About Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea divided into three geological zones. These are mountains in the north and south and a plain in the middle. In total, the island measures approximately 9,251 sq. kilometres (3,572 sq. miles).

The island became independent on 16 August 1960. However, in 1974, in response to a Greek mainland coup d'etat, Turkey invaded northern Cyprus and occupied over a third of the island. The situation remains unchanged today despite efforts to reach a settlement led by the United Nations. Cyprus was one of ten new countries to join the European Union (EU) on 1 May 2004.

Main towns

The capital is Nicosia (part controlled by Republic of Cyprus and part by Turkey) and the second largest town is Limassol. This is Cyprus' main commercial port and an important tourist resort. Larnaca is the country's second commercial port and another important tourist resort. The towns of Famagusta, Kyrenia and Morphou have been under Turkish occupation since the Turkish invasion in 1974.

Population

According to the Cypriot government the total population living in territories under its control is 705,500 (2002). The population in the north is estimated at around 200,000, of which 87,000 are Turkish Cypriots and the remaining are Turks originating from mainland Turkey (30,000 Turkish military stationed in the island not included). The official languages on the island are Greek and Turkish but English is widely spoken.

Climate

The Cypriot climate is typically Mediterranean with very hot summers in July and August. Most of the year is dry with unpredictable rains falling in December, January and February. Cyprus often suffers drought years and water is such a scarce commodity that it is often rationed. However this problem has been addressed by the construction of dams and desalination plants.

About Paphos

Location

Paphos is situated on the southwest of the Island, 90 miles from the capital Nicosia, 90 miles southwest of Larnaca. Paphos has the island's second international airport, 9 miles east of the main town.

Paphos believed to be the birth place of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love is a popular resort destination ideal for families. The city of Paphos is split into two parts one being Ktima, the upper part mainly the residential area, and Kato Paphos by the pretty harbour the lower part of the town. You will find many open air tavernas to sit and relax in the lovely warm sunshine, whilst watching the little fishing boats bobbing up and down in the water. Along the seafront there are many cafés, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. The "Tombs of the Kings" road which links Coral Bay with Kato Paphos is fast developing as a tourist area with plenty of new hotels and apartments and villas, as is the road leading out of Kato Paphos to the southeast, towards Plaz Beach.

Paphos is rich in ancient sites, dating back to the the Roman ages, among them the House of Dionysos and the Villa of Theseus, with beautiful mosaic floors, and the Tombs of the Kings. Other places of interest include the Paphos District Museum, the Byzantine Museum, Pafos Fort commanding the harbour, the remains of the Byzantine castle of Saranda Kolones, and Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, the largest early Christian basilica on the island.

Accommodation

Paphos offers a variety of holiday accommodation ranging from modern luxurious hotels to hotel apartments, tourist villages and tourist villas.

Beaches

There are a number of municipal beaches along the Paphos shoreline, but Coral Beach, 7 miles north, is considered the most attractive, being sandy and having shallow waters. Sun-beds and umbrellas are available for rent at the Coral beach. Beaches and facilities in front of hotels are available to the public.

Entertainment - Eating out

There are numerous tavernas offering meat or fish, English pubs, discothèques, bars, bouzouki places and a few nightclubs. Apart from the local cuisine serving traditional dishes and meze, international restaurants offer plenty of choices from Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and other ethnic cuisine.

Excursions

To the east and northeast, the land rises through vineyards and the Paphos Forest to Cedar Valley centred on the Stavros tis Psokas Forest Station. Wild mountain sheep (moufflon) are being protected here. The Panagia Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery is situated in scenic surroundings and is an interesting stop on the way. A main road skirts the foothills on the edge of this area, passing close to Agios Neofytos Monastery, and finally descending to the north coast at Polis overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay, with its charming fishing village of Latsi where the seaside tavernas serve delicious fresh fish dishes. Nearby you can find the well known Baths of Aphrodite, with their breathtaking view over the bay.

The Akamas Peninsula to the north west of Pafos is a unique area, relatively large and unspoilt, with remarkably diverse features in vegetation, wildlife, geology, beautiful landscapes and coasts, and with a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Transport

Frequent bus service along coast road to Coral Bay, operating from early morning till early evening during main season. Taxis operate 24 hrs is another popular transport option.

About Ayia Marina

Ayia Marina is a rural village, mainly agricultural only five minutes from Pomos Point with a population of 1,000. You can find coffee shops, taverns serving traditional greek cuisine and the local supermarket. Ayia Marina has three churches including a very old Byzatine church in the forest about 1km away. This part of the island is very fertile and has an abundance of fruit
trees. It is about a 45 minute drive from Paphos.