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THOUGHTS ON HOLIDAYING IN CYPRUS

Paphos

Paphos is the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, of love and beauty. In Greco-Roman times, Paphos was the capital, and is famous for the remains of the Roman Governor`s palace, where extensive mosaics are a major tourist attraction. The apostle, Paul of Tarsus, visited the town during the first century. Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of the world`s heritage sites.

Limassol

Limassol on the southern coast is the second largest city, and chief port. It is a key tourist area, attracting vast numbers of visitors each year. It boasts the largest seaside resort on the island, with a relaxed holiday atmosphere. The large promenade on the seafront is popular, as are the busy shopping streets in the city, which are packed with shops, cafes and restaurants. It`s also host to a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Limassol Festival in the summer and the annual Wine Festival in September.

Larnaca

Larnaca is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It originally dates from Old Testament times. The ruins of the ancient city can still be seen. Larnaca is the `international gateway` to Cyprus, with palm-lined promenades, excellent shops, sandy beaches and deep blue sea.

Nicosia

Located on the Pedieos river, and situated almost in the centre of the island, Nicosia is the seat of government as well as the main business centre. Despite the recent symbolic gestures shown by both communities in removing sections of the dividing wall, it remains the only divided capital city in the world. The northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) portions are divided by the `Green Line,` a demilitarized zone maintained by the UN. The 1974 Turkish invasion effectively cut the capital in half. The Turkish Cypriots claim the northern half of Nicosia as the capital of an internationally unrecognized (except by Turkey) state known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Attractions

Attractions in Cyprus are many and varied, to suit all ages. They include:

• An active nightlife in most areas
• Amusement / theme parks
• Ancient ruins
• Castles and forts
• Museums
• Religious sites
• Shopping
• Water Parks
• Wineries

Flights

With budget flights becoming available from more airlines (and hence airports) Cyprus is becoming increasingly attractive to British tourists.

Eating Out

Cyprus provides cuisine to suit all tastes. Given a little exploration, Indian, Chinese and Italian restaurants can all be found, as well as those serving traditional Cypriot cuisine.

Climate

Cyprus` climate is typically Mediterranean. However, July and August are particularly hot, with temperatures in excess of 30°C. October and November see a great deal of rain.

Accommodation

It appears that the quality of apartments and hotels in Cyprus varies widely. Reports on better have noted friendly, helpful staff, a central location, proximity to amenities, rep always available, good standards of cleanliness, excellent food, along with facilities such as a swimming pool and gym / sauna. Dissatisfied customers have highlighted cold rooms, excessive road noise, poor standards of hygiene and poor quality of food. Any traveller should thoroughly research prospective accommodation.

Why Cyprus is a Tourist Hot Spot

The People newspaper stated that a `perfect mix` of activities and attractions made the island a good tourist destination for both old and young people. In particular, Paphos was highlighted as a good place for tourists to visit, as it offered a variety of desirable features for visitors. For example, it was said to have plenty of bars and restaurants, along with a multitude of heritage sites such as Greek mosaics. The People commented, `Paphos has been attracting tourists for decades but retains a relatively quiet and picturesque charm.` Cyprus` popularity with British holidaymakers has also led to a greater number of overseas property buyers taking advantage of the investment potential of property in Cyprus.

Cyprus is fast becoming an ideal year round destination. The superb coastline combines natural unspoilt beauty with romance, legends and thousands of years of history blessed with seemingly endless sunshine, it enjoys one of the mildest and healthiest climates in the world. With an average of six hours winter sunshine per day, temperatures are often in the seventies and the warm sea temperatures make this an ideal winter destination.

Cyprus enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers, mid May to early October are hot & dry. The hottest months are July & August, when temperatures can reach 35 degrees C.  Spring & Autumn are warm & pleasant, with the coldest months being January & February. The average annual temperature is 20 degrees C.  It rains between November & March, with the heaviest rains in January & February.

Cyprus is the  Mediterranean’s third largest island, located on the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea. Official  language of the country  is  Greek  but English is widely spoken. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia (Lefkosia).

Cyprus is a paradise island of incomparable natural beauty, full of unique historical treasures. It lies in the clear blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, just 40 miles off the coast of Turkey, 60 miles from Syria and 250 miles from Egypt. After Sicily and Sardinia, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Sunshine, blue sky and beaches are the criteria that determine many people’s choice of holiday destination or a place to live, and in the summer months Cyprus scores hat-trick. But the island is not only a paradise for indolent sun-seekers: archaeological finds dating back to 7,000 BC, medieval castles, remote mountain villages, and inviting cedar forests, orange groves and vineyards attract more adventurous travelers too.

Cyprus has long been recognised as a Mediterranean paradise. The climate is just one good reason to be here. In Cyprus, we can boast over 350 days of sunshine on average in any one year!
The cost of living is still relatively low, whilst the standard of living is very high both sides of Cyprus (North & South). The thriving offshore community in Limassol is the reason why it is so cosmopolitan a town.
We have successful companies operating in the shipping and trading fields from all over the world, including many european countries, such as England, Germany and Holland, to name a few. This has given the local population an appreciation of European standards and culture, successfully marrying this experience with the world-famous Cypriot hospitality.
The low taxation laws and wonderful standard of living continue to make Cyprus a living paradise.

Climate plays a major part in choosing the location of a home oversees. Whether you are making a holiday or buying a home for your holidays or permanent living. Cyprus boasts one of the healthiest and sunniest environments anywhere in the globe including the four seasons cycle, with temperature ranging from 16° C (50° F) in January the coldest month to 33° C (100° F) in August the hottest month. The weather in Cyprus is characterised by short mild winters and long warm summers. A winter in Cyprus is like a very mild and warm British Autumn. You can expect 340 days of sunshine every year with temperatures rarely dropping below 16 degrees.

Cyprus, the Paradise Island, with its beautiful scenery, wonderful beaches, lively resorts and a superb sunshine record has always been a popular destination for overseas travellers. The Persians were the first to discover the island, followed by the Phoenicians and then the Romans, Crusaders and Greeks. Each has left their mark on the island but Cyprus has managed to retain its unique character and the hospitality offered to visitors is one of the warmest to be found anywhere.Situated in the northeast of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island with an area of 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles). It offers a wide variety of holiday accommodation, ranging from modern, large and Luxurious establishments, to small and simple family run operations.About as complete a holiday island as you can get, Cyprus has something for everyone. With 340 days of sunshine each year and blessed with a coastline indented with secluded bays and large expanses of white sandy beaches, the island is a Mecca for sun worshippers.The landscape is spectacular. The rugged mountains covered in pine trees and exotic flora and fauna, plateaus of vineyards and banana plantations and the wilderness area of the Akamas are popular with walkers and nature enthusiasts, whilst historians can trace the Island’s 9,000 year history through well-preserved archaeological sites such as the Tombs of Kings, the Kourion amphitheatre, the Temple of Apollo and the holy Islamic Tekke Mosque. Gastronomes will find eating out a special pleasure. You can linger for hours over wine and conversation whilst sampling the delights of a Cypriot meze, a meal consisting of some 12 different dishes, or alternatively try fresh fish, caught earlier in the day. And if you’re a sporting type, many hotels have tennis, squash and gymnasium facilities and there are golf courses, and riding schools. Whether your penchant is for long sandy beaches, laser discos, peaceful tavernas or cocktails by the pool, Cyprus has it all.

The Cypriots adore children, so families can feel very welcome here, and there are plenty of activities to keep the little ones happy!

Sports enthusiasts will find a wealth of watersports, golf, fishing, gyms, mountain biking, hiking, horse-riding and even gliding to enjoy!

Most Cypriots speak English and even drive on the left, so why not hire a car and explore our beautiful island at your leisure!

Discover the magic of Cyprus for yourselves and remember….nobody ever goes just once!

Welcome to the island of Aphrodite, 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 travellers 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.

Just every now and then it is well worth ‘getting away from it all’ and relaxing in one of the wonderful little villages in South Cyprus where time really does seem to stand still! After the hustle and bustle of the main towns in South Cyprus nothing beats relaxing in the shade of the citrus trees listening to the sound of the birds. For an increasing number of people from countries in northern Europe the temptation sounds so good that an increasing number are booking holidays with Cypriot agro-tourism companies that specialise in holidays in the villages of the Paphos District.

Paphos is rapidly becoming the most important tourist center of Cyprus. It is a small city with about 11.000 inhabitants. The old Paphos is a small village, called Ktima. Today, there is also a modern Paphos, called Kato Paphos, which is the tourist neighborhood. This modern resort has several hotels, a boulevard with different cafes and bars and a 18 hole golf course. Paphos is a romantic city with a vibrant night-life. Close to the harbor are several archeological sites. In former times Nea Paphos was the most important city of the island, but earthquakes and invasions of the Saracens drove most of the people to the neighboring hamlet of Ktima. For lovers of ancient Greece culture, Paphos is a must. Some place to visit are : the Paphos District Museum (a collection of archeological findings), the Georgios Eliades collection in Exo Vrysis Street (fossils and archeological objects), the Byzantine fortress of Saranda Kolones (the 40 columns), the house of Dionysus (a Roman villa from the third century that was excavated in 1962 and that has some splendid mosaics), and the house of Theseus (excavated in 1965).

The place which is now called Larnaca is probably the oldest inhabited place in Cyprus. The present city is built on the foundations of the old city state Kition (founded, according to legend, by the grandson of Noah). During the 20th century the city lost most of its importance to Famagusta. Because of the division of the island and the construction of the international airport at Larnaca, however, Larnaca is again a thriving center. The places to visit are : the Turkish fortress (now a museum), the impressive church Church of Saint Lazarus (after his resurrection Lazarus is told to have become bishop in Cyprus). The church is supposed to have been built above his tomb. About 5 km west of Larnaca is a 4 km? salt lake. On the borders of the lake one can see the Muslim sanctuary Hala Sultan Tekke which contains the relics of Umm Haram, the aunt of the Prophet Mohammed, who died here in 647 AD.

Limassol lies on the south coast of the island, halfway between Larnaca and Paphos. Already in 2.000 BC people lived here, but it was only during the time of the crusaders that it became a flourishing city. Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus, and certainly the most lively one. Cypriotes sometimes call it “the Paris of Cyprus”. There is always some festival or celebration going on in town. Very renowned is the Wine Festival that takes place in September. On the eastern side of the city are sandy beaches that stretch out for miles. Lovers of night-life fun will certainly not be disappointed in the many bars and discotheques in the old city. The most important monuments are : the Limassol fortress, the museum, the zoo and the wine producing companies. Outside of the city is the former royal town of Amathus (now a ruin, partially submerged by water). The Kolossi Castle is a remainder of the old city state of Kourion (of which also a theater, a basilica and a stadium are preserved).

Cyprus, though an island in comparison to the surrounding countries, was destined to play a very important role in the history of mankind. This was bound to be so since the island is located in the centre of the ancient world which is known as the cradle of western civilisation. Asia Minor is only 40 miles away and the Syrian coast only 60 from the easternmost tip of the Karpass peninsula. Egypt and the Aegean sea are 240 miles apart. Therefore it was only natural that a great civilisation flowered in Cyprus beginning as early as the 8th millennium BC, when stone was the only material used either for weapons or utensils. The discovery of copper which occurred in the 3rd millennium marked the turning point in the history of the island which gradually turned it into a bone of contention among the more powerful neighbours. Hittites in Asia Minor and Egyptians in the south claimed the island as their possession, but the Greeks from the west were those who stamped its destiny when in the late 13th, 12th and 11th centuries BC, they established themselves as permanent settlers. Despite the fact that the island fell prey to all big powers of the day, the presence of Greeks gave Cyprus a historical and cultural continuity ever since.

7000-3900 BC Neolithic Age
Remains of the oldest known settlement in Cyprus dating from this period can be seen in Khirokitia and Kalavassos (Tenta), off the Nicosia - Limassol road. This civilization had developed along the North and South coasts. First only stone vessels were used. After 5000 B.C., the art of pottery was invented.

3900-2500 BC Chalcolithic Age
Most Chalcolithic establishments are found in Western Cyprus, where a fertility cult develops. The copper of the island begins to be exploited and used.

2500-1050 BC Bronze Age
Copper is more extensively exploited bringing wealth to Cyprus. Trade is built up with the Near East, Egypt and the Aegean. After 1400 BC, Mycenaeans from Greece reach the island, perhaps as merchants. During the 12th and 11th centuries several waves of Achaean Greeks come to settle on the island bringing with them the Greek language, their religion, their customs. They build new cities like Pafos, Salamis, Kition. Kourion. The island from now on is progressively hellenised.

1050-750 BC Geometric Period
There are ten Kingdoms in the island. Phoenicians settle at Kition. The 8th century B.C. is a period of great prosperity.

750-325 BC Archaic and Classical Period
The era of prosperity continues, but the island falls prey to several conquerors. Cypriot Kingdoms try to preserve their independence but come variously under the domination of Assyria, Egypt and Persia. King Evagoras of Salamis (who ruled from 411-374 BC) rebels against Persia and unifies the island but, after a great siege has to conclude peace with Persia and loses control of the whole island.

333-325 BC
Alexander the Great defeats Persia and Cyprus becomes part of his empire.

325-58 BC Hellenistic Period
After the succession struggles, between Alexander’s generals, Cyprus eventually comes under the Hellenistic state of the Ptolemies of Egypt, and belongs from now onwards to the Greek Alexandrine world. The capital is now Paphos. This is a period of wealth for Cyprus.

58 BC - 330 AD Roman Period
Cyprus becomes part of the Roman Empire, first as part of the province of Syria, then as a separate province under a proconsul. During the missionary journeys by Saints Paul and Barnabas, the Proconsul, Sergius Paulus is converted to Christianity and Cyprus becomes the first country to be governed by Christian. Destructive earthquakes occur during the 1st century B.C. and the 1at A.D. and cities are rebuilt. There is a great loss of life when the Jews who lived in Salamis rebel in 116, and from the plague in 164 AD. In 313 the Edict of Milan grants freedom of worship to Christians and Cypriot bishops attend the Council of Nicaea in 325.

330-1191 AD Byzantine Period
After the division of the Roman Empire in two parts, Cyprus comes under the Eastern Roman Empire, known as Byzantium, with Constantinople as its capital. Constantine the Great’s mother, Helena is said to have stopped in Cyprus on her journey from the Holy Land, with remnants of the Holy Cross and founded the monastery of Stavrovouni. More earthquakes during the 4th century A.D. completely destroy the main cities. Cities lose their splendour and remain in ruins. New cities arise, Constantia is now the capital, and large basilicas are built as from the 4-5th century A.D. In 488, after the tomb of St. Barnabas is found, Emperor Zeno gives the Archibishop of Cyprus full autonomy and privileges including holding a sceptre instead of a pastoral staff, wearing a purple mantle and signing in red ink. In 647 Arabs invade the island under Muawiya. In 688 Emperor Justinian II and Caliph al-Malik sign a treaty neutralising Cyprus, but violations are reported, and the island is also attacked by pirates until 965 when Emperor Nicephoros Phocas expels Arabs from Asia Minor and Cyprus.

1191-1192 AD Richard The Lionheart and The Templars
Isaac Comnenus, self proclaimed governor of Cyprus, is discourteous to survivors of a shipwreck involving ships of Richard I’s fleet on their way to the Third Crusade. Richard defeats Isaac and takes possession of Cyprus, marrying Berengaria of Navarree in Limassol, where she is crowned Queen of England. Richard then sells the island to the Knights Templars for 100,000 dinars but they resell it at the same price to Guy de Lusignan, one of the Crusader Knights.

1192-1489 AD Frankish (Lusignan) Period
Cyprus is ruled on the feudal system and the Catholic church officially replaces the Greek Orthodox, although the latter manages to survive. Many beautiful gothic buildings belong to this period including the Cathedrals of Ayia Sophia in Nicosia, Saint Nicholas in Famagusta and Bellapais Abbey. The city of Famagusta becomes one of the richest in the Near East, and Nicosia becomes the capital of Cyprus and the seat of the Lusignan Kings. The Lusignan dynasty ends when the last queen Catherina Cornaro cedes Cyprus to Venice in 1489.

1489-1571 AD Venetian Period
Venetians see Cyprus as a last bastion against the Ottomans in the east Mediterranean, and fortify the island tearing down lovely buildings in Nicosia to bring the city into a tight encircled area defended by bastions and a moat which can still be seen today. They also build impressive walls around Famagusta which were considered at the time as works of military art.

1571- 1878 AD Ottoman Period
In 1570 troops attack Cyprus, capture Nicosia, slaughter the population (20,000) and lay siege to Famagusta for a year. After a brave defense by Venetian commander Marc Antonio Bragadin, Famagusta capitulates to the Ottoman commander Lala Mustafa, who first gives free passage to the besieged but when he sees how few they are, orders the flaying, drawing and quartering of Bragadin and puts the others to death. On annexation to the Ottoman Empire, the Latin hierarchy are expelled or converted to Islam and the Greek Orthodox faith restored; in time, the Archibishop as leader of the Greek Orthodox, becomes their representative to the Porte. When the Greek War of Independence breaks out in 1821, the Archibishop of Cyprus, Kyprianos, three bishops and hundreds of civic leaders are executed.

1878-1959 AD British Period
Under the 1878 Cyprus Convention, Britain assumes administration of the island, which remains formally part of the Ottoman Empire until 1914 when Britain annexes Cyprus, after the Ottoman Empire enters the First World War on the side of Germany. In 1923 under the Treaty of Lausanne, Turkey renounces any claim to Cyprus. In 1925 Cyprus is declared a Crown colony. In 1940 Cypriot volunteers serve in various branches of the British Armed Forces throughout the Second World War. Hopes for self-determination now being granted to other countries in the post-war period are shattered by the British who consider the island vitally strategic. An Armed Liberation Struggle, after all means of peaceful settling of the problem are exchausted, breaks out in 1955 which last until 1959.

1960 AD Republic of Cypruse
According to the Zurich-London Treaty, Cyprus becomes an independent republic on 16th August 1960. It is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Commonwealth as well as the Non-Aligned Movement. According to the above Treaty, Britain retains in the island two Sovereign Bases, (158.5 sq km) at Dhekelia and Akrotiri-Episkopi.