Cyprus, an extreme south-eastern European country, is the third largest island situated in the north eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. The shape of the island is said to resemble a deerskin.
Its neighboring lands at the nearest coastal points are Turkey 40 miles (64 km) to the north, Syria 60 miles (97 km) east, Lebanon 108 miles (174 km) south-east and Egypt 230 miles (370 km) south.
Climate and Weather
Cyprus enjoys the best Mediterranean climate with approximately 340 days of sunshine per year. Pafos has the finest climate on the island with cooler summers and short mild winters.
The swimming season practically starts from April and does not end until November. Pine forests are close to the coast and it is possible to ski in the mountains and swim in the blue Mediterranean all in the same day.
Population
With a population of 778 thousands, the people of Cyprus represent two main ethnic groups, Greek and Turkish. The Greek Cypriots, who constitute nearly four-fifths of the population, descended from a mixture of aboriginal inhabitants and immigrants from the Peloponnese who colonized Cyprus starting about 1200 BC and assimilated subsequent settlers up to the 16th century. Roughly one-fifth of the population are Turkish Cypriots, descendants of the soldiers of the Ottoman army that conquered the island in 1571 and of immigrants from Anatolia brought in by the sultan's government.
Transportation
Almost all villages are connected with the nearest town by local buses. Bus operation is limited to once or twice a day. Regional bus companies provide more routes. In the main cities the buses operate frequently during daytime and in certain tourist areas, during summer, their timetables are extended till midnight. Rural taxis are to be found at taxi stands only. In Cyprus cities both hotel and private taxi services are available. You can find them at taxi parkings, bus stations, in front of big hotels, airports or other frequent locations. There is no public transportation between Greek Cyprus and Turkish Cyprus, although rental cars are available from larger towns and you can drive across the border.
Top Attractions
1. District Museum.
2. Ancient Kition.
3. Church of Ayios Lazaros.
4. Larnaca Medieval Museum.
5. Choirokoitia.
6. Stavrovouni Monastery.
7. Lefkara.
8. Cyprus Archaeological Museum.
9. Byzantine Museum.
10. Ethnographic Museum (former Folk Art Museum).
Best Travel Time
The beaches of Cyprus are best visited in the summer months of June–September. However, the tourist season sees the accommodation prices rise, so it is advisable to visit in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October.
Food and Drink
National specialties: • Tava (a tasty stew of meat, herbs and onions).
• Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice).
• Kebabs (pieces of lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire).
• Stifado (a stew of beef or hare cooked with wine, vinegar, onion and spices).
• Fresh seafood: Tsipoura (seabream), Lavraki (seabass) and Garides (prawns).
• Loukoumades (fatty Cypriot doughnuts with honey syrup).
National drinks: • Coffee is Greek-style (short, strong and unfiltered).• Cyprus produces excellent wines, spirits and beer which can only be bought in the south. The foothills of the Troodos Mountains are home to much of the best wine, which is now of such high quality that it is increasingly exported.
Local Products/Shopping
Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basketwork, pottery, silverware and leather goods. Jewelry is an art which has been practiced on the island since the Mycenean period; craftspeople working in contemporary and traditional styles produce some very fine pieces. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Lefkara lace is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara, situated on a hill on the Nicosia-Limassol road. The local wines and brandy also make good purchases. Imported goods sell at competitive prices, including cameras, perfume, porcelain and crystal.
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Top Attractions 
Best Travel Time