Cyprus is not what anyone could describe as your typical Mediterranean island boasting a rich and colourful history that matches its ever changing landscape Cyprus is defiantly a country any holiday seeker looking for something more should consider.

A Brief History of Cyprus

In 1914 Cyprus was liberated from the Ottoman empire by the British after the Ottoman empire joined the first World War on the side of the Germans. In 1955 an armed conflict arose with Cypriots wanting to be independent of the British, the conflict lasted four years. The newly formed Republic of Cyprus gained its independence from the British Empire in 1960. As part of the treaty which granted Cyprus its independence England was allowed to retain two sovereign base areas. Cyprus was then admitted in to the United Nations In 1974 Turkey invaded and founded there own government in the north of Cyprus to be called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The Turkish Republic government is only recognised by Turkey and not by the United Nations. On the 1st of May 2004 the Republic of Cyprus was granted entry to the European Union.

Geography

Cyprus is located 47 miles South of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea. Other neighboring country's include Syria and Lebanon to the east and Greece to the north west. While Cyprus is close to the middle east, culturally it is considered to be very European, which is due to to its previous occupiers and its long standing relationship with Greece. The climate is that of Mediterranean with dry hot summers and wet rainy winters. There are three mountain ranges on the island including the Kyrenia, Pentadactylos, and the Troodos Ranges. In the Troodos range the weather in the winter is cold enough for seasonal skiing.

Economy

The current currency in Cyprus is the Cypriot Pound and changes to the Euro on the 1st of January 2008. The current exchange is around 2 English Pounds to 1.7 Cypriot Pounds.

Beaches

Cyprus is well known to holiday makers for its beaches below are just a small sample of what cyprus has to offer.

Acapulco beach is a popular tourist beach, offering most facilities including windsurfing and other water sports it offers something for all the family.

Denzi Kizi is a sheltered beach west of Kyrenia and this sheltered bay offers a wide range of water sports and other activites.

The Golden beach in Cyprus is known world wide and often described as being one of the best beaches in the world.

Escape Beach is perfect for families with young children it has full facilities including a restaurant and bar.

Cities

Lefkosia (nicosia), is the capital of cyprus and a must see for anyone visiting the country. Situated in the near middle of the country the walled city of Lefkosia is 1000 years old is full of historical monuments and buildings. it is also home too the infamous green line which is the divide between the south of Cyprus and the illegally occupied north of Cyprus which no country other than Turkey recognizes. Lefkosia is also the shopping center of Cyprus boasting many stores that sell items only available in Cyprus.

Troodos, is the exact opposite of what you would expect from a city in the Mediterranean, with its impressive mountain ranges and offers of seasonal skiing. Loaded with waterfalls and scenic walking routes the mountains are also home to many villages which are only to happy to welcome visitors. the Troodos range is also home including the famous Kykko Monastery which houses a golden icon of the Virgin Mary which was supposed to of been panted by St Luke.

Limassol, is the second largest city on the island and also home to its main port. Limassol is a fun loving town and hold the two biggest festivals in Cyprus, the pre-lenten festival and the wine festival with the wine provided by the local wineries. It also has the best night life and shopping on the island. Visit our newest off plan property development The Pantheon Cyprus - Offering luxury villas and spacious apartments by award winning developers.

Paphos, Please visit our Paphos page for information on this historical town.

Links

Visit our Cyprus page

visitcyprus.org.cy/ - The official Cyprus tourism site

cyprusfirst.com/ - A history of Cyprus

kypros.org/ - Information on all things Cyprus

For more information on Cyprus visit our links page