THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS , lying in the Eastern Mediterranean, has a varied land-scape, with rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, forest-covered mountains, and, in the Northeast, the Messaoria Plain.

The capital, Nicosia, is situated on this plain. The city is divided by the UN Buffer Zone, which separates the Turkish-Occupied North of the island, and the government controlled South.

Paphos, in the Southwest, is a place of historic and archaeological interest, with the remains of a Roman Villa, the Villa of Thesus, The Tombs of the Kings, the remains of the Byzantine castle, and the Chrysopolitissa Basilica. It also has a beautiful harbour, and good beaches nearby.

Limassol is the island’s main port, and the town also has many historic and archaeological places of interest, including the Acropolis, and the Christian basilica. Limassol is also a good starting point for excursions to the Troodos Mountains, a region of beautiful forests, valleys, churches and monasteries.

Resorts in the East and Southeast of the island include Larnaca, and Ayia Napa.

A warm Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry, summers, and mild winters.