Welcome to Cyprus, an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here - but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people. Visit Cyprus for an in-depth look at an island that is as exotic as you imagine - and more accessible than you might think.

Demography

Population (de jure): 837.300 (End 2004)
77,8%: Greek Cypriots (651.100)
10,5%: Turkish Cypriots (88.100)
11,7%: Foreign residents (98.100)

Climate, Clothing Info and Recommended Activities

February
The possibility of exceptionally warm days. Almond trees in bloom, occasional rain, and mild day time temperatures are the harbingers of spring. It can be quite cold in the evenings.
Winter apparel.
Conditions are ideal for snow skiing on Troodos mountains.

March
Moderating weather with nature at its best.
Winter apparel with medium-weight wear.
Most outdoor activities can be enjoyed, and March is an excellent period for long country walks.

April - May
Days are pleasantly warm, but temperatures may fall a bit at night.
Medium-weight and summer apparel: Light woollies or long sleeved cotton for the evenings.
Excellent season for those who prefer to enjoy nature, as the countryside is green and flowers are in blossom.

June - July - August
Warmest months of summer.
Very light weight summer clothing.
Ideal for swimming and all beach/water activities.

September - October
Warm days, cool October evenings.
Light weight apparel for the day and medium-weight for the evenings in October.
Swimming and water-sports are still at their best.

November
Pleasantly warm days
Medium-weight apparel. Light Woollies.
Ideal weather for autumn travel. Lunches in the open-air still a delight. Sunbathing and even swimming can still be enjoyed, as well as most outdoor sports.

December - January
Winter time for Cypriots...
Autumn for our foreign visitors! It may rain occasionally yet the promise of glorious sunshine is still there.
Winter clothing; not heavy coats though!
Outdoor activities and excursions can be enjoyed.


When to Go
Average temps are 17°C in winter and 32°C in summer. Spring is the prettiest season (Feb-May) when the cyclamen, orchids, fruit blossom and migratory birds grace the island. Jun-Sep is very hot, but cooler in the mountains. High season is Jul-Aug. The forests are glorious in autumn and tourists fewer. Winters are mild and mostly dry. Special events include a Shakespeare Festival in the Kourion amphitheatre (Jul-Aug) and a Festival of Ancient Greek Drama in Pafos from Aug-Sep.

Health
Free emergency health care. Tap water safe, no vaccinations necessary. Insurance recommended.

Money
The currency is the Cyprus pound (C£). All major credit cards are accepted at hotels and some restaurants. There are ATMs in all the main towns.

Etiquette
Cyprus is still a fairly conservative society. If visiting monasteries or churches, men should wear trousers and shirts, and women should dress in trousers or long skirts and cover their arms.

Time
GMT +2.

Language
Modern Greek is the national language but almost everyone in Cyprus speaks good English too.

Things to do

Cyprus’s varied geography means that you can forget about winter in January if you want to, or truly savor the spirit of the season. While daytime temperatures are suitable for strolling in shorts near the coast, they are deliciously cooler in the Troodos, the mountain range at the center of the island. This means you can soak up the sun after breakfast and spend the afternoon skiing or snowboarding, or taking a brisk hike.

Museums and ancient sites and are at their least crowded during these months, making it easier to linger longer and take in important details you might otherwise miss.

The promise of uninterrupted Mediterranean sunshine is, of course, a large part of what makes Cyprus such an irresistible lure for travelers from around the world. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or an overdue family escape, Cyprus’s sunkissed 840-kilometer shoreline has the stress-free answers.

Beach hotels among the best - and best-equipped - in the world, with oversized swimming pools, tennis courts, health clubs, spas and top restaurants. Most of the hotels have a range of facilities for children, from beach clubs and special kids-only swimming pools.

Cyprus, with one of the highest standards of living in Europe, is a safe place where crime is virtually nonexistent. Spring and fall are when couples and independent travelers have the run of the island and its many beaches.

Water lovers can take comfort in the fact that the beaches of Cyprus are among the cleanest you’ll find anywhere.

A combination of ideal weather and terrain makes Cyprus a great place for diverse athletics activities all year round. At the seashore there is swimming, sailing, parasailing, body surfing and scuba diving.

Fishing is another popular activity. Cyprus boasts more than 200 kilometers of nature trails. With their golden oak, plane and pine tree-covered peaks crisscrossed by well-marked paths, hiking in the Troodos Mountains is a popular leisure activity.

Horseback riding is possible year-round at the Lapatsa Sporting Center southwest of Nicosia and the Elias Beach Hotel and Country Club, near Limassol.

From January to March there is skiing on Mount Olympus. Golfers can tee up at one of three challenging 18-hole golf courses. There are tennis clubs throughout Cyprus. In addition, bicycles can be rented in many resort areas and towns.

A vacation in Cyprus is richly rewarding for those passionate about Mediterranean cuisine, history and archaeology.

Cyprus – A Destination Not to be Missed
At the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus can also be a great component of your Middle East odyssey that combines a visit to the island with Israel, Egypt, Lebanon or nearby Greek islands such as Rhodes. You can reach these destinations by air - most are an hour or less away by plane - or cruise. Several cruise companies offer short but comprehensive itineraries to the most famous Middle East destinations, making Cyprus an ideal launch pad for discovery of the region at large.

www.visitcyprus.org.cy

Disclaimer: Although we've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation.