The third largest
island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus stretches 150 miles (240 km) from the
west coast to its easternmost tip and 60 mlles (96
km) from
north to south.
Two imposing mountain
ranges act as a dramatic backcloth to the sweeping central Mesaoria
plain.
There are six major
towns Nicosia, the capital situated inland in the middle of the Mesaoria plain, and the
5
coastal towns of
Limassol, Larnaka, Pafos, Kyrenia and Famagusta. The latter two, in the north and east respectively, have
been under Turkish occupation since 1974 and are inaccessible to visitors.
Cyprus's landscape is
one of
infinite
contrasts, from its fertile central plain to the cool vine-clad foothills; the majesty of the
cedar valley in which
wild indigenous
moufflon roam; mile after mile of sandy shores with secluded beaches to
seek out, and hundreds of villages to
explore each with its
own tradition and charm.
Leafy carob
and attractive olive trees abound while plantations of
citrus and banana, and an
endless profusion of vines
add variety to an island where everything seems to flourish and
blossom.
The climate of Cyprus never fails to delight her
visitors,
and every season
has a charm and beauty of its own. In summer, sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters
beckon swimmers and provide the perfect
conditions for sailing, skiing and all watersports under the sun. Yet
a
complete contrast awaits in the cool, pine covered mountains
o Troodos, with delightful hill resorts and
traditional
hotels.
| As the land mellows in autumn there s a wonderful clarity of air on those
balmy
days,
still warmed by the brilliant Cyprus sun. The sea temperature is still high after the long hot
summer, and for some
this is the best
season of all The Cyprus winter is short and mild, with average daytime
temperatures around 16C.This season
brings some much-needed
rain to the land, but most of its days are bright
and sunny. And there is a short snow season on the
mountains from January to March,
with fun to be had by all
ages from tobogganers to serious skiers. During winter one is able
to bask on a sandy beach and within an
hour embark on a skiing adventure in the Troodos mountains.
In springtime
the island takes on an
enchanting beauty.
The countryside is set ablaze as glorious wild flowers and fragrant blossoms burst
into
life to delight the eye with their stunning
colours. Bright poppies, yellow daisies and pastel anemonies
present
their myriad colours in the fields. Meanwhile prickly broom and
rockroses decorate the hillsides,
peonies start appearing on
the mountains, and everywhere the heady scent of orange blossom pervades
the air.
In fact with 1500 different species of
flowers, Cyprus is a paradise for nature lovers. As the days lengthen
and the
sun gathers strength. Cyprus enters an idyllic
season for walks, leisurely picnics and the
fascinating contemplation of nature, not
forgetting, of course, swimming and
sunbathing.
From the
gentle warmth of early spring lo the golden sun-drenched days of
high summer, there's a
Cyprus season to
suit all types, just as there is a special part in this Island of contrasts to appeal to all
tastes.
The towns of Cyprus present a modern cosmopolitan atmosphere blended with
historic
buildings and ancient monuments. Imposing colonial and classic style buildings rub shoulders with
well designed contemporary
hotels,
apartment blocks and attractive shopping streets, some narrow and quaint,
others thoroughly modern.
By
contrast, life in
the villages follows a slower pace, reflecting the
importance of agriculture, cottage industry and family
ties. Traditional
flatroofed village houses made of
mudbrick are a common sight, while stone-built dwellings with tiled roofs
can be seen in the
mountains. Many
village houses feature delightful vine-shaded court-yards and the typical local oven
"fourno" for home-made
baking.
The people of Cyprus are
traditionally warm
and wellcoming
and consider a visit to their island as a compliment - one thaΥs repaid with qenuine
hospitaliy, summed up in the Greek word
Philoxenia: Friendship towards the guest. Their naive tongue is
Greek, but
English is readily spoken in all the shops, restaurants
and hotels - in fact just about
everywhere. In a world of
ever-increasing violence, Cyprus has a remarkably low crime rate, and from
just one
visit to the Island the visitor can
understand why.
The pace is leisurely, the people kind and helpful, always
ready with a
smile.
The Cypriots are hard workers too - resilient people who have withstood and accommodated
the succession of invaders
throughout their
long hlstory.
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