British Bases Cyprus – Why the UK Still Owns Land on the Island (SBA Explained)
Many travellers are surprised when they learn that Cyprus is not only divided into North and South — but also contains official British territory. The British Bases Cyprus are known as the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA), and they are one of the most unique political and military realities in the entire Mediterranean.
Even though Cyprus became independent in 1960, the UK retained two strategic military zones: Akrotiri (near Limassol) and Dhekelia (near Larnaca). These areas are not “leased” bases — they are legally British land, with their own administration and security.
So why do the British Bases Cyprus exist at all? And what exactly happens there?