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An eastern outpost of Europe at the gates of Asia, at the crossroads of the ancient world, Cyprus is crammed with vestiges of some 10,000 years of history. But to Cyprus's many visitors, it's the sun and the beaches and the high-octane nightlife that are the main lures to 'the island of Aphrodite'.
Cyprus is divided into two states: the essentially Greek, internationally-recognised Republic of Cyprus in the south, and the largely Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, established in 1983, which covers 37 per cent of the island and is only recognised as a valid state by Turkey.
Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 - although the Turkish portion of the island is effectively suspended from membership.
Approximately 77 per cent of Cyprus's population is Greek, 18 per cent Turkish, and five per cent other ethnicities.
GEOGRAPHY
It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, following Sicily and Sardinia.
The Island covers 3,572 square miles and is divided into six districts: Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca in the south; Kyrenia and Farnagusta in the north. Portions of the Nicosia, Farnagusta and Larnaca districts are both 'Greek' and 'Turkish', with the United Nations 'buffer zone' running through them. In addition, there are two UK base areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, covering approximately 99 square miles.
Cyprus's central plain, the Mesaoria, is surrounded by the Kyrenia and Pentadactylos mountains in the north and the Troodos range in the south and west.
The best holiday beaches are found around Ayia Napa and Protaras, where warm turquoise seas lap gently shelving sands and watersports abound. Thrilling waterskiing and even kite-surfing are offered at the main resorts along with fun-filled water parks and boat trips.
The stunning Troodos mountains with Mount Olympus at its peak is the place to work up an appetite. It offers a cool relief from the intense heat in summer and a chance to enjoy hiking, cycling, bird watching and, in winter, skiing.
Meanwhile, the rugged Akamas National Park is the place to see unspoilt nature. It's here that protected loggerhead turtles return to beautiful Lara Bay each year to lay their eggs.
Archaeological Sites
No trip to Cyprus would be complete without understanding some of the history of this fascinating island
Ancient Amatous
Set on a hillside to the east of Limassol, overlooking the sea, this impressive collection of ruins tells the tale of 2000 years of habitation as a thriving port and city state. Founded in about 1000 BC, Amatous prospered during Greek and Roman times and became a Byzantine bishopric, before finally being sacked by Saracen raiders in the 7th century AD. The remains include temples, an aqueduct, Roman baths, a Byzantine shrine and a gymnasium where Greek athletes once worked out.
Kato Paphos
'Lower' Paphos has extensive ancient ruins covering about 4000 years of history, from ancient to medieval times, including a theatre, Roman mosaics and a medieval castle.
Khirokitia
A Stone Age farming settlement, between Limassol and Larnaca, dating to about 6800 BC, has been excavated and partially reconstructed. The most evocative buildings are the round dwellings of impressive simplicity - but giving a profound impression of the surprising sophistication of the Stone Age.
Kition
Located in the northern part of Larnaca, Kition (Kitium) is the best preserved of the coastal trading settlements established by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC, although the city was probably founded four centuries earlier. The site includes a shrine to Astarte, the Phoenician goddess of fertility.
The rich history of the island can be traced back over 10,000 years. Like many Mediterranean islands, Cyprus has long been seen as an important strategic base with various civilisations having swept through over the years from the Ottoman Turks to the British, the Greeks to the Romans
Following its entry into the European Union, Cyprus has undergone significant modernisation. A modern country with an ancient history, its stone villages, glitzy resorts, scented citrus groves and perfumed mountains are waiting to be discovered.
CLIMATE
Summer weather in Cyprus is hot or warm, depending on altitude, and almost completely rainless from late May to mid-September. During this period the weather is constant from day to day and almost completely cloudless.
The island enjoys a mild Mediterranean type climate, short mild winters and long warm summers. It is for its excellent climate and for the hospitality of its people, that Cyprus has become such a popular destination for Europeans who come to Cyprus as tourists at first and after a couple of visits they decide buy a house and live here permanently.
FOOD
Eating in Cyprus is an exciting and rich experience. Food in Cyprus has many different styles with thousands of great restaurants in all the major cities and towns of Cyprus. Cypriots are happiest when eating so join them for a mezze, a slow banquet of Cypriot delicacies such as grilled halloumi, dolmades and kleftiko, lamb slowly baked till it drops off the bone.
In addition, food in Nicosia and other Cypriot tourist resorts is not restricted to traditional Cypriot delights. Cuisine from all over the world can be found in Cyprus, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other international tastes. Fast food chains are rising in popularity due to convenience and their family oriented style.
There's a buzzing neon-lit nightlife scene in the main towns and a burgeoning cafe culture in Nicosia, Limassol and on Larnaca's mile-long beachfront promenade
LANGUAGE
The official language of Cyprus is Greek, but due to the facts that Cyprus was once a British colony, more than 90% of the population speak English. As a result all street signs, direction signs, shop signs, restaurant menus, etc are written in English.
Airports in Cyprus
Cyprus’s Larnaca International Airport receives airlines from many world destinations and it is the country’s premier
airport.
Paphos International Airport handles both international and domestic flights, largely serviced by major Cypriot Airlines.
By November 2008 Paphos will receive a new terminal building and also a new runway extension allowing it to handle even the largest aircraft (Airbus A321 and Boeing 747-400). Passenger growth is now expected to be between 3.5% and 4% a year.
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