Cyprus can really please everyone: couples, families and groups can choose between lively resorts and quieter settings with plenty of space to relax. Reasons for its rising popularity is the weather, which remains fair year round, as well as the many beaches and activities. Besides sunny and sea holidays visitors travel in Cyprus for business and real estate.
Wherever you travel you will find ancient monuments and sites, churches and monasteries bearing silent witness to over many years of civilization and history. Although a small Country, Cyprus Island has a huge overwhelming cultural heritage. With a population of only 700 000, large areas of the island remain completely unspoiled.
The Island of Cyprus stands at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe and this exotic mix is well-reflected in Cyprus' cultural history. It is known as the place of Venus, god of love and beauty, who, according to Greek mythology, was born there.
The islands' cultural diversity is perhaps best reflected in the local cuisine, which brings together the best elements of Mediterranean cooking. Meat dishes marinated in dried coriander seeds and wine, and eventually dried and smoked, such as lounza, charcoal-grilled lamb (souvla), sheftalia (minced meat wrapped in mesentery), as well as cracked wheat (pourgouri) are some of the traditional delicacies of the island.
Cyprus also figures in religious literature, most notably in Acts of the Apostles, according to which the Apostles Barnabas and Paul preached on the island.
The traditional folk music of Cyprus has many common elements with Greek mainland and island folk music, including dances like the sousta, syrtos, zeibekikos, tatsia, and the kartsilamas.
Sunny Mediterranean beaches enclosed by rugged cliffs, cool cedar forests, scented orange groves and gentle meadows blanketed in wildflowers, charming villages, ruins of ancient civilizations and distinctive local cultures: there are whole worlds to discover in this eminently accessible island, where the service is extraordinary and the people are as warm as the Mediterranean sun.
As the sun sets and nightlife begins, you will find everything, from traditional taverns to lively bars and clubs. Take time to discover Troodos Mountains and Akamas peninsula, or some of the island's rich history, from pre-historic tombs to Crusader castles.
The island is hilly, with few rivers, and the climate is hot. Climate is temperate and Mediterranean with dry summers and variably rainy winters. Summer temperatures range from warm at higher elevations to Troodos mountains to hot in the lowlands. Winter temperatures are mild at lower elevations, where snow rarely occurs, but are significantly colder in the mountains with sufficient snow for seasonal ski facilities. Dust storms are frequent throughout the year. During the wet winter months Cyprus is a green island. Summer temperatures in the inland capital of Nicosia can reach over 40 degrees Celsius while in the coastal regions they can reach a more modest 35 to 38 degrees.
National languages spoken on the island are Greek in the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish in North Cyprus. Although the island lies close to the Middle East, it is considered to be a European country and is a member of the European Union. The main harbors of the island are Limassol harbor and Larnaca harbor, which service cargo, passenger, and cruise ships. Limassol is the island's second largest city and is located on the south coast.
Cyprus' geographic location, tax incentives and modern infrastructure also make it a natural hub for companies looking to do business with the Middle East, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, the European Union, and North Africa. Generally Tourism, financial services, and real estate are the most important sectors of Cyprus Economy.
Map Of Cyprus Island
The island of Cyprus is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, attracting nearly two and a half million tourists a year. Whether tourists are eager to experience the culture of the island or just want to relax on a pristine Cyprian beach, the island has something for everyone.
A former British colony, the Republic of Cyprus gained its independence in 1960. Its nearest neighbors are Turkey, Greece, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. It is the crossroads of three continents, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Historically, many different cultures have influenced and controlled the island nation.
The island was the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, which helps to explain the sheer beauty of the island. Rocky coves, sandy beaches and some of the best resorts in the world decorate the Cyprian shores.
There are also championship golf courses and beautiful hiking trails across Cyprus. Snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing and deep sea fishing are all popular pastimes. The crystal clear water and gorgeous weather make Cyprus the perfect destination for a beach holiday.
The island nation is as rich with culture as it is with natural beauty. A trip to Cyprus must include a visit to Choirokoitia. It is one of the best preserved examples in the Mediterranean of a settlement from the dawn of civilization.
Also, be sure to enjoy the beautiful floors of the Roman villas with their mosaic tiles that depict the ancient gods and goddesses. The Tombs of the Kings, carved out of rock and Roman amphitheaters that still feature ancient Greek plays are also popular tourist destinations.
Be sure to view some of the beautiful Byzantine churches of Cyprus. Their colorful paintings and adornments date back thousands of years. Cyprian museums feature many other ancient artifacts from the island nation's rich history.
Another big reason that Cyprus is such a popular travel destination is its cuisine. Cyprian food is made from some of the freshest ingredients in the world, based on culinary traditions almost as ancient as civilization itself.
Imagine fresh Greek herbs and spices combining with a hint of citrus and a splash of olive oil and throw in some of the flavors of Africa and Asia Minor. Sun ripened fresh vegetables will delight the palate of every person that visits Cyprian shores.
Start your dining adventure by ordering a "mezedes" at a Cyprian restaurant. But be sure to come hungry, for 20 or more dishes will soon be taking you on a culinary trip through the flavors of the island.
The island is also credited with creating halloumi cheese, made with both sheep and goat milk. It's unique flavor is delicious with watermelon in the summer. It is also served battered and fried, as well as grilled. Enjoy it with some artisan bread and cracked green olives.
Cyprian wine is some of the finest in the world. Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians coveted wine from Cyprus for its delicious flavor. Thanks to the sunny weather and mountainous landscape, Cyprian grapes make outstanding and distinctive wine. Be sure to sample some of the local varieties.
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