Cyprus
Cyprus is a popular tourist destination, especially for the British, attracting around 2.4 million visitors per year, the majority of whom visit in the summer months. Real estate in Cyprus is available in both the north and the south of the island.
Geography
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, located in the east of the Sea, about 50 miles off the coast of Turkey. The capital city is Nicosia, found in the centre of the country. There are two mountain ranges running from east to west, parallel with each other but split by the Mesaoria Plain. The highest peak is Mount Olympus (1,951m / 6,400ft) in the southwest Troodos Mountain range.
The principal tourist resorts are Paphos and Ayia Napa – the latter has formed a reputation for a vibrant nightlife. Vogue Estates sells property in north Cyprus and south Cyprus, including Famagusta in the north and Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Peyia in the south. There is an extensive range of property for sale in Cyprus, from compact studio apartments to luxury detached villas with something for all budgets, plus there is much new development taking place as well.
The climate is temperate and fairly typical of the Mediterranean with warm to hot summers and usually relatively low rainfall. The winters are mild but wet.
History
Cyprus is historically an ancient Greek colonisation, having inhabited it from the 14th century BC. Over the following centuries it was successively overpowered by numerous nations including Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian and Roman and in the medieval times by Byzantines, Arabs, Franks and Venetians until it was conquered by the Turks in 1571. Turkey remained in control until 1878 when it became under British administration, in return for support of the Ottoman Empire.
Cyprus became a Crown Colony in 1925 but the habiting Greeks wanted unity with Greece. After years of problems, Britain allowed Cyprus to become an independent state in 1960. Trouble still ensued, and in 1974 Turkey invaded the island, establishing a ‘Turkish Federated State’ over the northern area of Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot community later established the ‘Independent Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ but this was not recognised by the UN, who still class Cyprus as one single country. Although there is now peace in Cyprus and visiting either north or south is perfectly safe, the difficulties are still yet to be resolved.
Cuisine
Understandably, the cuisine of Cyprus is shaped mostly by both Greek and Turkish influences – two nations whose foods are very similar anyway. Vegetables play an important part in cooking and popular foods include seafood, such as calamari, octopus and sea bass. The common meats are lamb and pork. For a traditional drink, try Ayran, a runny natural yoghurt drink added with water and salt.
Currency
As a legacy of the British, the official currency of Cyprus was the Cypriot Pound, made up of 100 cents. But, as from January 1, 2008 the official currency became the Euro.
Language
Cyprus has two official languages, Greek and Turkish.
Featured Property
Panorama Village
- Price : 34,220 EUR
- Location : Famagusta
- Description:
This development is nicely laid out with ample communal areas and beautifully landscaped gardens. Each apartment has been designed to offer the maximum in comfort. There are large open-plan kitchen and dining areas, and expansive living rooms with large patio doors leading to generous balconies....
Roman Park
- Price : 55,100 EUR
- Location : Tombs of the kings
- Description:
Close to shopping centres, restaurants, banks and the picturesque harbour of Paphos, Roman Park is right on the beach offering the best of life in this exciting resort. Just a little way inland are some of the most popular golf courses in the area....