Europe
Cyprus
Continent
Best States to Visit
- Larnaca
- Limassol
- Paphos
- Nicosia
- Kyrenia
Best Cities to Visit
- Peyia
- Omodos
- Famagusta
- Pano Platres
- Poli Crysochous
Size
9,251 KM2
Population
1,200,000
GDP
$26
Spending Budget
$100 - $110
Famous For
- Mineral wealth
- Wines
Best Time to Visit
- May
- June
- July
History
Cyprus is an island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. The island was in an ideal location between many of the Eastern and Western empires. As a result, the island was part of many great ancient civilizations including Ancient Egypt, Persia, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire throughout its history. Starting in 364 AD, Cyprus was ruled for 800 years by the Byzantium Empire. Beginning in the 12th century, the island changed hands several times until it came under control of the Ottoman Empire in the 1500s. In 1878 Great Britain took over the island and made it an official British colony in 1925. In 1960 Cyprus gained its independence from Great Britain. However different factions in the country could not get along. Starting in 1974, Cyprus has been divided into two sections. One side is controlled by the government and the other by Turkish Cypriots. Greek is spoken in the south and Turkish in the north. There is a buffer zone between the two sides where the United Nations keeps a peacekeeping force. Despite this odd situation, the island of Cyprus became a member of the European Union in 2004.
Present Day
Cyprus, Greek Kípros, Turkish Kıbrıs, an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea renowned since ancient times for its mineral wealth, superb wines and produce, and natural beauty.A “golden-green leaf thrown into the Sea” and a land of “wild weather and volcanoes,” in the words of the Greek Cypriot poet Leonidas Malenis, Cyprus comprises tall mountains, fertile valleys, and wide beaches. Settled for more than 10 millennia, Cyprus stands at a cultural, linguistic, and historic crossroads between Europe and Asia. Its chief cities—the capital of Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, and Paphos—have absorbed the influences of generations of conquerors, pilgrims, and travelers and have an air that is both cosmopolitan and provincial. Today Cyprus is a popular tourist destination for visitors from Europe, favoured by honeymooners (as befits the legendary home of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love), bird-watchers drawn by the island’s diversity of migratory species, and other vacationers.
Future
As the Republic of Cyprus prepares for full EU membership, it will continue to harmonize its economy and institutional framework with EU standards. As indicated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in its 1997 policy review, financial openness is one of the cornerstones of policy reform for Cyprus. The WTO also notes the growing importance of the nation's services sector. This sector accounts for roughly 70 percent of the country's foreign exchange receipts as well as its GDP. Although the economy of the Greek zone is a prosperous one, the fact that the country suffers from a structural deficit and that it must rely on imports is not likely to change, even after a possible EU membership.Cyprus entered the 21st century as a separated island of 2 nations and 2 religions. The division between the two will be the main focus of debate and discussion in the international arena in the years to come.
Agios georgios
Agios Georgios is an archaeological site near the village of Pegeia. This 6th-century Christian settlement was partially unearthed in the 1950s with the discovery of three basilicas and a bath. In the 1990s, further excavations brought forth an unwalled settlement, possibly a port city along a transportation path from Egypt to Constantinople
Agros
Agros Village was built at an elevation of 1,100 meters in the Troodos mountains. The village has a distinctive amphitheater-style shape and grew up around the Monastery of Great Agros, built by 40 monks who were fleeing Asia Minor. The monastery was destroyed by a fire in 1894, and the Church of Panayia of Agros was built in its place.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. Visitors will find no fewer than a dozen sandy beaches here, many of which have earned Blue Flag status for their facilities and cleanliness. Nissi Beach is 3 km of golden sand and is hugely popular with tourists, Sandy Bay is protected from the wind and is a great place for swimming with small children, and Pantahou is a popular fishing harbor.
Deryneia
Deryneia Village is a small town in the Famagusta district known for being the likely arrival point of settlers following the Trojan War. One of the region's “red soil” villages, it is the island's primary strawberry producer. Lucky visitors may be able to join in the biennial Strawberry Festival, where they'll get complimentary fresh strawberry products like ice-cream, jam, and juice.
Episkopi
Episkopi is a must-see destination for outdoorsy travelers. The biodiverse area includes everything from the Episkopi cliffs, where peregrine falcons nest, to the wetlands of the lower Ezousa river valley with its black francolins - the only place in Europe where they live. There are also colorful bee-eaters and black-headed buntings, red fox, and Cyprus chameleons, among many others
Kakopetria
Kakopetria, situated in the northern foothills of the Troodos Mountains, has a cool climate and amazing landscapes, making it a desirable tourist destination. It is abundant with fruit trees of every variety, but is well known for its apples. Vegetables - especially tomatoes and potatoes - some grains, and vineyards for wine-making are prominent.
Kato polemidia
Kato Polemidia is just northwest of Limassol in Cyprus' wine country. This is the place to be for visitors interested in touring vineyards and attending wine tastings. Some wine tours include watching the manufacture and bottling of wines. There are a number of biking and hiking paths in the area.
Larnaca
Larnaca is the self-described old soul of Cyprus, since it's the longest continually inhabited region. Visitors will love strolling the palm tree-lined Foinikoudes promenade separating the beach from the eateries and shops. An adjoining sea walkway passes old neighborhoods and fish taverns.
Lefkara
Pano Lefkara Village is nestled at the foot of the Troodos Mountains. It became one of the first rural municipalities of Cyprus in 1883, and gets its name from the surrounding white calcareous rocks. Lefkara is most famous as the birthplace of Cypriot folk needlecraft, which became well-known across Europe, bringing rapid economic development to the small town, and many women are now economically independent because of it.
Limassol
Limassol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus, both for its fabulous beaches and its cultural offerings. Lady's Mile Beach has soft white sand and shallow water, perfect for families with small children. Governor's Beach is best for snorkelers and couples wanting to watch the sunrise or stop by a Greek Cypriot taverna
Nicosia
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, a cultural epicenter with a history dating back to the Bronze Age, and perhaps the only place in the country that has been consistently occupied since the Chalcolithic Era. The city seamlessly blends the old with the new through their architecture with Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman, Venetian, and the modern urban influences of the Laiki Geitonia area.
Omodos
Omodos is located within the wine-making villages near the Chapotami River's west bank. Tall mountaintops surround the village, the tallest of which are Kremmos of Laona and Afames. A varied amount of fruit trees and vines are also cultivated in this area, including plum, apple, peach, pear, and apricot.
Paphos
The Paphos region has a beautiful countryside with a tranquil harbor; it is both a cosmopolitan resort city and a historic and culturally rich area. Visitors to this part of Cyprus can enjoy both the majestic Mediterranean Sea and the tremendous Troodos Mountains. One day they can be snorkeling or scuba diving and the next they can be hiking various mountain trails while bird watching
Lofou
The village of Lofou is just 25 minutes northwest of Limassol. It's built in a circular pattern along the hills, surrounded by mountains and divided by two rivers - the canals of Kouris and Kyros. This tiny village is said to have been around since the Bronze Age and has served many purposes throughout the centuries, such as a refuge from the Arab raids, a place where shepherds stopped to rest, and a vineyard.
Panagia
Panagia is a picturesque mountainous village on the outskirts of the Paphos forest. It got its name from the multitude of monasteries and churches that are within or near the village dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The ancient church of Panagia Elousa resides within the village, with four more places of worship surrounding the area, including the chapels of Panagia of Sarkas and Panagia of Karyon, and monasteries Pangia Chrysorroyiatissa and Pangia of Kykkos
Paralimni
Paralimini is a quaint town just outside Ayia Napa and Protaras known for having a relaxed historical atmosphere. This city has several architectural and cultural sights, many of which are located within the prominent church square, the largest center in Cyprus
Pissouri
Pissouri is a hillside village with a beautiful beach just 3 minutes down from its main square and just 30 minutes away from prominent cities of Limassol and Paphos. The quaint village has managed to keep its traditional Cypriot style while adapting to the demands of the modern world. Pissouri provides a lively yet relaxed atmosphere with its village and beach attractions.
Platres
Platres is a village within the Limassol district located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. It is the largest Troodos resort, and is one of the villages that makes up the wine villages known as krasochoria. Platres' extensive history dates back to the Venetian and Lusignan eras and is split into two distinct parts, Kato Platres and Pano Platres.
Polis
Polis is a city in the northwest region of Cyprus, 30 minutes from the town of Paphos; it is the ideal destination for visitors who want an authentic experience in a tranquil environment. The area is a beautiful blend of plains, mountains, and the sea, offering guests the opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor and nature activities, such as cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.
Protaras
Protaras is a family-oriented beachside village on the easternmost coast of southern Cyprus. One of its most appealing characteristics is its weather, this seaside town typically has around 340 days of clear skies, gentle breezes, and sunshine. The city has nine glorious and distinct beaches with many of them achieving Blue Flag status due to their cleanliness and superb water quality.
Salamis
Salamis is located on the Mediterranean's gorgeous golden sands, north of Famagusta. This city's remains were originally discovered by Teucer, a hero from the Trojan War in 1100 BC, and were quickly deemed the most significant ancient metropolis in the country.
Tala
In the Paphos district of Cyprus is the quaint village of Tala, a magical natural oasis with an average altitude of 918 feet. While it's not known for certain, many believe that this town has been around since the era of Frank domination. The prominent historical monuments in the village are the 15th or 16th-century church of Agia Ekaterini and the monastery of Agios Neofytos
Choulou
Choulou is a quaint village northeast of Paphos. Its mountainous area borders the Paphos forest and is situated next to the Ezousas River, providing cool summers with no humidity and mild winters. This charming small village only has roughly 120 residents with one coffee shop, restaurant, and snack bar.
Fiti
Fiti is a small, traditional village just outside of Polis. The town has been around since medieval times and boasts an array of magnificent architecture. Though the town is tiny, it features a plethora of ancient sites, including the village square, the 200-year-old Phyti Village Tavern, the 19th-century Church of St. Dimitris, the Agia Marina Church, and the Agios Symeon chapel
Galata
The Galata Village is located in the gorgeous valley of Solea just west of Nicosia. With the River Klarios crossing through it, the town has built up on both sides of the river's banks. It is best known for the surrounding lush greenery and the delicious fruits it produces, including a variety of apples, grapes, peaches, and apricots, among others