Experience at first hand one of the oldest civilisations of the Mediterranean, one that goes back 10,000 years.
Conquered by foreign powers throughout its long history, the island is like a large open air museum where you can see evidence of its chequered past. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Venetians, Ottomans and British all left their mark, making the island a mosaic of different cultures and periods.
Famous for its copper in antiquity, Cyprus (‘Kypros’ in Greek) may even have given the metal its Latin name, cuprum. The cult of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek mythological goddess of love and beauty, flourished here and people came from miles around to take part in celebrations in her name.
The island was the first country the apostles Paul and Barnabas visited in their mission to spread Christianity and the first to come under Christian administration.
When Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire, art and architecture flourished here, especially in the 12th century, considered to be the Golden Age of Byzantine painting in Cyprus. As a distant outpost of Byzantium, Cyprus escaped the iconoclastic decrees of the 8th century and much of its Byzantine art has survived here.
Cyprus is the most beautiful Island in the Mediterranean.
If you are looking to buy a property in Cyprus, be it a holiday investment or a permanent residence we have a huge selection to choose from.
Property in Cyprus is still a very good investment, compared to France and Spain they are up to 20 or 30 per cent less expensive
Food and Drink
With emphasis on fresh local ingredients, a pungent mix of herbs and spices and a light spattering of olive oil, Cypriot food is essentially Mediterranean, similar to that of Greece and with a hint of the Middle East and Asia Minor.
In present times doctors and health specialists have added their voices in extolling the virtues of the Mediterranean diet. The sun-ripened fresh fruit and vegetables, high-protein fish, lean meat and poultry, olive oil and wine are both a healthy option as well as an irresistible temptation.
In a society of extended families, with recipes passed down through the generations, no wonder that hospitality and conviviality has become a fine art. So give free reign to your taste buds and indulge in a culinary feast
Medical Care
Cyprus has a very high standard of medical services. Hospitals, private clinics and medical centres are equipped with the latest facilities. The latest technology and operating techniques are standard, with heart bypass surgery and kidney transplantation now routine in hospitals. It is defiantly advised to have Medical Insurance when on holiday as the cost for necessary treatment is likely to be very high. Emergency treatment in hospitals is free, however you may like to transfer to a private clinic once first aid has been administered. In a case that a Doctor/Dentist is needed, contact our travel office to have an English speaking Doctor/ Dentist appointed to you.
Education
The Cypriot government wishes to ensure that children from other EU countries continue their education whilst they are in Cyprus. Children with other native languages receive special lessons in their language, along with intensive tuition in Greek to facilitate their gradual integration into state school. In addition teachers receive training to enable them to respond adequately to the teaching of pupils from other language backgrounds. A number of private schools (Greek, English, French, and Russian-language) are also available, and cost between CYP 2,000 & 3,000 per year. Higher education is available through 6th form colleges and recognised English language institutions.
The American Academy and the International School have an extremely high standard of education with which expatriate parents are very happy.
Both state schools teaching in the Greek language and private schools teaching in other languages offer pre-school education for children aged from 3 to 5 years, eight months. Attendance is currently voluntary, however legislation to make at least one year of pre-school education compulsory is anticipated. Attendance at a private nursery school costs from CYP 70 to CYP 150 (EUR 120 to EUR 260) per month. There are also private and state "baby nurseries" for children up to 3 years of age.
Mezes in Cyprus
For centuries, Cypriots have accompanied their drinks with meze – a large selection of delicacies consisting of many dishes with small helpings of delicious foods. Meze are a traditional feature of religious feast days, birthdays, weddings and name days. Feasting usually means endless eating, singing and joking, accompanied by wine and zivania, a strong spirit similar to vodka.
Served all over Cyprus, mezedes cover a broad range of some the best of local cuisine and can include up to 30 dishes. The feast begins with black and green olives, tahini, skordalia (potato and garlic dip), taramosalata (fish roe dip), and tsatziki, all served with a basket of fresh bread and a bowl of village salad. Some of the more unusual meze dishes that may be served include octopus in red wine, snails in tomato sauce, brains with pickled capers, kappari (capers) and moungra (pickled cauliflower). Bunches of greens, some raw, some dressed with lemon juice and salt, are a basic feature of the meze table. The meal continues with fish, grilled halloumi cheese, lountza (smoked pork fillet), keftedes (minced meatballs), sheftalia (pork rissoles) and loukanika (sausages).
It is then the turn of kebabs, lamb chops and chicken. The last dish to be served is fruit or the traditional preserved fruit glyko. Glyko is found in every home and is the first thing to be offered to a guest together with a glass of water.
Beaches
With a wealth of beaches to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your taste. From the quiet backwaters of the western peninsula, to the lively resorts in the east, the island has something for everyone.
The eastern coast is famous for its fine white sandy beaches with shallow turquoise waters. Deep water bays with rocky outcrops are perfect for snorkelling or diving. The long finely packed grey sand of the southern coast lend themselves to long winter walks or jogging, while the secluded coves of the western coast beckon when you want to be alone.