Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Akrotiri and Dhekelia, also known as the Sovereign Base Areas, is a British Overseas Territory that consists of two separate areas on the island of Cyprus. Akrotiri is located west of Limassol and Dhekelia is located east of Larnaca. Both areas contain British-inhabited military bases, residential areas mostly populated by Cypriot citizens, and arable land. == Understand == The two military bases Akrotiri and Dhekelia were important bases of the British Empire throughout its reign over the island, and were retained as a compromise upon independence, because the United Kingdom had been reluctant to grant independence to Cyprus if it meant giving up these bases. Unlike most British Overseas Territories, Akrotiri and Dhekelia are not administered by a governor, but by an administrator appointed by the British monarch, in accordance with the Ministry of Defence's recommendations. No specific citizenship is available for those residing at the bases, although some people can apply for British Overseas Territories citizenship. This type of citizenship does not confer any rights to full British citizenship. Although Akrotiri and Dhekelia are primarily military bases, the area is generally accessible from the Republic of Cyprus and has a few interesting places within its territory including the Limassol Salt Lake. == Get in == === Visa requirements === The visa policy is the same as for Cyprus, which follows the visa policy of the Schengen Area. However, stays longer than 28 days per 12-month period require a permit. The territory has open borders with Cyprus, but maintains border checks with Northern Cyprus. === By plane === Both military bases have airports, but these are purely military. Tourists wishing to visit these regions by plane should first arrive at the Greek or Turkish airports on the island, paying particular attention to the latter given the political situation in Northern Cyprus. For Akrotiri, the nearest airport is near Paphos, while for Dhekelia the closest is by Larnaca. === By bus === Akrotiri Akrotiri can be reached by bus 19A operated by Limassol Passengers Transport Company (EMEL). It goes from Limassol to Akrotiri stopping in Trachoni and Asomatos on the way there. Dhekelia Dhekelia can be reached by bus 425 that runs between Larnaca Airport and Dhekelia and stops at various places in Larnaca on the way. Buses run every 20 minutes and it takes approximately 25 minutes to get from center of Larnaca to the final stop near Dhekelia Power Station. Bus heading to Dhekelia doesn't stop at Central Bus Station, no use to go there, but you can catch on the bus stop near Archiepiskopou Makariou III, 9, between Bus Station and Police Headquarters. You can also use Cyprus Bus app to see the exact route of the bus. To get back - catch the bus on its way back to Larnaca on any bus stop on the territory of the base, for example near Royal British Legion's building. == Get around == == See == === Akrotiri === 1 Kourion. UNESCO World Heritage Site with acropolis ruins St Nicholas' Monastery of the Cats (Akrotiri village). In the 4th century, while on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Helena the mother of Constantine the Great found out that the monastery was heavily infested with snakes. To hunt the serpents down to manageable numbers, she sent a couple of shiploads of cats from Egypt or Palestine, and they formed the foundation stock of the Cyprus cat breed. The monastery was abandoned in about the 17th century, and its feline population vanished; but there has been a revival since the late 20th century, with parts of the monastery getting rebuilt, and the cat population increasing. The Sanctuary Of Apollo. === Dhekelia === 2 Xylophagou Tower. (updated Aug 2019) Apart from the tower, which is on the far east of the territory (buses don't go that far) - pretty much everything you can do there is to walk along the base territory between the Power Plant and EKO gas station, as most places along the coast there are not behind the fence. Apart from Alexander Barracks, which obviously is. In this small stretch of the land is a very small Chapel of St. Nicholas of Myra which you can visit. A bit to the west from the chapel there is Dhekelia Bay with two restaurants by the beach. This place by the bay is probably one of few for people who live in the base to go out, so there is a lot of English chatter there. There is also a Thrift Shop in the building of one of the cafes, which is only open from 9-12. == Do == === Akrotiri === Lady's Mile Beach === Dhekelia === == Buy == Despite being British possessions, the euro is the official currency in the base area. === Akrotiri === === Dhekelia === == Eat == === Akrotiri === Oasis, situated on the northern end of Lady's Mile Beach, serves a variety of seafoods and drinks with or without alcohol. Further south on the beach, there are a few more, but menus are generally all the same. Apart from by the sea, you may also have a bite of fish and chips in the village. === Dhekelia === There are only two simple cafes/restaurants near the base, by Dhekelia Bay, serving Greek food as well as fish and chips. One of them is called Cessac Bistro. == Drink == === Akrotiri === === Dhekelia === == Sleep == === Akrotiri === === Dhekelia === == Stay safe == The area is completely peaceful and safe. Only the military bases require safety precautions which are clearly signposted including no stopping and no photographs. In an emergency, dial 112 or 1443 to reach emergency services. == Connect == Note that EU Roaming Regulation 2022 does not apply in these areas: mobile phone services will be charged as if you are using your phone in the UK. == Go next ==