Legend holds that Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, first rose from the sea where Cyprus is found today, basking in the warm embrace of the eastern Mediterranean.
Cyprus may only be a small island, but it offers everything you need for a break to remember. Indeed, the birthplace of Aphrodite promises a relaxing holiday you will quickly grow to love.
Not only does Cyprus abound with scenic, unspoilt beaches and luxury holiday resorts, it is also an island strewn with fascinating relics from ancient history.
A trip around the island will carry you through time from the beehive huts of primitive man to Greek and Roman ruins of the classical era. An exploration of the Archaeological Museum in Nicosia will bring you face-to-face with artefacts dating back over 8,500 years. In Choirokoitia, north of Larnaca, lies the site of the first Neolithic ruins discovered in Cyprus, while in Paphos you may marvel at the wonderful 3rd century mosaic floors. Echoes of the island’s mythological history are to be found all around. Be sure to visit the natural grotto on the Akamas Peninsula near Polis, where Aphrodite was said to bathe.
A thousand years may only be a moment in Cyprus’s history, but that is how long the city of Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia) has been its capital.
Today Nicosia is unique in Europe as it is divided by a ‘green line’ that divides the whole island into north and south. This peacekeeping buffer was created in 1974, when Turkey claimed the north of the island. You will find the tourist infrastructure perhaps better developed in the south yet, wherever you choose to stay, the political divide has done nothing to affect the whole island’s immense appeal.
The charms of Cyprus are many, but its excellent unspoilt beaches and superb climate exert the strongest pull. The weather remains sunny and dry for most of the year, and the surrounding sea is sparkling blue and crystal clear.
Your Travel Manager for Cyprus will be able to highlight the many luxury hotels in the coastal resort towns, and will point out the nearby historic sights together with the wealth of great local restaurants, tavernas and nightlife.
In Cyprus it is possible to mingle with the crowds or to roam off the beaten track as the mood takes you, even in peak holiday season. If you are looking to get away from it all, Cyprus offers remote, picturesque mountain villages and monasteries, beautiful churches and Crusader castles to explore at your own pace.
Climate
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with sunshine all year round. Summer brings high temperatures, cooled by a refreshing sea breeze. Winters are mild, with some rain (and even snow on the Troodos Mountains).
Situated inland, the average summer temperature in Nicosia is over 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit), while the winter months of December-February average 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit). The summer heat is a few degrees milder on the coast.
Language
The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, but the Greek Cypriot dialect differs from that of the mainland. Some locals speak Turkish, while English, German and French are common in tourist areas.
Passport Visa
A valid passport is required to enter Cyprus. Nationals of most countries will not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Travellers should hold an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay in Cyprus.
If you are entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled ‘green line’ you are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU).
Please check rules around visa requirements before you travel, as they may change regularly.
Safety
The terrorist threat is low, and crime against tourists is rare – yet the usual sensible precautions should still be taken.
Our Service
For all your high-end, bespoke leisure and corporate travel needs to Cyprus, contact our Travel Managers on 0203 535 9290 or info@simplexitytravel.com today.
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