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CYPRUS - the Island of Cyprus, beauty and dramatic landscapes
 Cyprus tucked away in the top right hand corner of the Mediterranean is so close to Europe, Asia and Africa that it rightly, claims to be a stepping stone to three continents.
An island whose rich dramatic history can be traced back over nine thousand years; an island so coveted over the centuries that it has been invaded and claimed by a fascinating mixture of civilizations from near and far all of which have left their culture and shaped its character.
With such a historic and legendary background it is hardly surprising that Cyprus has developed a character which is quite unique. It is blessed with beauty, natural beauty that ranges from golden beaches and rugged coastlines to
rolling hills and forest clad mountains, dotted with picturesque villages.The third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus stretches 150 miles (240 km) from the west coast to its easternmost tip and 60 mlles (96 km) from north to south. ..
Two imposing mountain ranges act as a dramatic backcloth to the sweeping central Mesaoria plain. There are six major towns Nicosia, the capital situated inland in the middle of the Mesaoria plain, and the 5 coastal towns of Limassol, Larnaka, Pafos, Kyrenia and Famagusta. The latter two, in the north and east respectively, have been under Turkish occupation since 1974 and are inaccessible to visitors
Cyprus's landscape is one of infinite contrasts, from its fertile central plain to the cool vine-clad foothills; the majesty of the cedar valley in which wild indigenous moufflon roam; mile after mile of sandy shores with secluded beaches to seek out, and hundreds of villages to explore each with its own tradition and charm.Leafy carob and attractive olive trees abound while plantations of citrus and banana, and an endless profusion of vines add variety to an island where everything seems to flourish and blossom. 
The climate of Cyprus never fails to delight her visitors, and every season has a charm and beauty of its own. In
summer, sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters beckon swimmers and provide the perfect conditions for
sailing, skiing and all watersports under the sun. Yet a complete contrast awaits in the cool, pine covered
mountains o Troodos, with delightful hill resorts and traditional hotels.
In springtime the island takes on an enchanting beauty. The countryside is set ablaze as glorious wild flowers and
fragrant blossoms burst into life to delight the eye with their stunning colours. Bright poppies, yellow daisies and
pastel anemonies present their myriad colours in the fields. Meanwhile prickly broom and rockroses decorate the
hillsides, peonies start appearing on the mountains, and everywhere the heady scent of orange blossom pervades
the air. In fact with 1500 different species of flowers, Cyprus is a paradise for nature lovers. .
As the days lengthen and the sun gathers strength. Cyprus enters an idyllic season for walks, leisurely picnics and the fascinating contemplation of nature, not forgetting, of course, swimming and sunbathing
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