The beautiful island of Cyprus lies in the Mediterranean Sea, it basks in up to 300 days of sunshine a year making it an island for all seasons. The Cypriot lifestyle is laid back, warm, friendly and hospitable. The Cypriot people enjoy a leisurely pace of life that we can all envy…coming to Cyprus on holiday or to live people find they quickly adapt to long lunches and evenings spent out under the stars enjoying a meze of local dishes, some fine Cypriot wine and the company of great friends.
As a destination for your next holiday or a country to consider living in for those seeking a more laid back and idyllic lifestyle, Cyprus truly has it all!
Though the Island is small it truly has the capabilities of offering varying lifestyles to suit all sorts of people. There is the metropolitain buzz of Limassol, which is fast becoming one of the most trendiest places in Europe. However just outside of Limassol are the quaint villages offering peace and serenty and trasitional Cypriot life. Villages can be remote if that is what you want or accessible by road. All with traditional tavernas shops and friendly locals and ex pats.
Though the slow paced life style of Cyprus is widely reported, this does not mean that the country is lacking any of the mod cons or benefits of living in the UK, quite the oposite. The standard of living including property specifications is much higher in Cyprus. The Island offers all major high street brands as in the UK, Debenhams, The Body Shop, Nike, Marks and Spencers to name but a few. If it is designer you are looking for then look no further, the high streeets are laced with boutiques you could almost be forgiven for thinking you were in Saint Tropez! Fendi, Armani, Karen Millen etc. When you've finished all that shopping it is almost customery to go to a cafe and relax with a nice coffee. The streets are heaving with cafes, some quaint and traditional, others modern and funky, as well as the high street chains, Costa, Cafe Nero and Starbucks.
Typically Banks in Cyprus are the major Greek banks, Bank of Cyprus, Laiki, Alpha Bank. Banks in Cyprus operate in the same way as in the Uk in terms of transfers, electronic banking, security, etc. The major difference is the opening hours. They are not as accessible, however online banking is an option.
Driving in Cyprus is the same as the Uk, on the left with the same roundabout rules, junctions etc. Driving tests and regulations perhaps may not be as stringent like most countries in Europe but the same basic principles apply.
Cyprus has the perfect climate: in the short autumn and winter months the temperature never drops so low that the delicate fruit trees fail to deliver their burgeoning crop and in the summer the temperature never soars so high that the beautiful jasmine and bougainvillea blossoms wilt. Because the weather in Cyprus is considered to be so healthy it has long been an island favoured by all the family, it’s not too hot for those looking for an idyllic retirement destination and it’s not too cold or wet for those looking to escape to the sun.
With cheap airlines now servicing the airports across Cyprus, Greece and Turkey the island is easily and cheaply accessible from mainland Europe and there are some direct and many connecting flights to North America, Australasia and the Middle East which makes it an easy destination to reach.
Cyprus has been inhabited for at least the last 9,000 years and as a result it is steeped in history, rich in culture and charm and boasts an abundance of interesting historical sites, castles, fortresses and ruins. There is so much to do and see in Cyprus that holiday makers return frequently and many decide to settle permanently on this amazing island.
Aphrodite’s island is also rich in flora and fauna; it has many rare species of orchid for example as well as being home to rare birds of prey, owls, flamingos and butterflies. In the spring and autumn walking tours are very popular with those wanting to experience Cyprus up close and personal and the Troodos and Kyrenia mountain ranges both have many paths to explore and views to experience.
Cyprus truly is the all year round island that offers something for everyone.