Cyprus is an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. Cyprus is the third largest Mediterranean island and one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year. A story past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here - but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty. Aphrodite made her home in Cyprus, and travellers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.
Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly intertwined European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people

Four large cities punctuate the island, with Lefkosia, the capital in the centre, and Larnaka, Lemesos and Pafos along the southern coast.

They are busy modern commercial and business centres, with old town centres with picturesque historical buildings, where you can wander along narrow streets and browse through interesting markets and shopping centres. Lefkosia combines both old and new, characterised by its old quarter surrounded by a Venetian sandstone fortress wall, beyond which spreads a cosmopolitan city. Lemesos, the island’s second largest city, is the centre of the wine industry and a bustling holiday resort, renowned for its varied nightlife, while Larnaka, with its marina and palm-lined promenade, has important shrines to both Christianity and Islam. Pafos to the west is an archeological treasure trove, with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean. Spend a relaxing day at one of the salt lakes where you can observe nature and wildlife to your heart’s content; Or visit some of Europe’s most evocative ancient sites, Neolithic settlements and quaint medieval churches. Cyprus offers the full Mediterranean experience in a compact area easy to reach. 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.

When in Cyprus, don’t limit yourself to the main cities and coastal resorts. Spread your wings by venturing into the countryside. From fragrant citrus orchards and olive groves, rolling vineyards, wide open plains carpeted with colourful wild flowers, to cool pine forests and pristine beaches where turtles nest, Cyprus’ nature will delight you at all times of year.