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.
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...
Limassol or Lemesos as pronounced in Greek is the second largest city in Cyprus and the most southern of Europe. It is also considered ...
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...
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...
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...
Lefkara is a province in the Larnaca district and an independent municipality of Cyprus. It is one of the 6 municipalities of the Larnaca di...
Yeroskipou or often spelled as Geroskipou is a large suburb in Cyprus, east of Paphos with a population of about 8.500 residents....
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...
Paralimni is the largest municipality of Ammochostos which is the centre of its social, cultural and economic life. It became a municipality...
Kouklia is a village in the Paphos District, about 16 kilometres from the city of Paphos on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It ...
Pano Panagia is a graphi mountain village of Cyprus, located in the Paphos district. More specifically it is situated at an altitude of 900 ...
Coming down from the green mountain peaks of Troodos, you see a beautiful village built in green, surrounded by the trees and mountains. It ...
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...
The community of Pomos is located 60 kilometres northeast of Paphos in the geographical district of Tillyria. The village is built next to t...
Kato Pyrgos is the head village of the Tilliria area. It is built at the bottom of the Troodos Mountains, at the most beautiful and largest ...
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 Amathus archaeological site is located 11km east of Limassol centre and is considered as one of the most important ancient and historica...
The Paphos Castle or Paphos Fort is located at the Kato Paphos harbour and is considered to be one of the most famous attractions in&nb...
Kalavasos Tenta refers to a hill which is about 20 meters high, over the west side of the Valley of Vasiliko, 2.5kilometres from t...
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates is an ancient monument dedicated to the God of Apollo who was thought to be the protector of Kourion. The...
Tzelefos Bridge (Gefiri tou Tzelefou – Greek: γεφύρι του Τζιελεφού) is a Venetian bridge and is located at an altitude o...
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...
At the valley of the Saint Mina River, at the bottom of Troodos is the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia in the Larnaca district. The set...
Cape Greco or Cavo Greco (Greek: Κάβο Γκρέκο) is located in the southeastern part of Cyprus and is a part of Ayia Napa Municipalit...
Kato Pyrgos is the head village of the Tilliria area. It is built at the bottom of the Troodos Mountains, at the most beautiful and largest ...
Caledonia waterfalls, is one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus and it is located in the village of Platres . The water falls from a ...
The charming village Pissouri, is located in the Limassol district about 30 kilometres west of Limassol , between Limassol and Paphos....
The Veregaria Hotel or Berengaria hotel is located in Prodromos village in the district of Limassol. The hotel was considered as one of...