Cyprus,
the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, is an island situated in the
North-Eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea, at the crossroads of
Europe, Africa and Asia. The legend of the birth of Aphrodite,
emerging through the foam of the sea waves, can be compared to the
geological birth of Cyprus, in the sense that the island rose from
the ocean. The nucleus of this phenomenon is the mountain range of
Troodos, which is 92 million years old. The rocks of Troodos were
created from the ancient oceanic bark, which started rising from the
sea 10 million years ago. First emerged from the sea the Troodos
massif on to which limestone sediment began to attach gradually
leading to a drop in the depth of the seas. The last to become
attached was the Pendadactylos range to the north of the Troodos
massif. Cyprus emerged from the sea 1,85 million years
ago.
Cyprus
is a country where 21st century still rubs shoulders with history.
It is an island with great diversity, combining western bustle and
eastern calm. Cosmopolitan hotels, restaurants and nightclubs
coexist with quiet mountain villages seemingly untouched by the 21st
century. The island's strategic location has been a major factor in
shaping its history throughout the centuries and, in recent years,
its development into a centre for international business. This
sun-drenched island has been at the crossroads of world events for
centuries. Greek, Roman, Byzantine and British influences have all
had a bearing on life in Cyprus. 10,000 years of history and culture
have left Cyprus a heritage rich in historical and artistic
treasures - Byzantine monasteries, ruins of Greek and Roman
monuments and Venetian castles.
It has a marvellous climate with
an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, fine sandy beaches,
pine scented forests and vine covered hillsides. The weather in
Cyprus in October is warm and pleasant during the day and cooler in
the evening; temperatures range from 15-27°C (60-80°F).
Travel
to Cyprus is easy, with direct flights from key cities around
Europe. Intercontinental travelers will find it easy to take
connecting flights from London or Athens, for example Lemesos is 30
minutes by car from Larnaka airport.
The
people of Cyprus owe their individuality and warmth to the fact that
they are the product of an amazingly colourful history. That's why
Cypriots make visitors feel at home as soon as they step on the
island.