Can you visit RAF Akrotiri?
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Can you visit RAF Akrotiri?
You most certainly can, and it is easily reached from the capital city of Nicosia. Obviously, some parts are out of bounds as it is a military base, but you can tick this place off the “visited list,” and you won’t even need to bring your passport!
Do the RAF have a base in Cyprus?
THE STATION RAF Akrotiri is an extremely busy Permanent Joint Operating Base that supports ongoing operations in the region as well as support for the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus. It is used as a forward mounting base for overseas operations in the Middle East and for fast jet training.
Why is there an RAF base in Cyprus?
In 1960, independence was granted to Cyprus, with the RAF maintaining both RAF Nicosia and RAF Akrotiri as airfields, controlled by the Near East Air Force. However, Akrotiri assumed more importance as Nicosia was used for greater civil aviation traffic.
Does the UK still have bases in Cyprus?
Episkopi is the current location of Headquarters British Forces Cyprus. Commander British Forces Cyprus (CBF) and Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas is a two-star appointment, alternating every three years between a British Army major-general and a Royal Air Force air vice-marshal.
What language is spoken in Akrotiri?
| Akrotiri and Dhekelia | |
|---|---|
| Largest civilian settlement | Akrotiri |
| Official languages | English |
| Common languages | Greek Turkish |
| Government | De facto stratocratic dependency under a constitutional monarchy |
What regiments are in Cyprus?
At present, the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment are based in Episkopi, and the 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment are based in Dhekelia. Perhaps the most well-known base within the SBAs is RAF Akrotiri, which has been the Forward Mounting Base for multiple operations.
Where is Akrotiri Cyprus?
Located southwest of Limassol, the enclave comprises Akrotiri Peninsula, the southernmost part of the island, and a small coastal area north of Episkopi Bay. The enclave has a hospital, a weather station, and an airfield.
Why does the UK own part of Cyprus?
Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, after 82 years of British control. The UK was also a signatory to a treaty with Greece and Turkey concerning the independence of Cyprus, the Treaty of Guarantee, which maintains that Britain is a “guarantor power” of the island’s independence.
Does Cyprus claim Akrotiri?
The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (SBA) is a British Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus.
What British Army units are in Cyprus?
British Forces Cyprus (BFC) The Army presence includes two resident infantry battalions and supporting arms such as the Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Military Police and others located in both SBAs.
Is Akrotiri worth visiting?
Akrotiri. First inhabited some 6,500 years ago and excavated during the ’70s, Akrotiri is perhaps the greatest archaeological discovery of Eastern Europe. A picturesque village today, Akrotiri is only 10km away from Fira and closest to one of the most amazing beaches of the Aegean, called the Red Beach.
Where are the British Army bases in Cyprus?
Within the Eastern Sovereign Base Area there are two British military stations at Ayios Nikolaos and Dhekelia, the latter being known as a Cantonment.
What is Akrotiri Cyprus famous for?
Akrotiri is one of the villages in Cyprus which has preserved its original craft of basket-weaving, one of the oldest on the island. This craft was once practised by many inhabitants: the profession of a basket weaver was considered their fundamental craft.
What do the British Army do in Cyprus?
The British Army in Cyprus works to a tri-service headquarters (BFC) and is tasked with protecting the SBAs and associated retained sites.
