Why Cyprus?

Cyprus cyprus all the time, I know what is in your mind; a question why Cyprus? Don't worry I have the answer, come with me...

The world’s your oyster so why Cyprus? You may have never ventured to the island or only really skimmed the surface and are wondering what all the fuss is about…

Well, the 3^rd largest rock in the Med is seeped in history dating back 9000 years and has been ruled by nearly every nation under the sun wanting a slice of this majestic and bridge between continents.

In fact, under Roman rule, Marc Anthony was so impressed by its exquisite sweet wines; he gave Cyprus to his lover Cleopatra.

You may know the island is the birthplace and home of the legendary Goddess of love Aphrodite.
It’s also home to expanses of white, sandy beaches lapping turquoise waters, pine-covered mountains tops, frank, hospitable locals and nightlife to die for!

It’s a stone throw from the Greek island, Egypt and the Middle East and should you want to use the island as a starting point, mini-cruises set off from Cyprus almost every day.

History and hedonism today go hand in hand and ravishing five star resorts, just a few minutes walk from well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins, offer everything the modern traveler has come to expect and more.

Knock-out pools, gardens and beachfronts to state of the art thalassotherapy health spas, not mentioning the 330 odd days of sunshine the island is blesses with every year – Cyprus has it all!

Places of interest
Famagusta
The golden sandy beaches of Famagusta, lying in the government controlled area, stretch out in the eastern corner of the island. Popular holiday destinations Ayia Napa and Paralimni are considered a veritable paradise from sun worshippers and water sports lovers.

Charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbors of Ayia Napa, the medieval monastery in the heart of the village and windmills and small churches in the surrounding villages, which spread out into Paralimni and Protaras.

The region is the main potato-producing area on the island and is knows as kokkinochoria, meaning “fields with red soil”, the local soil being rich in metallic oxides. Traditional houses are built with red bricks, so the villages are nicknamed “red villages”. It is mostly an agricultural region, with mills used for irrigation and a sizeable production of potato.

The villages of this area are equally known for their folk-poets, who are regarded the best on the island.
Paralimni
With the Turkish military occupation of Famagusta in 1974, this small town of 6,000 inhabitants is now the main administrative town of the district. The twin aisled vaulted church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary is decorated with unusual 18^th century porcelain plates. Parts of the church belong to the 13^th century. Some other interesting churches can also be found in the area.

Ayia Napa
Originally small fishing village, this is now a major tourist centre. The interesting mediaeval monastery dedicated to our Lady of the Forests stands in the middle of the village, surrounded by a high wall. Its 16^th century church is partially underground, cut into the rock. The hostel, west of the church, belongs to the World Council of Churches. The ancient sycamore tree, in front of the south gate, is believed to be 600 years old.

Dherynia
The village has three interesting churches, the small domed 17^th century church of Ayios Georghios, the 15^th century Ayia Marina church, and a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary with excellent 17^th century icons. The views form this village also include, the ‘ghost’ city of Famagusta, now under occupation of the Turkish army, once the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus, which has lain empty since 1974, its inhabitants now refugees.

Sotira
At the east entrance of this village is the partially ruined church of Ayios Mamas, which was built around the 12^th century, and later rebuilt in the 16^th century. Most of the surviving frescoes date from the 16^th century. About 1.5 Km to the west is the 16^th century cruciform church of Panayia Khordajotissa, whose dome has been restored, and the church of Ayios Georghios, an early Christian basilica with three aisles.

Liopetri
There is a 16^th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a 15^th century church of Ayios Andronikos, with an octagonal dome, and the remains of murals which can still be distinguished in the apse. Also, the basket making tradition continues at Liopetri.

Potamos Liopetriou
A picturesque, fishing refuge, with the remains of a Venetian watch-tower nearby. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked in this area in the 1880s.

Fact File

• Property prices are rising by 10%-15% per annum
• Cost of living is low – approx 30% cheaper than in UK
• 90% of people living in Cyprus speak English
• 340 days of sunshine a year
• Cars drive on the left hand side (all road signs in English)
• Legal and banking based on the British system
• Advance medical care with cheaper insurance
• Foreigners permitted to purchase more than one property
• Most advance telecommunication system in Europe
• Low crime rate
• No pollution

Must sees & Dos

• Ancient city kingdom of Kourion overlooking magnificent stretches of beaches are sparkling sea beyond.
• Old wine-producing villages where you can stay the night for a song in a cozy renovated cottage.
• Greek orthodox churches nestled in the hills (many on Troodos) whose walls conceal vibrant Byzantine frescoes.
• Picnic off the road from Limassol to Paphos at Petra tou Romiou, where Aphrodite emerged from the waves.
• In Akamas, cool off at the grotto where the Goddess of love bathed after her amorous interludes.
• Seek out crusader fortresses framed by Cyprus trees, Greco-Roman theatres carved in cliffs and Byzantine monasteries perched on mountaintops.
• Nicosia’s Venetian walls with their heart-shaped bastions Larnaca’s St Lazarus Church and the crypt of the epony mous saint resurrected Christ.
• Paphos’s well-preserved Roman floor mosaics of the Houses of Aion, Achilles and Dionysus.
• Look out for Cypriots playing (or arguing) over card games pilotta and tavli (backgammon) outside coffee shops.
• And don’t forget to try the delicious halloumi cheese and traditional meze.