Cyprus, an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of
the warm Mediterranean sun. A historic island, the third largest in
the Mediterranean where modern travelers retrace the footsteps of
figures as diverse as St. Paul, Alexander the Great and Leonardo da
Vinci.
Today Cyprus is
a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with
ancient enchantment. 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.
The people of Cyprus owe their
individuality and warmth to the fact that they are the product of an
amazingly colorful history. This sun-drenched island has been at the
crossroads of world events for centuries. Roman, Byzantine, Greek
and British influences (to name just a few) have all had a bearing
on life in Cyprus. Perhaps that's why Cypriots have a special knack
of making visitors feel at home as soon as they step off the plane
or ship. That warm welcome, plus the unhurried pace of daily life,
makes Cyprus an instant favorite of anyone who goes there. However,
Cypriots managed to positively and creatively assimilate the foreign
influences from all the invaders and to maintain unchanged the Greek
language and the cultural heritage.
In 1974 Turkey has invaded
Cyprus and occupied the northern part of the Island. More than a
quarter of a century after the invasion by Turkish troops, Cyprus
still remains the only divided country in Europe. However, Cyprus
can be proud of all its important achievements, the greatest of all
being its accession to the European Union.
With a modernized economy
Cyprus is in position to be part of a new peaceful and prosperous
Europe in which Greek and Turkish Cypriots together will be able to
utilize the vast opportunities that membership offers. The challenge
facing Cyprus is to ensure that both communities have a role to play
in the future of the country. A viable and functional solution to
the Cyprus problem will ensure human rights for all the Cypriot
European citizens and this will guarantee security and well being.
For more Information visit:
http://www.pio.gov.cy
http://www.cyprustourism.org
