Backpacking in Cyprus: Staying at the Only Hostel in Nicosia, Costas Hostel Action in Tseri

I went backpacking in Cyprus in order to visit both Northern Cyprus (the Turkish part) and the main part of Cyprus (which is mostly Greek influenced). Both of course are real countries in my own eyes and made it onto my wacaday list. It’s a really interesting island, much more exciting than I expected. There is a clear and obvious divide between the north and south and the border crossing is very much a reality. But where to stay when backpacking it? In the divided capital, Nicosia? Well kind of…

Officially I was staying in the capital city, Nicosia, but only by postcode. What was perhaps cooler to me is that I really stayed in Tseri, classed as a suburb of Nicosia but so different and disconnected, it felt like another town. Yes, I was sleeping in the only hostel in Nicosia, but also the only hostel in Tseri.

It was time for that old cliche again – I was the first travel writer to stay in this hostel and also this hostel is the only hostel in Nicosia and therefore also the FIRST hostel in the Cypriot capital. I found it hard to believe. Despite housing 330, 000 people, there is only one hostel here and it’s not even actually in the city centre of Nicosia itself but in a suburb called Tseri. Even more intriguing for me and an extra dot on my globe, as this Northern Irishman backpacked both Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. I would be staying at the Costas Hostel Action in Tseri, Nicosia. I was welcomed into the hostel by Costas himself! Here is a bit about my stay where I also met Seanna, a Lebanon based circus performer and Maria who helps run things.

Costas Hostel Action is a 37 year old restored building in the center of Cyprus (Tseri, Nicosia) with 3 bedrooms and 1 guest room. Inside the property you will find everything you need about Cyprus and places and you can choose where to go and what to see.

All the seaside sights and mountain sights for all the island are all within 30-90 minutes away from the place. Of course old city Nicosia and behind the walls is 15 minutes away by car (a bit longer on the buses) and is the most unique and historic place to be in Cyprus. Northern Cyprus border checkpoint is around 45 minutes away.

Public transportation is 8 minutes walking distance. Supermarket, grocery, bank e.t.c. is about 8- 10 minutes walking distance. In a very quiet neighborhood, peaceful and friendly with dog walks in the afternoon.

The property is about 160 square meters in territory and has 3 dorm rooms and 1 large guest room and is under rebuilding period to become a hostel for Nicosia territory. I stayed in one of the dorm rooms. Here are some great photos of my time backpacking in both countries in Cyprus and also from the hostel.

The services offered are a bed and shared kitchen with everything in it – refrigerator, microwave, cooking, hot water, tea, coffee, extra breakfast, towels and washing machine extra, no smoking in the building there are outside areas for smokers, of course free Wi-Fi, hot water.

It is also on a quiet local street. In winter, there is a warm cosy fire and there is lots of tourist information available.

Backpacking in Tseri, Cyprus
I also loved the area of Tseri in Cyprus that I stayed in. There was quite a lot to see here of interest. For me the most astounding building was the main church.

Costas Hostel Action Policies & Conditions:

Check in from 06:00-00:00(midnight)
Check out from 12:00 to 14:00.

Cancellation policy: 24 h before arrival.
Payment upon arrival by cash.

Taxes included.
Breakfast not included.

General:
No curfew.
Non smoking.
Reception 12:00-14:00 only.

Here are the details for booking the Only Hostel in Nicosia, Costas Hostel Action in Tseri:

http://costas-hostel-action.business.site/

 

Here are some videos I made while backpacking in Cyprus: Staying at the Only Hostel in Nicosia, Costas Hostel Action in Tseri: