About Cyprus

CYPRUS located in the eastern Mediterranean, sunny 330 days a year with exciting history and a lot of culture to be explored. PAPHOS This is an ideal holiday choice for people seeking a relaxing holiday or a permanent home, in the warm Mediterranean sun, while enjoying a friendly environment. There are numerous restaurants in Paphos and the prices are very reasonable and you should expect quality and value for money meals

The weather in Cyprus is very mild and even when it turns cold as soon as the rain finishes the day continues to be sunny. Popular beaches include the Coral Bay which is about 1.5 Km of sand and is a host to a number of water sports and activities. A lot of people use, other less known and unspoiled beaches such as the Lara Bay that is 6km long and the Timi Village area.

Roads excluding the Akamas Peninsula are very good in condition, we highly recommend hiring a car preferably a 4X4 and visit places away from the Main tourism area as you will soon understand that Cyprus has more to offer besides sun and sea tourism. Culture, observing the local people’s way of life in the cafes and small taverna's, the people selling fruit at the market is an important add-on for experiencing Cyprus.
The harbour area which includes various sites such as the mosaics of Aion, House of Dionysos and the St Paul’s Pillar, is one of the busiest. It has many attractions such as the fishing harbour, seaside cafes and restaurants and the popular Bar Street just off the main road.
Old Paphos has a busy market area which sells fresh fruit and vegetables and many different souvenirs, set among traditional crafts people such as tailors, silversmiths and blacksmiths. Akamas Peninsula is an area of natural beauty and in particular Turtle Beach where in September and October the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the warm sand. Troodos Mountains in the central and western part of the island provides good skiing conditions in the winter and cool and relaxing surroundings for that summer picnic. Also home to some of the unspoilt villages which still practice age old crafts such as lace making, pottery and perfumes.

Golf in Cyprus

Cyprus now has an added attraction when it comes to holidaying in Cyprus, Golf.

There are golf courses at Tsada, Secret Valley and Aphrodite Hills offering championship courses and luxury accommodation, with magnificent views of sea and mountains. Cyprus has plenty to offer golfers who want to relax and explore as well as to play golf. More Golf Courses are planned for the island and will prove popular with holidaymakers and investors alike. With 330+ days of sunshine per year this will always prove an attractive and desirable location for those golfers seeking that special and challenging holiday.

About Paphos

Paphos is an ideal holiday destination as it offer something for everyone. From breath taking pine-clad mountains, traditional villages, golden sandy beaches to lively party nights at the European style bars, discos and nightclubs. There is also a wide variety of shops offering locally made silver, handmade lace, leather goods, copperware and beautiful hand painted ceramics at affordable prices.

Climate

Cyprus enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers - with temperatures around 33c and mild winters wit the annual rainfall occurring mostly from December to March. Snow falls on the Troodos mountains from mid January to mid March.

Temperature and Climate for Paphos Region	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Min Temp (°C)	7	7	8	11	14	17	20	21	18	16	12	9
Max Temp (°C)	17	17	18	21	24	28	29	30	28	26	22	19
Max Rainy Days	9	7	7	5	2	0	0	0	1	3	6	7

Food and wine

Food in Cyprus is varied and is influenced by Greece and Africa and the Middle East making a delicious and exotic dimension to the cuisine. The emphasis is on freshly cooked food flavoured with herbs and spices and the use of good quality olive oil.

A meze is a good way of sampling several of the local delicacies, little dishes of differently cooked meat, fish, vegetables and dips, often the heart of a meal itself. Just some of the dishes you may be served are smoked sausage soaked in wine, smoked pork, beef or rabbit casserole, small minced pork sausages or lamb cooked in clay pots. Seafood dishes include calamari, sea bass, whitebait and octopus in red wine.

The wine produced in Cyprus comes mainly from small vineyards. Some 100 different variety of grapes are cultivated mainly around the area of Troodos on the south and western slopes. A wine tour is very informative and will prove a worthwhile day out.

A trip to the local market is a good way of buying fresh fruit and vegetables, most will be known to you but there may be a few surprises and worth trying out, they are direct from the growers but you will need to get there early to buy the best produce.

Don’t forget to try some of the many cheeses produced here, feta, halloumi and anari (similar to ricotta when fresh and parmesan when salted and dried) Hard cheese like kefalotiri is ideal for sandwiches. On the same stalls you will probably find a range of different types of olives, ask to try them and see which you prefer.

Nuts, pulses and honey are an essential part of the Mediterranean diet and can be found stacked in large quantities on market stalls.

Here is sample recipes using some of the most popular local ingredients.

Afelia
1 kg lean pork
2 table spoons crushed coriander seeds, salt and pepper
1 glass of red wine
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
6 tablespoon of sunflower oil
Marinate the meat in the wine and spices overnight.
Remove meat and dry before browning in the oil.
Put in casserole dish and pour in the marinade add enough water to cover.
Cook on hob or in oven for 30 minutes or until meat is tender and the liquid is reduced to a thick sauce, cook uncovered for a short while to reduce if necessary.

Stifadho – Beef with onions
1 kg beef (shoulder or neck)
1 kg small onions
2 bay leaves
3 cloves garlic
1 cup vinegar
½ glass of dry red wine
½ glass corn oil and 1 tablespoon oil
3-4 pieces of cinnamon sticks
6-7 peppercorns
1 tomato cut into pieces
salt to taste
Peel onions and put into water. Pour out this water and add fresh water and bring to boil. Boil for 5 minutes and drain. Cut meat into cubes and add all ingredients into casserole or covered pan with enough water to cover and cook for about 2 hours (the longer the better) on low heat. When ready water should be completely absorbed watch if cooking on hob as contents may burn.
Serve with small potatoes or rice.

Activities

There are many activities available for the sporting holiday maker. Paphos offers all water sports including diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, paragliding, fishing and sailing. Golf, hiking, horse riding and bowling are also offered in various areas all over Cyprus.

History

Paphos is included in UNESCO'S list of cultural and national treasures of the world heritage, and is steeped in history and legend. Within walking distance or a short drive are the Bath's of Aphrodite, 3rd century mosaic floors, the medieval fort at the harbour, the 4th century Tombs of the Kings, medieval monasteries, museums and much more.

International Relations

Cyprus is a member of the United Nations, Council of Europe, British Commonwealth, a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the World Bank and I.M.F and from 1 May 2004, a full Member of the European Union.

Language

Although the local population is Greek speaking. Over 85% of the populations speak English. It is also useful to note that all street signs, direction signs, shop signs etc. are written in English. Knowledge of German, French, Russian and other European languages is increasing with the Island's rapid growth in tourism.

Legal System

Based mainly on the Anglo-Saxon legal system. The Land Registry Department in Cyprus is one of the most advanced and reliable system in the world. (Government correspondence can also be provided in English and all contracts and other legal paper work are produced in English).

Recreation and Nightlife

The island has a cosmopolitan environment and entertaining/eating out is inexpensive. There are clubs and bars for all ages varying from discotheques to live music all of the major towns and most of the larger villages. There is every type of sports activities (land and sea), yachting marinas, golf courses and snow skiing.

Troodos Mountain

This unforgettable mountain region, is popular with skiers, hikers and those wishing for a quite and peaceful holiday with typical and traditional Cyprus villages with age old traditions and crafts still being practiced.
The village of Lefkara is renowned for its handmade lace and you will find this age old craft still being practiced by the women folk, who will be only too pleased to show you their handy work and you will be able to purchase these beautiful items for your home or gift. You will also find skilled silversmiths producing fine filigree work and jewellery. There is an upper and lower section with cobbled streets and picturesque architecture. A folklore museum shows you what life was like in Cyprus some hundred years ago and has furniture and items of those used by a wealthy family of that time.
Platres is the main tourist resort in Troodos and is popular with holidaymakers, it offers an ideal base to your and explore the region.
During the months of December through to March is when you would expect to find snow in these mountains and skiing and snow activities are the main attraction.
Kykkos Monastery is in the western part of Troodos and is a popular tourist attraction being one of the most beautiful in the area. Fully renovated, it contains a museum of religious icons and items of historic interest.

Paphos

Once the capital of Cyprus, Paphos is full of history and is close to the international airport. One of the main focal points is the beautiful fishing harbour located next to the Byzantine fort, with open air cafes and tavernas serving the local catch of the day.
You can also find tombs of the kings nearby constructed in the 4th century, carved out of solid rock some with Doric pillars giving the local area its name. Also the Byzantine museum and district archaeological museum with a wealth of information on local history and mythology is also easily accessible. Some of the finest scenes from Greek mythology can be seen at the mosaics of Paphos dating from the 5th century, considered among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean.

Coral Bay

15 minutes drive to the north of Paphos is Coral Bay with the best natural beaches in the area. There is a wealth of restaurants and taverna's offering value for money meals and a warm welcome. Many water sports are offered during the busier month and this is a popular area for tourists.

Peyia

Peyia village is just a few minutes drive from Coral Bay and has become popular with expats wishing to live in Cyprus. The village square with its natural springs and traditional way of life offers many amenities such as supermarkets, banks, taverna's, chemist, butchers, bakers etc. and has become a popular venue for that romantic wedding or honeymoon.

Public Holidays in Cyprus

Please be advised that the following dates are public holidays in Cyprus and Banks during 2009, Public Services, Offices and Shops will be closed.

January 1st	New Year’s Day
January 6th	Epiphany Day
March 2nd	Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
March 25th	Greek Independence Day
April 1st	Cyprus National Day
April 17th	Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
April 18th	Good Saturday (Greek Orthodox Church)
April 19th	Easter Sunday (Greek Orthodox Church)
April 20th	Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
April 21st	Easter Tuesday (Greek Orthodox Church)
May 1st	Labour Day
June 8th	Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
August 15th	Assumption
October 1st	Cyprus Independence Day
October 28th	Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24th	Christmas Eve
December 25th	Christmas Day
December 26th	Boxing Day