind words, happy you liked it. Yes, you can show it in your tavern if you like. Where is it?

[@adamosadamou8513]

@@stefhoffer Hi Steff! Thank you ❤️ It’s in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. It’s called Opas Tavern. You are very welcome and we would love to meet you!

[@stefhoffer]

@@adamosadamou8513 Thanks Adamos, I will definitely stop by if I visit Cyprus again :)

[@pinterest9302]

Though of not great size the church is magnificient and soo lovely tosee and appreciate .

[@geraldmantel4955]

The architecture is such that one has to wonder exactly when the NATO warplanes will come into view ...

[@mianadeel972]

Rhodes island visit please

[@dinurajayasundara1683]

Please come to Sri Lanka Wonder of Asia 💥🇱🇰💥🇱🇰💥🇱🇰💥🇱🇰💥

[@VaclavVolf145]

So good video, can I ask you how did you learn making this types of video? I want to start making similar videos like these, but I am a complete beginner.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your kind words. I learned most things by the years, from friends and online.

[@VaclavVolf145]

@@stefhoffer Thanks and one more question is it possible to make living out of it?

[@stefhoffer]

@@VaclavVolf145 You mean KZbin alone? There are people who make a living out of it, but for me it's supplemental. I do all kinds of other video work too.

[@issith7340]

The island hasn’t changed any cultures, only influenced by them. It had remained a Greek island, non stop until today. Thought it was invaded by turkey, recently, and turk are still occupying 40%, of it. When invading the Turkish population in Cyprus was 18%.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for that information, and I do think many parts felt very Greek.

[@issith7340]

@@stefhoffer part of what felt greek? Your body parts?

[@Shameofoccupiers]

Also 3% OF CYPRUS IS TAKEN BY THE BRITISH AS MILITARY BASES ILLEGALLY OF COURSE AS THE TURKS.

[@zeusammon1927]

⁠@@issith7340culture

[@user-mm2yy4ve2n]

Thanks for your information This all situation is actually . Ridiculous.

[@sbsheeptredars951]

Hi

[@stefhoffer]

Hi

[@vozddd]

Your Cyprus video is inspiring and motivating. You were able to capture the beautiful views and convey the whole atmosphere of life in Cyprus. In my channel I try to convey life in Cyprus and during my trips with my whole family. Thank you! 🤩

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you too for your kind words! And I liked your videos, keep up the good work!

[@PhilipDjaferis]

Chirokitia is from 6000 BC and not 7C BC... excellent video! 🙂

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for that correction!

[@martinkoitmae6655]

Can you do a travel video about Estonia🇪🇪?

[@stefhoffer]

Would love to do that :)

[@martinkoitmae6655]

@@stefhofferThere is one quite excellent one by Lucas T Jahn but we haven’t had anything that good for years now sadly.

[@stefhoffer]

@@martinkoitmae6655 I've seen that one, love his work.

[@martinkoitmae6655]

@@stefhoffer Agree, his videos are so good! But your videos are very good as well!

[@stefhoffer]

@@martinkoitmae6655 Thank you Martin!

[@vasanthanruban6601]

Any major reason avoid visits of srilanka?

[@stefhoffer]

I would love to visit Sri Lanka (again, actually, I was there in 2008).

[@vinodkumar-hy6ny]

Hlo dear ❤

[@stefhoffer]

Hello :)

[@user-co1ex9yn3m]

キプロスも英国領だったのですね。

[@user-fp3gy8yy6y]

المتحدث من أين ؟

[@stefhoffer]

The Netherlands :)

[@ronwalker4849]

IN THIS VIDEO THERE CANNOT BE SEEN ONE CYPRESS TREE. BUT THE FOOD LOOKS GOOD. THE REST IS A WRECK.

[@ILLIAThomas-gf7kq]

SEANDAINYA PRABOWO DAN GIBRAN MENGANGKAT SAYA JADI PEGAWAI DI KANTOR KEDUTAAN CYPRUS... MUNGKIN HIDUP SAYA LEBIH BAIK.. LAGI...!!

[@MagnoliaDavis]

Kesh-ke👍

[@Kurdedunaysiri]

Cyprus is occupied by both Britain and Turkey. and the Cypriotic is the best Hellenic language after the Tsakonian :)

[@user-mm2yy4ve2n]

The north part of Cyprus, is occupied by Turkey since 1974 MILITARY OCCUPATION The majority of all those are still our stolen lands and properties PLEASE We expect from you people to RESPECT that.

[@johnrobertson8441]

Nice video! However, Cyprus is actually in Asia and not Europe. Nevertheless, great video!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks John! Yes, it seems a bit in a 'grey area'. Geographically in Asia, and yet they are part of the EU.

[@johnrobertson8441]

@@stefhoffer no problem! Yeah the only reason why Cyprus joined the EU was because of geopolitics. However, since continents are determined by the geographical location of a country, Cyprus is an Asian country. Have an amazing day!

[@stefhoffer]

@@johnrobertson8441 Thanks a lot John, and also for your insights. Have a great day too!

[@israrimran8584]

Hopefully it shall be taken back over by Turkish Rule inshallah Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰🇹🇷🇵🇰 Imran khan Pti Zindabad Islam Paindabad ☪️☪️☪️☪️ Allah hu Akbar

[@MENSA.lady2]

I sold my flat in Ayia Napa back in 1991. Why ? because I saw the writing on the wall. Russian money. I would not be surprised to hear that Vladimir Putin has a bolt-hole on the island.

[@stefhoffer]

It does seem the Russian influence is substantial in some parts.

[@klarabudovska2115]

Fenomenal FANTASTIK 🌹🌹❤️

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you ❤

[@deadscenedotcom]

Superb video. Thank you!

[@stefhoffer]

Glad you liked it!