About Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Legendary as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, the island entices with its history, culture, and dramatic landscapes. Since 1974, it has been de facto divided between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-controlled north, with a UN buffer zone separating the two, including the capital, Nicosia.
The island offers a tapestry of experiences: from the pine-clad Troodos Mountains, dotted with UNESCO-listed painted Byzantine churches, to the golden beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras. Ancient ruins like the city of Kourion and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos highlight its rich archaeological heritage spanning Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, and Ottomans.
Cypriot culture is a blend of Mediterranean traditions. The cuisine is a highlight, famed for Halloumi cheese, meze platters, and commandaria wine, one of the world's oldest named wines. Modern Cyprus is a major business hub and tourist destination, offering luxury resorts alongside timeless villages where lace-making and silversmithing traditions survive.