Today Cyprus is a modern country. Great beaches, mountain, vineyards, forests wiyh olive trees and many ancient ruins , citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the open-heart people.

Main advantage of Cyprus is the location as Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, like other Mediterranean islands .

Cyprus offers the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are not usual. Cyprus has something to offer every month of all year round, whether for swimming till late November, or enjoying cultural sites and festivals during all year.

Summer
Summer in Cyprus is from mid-May to mid-October and means high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea. It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of watersports from sailing to scuba diving.

At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. It's always a good idea to bring along sun protection, such as sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C(90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.

While during September and October are still sunny and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer.

Autumn
At the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however. In October and through November the leaves change color in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight.

In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like summer, but by month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the traveller's experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tastings can be very enjoyable.

Fall also brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus
Autumn is ideal for visitors who prefer more easy athmospher and cooler weather.

Winter
December and January are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright sunshine a day.

This is the time of year when smaller Mediterranean destinations shut down for the season, but not so Cyprus. The island is a major business centre and has many important heritage sites and museums, all at their least crowded in winter.

The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time. The summer resort of Agia Napa, for example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing!

Spring
The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond trees in bloom. March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but steadily moderate. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other wildflowers.

In April and into the middle of May spring is in full force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of flowering plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the island, and in the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of which 40 are endemic. From February to April, pink cyclamen sprouts up from rocky foothills and thickets and forms a riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite. From March to April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid (Orchis italica) grows in dense patches around Pafos. If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savor the natural beauty of the island in bloom. 

Where to go in Cyprus
 
Paphos
Pafos itself is a leading cultural centre of the Mediterranean, with fascinating mosaics to see at the Houses of Aion and Dionysos, St. Paul’s Pillar, the Tombs of the Kings and more. The whole town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the nearby Akamas Peninsula and inland region there are beautiful monasteries, such as Agios Neofytos and Chrysorrogiatissa, picturesque villages and nature trails.

Paphos is beautiful countryside, a cosmopolitan resort, historical sights as well as sporting activities, the Pafos region has something for everyone at any time of year.

Paphos is the perfect place to combine first class holidays with a walk through history.  Immerse yourself in the archaeology, history and culture of Pafos and experience at first hand one of the oldest civisations of the world.

Polis
new destination for quality tourism in Cyprus. Polis Chrysochous is becoming the new destination offering quality and special interest tourism in Cyprus. Polis Chrysochous Municipality offers you as much information about our area and its surroundings
Polis is located North West of the region of Pafos at a 30 minute distance from the town of Pafos, 45 minutes from Pafos airport and less than 2 hours away from Larnaca airport.
Polis is the ideal holiday location for the select few who appreciate authenticity and seek rest and tranquility in a pleasant and friendly environment, which blends mountains, sea and plain with a wonderful healthy climate, a mild winter, a particularly warm, clear sea and sandy beache

for more information visit The Polis Municipality website. http://www.polis-municipality-cyprus.com/

Limassol
Lemesos, and the area immediately around it, is home to enough cultural treasures to keep you occupied for a few days. In the heart of the city itself you’ll find the Cyprus Mediaeval Museum, housed in the imposing mediaeval fort where, in 1191, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England. Some 19 kilometres west of Lemesos, is Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites not just in Cyprus but in the entire Mediterranean. To the east (11km east of the town centre) is another important ancient city-Kingdom, Amathous. Do not miss a visit to the impressive mediaeval castle of Kollossi and its panoramic view from the top as well as a drive through the vineyards and the orchards in the area of Lemesos.

For further information please visit the following websites:
www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy

Larnaca
Larnaka, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is the modern gateway to Cyprus, known for such sights as the beautiful Ag. Lazaros Church and leisurely Palm Tree Promenade. As the home of the island's main international airport, Larnaka offers many visitors their first tatste of Cyprus. One of the first sights is the beautiful salt lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds.

Beside the lake, in a tranquil setting crowned by lush palms, is the Hala Sultan Tekesi, built to the memory of Prophet Mohammed's aunt. Further west at Kiti village is Panagia Angeloktisti Church with tis famous mosaics.

Nikosia
Lefkosia, the capital of Cyprus, and also the last divided capital of Europe, is home to lavishly decorated churches and the island’s foremost museums. Among them are the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, the Ethnographic Museum , the Byzantine Museum, the Museum of the National Struggle, the State Gallery of Contemporary Art, and the House of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios.
The old walled city of Lefkosia is unique and definitely the place to head for first. Encircled by strong fortress walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting old city is scattered with buildings and monuments of historical interest as well as shops, cafes and tavernas. Its pedestrian section, "Laiki Geitonia", has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmoshphere of past days.
In the countryside you’ll find ruins of the ancient city kingdoms of Idalion and Tamasos near the villages of Dali and Politiko respectively. One may also visit the Fikardou village which has been declared as a monument and was awarded the Europa Nostra award in 1987.

For further information please visit the website of (Lefkosia) Nicosia Municipality:
www.nicosia.org.cy

Troodos
The Troodos massif that stretches accross the centre of Cyprus and reaches up to 1.952 metres at Mount Olympos, is truly spectacular, a rugged but easily accessible region brimming with nature trails, 12th to 15th century frescoed churches, winemaking villages and pine forests. Monasteries dating from the Byzantine period but the best known is that of Kykkos, built in the 12th century and magnificently restored. It has a beautiful museum of religious icons. The main resorts of the Troodos, are Platres and Kakopetria, cosmopolitan villages with attractive bakeries, shops and refreshing alpine atmosphere.

Ammochostos
Ammochostos is a region of fertile red soil, old windmills, and fabulous beaches. The best-known is Agia Napa, the Mediterranean's new centre of clubbing. Agia Napa's nightlife is already legendary. But it also has a beautiful 16th century monastery and the breathtaking Cape Gkreko. North of that are the villages of Liopetri, known for its basket-making traditions Sotira, with its small 15th and 16th century churches and Dherynia with its Folk Art Museum and the Cultural Centre of the occupied town of Famagusta. The whitewashed inland town of Paralimni contrasts with its modern beach resort of Protaras, known also for its windmills spread in the fields among the hotels.

For further information about the region, you may visit the following websites:
www.agianapaprotarashotels.org.cy , www.agianapa.gov.cy
 
North Cyprus (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)

Entry Requirements
To enter the TRNC you need a valid passport. Prior visas are not required as they are given at the entry point to Turkish Cyprus free of charge (visitors who do not wish to have the visa put in their passports may get a special visa form). The maximum visa duration is 3 months.

Entry Points
Airports: Ercan ( Nicosia), Gecitkale ( Famagusta).
Ports: Kyrenia, Famagusta.

Currency
Since 2005 the official currency of the TRNC has been Turkish New Lira. Symbol: YTL (Yeni Türk Lirasi).
Banknotes: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 YTL. Coins: 1 YTL; 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 Ykr (new kurus).

Nikosia

The new Nicosia developed outside the walls became a contemporary, business and cultural centre. The architectural style of Nicosia represents a mixture of modern offices, apartment blocks, detached houses and buildings dated by the 16th and 18th centuries erected during Venetian and British rule.

Kyrenia

Kyrenia Castle, located at the end of the famous harbour, is a spectacular site to visit. It was built by the Romans with a seawall in front of it so that boats and ships could anchor in safety. After Cyprus became a part of Byzantine Empire and the Greek Orthodox Church in 395, the Byzantine emperors fortified the castle. In the 10th century, they constructed in its vicinity a church dedicated to St. George which was used as an army chapel. The castle and garrison offered inhabitants protection and security.

Famagusta

The spectacular buildings and monuments of Famagusta give a fascinating insight into long-lost civilizations and include the Lala Mustapha Pasa Mosque (former St. Nicholas Cathedral), the church and monastery dedicated to St. Barnabas, the town's harbour, the ruins of Enkomi and Salamis, and more

Guzelyurt

Guzelyurt, which means `beautiful country' in Turkish, is aptly named. Guzelyurt is a market town located in the west of North Cyprus.
St. Mamas Church in Guzelyurt is dedicated to St. Mamas, known as the patron of tax avoiders. The title was bestowed on him because he was a hermit living in very poor circumstances and when the authorities tried to tax him, he evaded them. Soldiers were sent out and captured him but on the way back to town, he saw a lion attacking a lamb, escaped from the soldiers, saved the lamb, jumped on the lion's back and in that way came to town. His bravery earned him exemption from tax, hence his traditional attribute.

useful website about North Cyprus http://www.northcyprusonline.com