About Cyprus
Introduction
CYPRUS is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is western in its economics and social structure yet maintains its unique cultural characteristics. Whether for investment, holiday getaways, or retirement, Cyprus is an extremely attractive place for purchasing property. Cyprus has dependable links with the rest of the World via two international airports at Paphos and Larnaca and major deep-water ports in Limassol and Larnaca. Its digital telephone system is one of the most sophisticated in Europe with a full range of Internet services. More than 10,000 kilometres of quality roads connect people to modern health care, schools, hotels and thriving businesses. Old style values preserve and protect the culture, customs and entrancing lifestyle that give meaning to the phrase ‘Cyprus hospitality’. The current population totals almost 700,000 most of whom speak Greek and English. The simple quiet elegance of rural villages offers a relaxing alternative to the energy of her modern cities. In an area of over 9,000 square kilometres Cyprus contains the full spectrum of geographical splendour with cool green mountains giving way to golden beach on the edge of the pristine blue sea.
Average temperatures
With temperatures ranging from 16 C in January, the coldest month, to 35 C in August, the hottest month, Cyprus enjoys approximately 325 warm and sunny days a year with an average of 13 hours of sunshine per day in June and July. Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers from mid-May to mid-September and short mild winters. The coastal sea temperatures are warm all year round and range from 27 degrees C during the height of the summer to 16 degrees C during the coolest months. Despite Cyprus's mild winter climate, remarkably snowfall is often experienced in it's mountain ranges, therefore making skiing possible during the winter months.
Cyprus, the 3rd largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia, is situated in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, 33 degrees east and 35 degrees north of the Equator. It is also 75km south of Turkey, 105km west of Syria, 380km north of Egypt, and 380km east of Rhodes (Greece). Cyprus occupies an area of 9,251 square kilometres, of which 1,733 are forested.
Paphos, Located on the Southwest coast, ranks as one of Cyprus’ most popular resorts combining a wealth of ancient sites, excellent property and plenty of local flavour. Compared to other seaside towns like Limassol, Paphos exudes a much slower pace of life and has always been particularly popular with British visitors, many of which form part of the permanent ‘local’ population.
There is plenty to explore and for superb beaches, Coral Bay, a 15 minute drive from Paphos ranks as one of the best in the area. There are two nearby golf courses and plenty of sporting facilities and for the evenings there are a 
multitude of restaurants to choose from. Paphos is actually made up of two ‘twin-towns’. High on the hilltop, ‘Ktima’ is a typical large town with thriving local shops, tavernas, interesting buildings, churches and museums. In contrast, ‘Kato Paphos’ is the tourist area, which has developed by the waterfront providing visitors and residents with a very long promenade lined with excellent hotels, and accommodation positioned either right by the sea or just across the road in between masses of shops and tavernas.Side streets too are packed with bars, discos, clubs, restaurants and more shops, all patronised by locals and tourists alike.
Larnaca is another big favourite with holiday makers, especially those who like to explore. Larnaca's sandy beaches and lively town centre sit happily beside the 17th century fort and some wonderful churches. The modern city of Larnaka is built on the shores of the Bay of Larnaka in the SE of the island, a few kilometres to the north of the ancient kingdom of Kition. It has a population of 68.800 and ranks third in size among the island's settlements, after Lefkosia and Lemesos.
Throughout the centuries, Kition had remained one of Cyprus's main city-states, enjoying periods of prosperity when trade was flourishing. It is connected with important milestones in the island's history which include the liberation of the city from the Persian yoke by the Athenian General Kimon, and the presence in the city of Lazarus, the man Jesus Christ brought back from the dead. The vulnerability of the city to earthquakes, floods and raids contributed to its decline during the Middle Ages. During the 18th and 19th centuries, under Ottoman and British rule, it gradually regained some of its former importance. Most of the European states of the time had established their consulates in the city, while the port became the busiest in the island, both in terms of passenger and freight traffic. It was during that time that the ancient toponym of Kition was abandoned and replaced by that of Larnaka, which is a derivative of the ancient Greek word "larnax", meaning sarcophagus, because of the presence of many ancient tombs in the wider area of the city.
The city declined somewhat during the first half of the 20th century partly because Lefkosia attracted most of the foreign diplomatic missions and partly because the port of Ammochostos took over from Larnaka as the main port of the island. The city's decline continued until independence in 1960. There followed a period of slow and steady development but at all times the city remained in the shadow of the three big cities - Lefkosia, Lemesos and Ammochostos. Tourist development in the city and district was minimal up until 1974 compared to the rapid development in Ammochostos and Keryneia. The situation changed dramatically following the 1974 invasion. With the loss of the port of Ammochostos, the closure of Nicosia International Airport and the loss of the tourist infrastructure in Ammochostos and Keryneia, Larnaka became once again one of the focal points of the island's economic activity.
Larnaka International Airport (4km to the south) opened up soon after the invasion, the port was upgraded for both freight and passenger traffic, the city acquired an extensive boat marina while new luxury hotels were built along a ten kilometre sea-front. Also to the north of the city limits are located the island's only oil refineries. The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of palm trees, oi finikoudes, in the local Greek dialect. Much of the activity is centred around the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaka is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events.
The city of Limassol is situated in a picturesque location on the shores of the Bay of Akrotiri in the narrow coastal plain, between the two ancient city kingdoms of Amathus to the east and Kourion to the west. It is within an hour's drive from the capital Lefkosia to the north, the port cities of Larnaka to the east and Paphos to the west and the main mountain resorts of the Troodos range.
Limassol is the island's second largest city with a population of 155.500. It is also the most important tourist and commercial centre and the biggest sea-port in Cyprus. Limassol's central location also makes it popular with anyone who likes to explore, however, it's buzzing nightlife and packed bars may not be to everyone's liking. The city offers a great number of luxury hotels, most of them on the shore along a 15km coastline, made of dark sand and shingle, some of them with their own marinas. Restaurants and tavernas also abound serving the whole range of local, regional and international dishes.
It is famous for the variety of its night entertainment, its tavernas with Greek bouzouki, modern discos and steamy nightclubs. Shopping in the centre of town is another big attraction for visitors. The local people are well-known to both Cypriots and foreign visitors alike for their hospitality and lively nature. This lively nature becomes more pronounced during the course of the two big festivals taking place in the city. First, the Spring Carnival with its traditional Parade and, second, the late summer Wine Festival. In the city's environs there are numerous archaeological sites to visit covering the whole spectrum of the island's history and even pre-history from the neolithic settlement at Sotera, to Roman Kourion, to Mediaeval Kolossi Castle, to Byzantine churches. Then there are the picturesque villages on the mountain slopes, known the world over for their excellent wines, including the famous Commandaria. It was already the island's main port during Lusignan times. However, by the 19th century, after being ravaged by fires, floods and earthquakes, it lost most of its importance to Larnaka and Famagusta, which became the main ports of the island. It gradually gained in importance during the British colonial period with the establishment of Cyprus's first industrial units - mainly agricultural product processing (wine-making, fruit-juice production, fruit-canning) and light industry (shoe-making, clothing).
Its population grew rather rapidly during the first half of the 20th century mainly because of the influx of rural populations from the district itself as well as from Paphos district to the west. Following the Turkish invasion of 1974, Limassol took over from Ammochostos as the island's biggest port. It also became the island's biggest commercial and tourist centre while industrial activity also increased. The city's cultural life is quite hectic with ancient Greek drama, Shakespeare plays and modern works being performed every summer in open air Greco-Roman theatre of Kourion by local and visiting theatre companies, contributing greatly to the cultural life of the island. The city based theatre companies continue their activity during the winter season in city theatres.
Ayia Napa, once just a small fishing village, is now as lively a resort as any in the Mediterranean. But historic sites such as a 16th-century Venetian monastery lend character to a town that’s best known for its colorful shops, tavernas and buzzing night-life, which may not be to everyone's liking.
Ayia Napa is fast becoming known to many as the 'party-capital' of the Mediterranean, with its several night-clubs and already packed bars attracting an ever increasing number of tourists to this part of the island.
However, Ayia Napa should also be considered for it's culture. It's focal point being the crescent harbor, crowded with bright fishing boats and the many popular sea-food restaurants nearby to serve-up the succulent fresh 'catch of the day'. Life in this southeastern corner of Cyprus also revolves around the sea, with water sports such as scuba diving, water-skiing and paragliding readily available. Explore the rugged coast toward Cape Greko, with its string of calm soft sandy coves, and stay for the indescribably beautiful sunset. Or head north, toward the basket-making community of Liopetri, stopping at Sotira to
take in the pretty village churches that date to the 15th and 16th centuries. East to Protaras, more glorious beaches spread out under the sun, while just inland the white-washed town of Paralimni boasts open-air tavernas known for their succulent grilled fish.
Only a few miles from the most contemporary of resort scenes, you’ll feel eons away. The Ammochostos region has many luxurious resorts which offer modern conveniences, complete with ocean views. In this area you’ll find three wonderful beaches, Nissi Beach and Makronissos beach in Agia Napa, and Fig Tree Bay in Paralimni.
Charming winding alleys with traditional houses, shops, restaurants and galleries all lovingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban architecture of a bygone more graceful age can all be found in Nicosia. Through the famous Famagusta Gate lies Laiki Geitonia, an old section which has been lovingly restored. From here, make your way through narrow winding stone streets where crimson flowers cascade from window pots and the aroma of traditional baking wafts through open doorways.
Explore the many jewelry and handicraft shops, dine in charming tavernas, marvel at churches centuries old. During the Venetian expansion eastward in the 1500’s, Nicosia was fortified with imposing stone walls and massive gates proudly protecting the still-ancient town within from the modern city. Laiki Geitonia Pedestrian area within the walled city, east of Plateia Eleftherias.
Those engrossed in history and art will make their way directly to the Cyprus Museum, which holds the island’s priceless treasures from the first stirrings of the Neolithic Age through the Roman period. At the Byzantine 
Museum, encounter a dazzling collection of early-Christian icons from the Mediterranean’s Golden Age. The State Collection of Contemporary Art takes a newer perspective, focusing on Cyprus’ modern artists, some of whom have gained note on the international market. Unique icons, some 1,000 years old, adorn the Byzantine Museum in Lefkosia.
Relax and enjoy a splendid Cypriot meal, accented by one of the island’s famous wines. Later, the night life beckons near Famagusta Gate, giving expression to the Cypriots’ legendary spirit of celebration.
Cyprus has dependable links with the rest of the World via two international airports at Paphos and Larnaca. Both airports are highly efficient and modern in design with duty-free shopping and restaurant facilities available.
Cyprus is served by nearly all major European and international airlines, many of which provide direct flights from destinations in Europe and the Middle East. Cyprus Airways operates regular daily flights direct from London to Larnaca with the average flight time being approximately 4.5 hours. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also operate regular direct flights to-and-from Cyprus. Larnaca airport is located 3 miles outside of Larnaca Town and is readily served by buses and Taxis.
Car rental can also be arranged at the airport itself. Agia Napa is located 29 miles away from Larnaca airport. Paphos airport is the smallest of the two international airports and is located 9 miles east of Paphos Town itself. Facilities at the airport are as with those offered at Larnaca airport.
Sea travel is also widely available from the islands main two deep water ports situated in both Limassol and Larnaca. These ports also provide international shipping services and handle all of the cargo liners destined for Cyprus.
Cyprus is also a major cruising centre in the region with many exciting cruises available to destinations such as Greece, Egypt, Israel and Lebanon. Cyprus is also included on the itineraries of most international cruise liners sailing into the eastern Mediterranean.
The Troodos Mountains situated in the central and western part of the island, geologically described as the Troodos massif of Troodos Ophiolite Complex, occupy an oval area of 3,200 km and form the backbone of Cyprus.
A day in the Troodos Mountains offers a refreshing change from the coastal regions. The air is fresh and pure and, together with lush valleys and forests of pine and oak, the scenery is truly stunning. On a clear day, from the peak of Mount Olympus (1,951 mtrs), it is possible to see all of the way to the coast.
Several rivers spring radially from Troodos ending in the sea, and the forests which cover the Troodos massif combined with its steep slopes and precipices and narrow valleys and crevices help create beautiful scenery. Many of the villages encountered in the Troodos region remain very traditional and virtually untouched by tourism. Despite Cyprus's mild winter climate, snowfall in the higher parts of the Troodos range is common during the winter months, therefore making skiing possible in certain parts. Despite the Troodos area's traditional flavours, English is still widely spoken and the area has excellent roads that are well signposted, guiding the visitor for all directions.
Hotels and camp sites are also well situated throughout the region and many organised tourist activities such as pony trecking, climbing and 'off road' driving are readily available. For skiing enthusiasts, Troodos resort is a useful base for daily visits to the piste on the slopes of Mount Olympus, with a total of four ski-lifts available. Ski equipment can also be hired.