The Magic of Cyprus

How many people could accurately point to the location of Cyprus on a map of the world.Well the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean lies at its eastern most end just a few miles of the coast of Southern Turkey.

With its sandy beaches, historical sights and beautiful scenery, Cyprus creates a perfect holiday. The island for all seasons, Cyprus enjoys year-round sun, great nightlife and a wonderful atmosphere. According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is said to have been Aphrodite's, the Godess of Love's, birthplace, and once you have spent just a few days there, it's easy to see why holidaymakers fall in love with it.

Although a small country, Cyprus has a distinguished cultural heritage. The island bears witness to its millenia of cultural history. Cyprus has been occupied and inhabited by countless peoples over many years all of whom have a lasting and indelible imprint on this charming and beautiful island. Because of the islands clost proximity to the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, Cyprus exudes an atmosphere of very varied and diverse cultural influences and with 9000 years of history this island is truly a most magical and special holiday island.

Although the island is divided between the Turkish North(The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or TRNC as it is locally known)and the Greek South, in practical terms it is now entirely possible to travel between the 2 sides of the island with the minimum of fuss and formalities.

Despite the long standing feuding and diplomatic tensions between the Greeks and the Turks, when you visit Cyprus you will be struck at just how similar both sides of the island are. Although this is a politically divided island the warmth of both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot people is the overriding memory and impression which you will take away with you back to your own home.

For Cyprus is not just a place to go and have a well earned rest in the sun as is the case with many holiday locations, no, far from it, to go to Cyprus, is to immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of Aphrodite's Island of Love and to make long lasting friendships with its people who will welcome you and treat you as they would a long lost friend or returning family member.

Indeed I challenge you to go to any restaurant or taverna on this island and to come away at the end of the evening and not to have met and been introduced to the owner of the establishment and to have shared "a drink on the house!"

The most popular coastal and beach resorts are those of Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras. Nicosia, the island's divided capital is well worth a visit but the intense heat of the summer months is made worse by the fact that Nicosia lies almost at the centre of the island and not by the coast where the sea breezes provide welcome relief in the months of June to September when average daily temperatures will rise well into the high 30's to 40's and stay there even into the evening and nightime hours.

The Troodos mountains provide a welcome change for those seeking some relief from the summer sun- indeed it is actually possible to ski up in Troodos in Winter and yet still be on the beach in Limassol or Larnaca within a short 90 minute car ride- such is the amazing variety of this island which once visited is never forgotten.

As with many holiday resorts, Cyprus has become a very popular destination for people to buy investment and holiday properties. In addition to luxurious 5 star hotels, Cyprus has a huge choice and selection of holiday rental properties. Large holiday homes with several bedrooms, huge swimming pools and beautifully manicured gardnes to modern spacious townhouses and apartments with all modern facilities and creature comforts.

As far the quality of hotels, Cyprus has some of the very best to be found anywhere in the world. Over the last few years there has also been the very welcome development(if you are a keen golfer such as I am) of several high quality golf course and resorts on both the South and the North of the Island. The climate in Cyprus is so mild and temperate in winter that it has become in recent years, a superb winter holiday resort. Moreover, due to the construction of some world class golfing resorts at Aphrodite Hills and Tsada Hills in the South and the brand new resort at Esentepe in the Turkish North, this is a great place to visit for a fantastic winter golfing holiday.