Cyprus

History and Heritage

Cyprus is the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It has 10,000 years of valuable ancient history that has enriched it with an abundant historical heritage and compelling culture.

Anchored at the junction of three continents, Cyprus has always been a prized possession for the many civilisations that ruled it through history and has been subject to regular invasions by powerful empires. From the earliest Greek settlers who gave the island its Hellenic identity in the second millennium BC, the island was then subject in turn to the empires of Assyria, Persia, Greece, Egypt, Rome, Byzantium, the Franks and the Venetians, the Ottomans and the British before it achieved independence in 1960.

Cyprus is enriched with a fascinating blend of Roman, Byzantine, Greek and British-influenced characteristics and traits. The island is like a large open air museum with a mix of archaeological monuments and sights that evidence its fascinating past. Cyprus also boasts a range of highly acclaimed historical museums.

The Republic of Cyprus is now a modern independent nation with a Mediterranean character. The island became a member of the European Union in May 2004 and follows European norms and standards.

Location and Weather

Cyprus is located in South-Eastern Europe and lies in the North-Eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey. The Republic has two international airports: Larnaca and Pafos, which cater for many international flights from around the world. Both airports are less than four hours by plane, from most European cities.

Cyprus has a mild Mediterranean climate that enjoys an average of 340 days of sunshine a year. Spring and autumn are pleasantly warm, winter is mild and summer is dry and hot with an average costal temperature of 33 degree Celsius. Cyprus’ cooler weather in winter seasons allows guests to enjoy a sunny escape from their colder home grounds.

Explore

Cyprus has a richly varied, compelling landscape, including a 403-mile coastline, plains and forest-covered mountains. Its highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952m above sea level. Such a varied landscape creates infinite options for activities on land or sea.

Coast

Cyprus is renowned for its clean, relaxing and beautiful beaches, where forty-nine beaches fly the EU Blue Flag. The major coastal hubs are Limassol, Paphos, Protaras, Ayia Napa and Akamas Penisula, with hundreds of beaches for you to experience.

The island offers number of activities on the beaches and in the sea. Several beaches provide facilities for beach volleyball, beach tennis and beach soccer. Visitors can enjoy many water activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, canoeing, sailing, snorkelling and diving. Visitors can also enjoy a leisure cruise by renting a catamaran or sailing boat, and explore stunning secluded areas inaccessible by car.

Countryside

The Countryside of Cyprus has a beautifully unique natural environment including mountains with shady cedar, pine forests and cool springs with many natural trails, traditional villages, vineyards, wineries and frescoed Byzantine churches.

The countryside is ideal for travellers who want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of restored traditional houses, local gastronomy, hiking or cycling through mountain trails, Unesco World Heritage Churches and traditional villages, village festivals and local wineries.

Museums and Galleries

Since prehistoric times Cyprus has been at the crossroads of cultures and has an abundant historical heritage which includes Hellenistic theatres, Roman mosaics, Byzantine churches with superb frescoes, Gothic monuments, Venetian Walls and Bridges, Turkish Baths and mosques.

Cyprus' rich culture is illustrated in different types of museums and galleries spread across the island. The museums and galleries house noteworthy collections and art treasures.