Cyprus Information
The property market in Cyprus is one of the fastest growing markets within Europe. Buyers are attracted by the potential growth in terms of returns estimated at between 30-50% on investment property compared to other countries in Europe and the UK. The climate (340 days of sunshine a year) makes for good rental returns in the buy to let bracket coupled with acceptable management rates. Along with easy access to the UK, Europe and other destinations, this is also a significant plus factor when considering the purchase of a property in Cyprus.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, and for thousands of years a trading centre due to its location within Europe connecting Africa and Asia. A leading holiday destination, due to its excellent climate with very warm, dry summers and mild winters with a wide variety of natural beauty, famous historical sights, rich culture, and above all, friendly and welcoming inhabitants, which combine to offer a safe environment for residence and investments.
In Cyprus (South) you drive on the left hand side of the road as in the U.K!
Cyprus has a relatively low cost of living and added appeal for the potential buyer, offering a full and inexpensive lifestyle. Statistics point to Cyprus being one of the most inexpensive countries in Europe.
The local markets have an abundance of colorful fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and Cyprus's English style supermarkets are fully stocked with a large range of local and imported goods. The local population is Greek speaking. You will find however that English is widely spoken, as Cyprus was once a British colony. Street signs, direction signs, and shop signs are written in English.
Cyprus is the lead nation that joined the European Union in 2004 which is another factor affecting the growth and prices in the property for sale market of Cyprus. It is expected that in the run-up to becoming a member of, prices of property for sale in Cyprus will continue to rise.
The towns of Cyprus
Paphos
The west coast town of Paphos focuses around an attractive harbor whose picturesque open air fish restaurants line a quayside of bright fishing boats and pleasure craft. The Troodos Mountains add another dimension to this area of scenic beauty. In addition to having it's own international airport nearby which has opened up the Paphos area, the resort has a wide variety of hotels along the coastline. Add this to the fact that there are three 18 hole golf courses with a further three in the planning stage, makes Paphos an ideal destination for everyone.
Places of interest in and around Paphos.
TOMBS OF THE KINGS
Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating to back to the 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.
PAPHOS ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM.
Holds an attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD
AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH
Originally a Christian catacomb, where a sacred tree stands at the top. According to tradition, the tree cures the disease of those who hang a personal offering on its branches.
A 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities in 1973-4 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.
THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. The amazing mosaic floors, of the 3rd century AD noblemen's villas are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.
Nicosia
Nicosia lies roughly at the centre of the island, and has a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It only became Capital of the island in 11th century AD. When the Lousignians turned it into a magnificent city they built a Royal Palace and more than fifty churches. Nicosia has been the capital of Cyprus for over a 1000 years since the 10th century, though it date’s back 5000 years to the Bronze Age. It lies roughly in the centre of the island in the Mesaoria Plain; it is flanked by the beautiful northern range of Kyrenia Mountains (known as the five Finger Mountains).
Places of interest in and around Nicosia.
FAMAGUSTA GATE
The Venetian walls which encircle the old city have a circumference of 4.5 km and have eleven heart-shaped bastions. There were only three entries to the city through gates in the north, south and east. One of these gates, the Porta Giuliana, called the Famagusta Gate has been restored and is now the Nicosia Municipal Cultural Centre. The large imposing gate itself leads into a long passage with a central cupola, which cuts through the walls and comes out in the moat. On both sides are high, stonewalled guard-rooms. The restored passage and rooms are used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and various types of performances. The old quarter of the town, close to the Famagusta Gate, is also being restored.
BYANTINE MUSEUM AND ART GALLERIES
With the largest collection of icons in Cyprus, covering the periods from the 9th to the18th century. The Art Galleries contain oil paintings, maps, lithographs.
AYIOS IOANNIS CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral which was built by Archbishop Nikiforos in 1662, houses the recently restored 18th century wall paintings that show biblical scenes and the discovery of the tomb of Saint Barnabas at Salamis Dedicated to Ayios loannis.
LAIKI YITONIA
Restored pedestrian area within the walled city, east of' Eleftheria Square. With the charming winding alleys with traditional houses and shops, restaurants, galleries, all lovingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban architecture of a bygone age.
OMERIYEH MOSQUE
Converted into a mosque in 1571 by Mustapha Pasha, who believed that the original 14th century Augustinian church of St. Mary’s was built on the spot where prophet Omer rested when visiting Nicosia. Most of the original building was destroyed by the Ottoman artillery. Engraved tombstones of the Lusignan period were used to re-floor the mosque. Remains of late Venetian building can be seen near the east end of the mosque
On the south coast is the town of Limassol, the island's largest seaside resort. Acting as a magnificent backdrop to the city that spreads for ten miles along the coast are the Troodos Mountains. In which since the Middle Ages, Limassol has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane. Now, the second largest city of Cyprus, with a population of 135.000, it is the centre of the wine-making industry, and an important commercial and tourist centre.
Limassol’s carefree holiday atmosphere, with wide seafront promenade and bustling shopping streets, is matched by the lively character of its people. With its fun-loving reputation and the best nightlife on the island it is fitting that only Limassol stages some of the Island's best-known festivals: the annual Wine Festival in September, when the various wineries offer free samples of their products for ten days: the ten day pre-Lenten Carnival with masquerade parties balls and grand parades, the Limassol Festival in the summer.
Places of Interest in and around Limassol.
KOURION
Just 19 km to the west of Limassol on the road to Paphos. An important ancient city kingdom and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island with excavations still bringing new treasures to light. The magnificent Graeco-Roman theatre was originally built in the 2nd century BC and enlarged in the 2nd century AD. It is now fully restored. The House of Eustolios was originally a private villa, and in the early Christian period became a public recreation centre. It has a complex of Baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors. The Early Christian Basilica dated to the 5th century was probably the Cathedral of Kourion with a baptistery attached to the north side. The House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators have mosaic floors. The Nymphaeum dedicated to water nymphs is under excavation by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities. The Stadium lies a km to the west on the right side of the road to Paphos, and is dated to the 2nd century AD.
LIMASSOL CASTLE-CYPRUS MEDIAEVAL MUSEUM
Built at the time of the14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. According to tradition Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England, here in 1191. The castle houses the Cyprus Mediaeval Museum.
KOLOSSI CASTLE
A fantastic example of military architecture, constructed in the 13th century, and subsequently rebuilt in the form it is now, in the middle of the 15th century. It served first as the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar, and after the fall of Acre in 1291, as the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
SANCTUARY OF APOLLO HYLATES
Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodland, was the protector of the city of Kourion. Evidence shows that the cult of Apollo was celebrated here from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Part of the temple has been restored, with the cellar, the colonnade and the pediment.
AMATHUS
One of the ancient city Kingdoms of Cyprus, where according to legend, Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne to be taken care of. Many tombs have been found, one of them can be visited in front of the Amathus Beach Hotel.
Larnaca
On the edge of Larnaca Bay lies the palm-lined seafront of Larnaca town with cafes, tavernas, shops and bars. With its historic charm and its fortress castle, now used as the town's summer cultural centre. Larnaca is an excellent base from which to get to know the central and eastern areas of Cyprus, with its proximity to the International Airport and a number of luxury hotels that have been developed along its beautiful sandy beaches make this a popular holiday choice. Larnaca was originally known as Kition, or Khittim, and legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was founded by Noah's grandson Khittim.
Much smaller than Nicosia or Limassol, Larnaca has a population of 62.000 and has managed to retain its relaxed, leisurely atmosphere. Its main shopping area is Zenon Kitieos Street, a typically busy road of small shops, with a colorful fruit and vegetable market at the far end. Larnaca is known for it's annual celebration of the Feast of Kataklysmos Greek Orthodox Whitsun - The occasion is marked by enthusiastic water sports, feasting, singing and dancing.
Places of Interest in and around Larnaca.
AYIOS LAZAROS CHURCH
This magnificent church was built by Emperor Leo Vl, in the 9th century. Restoration was carried out in the 17th century, keeping true to the original plan, and the church can be called one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. Lazarus, who after he was raised from the dead in Bethany by Christ, came to Cyprus and lived here for another thirty years and was consecrated as the Bishop of Kition by St. Barnabas and St. Mark, his Tomb can be seen under the sanctuary. The iconostasi which separates the altar from the main church is a fine example of baroque wood carving. Near the church are some tombstones of Europeans who lived in Larnaca, in the 17th-18th century. Eight days before Easter, the icon of Saint Lazarus is taken in procession through the streets of Larnaca.
LARNACA FORT
Built in 1625, it was used as a prison in the first years of British rule. It now houses a small archaeological museum, with finds from Kition and the Hala Sultan Tekke excavations. The Fort is also used as the Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre.
KITION
500 m. north-east of the archaeological Museum, you will find one of the most important ancient city Kingdoms, with architectural remains dating back to the 13th century BC, the area was rebuilt by the Mycenaeans (Achaean Greeks), in about 1200 BC, and one can see the remains of cyclopean.
FAMAGUSTA
The golden beaches of the Famagusta area stretch out across the eastern corner of the island. The popular holiday centres of Ayia Napa and Paralimni, have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves the sea and enjoys water sports. The scenery includes the tiny fishing harbor of Ayia Napa, along with the medieval monastery in the heart of the village, the wind mills and small churches in the surrounding villages, spread out in the area of Paralimni and Protaros. This region, which is the main potato-producing area on the island, is known as "Kokkinochoria" which means "red-soil villages", the soil of the whole area is deep red in color, due to a very high metal oxide content.
AYIA NAPA
Originally a small fishing village, this is a major tourist centre. The mediaeval monastery dedicated to our Lady of the forests stands in the middle of the village, surrounded by a high wall. The 16th century church is partially underground, cut into the rock.
PARALIMNI
With the military occupation of Famagusta in 1974, the small town of 6,000 inhabitants is now the main administrative town of the district. The twin aisled vaulted church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary is decorated with unusual 18th century porcelain plates. Parts of the church belong to the 13th century.
POTAMOS LIOPETRIOU
A pretty fishing harbor, with the remains of a Venetian watch-tower nearby. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked in this area in the 1880s.
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