General Information              for map       

Cyprus is an island country situated in the eastern Mediterranean east of Greece and a crossing point between Europe, Asia and Africa.  Cyprus is the third largest Mediterranean island and one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year.  It enjoys 12 hours of bright sunshine per day during the summer months with average maximum temperatures for July - August of 36° C, even during the months of December and January, there is 6 hours of sunshine.  Cyprus is a member of the European Union and its currency is the Euro.  Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities though English is widely spoken, as are other European languages.  Cyprus Time is GMT +2.  Cyprus has no dangerous infectious diseases therefore Visitors do not require any vaccinations to travel to Cyprus.  Cyprus is well known as the island of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who, according to legend, was born here.  Traditional local dishes include the meze – a selection of appetizers served as a main dish, halloumi cheese and the zivania schnapps.

The capital city of Cyprus is Nicosia (Lefkosia). Unfortunately Cyprus is currently the only divided capital in the world, divided in to two halves, the North and the South sides. The Northern side is Turkish Cypriot and the southern side is Greek Cypriot and is separated by the green line that runs through the capital city.  Cyprus has a very long history that goes back more than 9000 years. The island has many historical sites to visit so the islands history can be fully appreciated by the visitor. Cyprus is the third largest island situated in the north eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. The geography of North Cyprus is characterized by mountains, plains and beaches. Cyprus has one of the most clean and unspoilt sandy beaches in the world which 25% of the


Green Turtles of the Mediterranean visit Cyprus to lay their eggs during the months of July and August.

 

You will find the Cyprus Government Web Portal most useful for both residents and visitors. Its full of facts including download services both in Greek and English. Click on banner opposite for link.
 

"Souvla" is the national food of Cyprus. Souvla are mainly pieces of Lamb or Chicken, grilled on charcoal grill. It is regular for every Cypriot family, that they have a souvla meal every Sunday. Other Cypriot traditional dishes are Gemista,> Koupepia, Sheftalies, Kleftiko and mousakas. Mouth watering!!