Cyprus

Thanks to its year-round sunshine, blue skies and warm waters, Cyprus enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the world's top sun, sea and sand holiday destinations. But this delightful island has much more to offer.

Away from the tourist areas, the Cyprus countryside has a diverse wealth all of its own, including traditional villages, vineyards and wineries, tiny fresco-painted churches, remote monasteries and cool shady forests.

This is a nature-lovers paradise, where you can walk for hours without seeing another liVing soul. In springtime, fields of flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, and a ramble \along a mountain path will suddenly reveal a tiny Byzantine chapel or a Venetian-built bridge that once formed part of an ancient trade route. Around every corner is another surprise; a magnificent view; a rare sighting of the Cyprus moufflon; or a chance encounter with someone who will surprise you with their knowledge of your language and an invitation to join the family for a coffee.

In the Villages, traditional values remain, while the true character of the Cypriot people shines through wherever you go -warm-hearted, friendly, family-orientated, and unbelievably hospitable.

Climate

Cyprus is in the Mediterranean climate zone, and so benefits from short mild winters and long dry & warm summers. The island is famed for its sunshine, receiving on average more than 300 days of it each year - that's nearly double the amount of sunshine than received in most places in Britain. If you're looking for sunshine and all year round warmth, Cyprus is the place to be.

Cyprus Temp. averages chart

Cyprus Temp-averages

Chart of Temperature

Love Cyprus Video

The Magic Of Cyprus

General Information

National name Kipriakí Dimokratía/ Republic of Cyprus
Area 9,251 sq km/3,571 sq mi (3,335 sq km/1,287 sq mi is Turkish-occupied)
Capital Nicosia (divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriots)
Currency Euro
Population 813,000 (2005 est)
Language Greek, Turkish (both official), English
Religion Greek Orthodox 78%, Sunni Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic
Time difference GMT +2