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Cyprus

Property Cyprus - Inroduction

The sunny island of Cyprus is situated in the eastern-most corner of the Mediterranean and has historically been a handy stepping stone for a number of cultures and peoples down the years thanks to its strategic location between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Today, its location makes it an extremely popular spot for tourism and overseas property; not only is it highly accessible from throughout Europe and the Middle East, it also boasts a stunning climate that is hot and dry for much of the year.  

Cyprus is famously a divided island, with the Greek-Cypriot portion accounting for the southern two thirds of the island and the northern third belonging to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This peaceful divide is most apparent in the island’s capital, Nicosia, where the ‘Green Line’ runs through the city, splitting it in two and proving a popular tourist attraction for visitors keen to catch a glimpse of life on the other side.  

Traditionally, tourism and property investment has been stronger in the south of the island, with over 2.5 million tourists visiting southern Cyprus in 2007. So where do they head to?  The most popular resorts are the coastal town of Paphos, in the southwest, and the coastal city of Limassol, in south-central Cyprus. Paphos has a number of top-class hotels, important historical sights, a thriving beach scene and famous nightlife, making it a great destination for all kinds of holidaymakers, while Limassol boasts waterparks, archaeological sights and a large port. Other popular destinations include the Troodos Mountains (which has a ski resort in winter), Larnaca and Nicosia. Most property investors tend to buy in and around Paphos, Limassol and the northwest resort of Polis Pyrgos, which has some of the lowest prices on the island.  

Property Cyprus - Geography & Climate

Cypriots will claim that their country is never cold and, for the most part, they are generally correct. Summers are long and hot throughout the island, with the coast and areas of high ground a few merciful degrees cooler. Still, from early May until late October, expect temperatures to regularly top 30ºC, and push past 40ºC in July and August. Rainfall is scarce during these months, falling heaviest between November and February, when temperatures can drop to an average of 12ºC.  

Mountainous in the centre, Cyprus’s Troodos Mountains is a popular hiking destination in summer and has good skiing in the winter. Along the coast, the shore is rugged and dramatic, harbouring coves and bays that are interspersed with areas of wide sandy beaches. Because of the scant rainfall, Cyprus is not very green, but there are flashes of brilliant yellow dotted across the landscape thanks to an abundance of banana plantations. 

Property Cyprus - Accessibility 

Air travel is obviously the easiest mode of transport to and from Cyprus. Thankfully, the island is extremely well-serviced by a number of operators and, increasingly, low-cost air carriers. The UK boasts excellent links to Cyprus, with every major airport flying there at least three times a week, with Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester offering daily flights to either Paphos International airport or Larnaca airport.  

Airlines that fly to Cyprus include British Airways, Aegean Airways, Cyprus Airways, KLM, Jet2.com, easyJet, Monarch, Ryanair, Thomsonfly, flythomascook.com and Lufthansa. With the proliferation of tourism and overseas property investment, more and more low-fare routes are appearing on a weekly basis, marking Cyprus out as one of the next hotspots for cheap air travel. 

Property Cyprus - Culture 

Cyprus’s culture has obviously been heavily influenced by the Greeks and, to a lesser extent – particularly in the south – the Turks. Cypriots speak Greek and their diet is very similar – lots of mezes, fresh fruit, yoghurts and strong ouzo. Some specialities of the island include halloumi, which is a goat’s cheese appetiser; souvla, which is chargrilled lamb; and sheftalia, a mincemeat wrap.  

In recent times, the British have also left an indelible mark on Cyprus, evidenced by the fact that the righthand-drive cars drive on the left side of the road and, until the beginning of 2008 when Cyprus adopted the euro, the currency was formerly the Cypriot Pound.  

Cyprus’s rich history could have pages and pages dedicated to it; the island has seen everything from Alexandria the Great, invading Romans and Christian Crusader Knights. However, perhaps the most famous figure from Cyprus’s history is the mythical Aphrodite, Greek Goddess of Love, said to have been born close to Paphos.  

Property Cyprus - Activities 

Ideal for beach holidays, much of Cypriot life is played out close to or upon its magnificent coastline. Boasting fine beaches, secluded bays and sparkling seas, Cyprus is perfect for sun worshippers, watersports enthusiasts and families with young children. Inland, as previously mentioned, the Troodos Mountain range is perfect for hiking, horse riding and cycling in the summer, while winter brings skiing fun to the snowy peaks.  

Due to the island’s intense heat during the summer, truly active sports pursuits are overlooked for more leisurely activities. A game of backgammon played under the welcome shade of a citrus tree is a particular favourite pastime, as is a meze lunch; a long and lazy, sometimes four hours plus affair, where diners are encouraged to sit and take their time, enjoying the food and wine and making conversation with their guests or family…definitely worth a try, but be prepared to loosen a few belts!