About Cyprus

 Welcome to Cyprus , a charming island in the Eastern Mediterranean basin. With its unique climate, culture, customs and cuisine, Cyprus offers an extraordinary blend of East and West. Over the centuries, the island's coveted geographical location has made it a melting pot of civilizations. An island where various kings have fought and ruled Greek Gods have lived and loved, where history was made and legends were born. The island's landscape reflects similar contrasts, where sandy beaches and rugged coves border the central plain that rises up to the pine covered Troodos Mountains with several ski slopes in winter.

Today Cyprus is a country that respects its past and looks forward to the Future in the heart of the EU with its membership newly agreed for 1st May 2004 . A country where people still cherish the traditions of their ancestors and timeless values are woven seamlessly into modern lifestyles. With people known for their warmth and hospitable nature, Cyprus is the home of the Cypriots and home by choice to people from all over the world.

Currency, Banking and Education

CURRENCY

The official currency of Cyprus is the Cyprus Pound comprising 100 cents. The bank notes and coins in circulation are

Notes: £20, £10, £5, £1

Coins: 50 cent, 20 cent, 10 cent, 5 cent, 2 cent, 1 cent

BANKING

Based on the British system, Cyprus offers large range of banking services for businesses and individuals alike. Transfers of pensions, salaries and investment income from abroad are straightforward via the modern and efficient Cypriot banking system. The domestic and Foreign Banks operating here are: Bank of Cyprus, Cyprus Popular Bank (Laiki Bank), Hellenic Bank, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Arab Bank, Universal Bank, that also have branches in the UK , as well as a number of offshore banks.

EDUCATION

The education system in Cyprus is of a high standard and accessible to all residents. Children are able to attend Greek or international schools. Many Foreign children attend the International Schools of Limassol, Grammar School, American Academy , Logos School , Foleys Grammar School , Heritage School , and Pascal School . Higher education such as 6th Form colleges is also offered in many of these Schools. Alternatively there is recognized English language Institutions of Further education available in Nicosia .

Major Towns

LIMASSOL

The city of Lemesos (Limassol) is situated in a picturesque location on the shores of the Bay of Akrotiri and it is the Island 's largest seaside resort. Since the middle Ages, the city has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane. Nowadays, Limassol Is the biggest port in the Mediterranean transit trade and one of the most important tourism, trade and service-providing centers in the area.

The city offers a variety of restaurants and tavernas serving the whole range of local and international dishes.

LARNACA

Legend has it that the town was founded by Khittim, the grandson of Noah, and the celebrated Church of Lazarus is just one of the many distinctive and fascinating buildings in Larnaca.

But Larnaca is very much a modern town, with an airport, a 200 berth yachting marina and lively cafes and tavernas. Just a few minutes from the centre of town lies the golden sand of Mackenzie Beach that provides the perfect spot for sun worshippers.

NICOSIA

Nicosia, (Lefcosia), the capital of Cyprus, one of the oldest cities in our part of the world, today is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan place in the Eastern Mediterranean, rich in history and culture and combines its historic past with the amenities of a modern city.

The heart of the city, within the 16th century Venetian walls has a number of interesting Museums and art galleries , Byzantine churches and a number of medieval and neo-classical buildings and the narrow streets retain the romantic atmosphere of the past. Much of the charm and beauty of Nicosia is to be found in the old city with its labyrinthine alleyways and elegant courtyard houses. Outside the walls the new city with its modern facilities is a cosmopolitan centre of a modern European capital.