Why Cyprus? <-- click this                                                                    

Over nine thousand years; an island so coveted over the centuries that it has been invaded and claimed by a fascinating mixture of civilizations from near and far all of which have left their culture and shaped its character.

An island steeped in history and has a rich cultural heritage. Visitors and tourists that travel to Cyprus have an overwhelming choice of ancient monuments and archaeological sites to visit. This is particularly so in Paphos, which has been included in UNESCO’s list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

With such a historic and legendary background it is hardly surprising that Cyprus has developed a character which is quite unique. It is blessed with beauty, natural beauty that ranges from golden beaches and rugged coastlines to rolling hills and forest clad mountains, dotted with picturesque villages. The beaches of Cyprus especially on the southern side are generally wide and sandy. There are buoys laid out every year to mark swimming areas and boat corridors. It is easy to find a safe and sheltered place for your children to swim, and in the more touristy areas you can enjoy a drink or a meal practically at the waters edge while you watch them.

The Name

The metal copper is named after Cyprus. Romans received their copper from Cyprus. In Latin it was called aes Cyprium- the 'metal of Cyprus', shortened to cyprium and then corrupted to cuprum. The ancient Greek word for copper is chalkos.

Geography

CYPRUS island is an independent country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, 97 km west of Syria and 64 km west of Turkey. Cyprus tucked away in the right hand corner of the Mediterranean is so close to Europe, Asia and Africa that is rightly, claims to be a stepping stone to three continents. 

The capital city, Nicosia, is located to the north-east of the centre of the island.  All the other major cities are situated on the coast: Phaphos to the south-west, Limassol to the south, Larnaca to the south-east, Famagusta to the east and Kyrenia to the north.

check the map here http://www.acropolis-transport.com/files/cyprus_map.jpg

Communication

Excellent and competitive phone, postal and internet services with the various associated services are available here. 

Education

The educational system in Cyprus is of a high standard and is available to all residents.  Children may attend Greek or International Schools.  The International School in Paphos, whose curriculum is based on the English GCSE and A level syllabus and whose teaching medium is in English, has an unequalled education record.  The school is private, so fees are involved, but considerable less than those of schools in the UK.  Alternatively, there are recognized English language institutions of further education in Nicosia.  Students regularly enter English and American universities following full time education in Cyprus and there are many colleges of further education offering vocational training, particularly in Business Studies and Marketing.

Music & Fun

There are literally thousands of tavernas to choose from all over Cyprus each one offering a friendly welcome and a relaxed atmosphere. At some there is bouzouki music, and the visitor will soon realise how Cypriots enjoy their local songs -it doesn't take long before they join in, always with gusto and appreciation. It is in this ambience that he may be lucky enough to take part in a "glendi - a spontaneous celebration involving eating, drinking, singing and dancing .  Kopiaste!'' someone will beckon to a complete stranger, meaning: come and join in - come and share our food, our drink, our fun.

Accommodation

Cyprus provides tourist accommodation for all tastes and requirements, ranging from luxury hotels, capable of satisfying the most demanding guests, hotels offering facilities for thematic activities for those seeking special interests and local colour, tourist villages for those who love the picturesque, hotel apartments with all comforts for the independent, villas with private pools for the solitary, and simple family units for those who seek company. For nature lovers there are camping sites.

Night Life

Nightlife on the island caters to every mood and every age. There are trendy discos and sophisticated nightclubs. There's ample opportunity to dine and dance romantically under the stars; and there's plenty of local atmosphere and liveIy fun when the spirited Greek dancing gets going . There's even the chance of seeing a Shakespearean play or a Greek drama performed in an ancient theater by the light of a Cyprus fuII moon.

Cost of Living

Considerably lower than in the UK and mainland Europe, due to the prices of excellent quality local produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.  Most large supermarkets carry UK brands as well as local and other imported brand. Eating out is relatively inexpensive, allowing most residents to do so far more regularly than they would in the UK.  In addition, electricity, water and local rates are all cheaper than in the UK.

Medical Facilities

All major towns have a government hospital.  For those preferring private treatment, there are many excellent private clinics and medical centres, which have been awarded recognition as the best in the Mediterranean area.  Doctors have qualified mainly in the UK of the USA and have, in most cases, practiced there before returning to Cyprus. 

Driving

Driving in campus is on the left-hand side, as in the UK and all main roads signs are both Greek and English.  Most main roads are of good quality and a major highway of motorway standard connects Nicosia with other Major cities.  There is a branch of the AA here in Cyprus.  Sea travel is available from Limassol and Larnaca ports and a container service is available to and from the UK from Limassol.. Visitors may drive if they hold a valid drivers licence from their country or an international driver's licence.  Permanent residents are required to hold a Cypriot driving licence, which is exchanged for the UK licence.

Cyprus People

The people of Cyprus are warm, friendly and naturally hospitable, and it is a genuine pleasure for us to welcome visitors - perhaps because we have been doing just that for thousands of years. As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, with its unique proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus has been coveted, won and lost by countless civilizations over the centuries. Since the Mycenean Greeks settled here over 3,000 years ago establishing the Greek civilization on the island, we have seen Phoenicians, Romans, Crusaders, Franks, Venetians and other conquerors who have all left their mark here and helped to shape the island's special character. Aphrodite, mythological goddess of beauty, was born in the foam of our warm seas, and spawned a huge cult in pagan times.

  Video Clips from http://www.visitcyprus.org.cy/

Cyprus’ colourful history is reflected in the rich cultural life in Cyprus today. Almost every week there is some sort of celebration, a festival, a wedding or a saint’s day (which are celebrated instead of birthdays). Religious festivals are particularly significant in Cyprus and none more so than the Greek Orthodox Easter. This is the highlight of the religious year and is considered more important than Christmas. On Easter Saturday most Cypriots will be found in the church, attending midnight mass. There is a bonfire with an effigy of Judas outside the church and also fireworks. On Easter Sunday families sit down together to eat the traditional roast lamb lunch. Springtime is also festival time with all the major towns hosting carnival parades. There are flower festivals with parades of flower-covered floats. The largest carnival is in Limassol, with its many floats, parades and other entertainment. Kataklysmos is another important festival - the festival of the flood- and there are celebrations in every town, with open-air fetes, games and competitions. Harvest time is time for the wine festivals, the largest being held in Limassol. Every year thousands of visitors go to the festival to enjoy the large range of food and wine on offer.