About Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island situated in the north eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, southern coast of Turkey and the western shore of Syria. Its neighboring lands at the nearest coastal points are Turkey 40 miles north, Syria 60 miles east, Lebanon 108 miles south-east and Egypt 230 miles south. The island lies between the latitudes 34° 33' and 35° 41 north and longitudes 32° 15' and 34° 35' east with total area of 9,251 square kilometers (3,572 square miles).

With a population of only 800 000, large areas of the island remain completely unspoiled. However, as a result of the Turkish invasion of 1974, 37% of the island remains under Turkish rule. The so-called 'Green Line' border that cuts directly through the capital, Nicosia divides the country, now the last remaining divided capital in Europe.

Cyprus is an island steeped in history and has a rich cultural heritage. Visitors and tourists that travel to Cyprus have an overwhelming choice of ancient monuments and archaeological sites to visit. This is particularly so in Paphos, which has been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

The majority of the population is Greek Cypriot, and they follow the Christian Orthodox religion. The main language spoken is Greek but English is widely spoken, along with German, in the tourist areas.

It is an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here - but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus, and travelers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local cafe. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people.

The coast of Agia Napa is considered as the finest regarding beaches in Cyprus. Extensive silvery, sandy beaches cover the area which attracts the majority of tourists. All along the beaches of Agia Napa, facilities for all sea sports are provided including water-skiing, wind-surfing, sailing canoes, pedals, motor boats, scooters, speed-boats, parachutes, scuba-diving and more.

Limassol has a beach of dark coarse sand and pebbles. Travel 2 miles east of the town and you will find Dassoudi, the resort's main beach. Here, you will find that the beach is equipped with modern changing rooms, a snack bar, restaurant, car park and water sports. The beach itself is dark pebbly sand. Other Beaches include Lady's Mile, which is 3 miles west of the old town; this beach is a 5 mile stretch of dark brown sand. Also the beach of Curium, is 10 miles west of Limassol, it has a quiet expanse of coarse, dark, pebbly sand at the foot of high cliffs.

Larnaca offers large stretches of safe sandy beaches that go on for miles. The two main beaches in Larnaca are; Mckenzie on the outskirts and Dhekelia beach which stretches for miles forming the backdrop to many of Larnaca's 4 & 5 star hotels.

The unit of currency is the Cyprus pound.