Cyprus is a Eurasian island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, lies west of Syria and Lebanon and southern Turkey. Its Total area is 3,572 square miles, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The largest city and capital is Nicosia. The Republic of Cyprus is divided into six districts, all take their names from their respective capital cities.
Since 1983, the island is divided in two, on the northern part of the island is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. The districts are still on the partition and the boundaries of the districts hold therefore not at the border between the Greek-and Turkish-Cypriot part of the island. In 2003, Tassos Papadopoulos has become President of the south of the country. In 2008 he was succeeded by Dimitris Christofias. Mehmet Ali Talat was elected the new president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, since 2005.
Cyprus has a history that goes back ages before Christ. Outside the city of Limassol, the second-largest city in Cyprus, there are interesting remains of the Temple to Apollon Ilatis which has stunning Cypro-Corinthian columns.. Whether ruins of Kourion, these are extensive ruins of the house of the Gladiators, mosaics, public baths, the necropolis, the Fountain, and the House of Achilles which are all well preserved. The Greek-Roman theater, is completely restored and is used for open air musical and theatrical performances, this is the finest site of Kourion. It is one of the venues for the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.
Greek, Turkish, and Arabic music, and dance like Sousta, Syrtos zeibekikos and have many similarities with traditional folk music of Cyprus. The instruments commonly associated with Cyprus folk music are the bouzouki , oud, violin and lute, which all are stringed instruments. The accordion, Cyprus flute and percussion like the toumperleki, a sort of drum, are also used frequently.
The Mediterranean climate of the island affects the Cypriot cuisine, there is a mix of Greek and Turkish cuisine with famous dishes with a local touch. Many Greek Cypriots consider snails a delicacy. Snails are in season in late autumn, when the first good rains arrive after the hot summer.. They are then cleaned and prepared as a pilaf with rice or as stifado, baked cinnamon, onions and tomatoes . Halloumi, is the national cheese of Cyprus, it is a semi-hard white-brined cheese, made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk. Cyprus a has a tradition of brandy production and Zivania, a grape distillate is also a popular spirit.
The capital Nicosia is literally divided by the ‘Green Line’, no man’s land between Turkish and Greek part of Cyprus. In Nicosia are the Cyprus Museum, the archbishop’s palace in the old town district and the atmospheric Laiki Yitonia really worth a visit.
In Cyprus are great markets and shops with the best handmade lace, silk, baskets, pottery, silver and leather works.
Limassol and Larnaca harbor are the main ports in Cyprus, where cruise ships, passenger ships and cargo ships docking For citizens of the EU there is no visa required for a stay less than 90 days. But by arrival in Cyprus you must have passport valid for at least 3 months. When you travel to the Turkish part of the border you will receive a free visa in Lefkosia. Visitors from other countries can request a visa at the Embassy or Consulate.
