When looking at Cyprus, one realises there is much more to this island than a mere “sun and sea” destination. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia with full access to the world’s largest single market and a member of the EU since 2004, Cyprus has always been a popular destination for visiting and one in which to live and also to do business. The island is a modern, cosmopolitan and transparent business centre, committed to offering a high-quality, duly regulated services and a unique value proposition that ensures the best possible experience for investors and business people worldwide. With its vibrant, multicultural society, unique natural beauty, an advanced infrastructure, a pro-business environment and a thriving international presence, Cyprus has what it takes to be the investor’s next strategic choice and the individual’s preferred travel destination.

Did you know that...

Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean?
The world’s oldest wine label belongs to Cyprus? ‘Commandaria’ is recognised as the world’s oldest named wine dating back 5000 years.
Out of the total 1950 species of flowering plants worldwide, 140 are located in Cyprus?
The Cyprus Moufflon (a rare variety of sheep) can be seen nowhere else in the world?
Cyprus has sunshine for more than 300 days during a year?
Cyprus has one of the world’s most popular wreck diving sites known as the Zenobia, off the coast of Larnaca?
Cyprus is the first nation to include the shape of its country on its flag?
There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cyprus, including the town of Paphos, the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region and the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia?
Approximately 10,000 flamingos temporarily stop over to feed at the Larnaca Salt Lake every autumn during their migration towards the south?
The Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia in Cyprus is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Europe?
More than 45 beaches on Cyprus have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness & safety?

Rock of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou)

Rock of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou) is a sea stack in Paphos, Cyprus. It is located off the shore along the main road from Paphos to Limassol. According to one legend, this rock is the site of the birth of the goddess Aphrodite, perhaps owing to the foaming waters around the rock fragments, and for this reason it is known as Aphrodite’s Rock.

Omodos Village

Omodos is located about 42 kilometres north-west of the city of Limassol, in the geographical region of the wine-making villages. It is built near the west bank of the Cha-potami river at an average altitude of 810 meters. The village is surrounded by tall mountaintops, the tallest of which are “Afames” (1153 m.) and “Kremmos of Laona” (Laona’s Cliff, 1092 m.). One can get acquainted with the real Omodos not only by entering its narrow, graphic alleys but also when walking through the village’s large, picturesque plaza. The plaza is also the place where the journey of both foreign and local tourists end. In it one can find the traditional coffee-houses and also many souvenir shops, recreation centres, and small taverns offered for a drink or even an enjoyable meal. Today’s increased interest of foreigners for Omodos lies exactly on the picturesque quality and the authenticity of its traditional character, elements that foreigners pursue and aspire to find in every place they visit.

Lefkara Village

The name of Lefkara village derives from the color of the surrounding calcareous rocks: “White rocks = Lefkara”. Located in the Larnaka region, the mountainous village of Lefkara is split into Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara (higher and lower Lefkara), and is world-renowned for its traditional handicrafts of lace embroidery and filigree silver. The village is situated at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the south eastern region, 650 metres above sea level, 43 km from Larnaka, and can be reached by following the A5, A1 and E105 routes. The crafts of lace and silver have been practiced in the village since Venetian times, and visitors can learn all about them, and watch the lace and silver being made at the Lefkara Handicraft Centre, the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing, and various workshops. Legend has it that the famous painter, Leonardo da Vinci himself visited the village in 1481 and bought a lace altar cloth, which he donated to Milan cathedral.

Ancient Kourion

The archaeological remains of Kourion - which was one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity - are of the most impressive on the island, and excavations have unearthed many significant finds, which can be viewed at the site. The city-kingdom was built on the hills of the area, and overlooked and controlled the fertile valley of the river Kouris. The magnificent Greco-Roman theatre - the site’s centrepiece - was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. The theatre has been restored, and is now used for open-air musical and theatrical performances - mainly during the summer months - making it one of the most popular settings for high-calibre cultural events.

Tombs of the Kings

The famous ‘Tombs of the Kings’ form part of the Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos (Paphos) - one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. The monumental underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Rather than kings, it is actually high ranking officials and aristocracy that were buried here, but the size and splendour of the tombs – some decorated with Doric pillars - gave the locality its grand name. Some of the tombs imitate the houses of the living, with the burial chambers opening onto a peristyle atrium. They are similar to tombs found in Alexandria, demonstrating the close relations between the two cities during the Hellenistic period.