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Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is home to some of the
best beaches in the entire region. With its wide variety of natural beauty,
famous historical sights and an almost pertect climate, Cyprus has become a
leading holiday destination as well as a safe environment for residence and
investments.
It’s location at the crossroads of
Europe, Africa and Asia, has given Cyprus a rich and intriguing culture that has
been forged by a melting pot of historical civilisations. Roman, Byzantine,
Greek and British influence have all had a bearing on life in Cyprus as well as
many others. Today, Cyprus offers an extraordinary blend of east and west and
attracts millions of visitors every year. Its historic ties with the UK and the
Island’s friendly, welcoming inhabitants make it a firm favourite with British
holiday makers.
The main resort towns are strung out along the southern coast and each boast a
list of unique selling points. Ayia Napa, for example, is perhaps best known as
the Island’s party capital with Limassol coming a close second. Both resorts can
keep most people awake well past their bedtimes.
It’For a more relaxed pace, the
smaller resort towns like Coral Bay and Protaras let you do as much or as little
as you like. While the charming coastal villages such as Polis, Pissouri and
Peyla remain pleasingly out of touch with the pressures of the modern age. There
is also the fascinating harbour town of Paphos, which is an enticing blend of
the old and the new and the gateway to some of the most beautiful stretches of
coastline on the Island. It offers both luxury resorts and ancient ruins such as
the nearby ruined city of Amathus.
The Island’s landscape is as varied as its cultural influences, rising from
sandy beaches and rugged coves across the central plain and up to the Island’s
rugged backbone of pine covered mountains. In the winter you can ski on the
slopes of Mount Olympus and still be back on the beach by dusk for a relaxing
dip.
Standard of Living
The standard of living in Cyprus is excellent while the cost of enjoying it is
remarkably low compared to most parts of the Continent. The Cypriot economy
enjoys a comparatively low level of taxation and many investors will be keen to
note that Cyprus has a unique tax system that includes, for example, a Double
Taxation Treaty with UK and pensions that can be received free of UK withholding
tax. The Island is virtually pollution free environment and its enviably low
crime rates make Cyprus a comfortable and stress-free place to reside.
Cypriot Cuisine
The Island’s culinary tradition reflects its multicultural history with
influences from across Europe as well as the Middle East and North Africa. A
traditional Cypriot menu will include ‘meze’, a buffet of up to twenty
delicacies which is delicious and perfect for sharing. Some other regional
specialities include ‘souvlaki a type of grilled meat kebab marinated in olive
oil with herbs and ‘stifado’ a flavoursome meat casserole.
Many of the tavernas on the Island are internationally renowned and there are
many types of restaurants available for people eating out. You have a vast
choice including English, Indian, French, Italian, Chinese and even Japanese.
The weekly markets are a treasure trove of the finest local produce. There are
locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, excellent locally raised meats and the
quality of the Island’s fish catch is legendary. You can also find a wide
selection of imported commodities in the well stocked supermarkets.
Cyprus offers an excellent selection of local and vintage wines and spirits (the brandy is a speciality) and they are very reasonably priced. Also try the local coffee, its very strongl
Language
The main spoken language in
Cyprus is Greek Cypriot, but over 85% of the population speak English, as Cyprus
was once an English colony. Most of the street signs, shop signs and road
markings are also all in English
Air Travel
There are two International Airports in Cyprus, one at Larnaca and another at
Paphos. Flying time is on average four and a half hours from the UK to Cyprus.
Climate
One of the healthiest and sunniest climates anywhere on the globe, the sun
shines for around 340 days in every year. The temperature ranges from 10CC
(50SF) in January, the coldest month, to
Education
Cyprus offers a full range of schools that cater for Cypriot and foreign
students. The International School in Paphos, for example, is a very well
established School and has excellent results of achievement. There are
Government Schools, but you want your child to attend one they would need
comprehensible knowledge of the Cypriot language.
Family Pets
Like the UK, Cyprus is rabies free, It’s very easy to bring your pets with you
to Cyprus from a European country. Prior to their departure from the UK, they
must have had all the necessary vaccinations and you will need to obtain a
veterinary health certificate to be presented to the authorities upon your pet’s
arrival in Cyprus. Your pet will have to be kept quarantined for a period of 6
months, but a new home quarantine procedure allows you to keep them within your
own property rather than in a separate shelter.
Banking
The Cyprus banking system is very similar to the English system and there are
many International banks on the Island. You can have your own local bank account
which offers you all the usual features, like cheque book, overdraft, debit
card, etc. Most major credit cards, such as Visa, American Express, Diners club
and Master Card, are also accepted in Cyprus.
It is a good idea to open a Bank Account so you can pay all your bills by
Standing Order. This method of payment is especially convenient, when you’re not
living in the country permanently. Banks are normally open to the public between
830am- 1230am, Monday to Friday.
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