Situated on the northeastern domain of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region. Neighbor to Africa, Europe and Asia, Cyprus has an area of 9,250 kilometers square.

Over 9,000 years old, the island was once Anthonis gift to Cleopatra and the birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, as mythology has it. In addition, Cyprus’ rich heritage is manifested in the plethora of Stone Age ruins, Greek temples, Roman theaters, Venetian structures and Byzantine churches.

A desired holiday destination, Cyprus is an attraction for its gourmet dishes and its variety in outdoor activities. Cyprus’ cuisine has been influenced by its positioning the Mediterranean as well as its vibrant heritage of Venetians, Greek, British and Near Eastern countries. With the aid of the sun, which shines approximately 340 days a year, holiday makers spend their time water sporting, hiking, parachuting and sky diving, as well as camping on the coast or mountain terrains. In the evenings, outings begin relatively late and finish in the early hours of the morning.

Locals are as warm as the summer sun and are accustomed to foreigners as they welcome them with open arms. Often English speaking, locals will aim to please and frequently go out of their way to achieve this. This openness is mirrored in the charming villages but remains as strong in the cities.

The Cypriot economy is small, diversified, and prosperous. With a moderate industry, a healthy service sectors and the rapid growth in exports of agricultural and manufactured products as well as in tourism have all played important roles in making the Cyprus Pound very strong amongst other currencies, which has turned Cyprus into a developed nation.

Pafos

Pafos is generally regarded by many as the most attractive and ideal location on Cyprus in which to live, it enjoys the best climate on the island with slightly cooler summers and milder shorter winters. Surrounded by a number of smaller outlying villages there is plenty of choice of where in the Pafos area to purchase property, chose the location that suits you best – walking distance to the beaches and shops or inland on elevated hilltops with panoramic views.

A traditional busy fishing port with a picturesque harbour area guarded by an ancient fortress, Pafos has a host of natural and historical attractions which when combined with the necessary modern-day living amenities and facilities make it the ideal location.

Soak in the history of the Mosaics and Tombs of the Kings; bask in the sunshine at Aphrodite’s Birth Place (Petra Tou Romiou); visit the tranquil Ayios Neophytos Monastery; and enjoy the solitude of the Akamas National Park, but most of all feel welcome and at ease with the warm and friendly hospitality extended by the local Pafians. Steeped in history and natural beauty, Pafos was named a UNESCO World Heritage Town in 1980.

The rest of the island is easily accessible by the nearby motorway connection, Pafos International Airport is just 15 mins drive from the harbour area with the number of flights and different carriers increasing all the time, whilst Larnaca International Airport is 90 mins drive away. The wide range of shops, supermarkets, traditional tavernas and multi-cultural restaurants along with other facilities such as exceptional medical care services and international schooling, provide ease and convenience of living.

Pafos also enjoys a strong ex-patriot community, with many clubs and organisations available to meet new friends and provide helpful support if relocating to a new residence.

Cyprus Archaeological Museum, Lefkosia. Cypriot antiquities and art treasures from the Neolithic Age to the early Byzantine period. Byzantine Museum and Art Gallery, Lefkosia. Largest collection of 9th- through 18th-century icons on the island. Kolossi Castle, Lemesos. Medieval military architecture. Kourion. Site of an important city-kingdom whose Greco-Roman amphitheater was built in the 2nd century B.C. Twelve miles from Lemesos. St. Lazarus Church, Larnaka. One of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture, built in the 9th century and restored in the 17th century. Mosaics of Pafos, Kato Pafos.

The 3rd-century mosaic floors, portraying scenes from mythology, are considered the finest in the eastern Mediterranean. Kykko Monastery, Troodos' mountains. The country's most famous monastery was founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Assinou Church, Troodos' mountains. Frescoes of the 12th century and later periods are the finest Byzantine murals on the island. Panayia Chrysopolitissa Church, Pafos. Built in the 13th century; contains St. Paul's Pillar.