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Cyprus

Overview
There is a great deal packed into a small space on the island ofCyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. Not only does it abound withgood beaches and holiday resorts, but its relatively tiny landmassis riddled with the relics of ancient history, from the beehivehuts of primitive man to classical Greek and Roman ruins, andeverything imaginable in-between.A thousand years is but a blip in time in the long history ofCyprus, but it was that long ago that the city of Nicosia (alsoknown as Lefkosia) became its capital. Today Nicosia is unique inEurope because it is divided by the 'green line' that bisects thewhole island, dividing north from south. The line, which serves asa United Nations peacekeeping buffer, was drawn in 1974, when theTurks invaded and took over the north. Most of the tourismdevelopment since then has taken place in the southernGovernment-controlled sector, and the political divide, even inNicosia itself, has not dampened the island's appeal as a holidayMecca.The charms of Cyprus are many and varied. For a start theweather is sunny and dry for most of the year, and the encirclingsea is blue, clear and enticing. There are modern luxury hotels inthe coastal resort towns, historic restored city precincts toexplore, tavernas and nightlife aplenty. Cyprus has remotepicturesque mountain villages and monasteries, beautiful churches,Crusader castles and fascinating museums. The local people areextremely welcoming of tourists, happy to share with them theirinnate love of life and camaraderie. In Cyprus it is possible tomingle with crowds, or seek isolation off the beaten track as themood takes, even in peak holiday season. For this reason the islandis also a favoured destination for honeymooners, a reputationenhanced by the fact that legend has it that Cyprus was whereAphrodite, Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea.

Money
The currency is the Cyprus pound (CYP), which is divided into100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments.Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks; it is bestto take them in Pounds Sterling. Banks are closed on weekends.There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24 hours aday.

Time
GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Language
The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas.

Climate
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshineyear round. Long dry summers and mild winters are separated byshort autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a time of hightemperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates apleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild, withsome rain and snow on Troodos Mountains.

Regions/Resorts in Cyprus:

Ayia Napa |Protaras |Limassol |Paphos |

Ayia Napa Napa Prince Apartments 03 Dec 10 from London-Gatwick 7 Nights, 3 Star, Self Catering from £125   Protaras Tsokkos Odessa Hotel 03 Dec 10 from London-Gatwick 7 Nights, 4 Star, Half Board from £188   Limassol Jasmine Hotel And Apartments 19 Jan 11 from London-Gatwick 7 Nights, 4 Star, Self Catering from £114

Paphos Daphne Hotel Apartments 19 Jan 11 from London-Gatwick 7 Nights, 4 Star, Self Catering from £120