Cyprus

Cyprus, as the third largest island in the Mediterranean, offers a truly wide range of options for a pleasant and undisturbed summer holiday. The Aphrodite's Island of Love and Beauty, as Cyprus is also sometimes called, is the ideal place for sports, exploring, relaxing holidays, romantic tours or honeymoons - something for even the most demanding tourists.

In winter, in Cyprus, you can ski in the Troodos Mountains while swimming in the waves of the sea. There are golf courses for even very experienced golfers, tennis courts. There are plenty of water activities for visitors to the hotel - everything for a pleasantly active summer.

Cyprus has much to offer to sightseeing enthusiasts as well - ancient frescoes and amphitheatres, Romanesque castles, magnificent mosaics, Gothic and Byzantine churches and mosques guarantee quality air tours. The attractive range of sights and sporting activities is complemented by the crystal clear sea, pleasant climate (even in winter), local folklore, the warm-heartedness of the locals and places that have retained their unmistakable atmosphere even today.

It has already been said that Cyprus is often called the "island of love". The island owes this to the legend of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who is said to have been born here from the foam of the sea, as evidenced by the beautiful clear sea, which is not only worth seeing but also worth trying.

Cyprus is characterised by the optimism of its people, their sociability and willingness to help.

The beaches of Cyprus are among the most beautiful. The best and longest beaches are to be found in Ayia Napa. In addition, you can make your summer holiday more enjoyable by visiting Nissi Bay, which offers a unique spectacle of all the colours of the sea you can think of. We can also recommend Golden Beach, which is one of the quieter, yet one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Cyprus is literally a paradise for wine connoisseurs and lovers - Cypriot wines are some of the oldest in the world. Famous is the so-called liqueur wine produced by monastic monks - Commandaria. Visiting one of the many picturesque vineyards, wineries, winemaking museums or just tasting wine in a traditional Greek taverna can also be a wonderful experience - perhaps as early as summer 2011. In the month of September, Cyprus hosts a great wine festival.

Another reason that will be behind your return to this magical island is the famous Cypriot cuisine, which forms an essential element of a holiday well spent, and Cyprus will not disappoint in this respect. In addition to the high standard of freshness and variety of dishes on offer, most tourists are delighted with the Cypriot cuisine, full of vegetables and herbs, as well as the warm service.

The traditional dish is the so-called meze - which means a mixture of all sorts of things. It consists of several courses that almost fight for space on your table. There are delicate sauces, moussaka (minced meat with roasted eggplants), koupepia (stuffed grape leaves) and many more, all accompanied by local beer or excellent Cypriot wines.

Services in Cyprus are of an excellent standard, with a wide range of leisure activities to choose from. Accommodation is available in hotels of various categories, campsites, apartments and private accommodation. Practically the entire southern coast is dotted with hotel complexes. You can spend a truly unforgettable holiday here.

If you are returning to Love Island, don't miss it:

• A legendary local wedding with an outdoor feast, often with the whole village in attendance, a pomegranate - a symbol of fertility - is smashed to let as many seeds as possible fly out of it, and singing and dancing until dawn.
• At least a day visit to the Turkish part of Cyprus - architecture lovers will appreciate the Gothic cathedrals converted into mosques.
• Paphos and its surroundings, which will enchant everyone and where you can follow in the footsteps of Aphrodite, wine and archaeological sites.
• Offer an easy hike in the Troodos Mountains (the most fertile and highest mountains in Cyprus) and the Akamas Gorge.

CYPRUS – Basic information:

• Greek name: KYPROS (Κύπρος)
• Capital: NIKÓSIA (Lefkosia)
• Island area: 9251 km2
• Population: over 837 300
• The highest peak: Chionistra – 1951 m above sea level
• The patron saint of the island: St. Andreas, St. Lazar

Republic of Cyprus

• Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and seized 36.2% of its territory. The border between the Greek and Turkish parts of the island runs across the entire island, including the heart of the capital Nicosia (Lefkosia), dividing the city and the country as a whole. Although the northern part is under foreign occupation, the Cypriot Republic is internationally recognized as one legitimate and sovereign island state.

Location:

• Cyprus is a small island with an area of 9251 square kilometres. It measures 240 km from east to west and 100 km from north to south. It is located at a strategic point in the eastern Mediterranean Sea (33°E, 35°N) at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia and is close to busy trade routes connecting Europe with the Middle East, Central Asia and the Far East.
• The Troodos massif (southwest); the highest point of Olympos (Chionistra - 1951 m above sea level).
• Kyrenia (Keryneia) or Pentadaktylos Mountains (north); highest point: Kyparissovounos (1024 m above sea level).
• The central plateau: the Messaoria plateau.

Climate:

• Mediterranean, with mild and wet winters, hot and dry summers (average daily temperature 36 °C).

Flora & Fauna

• 17% of the island is forest. Natural vegetation includes forests with permanent green and deciduous trees, shrubs and plants. The flora is represented by about 1800 species, subspecies and types. About 140 of them are endemic. There are also 365 classes of birds on the island, but only 115 species. Of the animals, the most worth mentioning is the mouflon. It belongs to the sheep family and is the world's unique in the world.

GOVERNMENT

Executive power

• The President is elected by popular referendum for a term of five years. The executive power is exercised by an eleven-member Council of Ministers appointed by the President. Turkish Cypriots have refused to participate in the government since late 1963.

Legislative power

• Plurality unicameral House of Representatives. Voting system Simple proportional representation. Members of the House are elected in general election for five-year terms. Seats reserved for Turkish Cypriots shall remain vacant.

Currency:

• From 01.01.2008 EURO (€).

Cyprus is a member of the European Union. On 1 May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the European Union after having come a long way more than three decades.

RESORTS IN CYPRUS

PROTARAS / PARALIMNI

This quieter, fast-growing resort, located near Paphos and accessible by local buses or taxis, is considered one of the most attractive places in Cyprus and is a good place for a family holiday. A natural phenomenon with crystal clear sea, golden sand and a paradise for water sports enthusiasts is the local "Coral Bay". Morning and evening walks in the surrounding countryside are also pleasant. Taverns and restaurants offering local Cypriot specialities and dishes such as "souvla" and "kleftiko" are sure to satisfy even the most demanding gourmet. However, there are also souvenir shops and supermarkets. Ideal conditions for golf lovers are offered by the Tsada Golf Club with its 18-hole course, which is about 18km away from Coral Bay.

Distance from Paphos: approx. 12 km. Transfer from Larnaca airport: approx. 162 km. Resort rating: suitable for families with children, but also for those looking for a quiet place to relax and unwind.

AYIA NAPA

This originally small fishing village on the south-eastern tip of the island, which has grown in recent years to include a number of hotels, restaurants and bars, cafes and clubs, souvenir shops, markets, etc., has become a popular holiday destination for many tourists. They are especially attracted by the beautiful beach with its fine golden sand, which is a paradise for swimming and relaxation and offers various kinds of water sports. Tips for excursions: the Water World water park with lots of slides, swings and water slides, the funfair and the Marine Life Museum, where you can get a close look at various species of marine life. There is also Cape Greco - hiking. For cycling we recommend the Potamos Liopetri area, there is a small fishing port. Religious buildings: the Venetian monastery from the early 16th century, the Church of Our Lady and the Church of Agia Saranta.

Distance from Protaras: about 10km. Transfer from Larnaca airport: approx. 40km. Rating of the resort: an excellent place for all generations.

LARNAKA

Larnaca is said to be the gateway to Cyprus, there is an airport and a modern yacht harbour. It is an important tourist centre that is further away from the actual city centre. Larnaca bay has a coastal promenade with palm trees and plenty of hotels and restaurants. The present town was built on the site of ancient Kition. The remains of the old town can be found about 1km from the centre. Inscriptions and labels tell the history of the town and describe the archaeological finds and their value. Worth mentioning are the archaeological museum with a collection of pottery from ancient Kition, the Neolithic settlement of Hirokitia near Larnaca, which is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Eastern Mediterranean and is protected by the international UNESCO organisation, the Grand Mosque and the sacred Islamic site of Hala Sultan, located on the Salt Lake. Larnaka Salt Lake is located between the city of Larnaka and Larnaka International Airport, and is home to thousands of flamingos and other bird species in winter, but dries up in summer, leaving only a thin layer of salt. Beaches - in this area you will find typically urban beaches with darker fine sand, sometimes with pebbles or small stones, and a sea with clear water.

Tips for excursions: the Mazatos camel park with children's attractions, about 10km west of town, hiking on the limestone hills behind Dhekelia Road and the highway - nice views of the whole of Larnaca harbour, bay and town. Boat rides in the bay, boat trips for divers to the Zenobia shipwreck (approx. 1.50km from Finikoudes at 40m depth).

Distance from Ayia Napa: approx. 37 km. Transfer from Larnaca airport: approx. 10km. Rating of the resort: suitable for relaxation and rest as well as a starting point for various excursions around the island and the town.

LIMASSOL

Limassol, one of the most important tourist resorts on the island of Cyprus, is the second largest city in Cyprus, the island's main port and is called Lemesos in Greek. Scattered throughout the city and its surroundings are many historical and archaeological monuments and attractions (the ancient site of Kourion or Amathous, the amphitheatre of Episkopi, Kolossi Castle), museums (folk art, Byzantine art), public parks, a zoo, etc., as well as hypermodern buildings of banks and foreign companies and luxury hotels, which have given rise to the name "Little Paris", by which Limassol is often referred to.

Various festivals, wine festivals and carnivals are held here. The most famous tourist attraction of the city is the local Limassol Castle, built in Byzantine style. It is even said that Richard III was crowned here in the local chapel in 1191. The Lionhearted Queen of England Berengaria of Navarre. The castle is home to the Medieval Museum, which houses Byzantine and medieval artefacts including Turkish pottery, gold objects used in churches, weapons and clothing. The beaches right in Limassol are long sandy or sand and shingle.

There are other famous beaches in the area such as Lady's Mile Beach (the closest beach from Limassol, it is 7km long and lined with several tavernas offering refreshments), Governor's Beach (located about 30km east of Limassol, the beach has dark sand), Kourion Beach (near Sovereign Base Area, local buses from Limassol go here), Avdimou Beach (about 17km west of Kourion Beach (it is a wild sandy beach with very clear water), Pissouri Bay (a popular tourist spot, there are several restaurants and cafes here). Fun, exercise and relaxation can be had at WET and WILD water park with lots of slides, water slides and other attractions, located right in Limassol, another larger water park is in nearby Fasouri.

Distance from the centre of Paphos: approx. 77 km. Transfer from Paphos airport: approx. 60 km. Distance from the centre of Larnaca: approx. 70 km. Transfer from the airport in Larnaca: approx. 73 km. Rating of the resort: modern, lively, lively.

PAPHOS

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Paphos, one of the most charming resorts. The only town on the island that has retained its original identity and has not been swallowed up by rapid tourist development. It is a very pleasant, friendly and ancient town with stylish tavernas, cafes, restaurants and shops. According to legend, it was near Paphos that Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the foaming waves of the sea; this mystical place is called Petra tou Romiou (Greek Rock).

The whole city is rightly, thanks to its numerous historical monuments, on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among the most visited sights is the extensive ancient excavation site in the Nea Paphos or Kato Paphos area, another popular tourist attraction is the so-called Paphos Mosaics (an interesting collection of colourful mosaics in the so-called "Paphos Mosaics"). Dionysus' Villa), the Tombs of the Kings, the Christian catacombs hidden in Mount Fabrica, the Odeon, churches and the picturesque harbour guarded by an old Venetian fortress with a nice view of the sea and the surrounding area. There are also museums - the Byzantine Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, but the most worth visiting is the Archaeological Museum (collections of glassware, coins, ceramics, statues, etc. from the Neolithic to the 18th century).

Right here in Paphos there are sandy, rocky, urban and public beaches. However, most tourists are attracted by the fine sand of Coral Bay (about 12km away), where they enjoy relaxing, swimming and a wide range of water sports. Another beach with fine sand, easily accessible from Paphos and 100m long, is Agios Georgios Beach. The beach at Petra tou Romiou is also an excellent place to refresh yourself, as it is pebbly and the water is crystal clear.

Distance from Limassol: 77 km. Transfer from Larnaca airport: approx. 150 km. Rating of the resort: it is mainly sought after by the middle and older generation, but also by those who want to discover something new every day.

KISSONERGA

Kissonerga is a small resort. Rather, it could be called a quiet area, situated between Coral Bay (approx. 3km) and Paphos (approx. 7km), tourist resorts offering a wide range of entertainment and shopping opportunities, served several times a day by city buses. Kissonerga is also the only place where banana trees, grown on large plantations, thrive. Beaches - there is a rather wild coastline perfect for diving and snorkelling, interspersed with smaller coves with sandy beaches.

Distance from Paphos: approx. 7 km. Transfer from Larnaca airport: approx. 157 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for tourists who mainly seek peace and quiet for rest and relaxation, reading a nice book and time to themselves.

CORAL BAY

This quieter, fast-growing resort, located near Paphos and accessible by local buses or taxis, is considered one of the most attractive places in Cyprus and is a good place for a family holiday. A natural phenomenon with crystal clear sea, golden sand and a paradise for water sports enthusiasts is the local "Coral Bay". Morning and evening walks in the surrounding countryside are also pleasant. Taverns and restaurants offering local Cypriot specialities and dishes such as "souvla" and "kleftiko" are sure to satisfy even the most demanding gourmet. However, there are also souvenir shops and supermarkets. Ideal conditions for golf lovers are offered by the Tsada Golf Club with its 18-hole course, which is about 18km away from Coral Bay.

Distance from Paphos: approx. 12 km. Transfer from Larnaca airport: approx. 162 km. Resort rating: suitable for families with children, but also for those looking for a quiet place to relax and unwind.