Why Cyprus is special: Long hot summers and short mild winters make Cyprus the perfect holiday destination, while the island's long history provides plenty of fascinating sites of interest for visitors to explore. At various times, Cyprus has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, French, Venetians, Ottomans and British. Each of these rulers left behind something of their culture, making Cyprus the unique blend that it is today. There are so many fascinating archaeological sites to visit that one hardly knows were to start from. Is it going to be the Tombs of Kings in Paphos, the Amphitheatre of Curium, the Kolossi Castle, or... It's all up to you!
An island of contrasts, the countryside of Cyprus extends from beautiful beaches, such as the splendid golden-sanded Nissi Beach of the Ayia Napa area or the beautiful beaches of the Coral Bay area, all lapped by the soothing Mediterranean waters, to the splendour of the Troodos mountain range and the stunning protected Akamas National Park. The countryside is dotted with small villages where time seems to have stood still and old men sit outside coffee shops watching the world go by. You might even see a donkey tethered nearby - still the preferred choice of transport of some villagers.
Head for the coast and you'll soon discover why Cyprus is one of the Europe's leading holiday destinations. Stunning beaches and excellent facilities make for a memorable vacation and few people can resist the temptation to dive into the cool blue of the Mediterranean.
For the sport enthusiastic, Cyprus has plenty to offer to its visitors. Whether water-skiing in the mirror-like waters of protaras, or diving in the crystal clear waters of the Cape Greco, or enjoying a golf game on some of the best Mediterranean greens, the island has so much to offer...
The Cypriot people are very outgoing and hospitable. Stop in any village and don't be surprised if you are invited to someone's house for coffee. Keen to enjoy themselves, Cypriots like nothing more than enjoying themselves in company along with plenty of food and drink. The rule is "siga siga" or "slowly slowly" - and if you visit during the heat of the summer months, you'll soon understand why!