Reputed birthplace of the legendary Aphrodite, the goddess of love, the origins of the name Cyprus although uncertain is mentioned in the Iliad, where Homer refers to it as " Kypros", which is Greek for the henna plant which flourished on the island. An Island chosen by the mythical gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece to dance and play.

The first traces of mankind, possibly migrants from Syria and Turkey, appear in the 6th and 7th millennia BC during the mesolithic period. Around the Bronze Age - 3000 BC, Cyprus rich in copper mines brought traders from the Middle East.

Straddling both East and West, Cyprus has from inception been feted, colonised, ruled and divided by a myriad of civilisations.

Each civilisation has left an indelible imprint on the island, the strongest of which have been Greek, Roman and Arabic.

Cyprus claims to be the first Christian country after the Roman governor Sergius Paulus was converted by St. Paul around AD 45. Magnificent frescoes in churches all over the island stand testimony to the Byzantine influence. castles and palaces from the days of Crusaders and Frankish Lusignans and splendid city walls from Venetian days.

Britain arrived in 1878 after Cyprus, was ceded by the Ottoman Empire on condition that Ottoman sovereignty would remain. British legal and administrative systems were introduced along with road and bridge-building programmes.

Britain annexed the island in 1914 during World War 1 and in 1925 Cyprus became a British Crown Colony.

Cyprus finally won its' independence in 1960 under Archbishop Makarios.

And then, in 1974 Turkey invaded, occupying the northern part of the island and Cyprus has been divided ever since.

With such a historic and legendary background it is hardly surprising that Cyprus has developed a character which is quite unique.

The Country

The third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus stretches some 150 miles (240 km) from the west coast to its easternmost tip and 60 miles (96 km) from north to south.

Cyprus consists of six major towns - Nicosia, the capital situated inland and the 5 coastal towns of Limassol, Larnaka, Paphos, Famagusta and Kyrenia.

The latter two, in the east and north respectively, have been under Turkish occupation since 1974 and require special permits for access.

The landscape, from its fertile central plain to cool vine-clad foothills is a varying one. Mile after mile of sandy shores with secluded beaches, fringed by hundreds of villages each with its own tradition and charm.

Carob and olive trees abound. Orange and lemon groves interspersed by banana plantations spill over the countryside.

The Seasons

Each season has a charm and beauty of its own. In summer, sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters entice swimmers and provide perfect conditions for sailing, skiing and all manner of water sports. The cool, pine covered mountains of Troodos, provide a startling contrast with delightful hill resorts and traditional hotels.

In autumn, the sea temperature is still relatively high after the long hot summer months and for some, this is the best season of all.

Winter is usually short and mild, with average daytime temperatures of around 16°C. Much-needed rain occurs during this period, although most days are bright and sunny. A brief season of snow from January to March in the Troodos region, make Cyprus an ideal alternative destination for the serious skier.

In spring the countryside is ablaze with wild flowers. With 1500 different species of flowers, Cyprus is also a paradise for nature lovers.

From the gentle warmth of early spring to the sun-drenched days of summer, there's a season to suit every visitor to the Island.

Blessed with all this natural beauty and coupled with the friendliness of its' people, it is no wonder that visitors to Cyprus return time and time again.