Cyprus Mail 23 January 2025
Picture this: a city where the sun greets you nearly every day, casting its golden glow on ancient walls and bustling streets. That’s Nicosia – The Brightest Capital of Europe. This witty tagline, created by the Nicosia Tourism Board, captures the many facets of the city’s character: sunny, lively, intelligent and forward-thinking.
Every capital city has its identity distilled into a phrase. New York is ‘The City That Never Sleeps’, Paris is most certainly ‘The City of Lights’, and everybody knows that ‘What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas’. For Nicosia, its tagline is both a literal and metaphorical expression of its unique brilliance.
But what exactly makes Nicosia shine so brightly? Let’s explore the many reasons behind its sparkling reputation.
Bright as the sun
With over 300 days of sunshine annually—equating to more than 3,300 hours of golden rays—Nicosia is officially the sunniest capital in Europe. Whether you’re wandering its vibrant streets, exploring historic landmarks, or savouring its culinary delights, the city’s endless sunny days create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond its weather, Nicosia’s brightness extends to its geographical charm. Here, you are never far from adventure: world-class beaches, scenic mountains and cultural gems are all within a short drive. This perfect blend of accessibility and sunshine makes it an exceptional destination for visitors and residents alike.
University hub of bright minds
Nicosia is home to four prestigious universities, over five colleges, business schools and numerous research centres, making it a vibrant hub of academic excellence. These institutions attract students from over 60 countries, enriching the city with diverse perspectives and fresh energy.
Featuring an extensive selection of Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees, the city shines for its academic excellence. It is also a key collaborator in numerous European projects and Erasmus placements, offering a high-quality university life.
Modern, state-of-the-art libraries, buzzing student neighbourhoods and lively fiestas create an unparalleled university experience. International students not only shape the city’s intellectual landscape but also contribute to its cultural richness, embodying Nicosia’s tagline in every sense.
City of history, culture and awards
Nicosia has several distinctions under its belt and 2024 was an award-winning year. Nicosia was named by the Global Culinary Travel Awards as the best destination in the Best Beverage Experience for Culinary Travellers category and earned the Culinary Capital Certification becoming the first European capital to receive this World Food Travel Association distinction.
Its revitalisation and redevelopment of Makarios, Stasikratous, and Evagorou streets won Nicosia the Green City Award in 2023 whilst the year before, Lonely Planet named Nicosia among the top 10 cities to visit.
Its historical and cultural offerings are equally compelling. Ancient landmarks stand as proud reminders of the city’s storied past, while its museums house collections that bridge the old and new. Even the city’s division line, the last of its kind in Europe, tells a powerful and ongoing story.
Lively and entertaining
From Mediterranean gastronomy to multicultural cuisine, Nicosia is a foodie’s paradise. Esteemed cocktail bars, bustling cafes, and award-winning restaurants serve as hotspots for locals and visitors alike.
The city’s cultural calendar is equally as impressive. Notable stars from Greece, Europe and the world select it for their performances, theatre productions bring heartfelt issues centre stage and festivals push the boundaries of creativity. Fiestas and live music performances keep the city buzzing year-round.
Nicosia is a city that never runs out of things to do, there is no doubt about it. Its artisans offer creative workshops all-year round sharing handicraft skills and the tales of the people that bring art to life in the city. Their relentless efforts are what make the capital a Creative Friendly Destination, part of the widespread Creative Tourism Network.
Nicosia: a city with a bright future
Nicosia is not just resting on its laurels. The city continues to evolve, with innovative architecture, urban renewal projects, and growing business opportunities. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia makes it a critical hub for international business.
What sets Nicosia apart is its balance. It offers spacious, affordable living, a safe and family-friendly environment, and a thriving cultural scene—all without compromise. This is a city where the past, present, and future coexist seamlessly.
The logo: a doorway into Nicosia
To encompass all that Nicosia offers and carry its vision through, a carefully-branded logo is key. The Nicosia Tourism Board’s logo is more than just a design—it is a visual story. Inspired by the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Venetian Walls, the bastions, its old town doors and Famagusta Gate, the logo represents a doorway.
Doorways and gates are symbolic structures that not only represent entrances, but are also the threshold into new dimensions and experiences.
Other than reflecting the history of Nicosia and its three gates that connect it to other cities, the doorway logo also aligns with the campaign’s brand message: that Nicosia is a gateway to vibrant experiences, professional opportunities and cultural richness.
Cleverly, the logo’s design incorporates the English “n” and the Greek letter “λ,” highlighting two of the city’s wide-spoken languages.
Ultimately, ‘The Brightest Capital of Europe’ isn’t just a tagline; it’s a promise. A promise of opportunity, innovation and culture. Step through Nicosia’s doorway and discover a city where history meets possibility, and every day offers a chance to discover something new.
Visit the Visit Nicosia website (www.visitnicosia.com.cy) to explore Nicosia’s latest stories.
