Cyprus > Why Cyprus > Advantages > Local Life > Regions > Climate > Security > Education > Healthcare
The Republic of Cyprus located in the most eastern part of the Mediterranean, comprises from the Greek Cypriot community in the south and the north part which has been occupied by the Turkish troops since 1974. The island has been part of the European Union since May 1st 2004. According to the latest United Nations Estimates the current population of Republic of Cyprus is 1,185,483 as on February 14, 2018, from which 71,8% is the Greek Cypriot Community, 9,5% is the Turkish Cypriot Community and 18.7% are Foreign Residents mainly Greek, Russian and English (this data refers to the whole island, at the end of 2011).The official language is Greek although English is widely used all over the island. Based to the number of permanent foreign residents in Cyprus the island has been ranked second after Luxemburg among the European Union countries.
The Republic of Cyprus is divided into 6 regions (districts):
The regions of
are under the Turkish occupation.
Further descriptions of the most important areas for the purchase of property are provided herewith:
The capital of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia, located in the center of the island, is a contemporary busy European city where the authorities, diplomatic missions of foreign states, headquarters of many Cyprus and international companies, TV stations are concentrated.
As the city is relatively away from the sea, with the nearest costal area being in the Larnaca Dekhelia Road at a proximity of 40km, purchase of property may be executed by people who work in the town on a permanent basis. Many prefer to buy property either in the town of Larnaca or in the town of Limassol so that they will have the advantages of owning property near the sea, as well as keeping their work in the capital. This is quite convenient because distances in Cyprus are not prohibitive: Larnaca is approximately a 20 minutes’ drive from Nicosia and Limassol a 50 minutes’ drive from the capital.
A large number of Nicosia residents often purchase another property for their own use near the sea either at Larnaca, Protaras or Ayia Napa where they spend their spare time or holidays.
This is where famous festivals such as the Wine Festival, the Carnival and the International Dance Festival take place.
The impressive waterfront development of the Marina of Limassol in the core of the town seafront has greatly benefited the image of the town. In fact the citizens of Limassol pride themselves in this project which not only offers luxurious opportunities for residencies but has also provided people with a large variety of restaurants, luxurious cafes and shops to enjoy.
Recently the impressive Oval and the Twin Towers at the seafront have transformed the image of the town to even more cosmopolitan.
Larnaca is a fast developing town, the third largest in Cyprus (after Nicosia and Limassol), where urban business life style is combined with a more stress free lifestyle of a resort town. Its coastal promenade, namely Finikoudes stretches in the south of town offering citizens and holiday makers the pleasure of walking by the sea, swimming and sunbathing. Its historical centre with influences from the Turks has been well preserved while the more eastern coastline near the area of the old airport called Mcenzy offers amenities and the chance of enjoying one’s self in modern cafes and restaurants.
Larnaca has the privilege of hosting the airport so it has recently developed into a great business area resulting into large-scale infrastructure projects to be implemented. Moreover, Larnaca is on the edge of two important projects: The construction of a passenger port and the Larnaca marina.
Tourism in Larnaca is not as extended as in Limassol or Paphos, however the town gets its share mainly for its archaeological sites, its vast salt lake hosting numerous flamingos and of course for the famous Zenobia wreck 14 km off the shore of Larnaca which is rated among the best 10 in the world.
Driving north-eastwards of Larnaca along Dekelia Road one may notice a large number of 3 and 4 stars hotels, well equipped beaches, restaurants, tavernas etc supporting the holiday-making industry.
The beautiful city of Paphos has been designated as a world cultural heritage in the UNESCO list. Favoured by many tourists especially British the town is an example of the combination of a peaceful way of life and small local business. The town offers the visitor the chance of visiting famous archaeological sites such as the Tombs of Kings, and the Castel of Paphos while every September hosts the famous Paphos Festival of Ancient Drama and Paphos Festival presenting famous operas. The district is also famous for its picturesque villages and the holy orthodox monasteries. Indeed the town, presenting a full scale infrastructure including shopping centers, high standard schools etc. is a lovely place for holiday making as well as for residing.
The town lies in the south west part of the Troodos mountain while further west is the famous Akamas Peninsula one of the most important National Parks in the eastern Mediterranean, covering 230 sq. kilometres of valleys, gorges as well as beautiful sandy bays and hosting a large wildlife diversity. For the fans of golf Paphos is the perfect destination. Aphrodite Hills a place of exceptional beauty, in the north of the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite the Goddess of love and beauty is the ultimate destination for every golf lover. So are the Mintis Golf Club, the Elea Golf, the Secret Valley Golf and Menios Golf Club all are situated in the Paphos district.
The nearest suburbs of Paphos are Chlorakas, Geroskipou and Konia. Still further northwards of Paphos there are the villages of Tala, Peyia and Tsada which are especially popular among foreigners for their property developments and the scenery and mild climate they offer.
The Paphos district experiences a large property development which is the result of the stress free life offered in the area, the fascinating scenery and the moderate climate. Residential property at the resort is represented by both apartments and high standard of townhouses and villas.
Polis is part of the Paphos, however, it is worth describing separately. Situated in the north-west end of the island, at the centre of Chrysochous Bay, and at the foot of Akamas Peninsula, Polis is a place of extreme beauty. The resort is quiet and peaceful with impressive scenery and blue sea. At the foot of the Troodos Mountains the small town combines the traditional hospitality of the citizens of the area with the majestic scenery of the vineyards and banana plants. Its neigbouring Latchi fishing village is even more picturesque with its promenade and the boats mooring in its small bay. The sea in the area is unique: transparent, crystal clear, extremely clean, with a variety of fish life and beautiful seabed. Further western is the luxurious Anassa hotel. Cradled by hills and washed by the blue green sea, Anassa has been nominee as one of the best spa hotels in the world while it has also been preferred by eminent and wealthy person from all over the world as their wedding place and honey moon destination. The Baths of Aphrodite at the entrance of the Akamas Natural Park is a magnificent and remarkable place to visit.
The famous resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras are located in the administrative district of Famagusta in the eastern part of the town of Larnaca. The areas are famous round the globe for their golden sandy beaches, for their particularly transparent azure crystal clear sea water and their cosmopolitan aura.
Being exclusively tourist areas, Protaras and Ayia Napa are lively places where one may enjoy life in its full swing during the peak season (from May to November) although life does not actually come to a standstill at other times of the year
Protaras is a peaceful resort mostly for family vacations. On the contrary Ayia Napa is more suitable for people who seek to enjoy themselves at night clubs, disco clubs and all kinds of seaside recreation, trips in buggies and all- terrain vehicles. Its special atmosphere of all-absorbing joy turns Ayia Napa into the most favorite place among the youth. That is why Ayia Napa is referred to as the Ibiza of Cyprus.
A little off Ayia Napa and Protaras in a few kilometers from the sea there are the actual Cyprus villages under the same name with their traditional country tranquility and peace.
