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Tucked away in the eastern most corner of the Mediterranean Sea lies Cyprus. An island republic of spectacular beauty with sandy beaches enclosed by rugged cliffs, cool cedar forests, scented orange groves and gentle meadows blanketed in wildflowers.

The island is divided into north and south since the 1974 Turkish invasion, the north being the Turkish Cypriot side and the south the Greek Cypriot. People can travel between the two through various checkpoints but need to show passports or i.d. cards to be allowed through.

The five major towns are from west to east, Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia (the capital), Larnaca and Famagusta. Nicosia is again divided in two with Turkish and Greek sides; it is the last divided capital in the world since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Kyrenia in the extreme north and Morphou to the east are two more major cities under Turkish Cypriot flags.

History

A sophisticated country, whose nine-thousand-year cultural legacy infuses East and West. An historic island, the third largest in the Mediterranean, where modern travelers retrace the footsteps of figures as diverse as St. Paul, Alexander the Great and Leonardo da Vinci. A romantic island, once Anthony’s gift to Cleopatra and where, according to mythology, the goddess Aphrodite first emerged from the sea.

The whims of history have endowed Cyprus with an incomparably rich heritage, making it a world-renowned destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. Stone Age ruins, Greek temples, Roman theaters, Venetian structures and Byzantine churches cover the island. Golden icons, colorful frescoes and archaic statuary are among the artifacts that will captivate you, taking you back centuries.

Food

Gourmets appreciate another legacy of Cyprus’ many-layered history. The Greek, Venetian, British, and Near East cultures have all lent their hand in creating a cuisine unlike any other. Almost every port and mountain village has a specialty: whether it be a variety of the renowned Cypriot wine, a special goat cheese, or a uniquely prepared lamb dish, new sensations await even the most urbane palate.

Shopping

Inveterate shoppers, too, have much to celebrate. Stroll through the glittering jewelry stores, handicraft centers and local boutiques. Delicately woven Cypriot lace, hand-turned pottery, and regional paintings and sculptures are among the souvenirs and gifts travelers most often bring home.

Activities

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are the Troodos Mountains, a rugged region that hikers, campers, and nature-watchers call paradise. In spring, the range is a dazzling carpet of wildflowers (as is all of Cyprus, home to myriad blossoming plants — over one hundred species found solely on the island). In Spring, Summer and Fall, there are walking trails and panoramic vistas for all to enjoy. And in winter, astonishingly, skiers hit powder in the mountains of Cyprus.

Families enjoy the wide variety of activities the island holds for both adults and children. Couples find themselves happily alone on empty beaches or wandering through quiet villages. Singles and youthful travelers come for fast-paced fun and conviviality. It’s easy to see why Cyprus has become a magnet in itself as well as a natural stopping-off point on trips to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Greece.

Climate

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid May - mid October and with mild winters from December - February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a season of high temperatures with cloudless skies but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. There is a high risk of dehydration in the summer months. From April - May days are pleasantly warm but it may be chilly at nights. Medium weight spring and summer clothing is recommended with something to cover up in the evenings. June, July and August are the hottest months, light weight clothing and head protection is advisable.