Cheap Hotels in Cyprus

Welcome to Cyprus

Cyprus is the Mediterranean's third largest island and is situated in the northeastern part of the sea. The island only has a population of 700,000 and major parts of the island are still unspoilt today.

In 1974 the island was invaded by Turkish airborne troops who divided the island in two they control about 37% of the island still. The capital Nicosia was divided also and remains to be Europe's only remaining divided capital. The island of Cyprus is stepped in history and rich in heritage and culture.

Visitors are staggered to find so much choice when arriving on the island from ancient monuments, churches, castles, museums and more cultural gems. Paphos falls into this category and has now been included on UNESCO's list of world cultural heritage sites. The majority of the population is Greek Cypriot who follows the Christian orthodox religion.

Cypriot Food and Drink

A Cyprus Meze is one the island most famous delicacies eating a Meze is one of the musts when you're visiting Cyprus. It's also an insight in the Cypriot way of life, so don't be surprised in how long the whole meal will take and also the quantity of food served to you. Some Mezedes can offer up to 30 dishes but most are between 15-20 all served with a large amount of drink. A Meze is simply the best way to try all dishes and enjoy the company of the Cyprus people.

If you love fish then you will not be disappointed there are thousands of local fish restaurants to be found on Cyprus. They all can offer you fresh fish from the Mediterranean its always worth asking about the catch of the day. The mountains of Cyprus also can provide you with the chance to try trout fresh from the rivers. Yemista are stuffed vegetables of all kinds and are very popular with the Cypriot people these can be ordered as starter or a main course. Most popular are stuffed peppers and of course the stuffed vine leafs. The fillings are normally made up of rice and grated tomatoes, you can also have them stuffed with minced meat and different spices.

Souvla is mainly small pieces of lamb or chicken grilled or barbecued on a skewer that taste delicious.

Shieftalies is another charcoal dish and these are small sausages made of mincemeat with a mixture of herbs. Mousakas is one the main dishes tried by tourist's this dish can be eaten warm or cold. Mousakas is prepared with potatoes or courgettes, aubergines, mincemeat and sauce then covered with a cream. All the meals above can be enjoyed with a Cypriot wine that has been produced for thousand of years. Wine from Cyprus today is one of the islands most important exports.

Cyprus and the Changing Seasons

Whenever you visit Cyprus if you're a nature lover you will never be disappointed. The mild climate allows visitors to enjoy the unique flora and fauna of this Mediterranean Island. In springtime the Cypriot landscape offers you a great variety from fertile hills to shingle and sandy beaches. Summer usually lasts from middle may till the end of September. The summer displays colours of gold yellow and brown, the few rivers that would have been flowing with spring waters will dry up. The trees remain a magnificent green while the fields change to a burnt yellow. Then autumn will arrive with the first rain falls on the island normally the last days of September or the first days of October. Overnight the island seems to wake up and the fauna becomes alive once again.

Cyprus delights nature lovers again with blossoms and blooms of many different flowers and the air is fresh after the hot and dusty summer. Winter and autumn seem to merge some of the deciduous trees will lose their leaves, the islands colour are lifted by the citrus fruits that are now ready for picking. The rains of the winter are essential for Cyprus to stay vibrant all year round. The winter rains can also bring snow to the highest mountain areas making Cyprus a real winter picture.

Some of the creatures that are inhabitant on the island are sky mountain sheep, goats, donkeys, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, hares and Cyprus most famous wild animal the Moufflon. The island has a wide selection of reptiles such as lizards, chameleons, snakes, as well as sea turtles. Lara beach is one of the few beaches in Europe today were rare sea turtles are able to build their nests.

Because of the mild winter climate the island is home to many birds during the winter. The island is very handy for migrating birds on the way to Africa. The birds are thought to number over 350 different species of visiting birds as well as Cyprus own indigenous birds.