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About Cyprus
Cyprus is the third biggest island of Mediterranean Sea and lies on its eastern
region. Its’ strategic position, between Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe, was
the reason for the battle among many countries from the ancient years until early
70s. Nations like Egyptians, Persians, French, Venetians, British and Turkish passed
the island and each one of them left something from their civilisation either to
the Cypriot citizens or to their culture.
Every conqueror left a different mark on the island. That is why Cyprus inherited
a wealthy culture and many archaeological monuments. The Choirocitia civilization
and the Kurioum, the Limasol Castle, the Monastery of Kykkos, which has one of the
three most famous icons ascribed from Saint Lukas, the Staurovouni Monastery are
only few of the history’s treasures which worth visiting them.
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 Cyprus’ fantastic weather,
beautiful sandy beaches, the enormous blue sea and peoples’ hospitality makes it
one of the best options for vacations any time of the year. Why? Because a visitor
has the option of having quite holidays up on the mountains or crazy and extreme
vacations in the city, both offering fantastic opportunities for relaxation and
challenge. Incredible resorts, most of them being renovated, provide you the chance
to encounter the life in the country, learn more about the Cyprus’ culture and enjoy
your coffee and loukouma under the cool, calm climate.
Life in any part of Cyprus allows you to feel Cypriots’ hospitality and friendliness
which are apparent as soon as you step your food in their place until you leave.
They want to make you feel comfortable and their house is your house too, that’s
what they usually say. Visit a local tavern or a restaurant at any time and you
will witness their openness and kindness.
The more you stay in Cyprus the more you realise that strong traditions, particularly
the family tradition, and religious events are kept unchanged for many centuries
now. For instance, you will be lucky and amazed when you see a Cypriot traditional
wedding where family members hung money on the young couple while they are dancing
or sing to the bride and groom when they prepare them for the church.
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Nicosia
Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. Located
on the Pedieos river and situated roughly in the centre of the island, it is the
seat of government as well as the main business centre. Nicosia is the center and
capital of an administrative district (Nicosia District), and after the fall of
the Berlin Wall, it is currently the only divided capital city in the world , with
the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) portions divided by the "Green Line
", a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations, although unlike Cold War
East and West Berlin, few use the terms "North Nicosia" and "South Nicosia". The
1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 36 percent of the island's territory literally
cut the capital in half.
Famagusta
Famagusta is a city on the east coast of Cyprus and capital of the Famagusta District.
It lies on the east coast in a bay between Capes Greco and Eloea, east of Nicosia,
and possesses the deepest harbour in the island. The town was known as Arsinoe after
Arsinoe II of Egypt in antiquity, and mentioned by that name by Strabo, also as
Ammochostos (meaning "hidden in sand") which is how it is today referred to in Greek.
Larnaca
Larnaca, is a city on the southeast coast of Cyprus. The major international airport
of Cyprus, Larnaca International Airport is located in this city. In ancient times,
Larnaka was known as Kition, or (in Latin) Citium . The biblical name Kittim, though
derived from Citium, was in fact used quite generally for Cyprus as a whole, and
occasionally by the Hebrews for the Greeks and Romans.
Limassol
 Limassol is the second-largest city of Cyprus and the largest seaside resort. The
city is located on the island's southern coast, on Akrotiri bay, and is built between
two ancient cities, the cities of Amathus and Kourion . The town's holiday atmosphere,
with the wide promenade and traditional shopping streets along with the cheerfulness
and lively character of its people make Limassol an unforgettable experience to
its visitors.
Paphos
Paphos is a coastal town in the southwest of Cyprus. In Antiquity two locations
denoted Paphos: Old Paphos and New Paphos. The currently inhabited city is New Paphos.
Old Paphos, now the site of Kouklia was seated on an eminence, at the distance of
about ten stadia from the sea, on which, however, it had a roadstead. It was not
far distant from the promontory of Zephyrium and the mouth of the little river Bocarus.
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