About Cyprus

Cyprus - A Year round destination a holiday for all seasons

Kypros is the Greek word for copper, a natural resource mined on the island of Cyprus for thousands of years.
It is this word for copper, which is thought the origins for the islands name, is derived.

Although a small island, Cyprus is the third largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Geographically the easternmost Mediterranean Island, Cyprus finds itself in a unique location situated between Europe, Africa and Asia. West of Syria, South of Turkey and North of Egypt, the island of Rhodes to its west is the nearest Greek Island.

International relations are varied; Cyprus is ideally located as a leading business trade centre and transport hub linking busy trade routes from Russia, the Middle East, Central Asia and the Far East. The significance of such strong relations enables Cyprus to provide a bridge for the European Union of which it became a formal member on the 1st May 2004.

Cyprus is a member of many international organizations examples are: World Trade Organization (1995) Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe (1975), The Common Wealth (1961), The United Nations (1960), The World Bank and The International Monetary Fund.

Boasting a modern infrastructure, including excellent telecommunications, legal system and modern banking, a favorable tax environment and an educated work force Cyprus is a country with a lot to offer.

Today Cyprus is a major tourist destination.

Weather

Abundant sunshine throughout the year, the islands climate is typically Mediterranean with very hot and dry summer months whereas winters are mild.

The main summer tourist season is mid May to mid October expect hot/warm days and cloudless skies.
During the high season of July and August, Cyprus due to its proximity to Southwest Asia, is one of the hottest parts in the Mediterranean almost completely rain free , it is recommended to schedule visiting attractions either during the early morning or at the end of the day at this time.

Autumn days are hot and nights cool, an ideal time to visit the island and all its attractions minus the queues.
In winter temperatures are mild and still quite sunny though more changeable, the sea is rather chilly between December and May.

December and January are the wettest months , snowfall occurs in the high peaks of the Troodos Mountain range which may lie for four or five months, so sufficient is the snowfall it allows for a seasonal ski facility there.

If you prefer to avoid the high season temperatures Spring is an ideal time to visit the island. Weather is generally sunny and warm, the island is bursting with color, and this is the best time to experience the islands natural beauty before the arrival of the summer crowds. For ramblers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts this is a time on the island not to be missed!

Language

Although English is widely spoken, Greek and Turkish are the official languages of Cyprus.

Worship &Faith

The islands patron saint is Lazarus - he was also the Islands first bishop. The island has many connections to and relics from early Christianity. The first Christian ruler in the world was Sergius Paulus a roman governor of Cyprus who was a convert of St Paul and the Cypriot born Barnabas whilst on their missionary journeys, making Cyprus the first Christian ruled land and the Cypriots the first European Christians.

Cypriots are predominantly Christian, adhering to the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox church of Cyprus.
The Maronites, Armenians and Latin's belong to other Christian denominations whilst the Turkish Cypriots are Muslims.