About Cyprus Location
Mediterranean island in South East Europe Area: 9,250 sq km Population: 850,000 Capital: Nicosia Climate: Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters Cyprus is mosaic of nature and culture, concentrated in a small, warm and hospitable island in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.
The capital city, Nicosia, is located in the north-east of the centre of the island. All the other major cities are situated on the coast; Paphos to the south-west, Limassol to the south, Famagusta to the east, Larnaca to the southeast and Kyrenia to the north. Your experience of Cyprus can be as varied and rewarding as the geography of the island itself. The island is endowed with virgin green forests, beautiful beaches and other natural wonders.
In recent years, the government of Cyprus has been proactive in limiting, over-development on the island which explains why the environment here is one of the healthiest in the world, free from pollution and the other ill-effects of industrialized countries. The crime rate on the island is also extremely low.
Leisure Activities
As a Mediterranean island with a varied and sometimes rugged terrain, Cyprus can offer adventure activities as diverse as hiking, mountain biking, jeep excursions and bird watching or you can also get involved in the various aviation sports available such as gliding, parachute jumping, hang-gliding and aeromodelling. The favorable climate conditions on the island also provide ample diversity in sea-sports enjoyment such as sub-aqua diving, water skiing, wind-surfing, sailing, canoeing, parachuting, yachting etc.
Cyprus has many choices for a night out ranging from traditional entertainment such as folk music and dancing at a tavern or restaurant to the international club scene of Ayia Napa. It is widely recognized for its British House Garage sounds, up-and-coming DJs and festive atmosphere. The action usually gets started late - towards midnight, unless the club also doubles as a restaurant or bar.
Mediterranean Climate
Cyprus enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate. The sun is a resilient force in Cyprus, shining high and bright enough to keep the sea warm for comfortable swimming from early May all the way through October. It helps give the island its quintessential Mediterranean atmosphere. Even during the light rainy season in the colder winter months, Cyprus is still sunny on most days.
European Union
Since May 2004, Cyprus has officially become a member of the European Union thus bridging Europe to the Middle East and the rest of the world. Having emerged as one of the region's leading business and financial centers, the island enjoys competitive advantages in areas such as tourism, consultancy, telecommunications, shipping, banking, and insurance.
Living in Nicosia
Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus is a well kept, clean town and a very hospitable and safe place to live in. Nicosia is alive with activity. On any day of the week you can watch the latest films at one of the multi screen cinemas, attend a range of plays, go to the theatre, surf the Internet in one of the cyber-cafes, watch or play sports, go bowling, have a drink at one of the many bars or clubs and whether you are eating out or ordering in, you can enjoy a range of local and international cuisine.
Including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Italian, Mexican and of course Greek all at very reasonable prices. Nicosia is a town of leisure and entertainment whatever your interests and the friendly nature of its inhabitants make it easy for you to settle. In quickly, meet people and make mends. Cyprus provides an ideal setting for higher learning; it is no wonder that it has become a major international education centre, attracting scholars and students from all over the region. This cultural diversity makes it a forum for international understanding and peace.
Events & Festivals
In your free time you may also want to attend any of the numerous events taking place on the island such as the Carnival that takes place all over Cyprus (March) or the Festival of the Flood (June) - A unique Cypriot celebration which coincides with Pentecost and is marked by festivities in all seaside towns. In addition to these, you can also enjoy the Day of Music (June), the Shakespeare Festival (June) outdoors at the ancient Kourion.
The International Larnaca Festival (July), the Cyprus Rally (May), the Limassol Wine Festival - which is a famous annual festival at Municipal Gardens with local foods, traditional music and dance, and free Cyprus wines from the barrel and many more events through out the year. In the winter months you can visit the Troodos' mountains where people gather from all over the island to ski, snow board or just to relax.
