Cyprus.....the island of Venus. An island of unique beauty, with sandy beaches enclosed by rugged cliffs, cool cedar forests, scented orange groves and gentle meadows blanketed in wildflowers. According to the myth the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, rose from the coast of Cyprus. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, and occupies the north eastern part of the Mediterranean basin, close to Europe, Asia and Africa. It has an area of 3572 square miles (9250 square kilometres).  Administratively Cyprus is divided into six districts: Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, Paphos and Kyrenia.

The climate of Cyprus is one of the healthiest and sunniest in the Mediterranean with an average temperature of 25-30 degrees centigrade in the spring and autumn, 12-17 in winter and 28-38 in the summer. The sun shines on average 320-340 days a year. Because of its lovely mild climate and sunny atmosphere, its? superb 430 kilometres of coastline, which offers a wonderful variety of beaches and the warm clear sea for swimming from April to November, it is ideal for a holiday.

Apart from the crystal clear blue sea, Cyprus offers a place where history and everyday life is mixed together.  The whims of history have endowed Cyprus with an incomparably rich heritage, making it a world-renowned destination for anyone interested in art, history and culture. Various Neolithic settlements discovered in many localities of the island prove that the history of Cyprus begun some 9000 years ago. The archaeological sites combined with the modern amenities, the pine-scented forests the natural beauties and the great climate makes Cyprus simply a unique paradise for the tourist but also for the inhabitants. Most importantly Cyprus has a reputation for its open hearted inhabitants, warmth and hospitality.

Here in Cyprus, every tourist is guaranteed that will spend the time of his life. For those who like history and are looking to absorb the history and past of Cyprus, there is a variety and wealth of archaeological sites in numerous places all over Cyprus.

For those who are lovers of the sea and like diving Cyprus offers excellent underwater activities for both beginners and experienced. With the natural barbours, bays, cliffs, reefs, wrecks, great marine life, and limpid clear waters, the island is a divers invitation for exploration.  For more excitement try a night dive or perhaps dive deeper to 30-40 meters.

For lovers of nature and outdoor enthusiasts, Cyprus again has a lot to offer.
Nature lovers will find a wealth of wild flowers and plants in many virgin areas of the island and other protected forests. Troodos mountains is a real paradise for hikers, campers and natural watchers. Cyprus has one of the best cuisines in the World with a large variety of tasteful dishes. Its cuisine has been influenced by its position in the Mediterranean.

The telecommunications in Cyprus are rank among the most efficient around the globe, the cheapest international telephone charges in Europe and fast and reliable postal services.

Cyprus is rich in history like no other island in the Mediterranean, yet replete with modern amenities making it irresistible to everyone. An island with a history that proves it to be irresistible for 9000 now.

Cyprus has indeed become a leading holiday destination in the last 20 years. A short listed potential member of the European Union, Cyprus offers great opportunities for those who wish to acquire property in Cyprus either as an investment or for holiday purposes.

Larnaca

Larnaca is the third largest city in Cyprus. Larnaca is situated at the South-East of Cyprus and is ideally located only 20-30 minutes from Nicosia and Limassol and only 15-20 minutes from the cosmopolitan area of Ayia Napa. It has sandy beaches, stretching 5 miles from Larnaca to Dhekelia with clear limpid blue waters that have been awarded the blue flag sign by the European Union that justifies the high quality that the beaches offer.

Larnaca has also a high developed hotel industry which attract thousands of visitors every year. Larnaca is built on the site of ancient Kitium and according to legend was founded by the grandson of Noah, Khittim, after the Deluxe. Recent excavations have shown that Kitium started as a Mucenaean town with cyclopean walls. Ancient Kitium is the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher, Zeno, who lived in the 4th century. Inspired by the works of Socrates he founded the Stoic School of philosophy in Athens.

The international airport as well as the commercial port is situated in Larnaca. It is here that yachts and sailing vessels from around the globe bob and glint. The city has developed fast in the last decade on a commercial and business level emerging as one of the islands main resorts. In addition to the advantageous location of Larnaca, and apart of the extensive sandy beaches to the east and west of the town and the strength of sea front lined with palm tress known as Phoenicoudes (?Small Palm Trees?), other places of interest in the town of Zeno are the Castle, which is now a museum, the private and archaeological Pierides museum and the cathedral of Ayios (Saint) Lazarus, ancient forts, monasteries, churches, forests etc which add to the charm of this magic city. One of  most beautiful sites on the island, is located in Larnaca and is the beautiful famous salt lake which accommodates the Pink Flamingos and other mitigating birds in Winter. To the north-west of Larnaca airport is one of the most important religious shrines in the Islamic world, the Hala Sultan Tekke.

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