Green Line - Nicosia

The Green Line (Πράσινη γραμμή in Greek) or the United Nations Buffer Zone, is the Nicosia border between the Greek Cypriot side and the occupied part of Cyprus.

As with all land on the island this area belongs to the Cyprus Republic. It was created on the 30th of December in 1963, after the agreement of the Greeks, Turks and British when the first inter-communal riots began on the island. It was formed in order to stop the escalation of tension between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. It was given the name Green Line due to the fact that General Yang had drawn it with a green pencil on the map. At that time the green line was not extended to the whole island, but only existed in the capital and then it extended to areas which Turkish Cypriot communities existed.

From March 1964, the United Nations then took over as guards. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, the green line had been extended even further. Today it stretches out over 300 kilometres in length and divides the north (Turkish - occupied Cyprus) and south (Greek Cypriot Cyprus) parts of the island. The north part has even declared itself as a republic, however it is not recognised by any country in the world except for Turkey. This makes Nicosia the only divided capital in Europe.

 The green line is controlled by the soldiers of the United Nations who maintain the normality in the area. It is also called Dead Zone (Νεκρή ζώνη in Greek) and Ceasefire line (Γραμμή κατάπαυσης του πυρός in Greek).

In 2003 the “Turkish Cypriot government” allowed the transit to the occupied areas, and how now opened five crossing points. In order to cross over one must present a passport as if entering another country. Many Greek Cypriots however are against this as showing their passport in their own country is a recognition of the Turkish Cypriot power on the island.

Green Line - Nicosia photos: 
green line
green line
  • green line
  • green line barrier
  • green line cyprus
  • green line nicosia
  • the green line
Green Line - Nicosia location map: 

Nearby Places and things to do (within 5 km radius)

Malindi Beach, Limassol

Malindi Beach is located between the Pareklissia beach  and the Grand Resort Beach, in the Limassol  district. Malindi beach is a ...

Pareklissia Beach

Pareklissia beach is characterised by its soft sand and clear blue waters. It is one of the few beaches which exist in Limassol which are co...

St Raphael Marina

The St Raphael Marina is located east of the town of Limassol, at a distance of 15 kilometres and is an official port entrance to Cyprus. ...

Plus beach

The Plus beach is located at the Uptown Square area in the Limassol district with the most cosmopolitan sandy beach in the area. Even tho...

Aorati Beach

Aoratoi beach is located in the area of Pyrgos in Limassol where there are charming places to stay. It is a sandy beach with sunbeds and ...

Hadjiantonas Winery - Parekklisia

Hadjiantonas Winery is located in the village of Parekklisia in the Limassol district. Parekklisia is considered to be a must visit ...

Pages