Cyprus represents the heritage of a country endowed with a history of over 10,000 years. The passing of 10 millennia has made this small country an endless banquet of history and has given an incredible rich heritage and enviable culture. UNESCO has included in its official World Heritage List, the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, antiquities of Pafos, Neolithic settlement of Khirokitia and ten Byzantine churches in Troodos, gives an indication of the rich cultural heritage of the island.

Significant historical personalities such as Alexander the Great and Cleopatra have connected their names with the Island. Aphrodite, the beauty and love Goddess, was born in Cyprus and her name identifies with that of the Island (Kyprida).

Visit Choirokoitia, one of the best preserved sites of a prehistoric settlement found in the Eastern Mediterranean, with its reconstructed round dwellings giving a vivid representation of what life was like at the dawn of civilisation.

Admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the Roman villas depicting scenes from mythology, arguably the best in the eastern Mediterranean and the impressive underground Tombs of the Kings nearby, carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars. Or enjoy an ancient Greek play performed in a Roman amphitheatre with the most spectacular view on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Marvel at the spectacular views from cliff top spots where the ancient Mycenaean Greek settlers built temples to their various gods, with pride of place to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Watch a performance in a Roman theatre still in use today, just a few of the many marvels of Cyprus a country steeped in history.

Search our properties for sale in Cyprus

MEZEDES - One of the most popular dishes in Cyprus, mezedes can include up to 30 dishes. The feast begins with black and green olives, tahini,skordalia (potato and garlic dip), taramosalata(fish roe dip), and tsatziki, all served with a basket of fresh bread and a bowl of village salad.

Some of the more unusual meze dishes that may be served include octopus in red wine, snails in tomato sauce, brains with pickled capers, kappari (capers) and moungra (pickled cauliflower). Bunches of greens, some raw, some dressed with lemon juice and salt, are a basic feature of the meze table. The meal continues with fish, grilled halloumi cheese,lountza (smoked pork fillet), keftedes (minced meatballs), sheftalia (pork rissoles)and loukanika (sausages).

It is then the turn of kebabs, lamb chops and chicken. The last dish to be served is fruit or the traditional preserved fruit glyko.

With one of the best climates in the world, as well as one of the healthiest diets, Cyprus is the perfect place for healthy living.

Hospital care has been improved and decentralised. There are new general hospitals in all the provinces, while the construction of the New General Hospitals of Nicosia and Famagusta have recently been completed.

Tertiary medical care has been developed to such a degree that a lot of cases which used to be sent for treatment abroad, are now being treated in Cyprus. Kidney transplantations, open heart surgery, cardiac catheterisations and neurosurgical interventions are now routinely carried out in Cyprus.

January
Epiphany: on 6 January, coastal towns hold a traditional procession, known as the Blessing of the Sea. The local bishop throws a crucifix into the water, and youngsters dive in after it
February/March
Carnival: 50 days before Orthodox Easter is "Clean Monday", the start of Lent. Carnivals are held in many towns and villages the week beforehand
March/April
Orthodox Easter: this is the biggest Orthodox festival of the year, Following morning Mass on Holy Thursday, it is traditional for women to paint eggs red. In the evening icons in the church are draped in black. On Good Friday the sepulchre is decorated with flowers, and a procession of flower- images of Christ is carried through the streets during Mass at 9pm. On Easter Saturday the black drapes come off the icons and the congregation rap their seats to express their joy and chase the demon of Hades away. At midnight crowds gather for Mass. Then bonfires are lit and effigies of Judas are thrown onto them. On Easter Sunday and Monday it is customary to roast lamb outdoors on the spit or in big clay ovens, and celebrations may continue all day long
May
Anthestiria: flower festivals are held in Pafos, Limassol and several other towns
June
Feast of Saint Paul: on the 28th and 29th,
Nicosia and Limmasol International Arts Festival
July
Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood
Larnaka Festival: a month of dance, theatre and music
August
The month of the village festival, when relatives and friends get together for a drink, a dance and a song ,a unique chance to sample true Cypriot lifestyle
September
Limassol Wine Festival