Cyprus is an island situated to the west of Syria and Turkey and the third largest island in the Mediterranean region. It was a favorite among the conquerors of all times due to its economic and strategic importance. Cyprus is situated close to the three continents viz. Africa, Asia and Europe and has seen many dynasties rule over it through the ages.

Present day Cyprus is a well planned country with modern cities and high standard of living. It was divided due to Turkish invasion into two parts viz. Northern Cyprus occupied mainly by the Turkish Cypriotes and southern Cyprus occupied by Greek Cypriotes.

Being a Mediterranean island, it has a temperate dry and sunny atmosphere. Winters here are warm. Cyprus is well connected to most countries by international Airlines. The easiest way to the country is a flight to the Larnaka or Pafos international airport. Nicosia is the capital of southern Cyprus. Limassol, Larnaka, Pafos, Famagusta, Kyrenia are the major cities.

All the tourist places here have convenient first class accommodation. Accommodation here ranges from five star to low cost budget hotels. The population can be mainly divided into two categories viz. Greek orthodox Christians and Turkish Muslims. The official languages are Greek and Turkish with English being spoken widely across the country. People here are known for great hospitality. Stifado, Tava, Meze and grilled chicken are some of the items on the Cyprus cuisine. Chinese, French and English cuisines are available in many hotels. Cyprus has been famous since ancient times for it wines. Wine of mavro grapes is a specialty of this country.

Places worth visiting :

Beaches - Louma, Konnos Bay, Kermia, Katsarka, Agia Thekla, Kalymnos beach, Santa Barbara, Aphrodite, Akti Olympion, Faros, Laourou and Coral Beach are some of the beaches where you can get down for a sunny treat. . Two to three day cruises are available for Egypt and Israel all around the year. The beaches also house a number of water sports clubs for you to have a blast.

Museums - Byzantine Museum of Agios Lazaros Church, Larnaka District Archaeological Museum, Lanarka fort, Byzantine Museum and Art Galleries of Nicosia, Cyprus Wine Museum of Limassol, Folk Art Museum of Troodos, Byzantine and the Fiti village Weaving museum of Pafos are some of the museums displaying the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus.

Monuments and archeological sites - In Cyprus one come across a variety of monuments belonging to the different dynasties that ruled it through the ages and are the main tourist attraction.

Agios Ioannis Cathedral, The House Of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios, and Tamasos Royal Tombs in Nicosia are worth a vist. One must visits the Sanctuary Of Apollo, Limassol Castle, Kolossi Mediaeval Castle in Limassol and the Larnaka Fort.

Visit the Sanctuary Of Aphrodite to experience the aura of the goddess of beauty love - the Aphrodite who rose from the foam of the sea at Pafos. Experience the beauty of the mosaics while visiting the Tombs of the kings at Pafos.

Leaving Cyprus is not as easy as arriving into the country. The enchanting beauty of the forests and sunny beaches make it difficult to depart. Do not forget to collect the traditional lace art as a souvenir while leaving for home!