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Cyprus Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Troödos Mountains Troödos Mountains Alfred Wong T M For those Cyprus devotees who know and love the island this introduction may have little to offer other than as a reminder of just what the island is all about. For those not yet familiar with Cyprus, the best (and often used) adjectives that would top the list when writing copy such as this, would undoubtedly include 'sun-kissed','sharply contrasting','unhurried', 'irresistible', 'fascinating' and such like. This is not to suggest that the island is perfect. Like any venue it has its 'warts and all' negative points but, on balance, we suggest that many thousands of visitors have been delighted for every one that has encountered any failings. The people themselves, at the root of Cyprus's famous hospitality, are a fascinating blend of Roman, Byzantine, Greek and British influenced characteristics and traits. The Cypriots, however, are proud of their individuality and warmth of character. They will welcome strangers into their homes and lives much quicker than those from the countries which influenced Cyprus over the years. The heady mix of Mediterranean weather and cuisine, a low cost of living, and the ease with which one can communicate, makes Cyprus such a favorite among the West Europeans, particularly the British. In many parts of Cyprus you will find a life style little changed from centuries ago, when the pace of life was slower and simple pleasures were gained from an equally simple life. Wherever you travel in Cyprus you will not be far from blossoms, fruit and the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean. Cyprus has made sure it caters for more sophisticated demands with widespread facilities for fishing, golf, cycling, sailing/yachting, swimming, nature treks, and water sports. There can be few more pleasurable experiences than sitting in the open air on a balmy Cyprus night enjoying a full scale 'meze' in the company of Greek friends. Eat, drink and be merry, indeed. Although Greek is the national language of Cyprus, English is spoken almost everywhere with the exception of some remote villages. Just bathe in a certain spot when Aphrodite's rocks stand out of the sea and legend says you will live five years longer. According to Homer Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, was born from the soft sea foam near Paphos. In Paphos itself, take a trip back through Christianity at the St. Paul Pillar and St.Solomon Catacombs Enjoy the picturesque harbour and castle. _________History Edit This Apollo temple near Kourion Apollo temple near Kourion Hilda Osinga Cypriot history and culture is among the oldest in the Mediterranean. By 3700 BC the island was well-inhabited and a crossroads between East and West. From the 11th Century BC onwards, Cyprus exhibited an essentially Greek culture. The heritage of Hellenism in Cyprus can still be detected in today's Cypriot Greek dialect which has close affinity to Ioanian Greek from the times of Homer. The island fell successively under Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Greek and Roman domination. For 800 years beginning in AD 364 Cyprus was ruled by Byzantium. After brief possession by King Richard I (the Lion-Heart) in 1991 during the Crusades. King Richard, married Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol the same year. The only British Royal wedding which took place outside the shores of the British Isles. His best man was King Leon II of Armenia. King Richard sold the island to the Knights Templar but in 1192 after stife against the Templars, King Richard I transferred the island to Guy de Lusignan, ex King of Jerusalem. The Lusignan era lasted till 1489 and is considerd to be the golden age of medieval Cyprus. Today, the cathedrals and castles still stand as examples of medieval architecture (the two major cathedrals of St. Sophia in Nicosia and St. Nicholas in Famagusta were converted to mosques in 1570). Between 1372 and 1489 the port city of Famagusta was held by Genoa. In 1489 Cyprus was ceded to the Venetian Republic. Shakespeares tragedy "Othello" is set in Famagusta and one can still visit Othellos's tower there. The Venetian period was marked by expoitation of the people, all they were interested in being strategic issues and their own international trade. The Ottoman Turks conquered Cyprus in 1571. The Ottomans applied the millet system to Cyprus which allowed religious authorities to govern their own non-Muslim minorities. This system reinforced the position of the Orthodox Church and the cohesion of the ethnic Greek population. Most of the Turks who settled on the island during the 3 centuries of Ottoman rule remained when control of Cyprus - although not sovereignty - was ceded to Great Britain in 1878. Many however left for Turkey during the 1920s. The island was annexed formally by the U.K. in 1914 at the outbreak of World War I and became a crown colony in 1925. In 1914, Britain offered to ceded Cyprus to Greece if Greece entered the war on its side; Greece initially preferred to remain neutral, but when it eventually entered the war as a British Ally against Austria-Hungary, Germany and the Ottoman Empire, Britain reneged on the pretext that Greece did not enter the war when the initial offer had been made. Cyprus gained its independence from the U.K. in 1960 after an anti-British campaign by the Greek Cypriot EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) a guerrilla group which desired political union with Greece or enosis. Archbishop Makarios a charismatic religious and political leader was elected president. At this time Greeks constituted 80% of the population whilst Turks made up 18% of it. Shortly after the founding of the republic serious differences arose between the two communities about the implementation and interpretation of the constitution. The Greek Cypriots argued that the complex mechanisms introduced to protect Turkish Cypriot interests were obstacles to efficient government. In November 1963 President Makarios advanced a series of constitutional amendments designed to eliminate some of these special provisions. The Turkish Cypriots opposed such changes. The confrontation prompted widespread intercommunal fighting in December 1963 after which Turkish Cypriot participation in the central government ceased. UN peacekeepers were deployed on the island in 1964. Following another outbreak of intercommunal violence in 1967-68 a Turkish Cypriot provisional administration was formed. In July 1974 the military junta in Athens sponsored a coup led by extremist Greek Cypriots hostile to Makarios for his alleged pro-communist leanings and for his perceived abandonment of enosis. Turkey citing the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee intervened militarily to protect Turkish Cypriots. In a two-stage offensive Turkish troops took control of 38% of the island. Many Greek Cypriots fled south while many Turkish Cypriots fled north. Since then the southern part of the country has been under the control of the Government of Cyprus and the northern part under an autonomous Turkish-Cypriot administration supported by the presence of Turkish troops. In 1983 that administration proclaimed itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", recognized only by Turkey. UN peacekeeping forces maintain a buffer zone between the two sides. Except for occasional demonstrations or infrequent incidents between soldiers in the buffer zone, there had been no violent conflict since 1974 until August 1996, when violent clashes led to the death of two demonstrators and escalated tension. There is little movement of people and essentially no movement of goods or services between the two parts of the island. Efforts to reunite the island under a federal structure continue, however, under the auspices of the United Nations. Today, Greek and Turkish Cypriots share many customs and the cuisine but maintain distinct identities based on religion, language and close ties with their respective motherlands. Greek is predominantly spoken in the south, Turkish in the north. English is widely used. Cyprus has a well-developed system of primary and secondary education. The majority of Cypriots earn their higher education at Greek, Turkish, British or American universities. Private colleges and state-supported universities have been developed by both the Turkish and Greek communities. _________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] how to get there Edit This There are non-stop flights from all the major cities of Western and Eastern Europe with Cyprus Airways and the National airlines of the European countries. Major gateways from Europe are: Athens, London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan, Geneva, Zurich, Vienna, Malta, Moscow, Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest, Warsaw and Prague. From the UK Cyprus Airways (www.cyrusair.com.cy) is the National carrier of Cyprus. They operate scheduled flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted), Birmingham and Manchester to more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] _________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: The Greek Cypriot economy is small and prosperous but highly susceptible to external shocks. Industry contributes 22% to GDP and employs 25% of the labor force while the service sector contributes 89% to GDP and employs 62% of the labor force. Erratic growth rates in the 1990s reflect the economy's vulnerability to swings in tourist arrivals caused by political instability on the island and fluctuations in economic conditions in Western Europe. The Turkish Cypriot economy has about one-third the per capita Gkhkh7797976DP of the south. Because it is recognized only by Turkey it has had much difficulty arranging foreign financing and foreign firms have hesitated to invest there. The economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture and government service which together employ about half of the work force. Moreover the small vulnerable economy has suffered because the Turkish lira is legal tender. To compensate for the economy's weakness Turkey provides direct and indirect aid to nearly every sector. In January 1997 Turkey signed a $250 million economic cooperation accord with the Turkish Cypriot area to support tourism education and industry. GDP: purchasing power parity—$11.19 billion (Greek Cypriot area: purchasing power parity—$9.75 billion; Turkish Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $1.44 billion) (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 2.4% (Greek Cypriot area: 2.5%; Turkish Cypriot area: 1.7%) (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$13 500 (Greek Cypriot area: purchasing power parity—$15 000; Turkish Cypriot area: purchasing power parity—$8 000) (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: Greek Cypriot area: agriculture 4.4%; industry 22.4%; services 73.2% (1996); Turkish Cypriot area: agriculture 10%; industry 24.6%; services 65.4% (1995) Inflation rate—consumer price index: Greek Cypriot area: 3.5% (1997 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: 87.5% (1997 est.) Labor force: total: Greek Cypriot area: 299 700 by occupation: services 62% industry 25% agriculture 13% (1995) total: Turkish Cypriot area: 76 500 (1996) by occupation: services 66% industry 11% agriculture 23% (1995) Unemployment rate: Greek Cypriot area: 3.3% (1997 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: 6.4% (1996) Budget: revenues: Greek Cypriot area—$2.9 billion Turkish Cypriot area—$171 million expenditures: Greek Cypriot area—$3.4 billion including capital expenditures of $345 million Turkish Cypriot area—$306 million including capital expenditures of $56.8 million (1997 est.) Industries: food beverages textiles chemicals metal products tourism wood products Industrial production growth rate: Greek Cypriot area: -4% (1996); Turkish Cypriot area: 5.1% (1995) Electricity—capacity: 666 000 kW (1995) Electricity—production: 2.6 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 3 530 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: potatoes citrus vegetables barley grapes olives vegetables Exports: total value: Greek Cypriot area: $1.3 billion (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: citrus potatoes grapes wine cement clothing and shoes partners: Russia 19.1% Bulgaria 16.4% UK 11.3% Greece 6.3% Germany 4.8% total value: Turkish Cypriot area: $70.5 million (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: citrus potatoes textiles partners: Turkey 48.2% UK 21.3% other EU 13.7% Imports: total value: Greek Cypriot area: $3.6 billion (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: consumer goods petroleum and lubricants food and feed grains machinery partners: US 17.8% UK 11.9% Italy 9.7% Germany 7.5% Greece 7.6% total value: Turkish Cypriot area: $318.4 million (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: food minerals chemicals machinery partners: Turkey 55.3% UK 13.8% other EU 11.6% Debt—external: Greek Cypriot area: $1.56 billion (1997) Economic aid: Greek Cypriot area: recipient—$187 million (1990-94) in grants; Turkish Cypriot area: recipient—$700 million (1990-97) from Turkey in grants and loans that are usually forgiven Currency: 1 Cypriot pound (£C) = 100 cents; 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurus Exchange rates: Cypriot pounds per US1$—0.5326 (January 1998) 0.5135 (1997) 0.4663 (1996) 0.4522 (1995) 0.4915 (1994) 0.4970 (1993); Turkish liras (TL) per US$1—187 477 (November 1997) 81 405 (1996) 45 845.1 (1995) 29 608.7 (1994) 10 984.6 (1993) Fiscal year: calendar year _________People Edit This Population: 748 982 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 25% (male 94 006; female 89 256) 15-64 years: 65% (male 245 739; female 241 935) 65 years and over: 10% (male 33 989; female 44 057) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 0.69% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 13.93 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 7.51 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: 0.44 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7.97 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.79 years male: 74.62 years female: 79.07 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.03 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Cypriot(s) adjective: Cypriot Ethnic groups: Greek 78% (99.5% of the Greeks live in the Greek Cypriot area; 0.5% of the Greeks live in the Turkish Cypriot area) Turkish 18% (1.3% of the Turks live in the Greek Cypriot area; 98.7% of the Turks live in the Turkish Cypriot area) other 4% (99.2% of the other ethnic groups live in the Greek Cypriot area; 0.8% of the other ethnic groups live in the Turkish Cypriot area) Religions: Greek Orthodox 78% Muslim 18% Maronite Armenian Apostolic and other 4% Languages: Greek Turkish English Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 94% male: 98% female: 91% (1987 est.) _________Beaches Edit This Cyprus has some top notch beaches. It has many tens of Blue Flag organised beaches as well as a collection of remote, hardly organised ones. There is a huge variety, and one will certainly find her favorite. All colours of sand, from white and golden to dark, pebble, rock of various colours, calm protected waters or rougher sea, ragged environment to tamed artificial wavebreaker type, there is a lot to choose from. Many of the organised Cyprus beaches certainly get packed in summer, but even then there are many that are not congested. The ones I would recommend are in the area of Ayia Napa and Protaras (south east) and a few at the northwest (Akamas peninsula). You can find in depth information on Cyprus beaches, as well as other parts of Cyprus natural heritage (walking trails, dams, sea caves, birds, etc) on www.natureofcyprus.org. ::::::::::Kourion Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x Kourion basilica Hilda Osinga Kourion has the most interesting excavations of Cyprus. You find the place on the road from Pafos to Limassol. Best take the road along the sea. You'll pass first the birthplace of Afrodite and then not far from Limassol you first see the temple of Apollo and the holy street and then the huge archeological park of Kourion. It is open every day from 8.00 hour. The scenery is fantastic above the sea. There is a restaurated theatre and next to it the house of Eustolos with wonderful mosaics. Thats what most tourists see, but there is much more e.g. the basilca, the thermes, the forum and the house of the gladiator. And everywhere there are hidingplaces against the sun with seaviews. :::::::::::Kyrenia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Dome The Dome Kyrenia is situated in Northern Cyprus. Whilst a lot of money has been invested in the area, there are still peasant markets etc. and while parts of the town are modernising, it is also one of the most beautiful on the island.There is a beautifull view of the sea as well as being able to see the mountains in their full glory. For accomodation Sammy's hotel is highly recommended. This is a small family run hotel, that not only is spotlessly clean, but has a personal touch and a warm atmosphere. The staff will go out of their way to provide you with services such as a drive to the nearest beach etc. The Ship Inn has a really good service as well, while for eating out the Kyrenia Tavern is a secret waiting to be discovered. For a good afternoons drink, try pegusos bar owned by velli for a warm welcome and a great lunch Lots of casinos and beware of the 'Clubs' outside of the towns as they are brothels! The best month to visit Kyrenia are October, November, December, January, February, March, April as any other month of the year is best suited to the beach lover, as the weather is in the hotter range. ::::::::Lefkara Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Half way on the road from Nicosia or Larnaca to Limassol the white Lefkara hills catch the attention. The name Lefkara is attributed to the light color, almost white, limestone (Lefka ori – white mountains). The picturesque villages of Pano Lefkara, Kato Lefkara and Kato Drys are perched in these southern foothills of the Troodos mountains, 10Km from the Nicosia-Limassol highway and a short distance from the beach and the cities of Nicosia , Limassol and Larnaca. Once an administrative center with a population of more than 5000 at the beginning of the 20th century, Pano Lefkara today has a population of about 1000 and boasts a unique architecture that remains to this day. The stone-built houses are separated by narrow winding streets. Occasionally a balcony, with flowers hanging over the narrow street, joins the upper levels of the houses. Places to see in Lefkara are the Church of the Holy cross in the center of the village, the Handicraft museum and the Wax museum. Lefkara is a popular destination for day visits, but remains quiet and almost undiscovered for longer stays. Yet, there is accommodation in Lefkara, restaurants and coffee shops. :::::::::Troodos mountains Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see pendeli hotel pool pendeli hotel pool The Troodos mountains are located in the center of the Greek part of the islands. They are covering most of the central mass of Cyprus and their green slopes, dotted with tiny villages, the forest paths, the cool weather and, last but not least, the ancient monasteries, attract many people to leave the beach areas of Cyprus and to discover this beuatyful and still wild landscape. The locals are very proud of their cultural heritage: some of the monasteries date back to the Byzantine period. People here are very hospitable and friendly. All in all is a very beautiful region, with great hiking and walking opportunities. The main highlight is the Kykkos monastery, that dates back to the 11-th century. _________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Kykkos Monastery Museum Edit This Northeast of Troodos mountains, 1318 m above NN and surrounded by cedar forests you will find the Kykkos monastery, one of the best preserved (and renovated) monastery complexes of Cyprus. It hosts a museum with a vast collection of magnificent antiquities, items of art and treasures of the museum reveal the history of Cyprus. Constructed on modern technical specifications with rich interior decoration, the monastery is a piece of art itself. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _________Day Trips Edit This Troodos, as a relatively very big part of the surface area of Cyprus, has a large collection of nature related attractions. The range is now sparesly populated and probably this has contributed to the relative conservation to its natural and cultural heritage (Amiantos mine is a scar on the land though, a testament to human destruction of nature. It is hoped that the particular area will be restored soon). Troodos is an excellent hiker's destination, having endless possibilities for hikes (especially in Paphos forest). The scenery can be quite variable and includes very rocky peaks with no vegetation, lush pine, cedar or golden oak forests, very green valleys and gorges with running streams all year round, waterfalls and dams. An excellent network of dirt roads (and many asphalt roads) traverse the range offering great possibilites also for mountain bikers. there are tens of different endemic plant species here, and if you are lucky you may also see the elusive endemic Cyprus moufflon (a type of wild sheep). If you are looking for a different Cyprus, a green Cyprus all year round, you should come to Troodos and explore. For in depth information on the natural heritage of Troodos, including walking trails, waterfalls, dams etc, you can explore www.natureofcyprus.org .