About Cyprus

Out in the far eastern Mediterranean is the spectacularly beautiful island of Cyprus … the third largest of all Mediterranean islands ranking in size after Sicily and Sardinia. Its area is 9,251 km2, stretching 240 km from east to west and 96 km from north to south, with a currently population in the region of 700,000.

An island that, for many reasons, has attracted invaders for over 9,000 years but today, happily, appeals to visitors from all over the world looking for the ideal place to relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Basking in typically Mediterranean temperatures with very little rain, it’s an island of infinite possibilities. Birthplace of Aphrodite, the legendary goddess of love, it inspires the cultural side within you, drawing you back time and time again to its shores.

Cyprus’ intriguing history, entwined with mythology, has created a country with character and traditions all of its own. It is also an island of great scenic beauty … a startling variety of landscapes veering from sandy beaches to charming, unspoilt villages nestling in vine clad foothills; from fertile citrus and olive groves to lofty forests of pine and cedar.

Temples bequeathed by the Romans, historic churches from the Byzantine era and castles from medieval times are among the wealth of fascinating remains that live in quiet harmony with cosmopolitan hotels and modern shops. As in ancient times, Cyprus continues to welcome visitors who choose to live on the island.

The island’s history is one of the oldest recorded in the world, running back to the 7th millennium BC. The settlement in Cyprus of Mycenaean Greeks in the 12th century BC and later by Achaean Greeks established its Greek character.

Cyprus has two main international airports, Larnaka and Paphos, served by approximately 30 major airlines with many flights from UK and other destinations throughout the week. The island is covered by a network of modern and newly built roads, so getting about is relatively quick and easy.

Cyprus has one of the sunniest and healthiest climates in the Mediterranean with temperatures rarely going below 12 degrees even in winter. Between December and March you'll find snow on the mountains, which gives way to a lush and colourful springtime.