Discover the enchanting island of Cyprus, a Mediterranean gem with a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and a warm climate. From the majestic mountains to the serene southern plains, Cyprus offers a unique blend of Greek and Middle Eastern influences, captivating visitors with its friendly locals and historical treasures. Whether you're exploring ancient vineyards, enjoying the vibrant city life, or relaxing on pristine beaches, Cyprus promises an unforgettable journey.
Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a captivating destination with a diverse landscape that includes the Troodos Mountains in the south and the Kyrenia Range in the north, with the Mesaoria plain stretching in between. The island boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and milder winters, making it a year-round destination for travelers. Nicosia, the capital, lies at the heart of Cyprus, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The local currency is the Euro (EUR), which replaced the Cypriot Pound (CYP) in 2008.
The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish, with English widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. The Cypriot culture is a harmonious blend of Greek and Middle Eastern traditions, with hospitality being a cornerstone of social interactions. When meeting locals, a handshake is the common greeting, and it's customary to bring a small gift if invited to someone's home for a meal. Dress codes vary by occasion, with casual attire acceptable in most settings, but swimsuits should be reserved for the beach. Formal events may require more elegant attire.
Cyprus is a treasure trove of historical sites, including 12th-century buildings, monasteries, and lush vineyards. When visiting, be mindful of photography restrictions, particularly in military zones and at cultural sites like museums, where flash photography may be prohibited. To navigate the island, taxis are readily available and operate with government-regulated meters. Tipping taxi drivers is a common practice.
Travelers should be aware that the ports of Famagusta at Ammochostos and Kyrenia, as well as Ercan Airport, are considered illegal points of entry by the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus Airways, the national carrier, connects Cyprus to major European cities, and Larnaca Airport, situated 5 km from Larnaka and 50 km from Nicosia, is served by over 40 airlines. Despite the lack of public transport services at the airport, taxis are available to take you to your destination. Larnaca Airport offers amenities such as duty-free shopping, banking services, tourist information, restaurants, car rentals, and more. Paphos Airport, 15 km from Paphos city, provides similar facilities and is approximately a 35-minute drive to the city center.
The primary seaports in Cyprus are Limassol and Larnaca, which offer connections to other Middle Eastern and Greek ports, as well as ferry and cruise services.
Cyprus has an extensive road network connecting all cities and villages. Public buses operate daily, except Sundays, with extended services during summer nights. For those wishing to explore remote villages, rural buses are available but tend to be slower. Car rentals are popular, and it's advisable to book in advance, especially during the summer. Travelers should carry a national driving license or an international driving permit.
Travelers to Cyprus can bring the following duty-free items:
Note that most agricultural and food items are prohibited, as are explosives and firearms.
Cyprus is renowned for its cultural heritage, with sites like the Tombs of the Kings and the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion drawing history enthusiasts from around the world. According to the Cyprus Statistical Service, the island welcomed over 3.97 million tourists in 2019, highlighting its popularity as a travel destination. The tourism sector significantly contributes to the Cypriot economy, accounting for about 15% of the country's GDP, as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
For more information on Cyprus and its attractions, visit the Cyprus Tourism Organisation or check out the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Real Estate: Tips On Selling Your Home
Planning to sell your house? Or planning to move to a new house and selling the old one? There are some home selling tips to make your home selling attracts a buyer. You should pay attention to some aspects if you would sell your home. The price almost becomes a general of all. And then, the qualities of your house can be guarantee. The qualities include beauty, functionality, coziness, etc.
Real Estate: Home Selling Tips
Home selling tips are everywhere – some suggesting things you might never thought of, some are general ones you’re likely to find everywhere. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean we should stop making them.
Real Estate: Home selling processes
So many tips are being given on home selling. If only you knew where to begin with! Some homeowners get confused because they don’t have a big picture of what exactly will happen during the home selling process. While it may differ from various areas, some general steps sellers should expect are the same. The first thing to do is some preliminary planning. Though you may not feel like it, this is the step that kick-start the whole home selling process. Your house needs to be fully prepared to accept a new owner. If you plan to sell your house and buy another one, always know for a fact that you’re qualified to buy a new one before selling your old home.
