We are pleased to announce the addition of two new destinations to the Travelers’ Century Club list of countries and territories. Our list now stands at 327. They are:
- Akrotiri and Dhekelia
- South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Both are British Overseas Territories and qualify under Rule 1: “Any geographic area with a sovereign government or separately administered as a colony, protectorate, trusteeship territory, territory or mandate shall be considered as a separate country or territory.” The addition of these territories brings our list in line with all 14 British Overseas Territories.
Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Officially known as the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, you’ll find these two military areas on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Akrotiri is near the city of Limassol, while Dhekelia is near Larnaca. The military base areas are not all there is, however, as you’ll find them surrounded by pastoral farmland and over a dozen small villages. As a whole, the land area comprises some 3% of the island of Cyprus.
Neither Akrotiri nor Dhekelia pose any special considerations to visit. You cannot enter the military installations, but the villages and countryside are easy. Worthy of a look is the archaeological site of Koúrion, which is situated within the area of Akrotiri, and is considered part of the greater UNESCO World Heritage site of Paphos. A short distance away is the lovely beach of Koúrion.
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
At one time South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands were considered part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies, but now they are British Overseas Territories in their own right—even though they are actually administered from the Falklands, some 800 miles away.
South Georgia maintains a small year-round population, which increases to about thirty people in the summer season. South Sandwich islands are uninhabited, with the occasional researcher or adventurer finding their way there.
