Cyprus is an island situated in the Mediterranean Sea at south of Turkey. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia. Cyprus is a European country and is a member of European Union. Cyprus was placed under British administration based on the Cyprus Convention in 1878 and was formally annexed by Britain in 1914. Turkish leaders advocated the annexation of Cyprus to Turkey as Cyprus was considered an "extension of Anatolia" since the 19th century. It is also comprised of Greek Cypriot population and its Orthodox church had been pursuing union with Greece, which became a Greek national policy in the 1950s. Cyprus was granted independence in 1960 and after that, the 11-year inter-communal violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots started which displaced more than 25,000 Turkish Cypriots and ended with Turkish Cypriot representation in the republic. A separate Turkish Cypriot state in the north was established by unilateral declaration in 1983.

Cyprus is divided into 6 administrative regions and the Republic of Cyprus administers Famagusta, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos and Akamas Peninsula districts. The whole of Kyrenia district, most of Famagusta district, and the northern portion of Nicosia district is occupied by Turkish forces and administered by The Turkish Cypriot community since 1974. There are various places that are becoming the main attraction among local and international tourists from around the world. Ayia Napa is located in the far east of the Republic and the main party town of Cyprus. Besides that, Pitsilia is an agricultural region with picturesque villages such as Agros, Kyperounda, Pelendri, Potamitissa where visitors can experience beautiful nature, traditional architecture, Byzantine churches, wineries and many more. In addition, Troodos Mountains offers visitors a range of activities and agritourism destinations along with over 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This place also allows skiing activity during the winter season. Protaras comes under the administrative jurisdiction of Paralimni Municipality. It has clear sky-blue waters and sandy beaches as well as the famous Fig Tree Bay.

For climate, Cyprus has one of the warmest climates in the Mediterranean part of the European Union. It has a subtropical climate with very mild winters (on the coast) and warms to hot summers. The average annual temperature on the coast is around 24 °C (75 °F) during the day and 14 °C (57 °F) at night. Summer season in Cyprus last about eight months, beginning in April with average temperatures of 21–23 °C (70–73 °F) during the day and 11–13 °C (52–55 °F) at night, and ending in November with average temperatures of 22–23 °C (72–73 °F) during the day and 12–14 °C (54–57 °F) at night. The hottest weather in summer season is in both July and August on the coast the average temperature is usually around 33 °C (91 °F) during the day and around 22 °C (72 °F) at night. During the winter season, there is snow only in the Troodos Mountains in the central part of the island.

Cyprus has two official languages which are Greek and Turkish. It is the everyday spoken language of Greek Cypriots. Besides the official languages, English is also widely spoken and it is used on road signs, public notices, and in advertisements as well as in corporate companies. Armenian and Cypriot Maronite Arabic are recognised as minority languages. According to statistics, 80.4% of Cypriots are proficient in the English language as a second language. Russian is widely spoken among the country's minorities, residents and citizens of post-Soviet countries, and Pontic Greeks. Russian is the third language used on many signs of shops and restaurants, particularly in Limassol and Paphos. In addition to these languages, 12% speak French and 5% speak German.

The main food in Cyprus is Halloumi cheese. It was initially made during the Medieval Byzantine period. Halloumi (Hellim) is commonly served sliced, either fresh or grilled, as an appetiser. There are also other local and international cuisines that can be enjoyed at local restaurants and hotels. Besides that, there are also seafood and fish dishes include squid, octopus, red mullet, and sea bass as well as salads that are commonly served at the restaurant and café. On top of that, Cyprus also is rich with traditional delicacies of meat. It is usually marinated in dried coriander seeds and wine, and eventually dried and smoked, such as lountza (smoked pork loin), charcoal-grilled lamb, souvlaki (pork and chicken cooked over charcoal), and sheftalia (minced meat wrapped in mesentery). Cyprus is also well known for its desserts, including lokum (also known as Turkish Delight) and Soutzoukos. The most common fruits are pears, apples, grapes, oranges, mandarines, nectarines, medlar, blackberries, cherry, strawberries, figs, watermelon and nuts like pistachio, almond, chestnut, walnut, and hazelnut.

For EU and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) citizens, together with those of Switzerland, an officially approved ID card (or a passport) is sufficient for entry. Other than these countries may need a passport for entry. Nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, need a biometric passport for visa-free travel. Serbian nationals with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (residents of Kosovo with Serbian passports) do need a visa and Taiwan nationals need their ID number to be stipulated in their passport to enjoy visa-free travel. Most of the countries around the world do not require a visa to enter Cyprus. These non-EU/EFTA visa-free visitors may not stay more than 90 days in a 180 day period in the Schengen Area as a whole and, in general, may not work during their stay. However, Australian and New Zealand citizens may be able to stay for more than 90 days.

How To Get There?

By Plane

Tourists from around the world mainly come to Cyprus by plane. The previous main international airport is located on the Green Line separating the Greek and Turkish parts of Cyprus and now, Cyprus' main airport is Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and is on the outskirts of Larnaka. There are flight connections with most major European cities like Athens, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Mila, and many Eastern European and Middle Eastern capitals. Once you reach the airport, there is a public bus service from the airport to central Larnaca and other places.There is also a direct Larnaca Airport - Nicosia, Nicosia - Larnaca Airport Bus service provided by Kapnos Airport Shuttle. Besides that, there is also an airport in the southwest of the island, near the city of Paphos. Its main carrier is RyanAir and serves low-priced flights to destinations in Europe.

By Ferry

There is also a ferry that connected Cyprus and Greece and mini cruises also run to Syria, Lebanon, Rhodes, the Greek Islands, The Black Sea and The Adriatic. There are also 2 and 3-day cruises operating in the summer months from about April to October between Israel and Cyprus. The most popular cruise is Grimaldi Freighter Cruises providing service to bring a vehicle to Cyprus throughout the year.

What to Do There?

Nicosia

Nicosia is a historical city comprised of preserved Venetian walls surrounding the city, bars and restaurants within the old walls of the city and the 'green line' which marks the Turkish part of Cyprus and cuts through the centre of Nicosia. One of the main attraction at Cyprus is Hamam Omerye in Nicosia which is a 14th-century building to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate. In 1571, Mustapha Pasha converted the church into a mosque, believing that this particular spot is where the prophet Omer rested during his visit to Lefkosia. In 2003, the EU funded a bi-communal UNDP/UNOPS project, "Partnership for the Future", in collaboration with Nicosia Municipality and Nicosia Master Plan, to restore the Hamam Omerye Bath and brings revitalising spirit and sustaining its historical essence. It has become a favourite place for relaxation in Lefkosia and received the Europa Nostra prize for the Conservation of Architectural Heritage in 2006.

Larnaca

If you are into beaches, Larnaca has amazing beaches which are popular for swimming and diving activities. There are also other water sports activities like snorkelling and surfing.

Troodos Mountain

There is numerous trail walks at Troodos mountains and also little villages such as Kakopetria, Platres and Phini. During the winter season, skiing activity is mainly famous at the mountain. Besides that, Pitsilia area on Troodos mountains offers some of the finest wineries. On top of that, Commandaria area is the region where the legendary Commandaria sweet dessert wine is produced.

Where To Stay?

Golden Bay Beach Hotel

Approximately 13 kilometres away from the main airport, Golden Bay Beach hotel offers accommodation in Cyprus. It provides spacious rooms and suites with balconies and views of the Mediterranean Sea. Every room is equipped with impeccable amenities such as air conditioner, flat screen television, work desk and wardrobe. Besides that, this hotel consists of dining options and many recreational facilities. Located near the beach, there are also activities that guests can enjoy at the hotel like a large outdoor pool, game room and playground. For those who need to relax or unwind, guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or beauty treatment at the spa.

Alexander The Great Beach hotel

Alexander, The Great Beach hotel, is a 4- star hotel comprised of well-appointed accommodation with modern décor and fitted with top- class amenities such as television, private bathroom and minibar. For suites, it consists of the balcony with sea or large paved terrace and lawn view. There is also a kitchenette, oven, toaster and fridge as well as a kettle. Ironing facilities are provided upon request. This hotel also offers a variety of dining options including themed buffets and an international restaurant. As for activities at the hotel, tennis court, kids club, fitness centre and a games room with billiards are provided.

Caprice Spa Kosher resort

This unique resort is located around an hour from Paphos International Airport and provides free parking. The guestrooms are well- equipped with basic amenities and guests can enjoy dining at the restaurant and café as well as enjoy a drink and /or Kosher snack at the on-site pool bar. The dining options provide an exclusive amazing spread of Kosher breakfast and a taste of Kosher buffet cuisine with touches of Middle East flavours. The hotel also offers a spa centre where guests can pamper with various treatments of aromatherapy and massages with mud from the Dead Sea as well as special treatment pool with Dead Sea products and salt. In addition, there are also a kids' pool and a heated indoor pool with hot tub, sauna and steam bath.