Cyprus is a small independent island located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, and is the third largest island in population and size in the Mediterranean , after Sicily and Sardinia with an area of 9,251 sq. km.The countries surrounding the island of Cyprus are Greece (to the west ), Turkey (to the north), Lebanon, Syria (to the east), Israel and Egypt (to the south).Geographically the island of Cyprus belongs to the Middle East , however due to its strong ties with Europe and in particular with Greece, it is considered a part of west Europe.
Cyprus is considered as one of the most popular vacation destinations due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean which is a crossroad point of three major continents Europe, Asia and Africa. Another reason why Cyprus is such a popular destination is due to the fact that is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and offers a variety of attractions and things to do , ranging from historical attractions such as medieval castles and archaeological sites to other cultural attractions such as beautiful beaches, villages, churches, monasteries and many more.
More specifically, the island’s location is the reason why many civilisations have desired to conquer it. The history of Cyprus can be traced all the way back to the Mycenaean, the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians and Turks.Cyprus has always had close ties with Greece, which is also why many people consider the island to be a part of Greece. Greece and Cyprus share the same language, culture and religion but Cyprus remains an independent country. From 1925 until 1960 Cyprus was under the British Rule and was made a British colony. It then became an independent country in 1960 ,after gaining its sovereignty from The United Kingdom. Before this period it had been under the occupation of the Ottomans.
The Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots lived in harmony in Cyprus for many years with a population of 82% Greek Cypriots and 18% Turkish Cypriots. There were also Maronite, Armenian and Latin minorities. However after the intercommunal riots many Turkish Cypriots were forced to abandon their houses in the southern parts of Cyprus and move to the northern parts. After the war in 1974, the island was divided into two parts, the southern part of Cyprus which is the recognised part of the island, and the northern part of Cyprus which is the occupied part of the island. Both sides exchanged population and the residents were transferred to their side accordingly.
As a result of the Turkish invasion that occurred in 1974, the Republic of Cyprus controls 58% of the island, while the Turks occupy 37% of the island. The Greek –Cypriot side is the only part which is a recognised member of the European Union. The other 2, 62% of the island is occupied by the United Nations that keep the peace between the two sides at the Green Line, and 2, 74% by the United Kingdom which has two bases in the areas of Acrotiri and Dekeleia.
Today the south of Cyprus is inhabited by the Greek- Cypriots and Northern Cyprus is illegally inhabited by the Turkish - Cypriots after the invasion war. The towns that are located in the south part of Cyprus are Nicosia (which is the capital city), Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and parts of Famagusta. The rest of Famagusta and Kyrenia and Morphou are under the Turkish occupation.
Limassol or Lemesos as pronounced in Greek is the second largest city in Cyprus and the most southern of Europe. It is also considered ...
Paphos is a town located at the southwest part of Cyprus. It was once the capital city of the country and one of the most important kingdoms...
Nicosia in Greek is known as “Lefkosia” and is the only city in Europe which is divided in two by a green line which separated the ...
Kyrenia is a seaside town of Cyprus which is located on the middle of the north shore. It is the capital of the district which extends fr...
Larnaca is a city in Cyprus and it is located at the southeast cape of the island. It is the successor town of the ancient Kitio, one of the...
Famagusta or Ammochostos is a town in Cyprus and is located at the eastern part of the island, at the bay which brings its na...
Kalopanayiotis or kalopanaygotis is one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus and it is located in the Nicosia Distri...
Salamiou is a village in the geographic district of the vineyards of Limassol-Paphos, about 36 kilometers northeast of the town of Paphos. ...
Platres village is located in the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain in the Limassol district and is one of the Krasochoria villages (G...
Tsada is considered a large village in the Paphos district in Cyprus and it is about 10 kilometres away from the town of Paphos. The...
Prodromos is a village (Greek: Πρόδρομος) which belongs to the district of Limassol in Cyprus in the geographical region of So...
Tala village is located in the Paphos district at a distance of 8 kilometres from the town centre, in a majestic natural environment. It ...
The community of Zygi is built south of the beach, about 40 kilometres northwest of the Larnaca district. It is nearly in the middle of thre...
Ayia Napa is a small town in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district and an independent municipality since 1986. Ayia Napa is located at ...
Galata is a village which is located 60 kilometres west of Nicosia at the beautiful valley of Solia. It has an altitude of 620 metres a...
Pedoulas is one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus, which is surrounded by pine woods, cherry trees and lies in the Marathasa valley.I...
Kouklia is a village in the Paphos District, about 16 kilometres from the city of Paphos on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It ...
Poli Chrysochous, as it is known in Cyprus or Chrysochou or Poli of Chrysochou known to the rest of the world is a small town and an indepen...
Kalopanayiotis or kalopanaygotis is one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus and it is located in the Nicosia Distri...
The Larnaca castle is located on the southern point of the coastal avenue known as ‘’Foinikoudes’’ in Larnaca. It was founded during...
The Caledonia waterfalls is considered to be the highest waterfalls in Cyprus, but the Millomeri waterfalls is actually a few metres higher ...
The Amathus archaeological site is located 11km east of Limassol centre and is considered as one of the most important ancient and historica...
Peyia is a suburb in the Paphos district and has been an independent municipality since 1994. The municipality has an extent of 4.552 hectar...
Prodromos is a village (Greek: Πρόδρομος) which belongs to the district of Limassol in Cyprus in the geographical region of So...
Ayia Napa is a small town in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district and an independent municipality since 1986. Ayia Napa is located at ...
The Veregaria Hotel or Berengaria hotel is located in Prodromos village in the district of Limassol. The hotel was considered as one of...
Tala village is located in the Paphos district at a distance of 8 kilometres from the town centre, in a majestic natural environment. It ...
The Asprokremmos Dam is located 16 kilometres east of Paphos , at an altitude of about 80 metres near the village of Nikokleia. More...
Peyia Sea Caves can be found at the seafront of Paphos, in the Peyia village. The area where the sea caves are located can be described as a...
The Akamas Peninsula is located on the western angle of Cyprus in Paphos and it is considered as one of the most popular places to visit. Th...