| Cyprus is an island
in the far eastern Mediterranean sea, to the south of Turkey and
west of Syria. It is, in actual fact, two countries - the Greek
speaking Southern Republic of Cyprus, and the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus. The country, as a whole, covers an area of 9.250 sq
km and has a total population of 772.000. The capital of Cyprus is
Nicosia, at the heart of the island, which is cut in two by the
Green Line, a physical division of the entire country. Religion is
also split with the Turkish northern Cyprus being Muslim and the
south Greek Orthodox. The Cypriot climate is predominantly dry for
most of the year, with unpredictable rains during the winter months
from December to March. The summers are very hot, so the most
pleasant time to visit would be during April and May or September
and October, but many people book their self catering holiday
villas, cottages and apartments in Cyprus all year round.
As Cyprus has always been an island, many of its plant species
are found nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately much of the
native flora and fauna has been displaced by tourism, but the best
places to see wildlife are the mountainous areas of the country,
particularly if you choose to rent a
holiday villa in northern Cyprus, where griffon vultures and sea
turtles can be found.
Cyprus has a rich European and Middle-Eastern cultural heritage
with reminders of the country's history scattered across the whole
island. Remains of ancient Greek temples and Roman mosaics rub
shoulders with frescoed monasteries, influencing the pottery,
tapestries and other art forms of the island.
The Republic of Cyprus is more commercially developed, catering
well for the tourist with holiday accommodation ranging from plush
resort hotels to a quality selection of
self catering apartments in Southern Cyprus. Limassol and
Larnaca are popular towns, and a
villa rental in Paphos will give
you the chance to discover a destination where contemporary culture
blends easily with the true identity of this anciently historic
land. Ayia Napa, with its 16th century Venetian monastery, has
become a lively spot for young tourists and Cypriots alike, with
idyllic beaches of white sand bordered by azure sea, as well as some
of the finest
holiday villas in Southern Cyprus. In contrast,
holiday apartments in
Famagusta can be found in this
relatively undeveloped region of the country that boasts a truly
Mediterranean atmosphere and dramatic mountain scenery and coastal
plains. Kyrenia, on the northern coast, is one of the best coastal
resorts on the whole island with a castle originally built in Roman
times and now housing a museum and stunning Byzantine chapel. So,
for lovers of ancient history and architecture, beautiful landscapes
and sandy beaches, Cyprus is the perfect holiday destination.
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