The third largest island in the heart of the pristine Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, is full of rich history, splendors that dazzle the eye and incredible attractions making it one of the world's most prominent tourist attractions. With its easy access form all corners of the earth; there is no reason to skip out on this alluring island paradise.

Cyprus has a culture rich with Western Europe. Greek mythology calls the island the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. It's location being close to the shores of Africa and Asia it is riddled with touches of the East. Its rich, cultural tones, which creep throughout the island, are an excellent place to start your journey, immersing yourself in an ambience soaked in fascinating history.

The city of Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus, which flourishes with ancient ruins and modern wonders. One of the first places to greet tourists like a stone monolith looming on the horizon is Kolossi Castle. The castle was said to be the marriage place of Richard the Lion Heart to Berengaria of Navarro after the returning form the Crusades. It was destroyed during the 15th century but was rebuilt on a smaller scale then left to ruin and eventually the British restored the castle in 1933.

Within the city limits of Limassol lies the ancient city of Kourion. Containing some of the most masterful ruins on Cyprus, this ancient city should not be overlooked. The ruins contain a Greco-Roman theatre, which is a breath-taking sight to behold. Other key attractions in Kourion are the House of Gladiators, the House of Achilles and several well-preserved mosaics. Another place of interest is the Cyprus Medieval Museum that is housed in the Limassol Castle. If able to do so, a whole day could easily be spent exploring what the past has to offer.

Nicosia, the capital of the island, is filled with museums and districts delivering information about the history, art, literature and culture have laid the foundation for the island's colorful culture. Among them is the famous Byzantine Museum that contains historical artifacts ranging between the 9th and 18th centuries. Laiki Yitonia is an area filled with pedestrians that boasts restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. The architecture of this area pays homage to a forgotten era in the history of Cyprus.

In the capital city lie the ruins of the Kingdom of Idalion. The Ancient city is still in the process of being excavated but here this is the location with roots deep in mythological lore. This is the place where her jealous husband, through use of a wild boar, killed Aphrodite's lover, Adonis. The ancient city can be seen on the outskirts of the village, Dhali.

Among the historical sights, Cyprus is also known for its glorious festivals that occur though out the year. In June, Kataklysmos, the Festival of the Flood, takes place in Limassol. On the Sunday after Pentecost and the Monday of the Holy Spirit, people gather on the near sea to douse each other in water from the sea in honor of Aphrodite and Adonis. Singing and dance contests last thought out the festival spreading jubilation to all who attend.

In late August and early September, tourists flock in great hordes to take part in the Limassol Wine Festival. It rivals the festivals held by the ancient Greeks honoring Dionysus, the God of Wine and Aphrodite. At this festival, the locals serve up mouth-watering dishes, a vast medley of wines and a heart-warming environment with local theatre, music and dancing. This festival is the perfect time to visit Cyprus and save money while doing it (the festival is free of charge).

Although it is hidden deep in the realm of the gorgeous blue Mediterranean, Cyprus offers quite the travel destination. With is fair climate year round, there isn't a poor time to visit and get lost in culture far different from your own.

An island rich in ancient history and with almost unparalleled beauty, Cyprus has long proven popular with holidaymakers from around the world. Averaging more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and offering a number of superb beaches scattered along its coastline, it is easy to see why so many people have fallen in love with Cyprus.

As with so many strong property investment markets, the benefits of investing in Cyprus are ultimately centred around the growing market for tourism on the island. With estimated increases of around 4-5% per year over the next ten years, this revenue stream seems only set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Whilst Cyprus has been popular with property investors for a number of years, the level of interest in developments on the island have increased in recent times. Attracted by a variety of different factors including favourable tax conditions, high standards of living and a strong tourism industry, property investors are not only looking on Cyprus favourably, they are seeing it as one of Europe's premier investment opportunities at present.

As well as the obvious attraction of the increasing demand for tourism on the island, there are a number of other factors which have aligned in recent time to present a more favourable investment opportunity. In particular, Cyprus' accession to full membership of the European Union (and the increased trading opportunities associated with this) has produced a vibrant and thriving economy, which coupled with the high standards of living and favourable tax conditions present a strong fiscal case for investing property in Cyprus.

As well as the monetary reasons for investing, the potential reunification of the island will offer considerable investment opportunities, especially in the Turkish controlled north where property is still considerably cheaper than in the Greek controlled south. Talks are at present on-going regarding potential re-unification, and whilst they are still at an early stage, it has resulted in a keener focus on political events in Cyprus.

Already there are an increasing number of high quality projects being developed throughout the north of the island, and destinations including Catalkoy and Bogaz are already proving popular investment choices. Should re-unification be confirmed, this development process is likely to gather pace considerably, with prices in the north increasing to equal levels currently found throughout the south of the island.

With the increasingly challenging global financial climate causing investors to redefine objectives and returns, Cyprus is becoming an increasingly popular option for investors seeking a long term, more stable property investment.

Mark Burns works for Offplanworld.tv, a UK based real estate company who specialise in off-plan investment property throughout the world's emerging markets, and who offer a wide portfolio of off-plan property in Cyprus.

If your looking to buy or to rent a villa in Paphos then you need to check out this video!

This short video shows you around Ayia Napa one of the most beautifullest places in Europe.

Coral Bay is full of wonderful scenery and things to see, if your interested in living the dream at Coral Bay make sure you watch this short video.

As the summer holiday makers start heading home, Paphos turns from a bustling Mediterranean destination back into a sleepy small town or as some say, a village. I have concluded my second consecutive summer here and anticipating the beauty of the coming autumn and winter seasons, I would like to share a few points about Cyprus for interested vacationers, people relocating and intending to buy property and live here, or anyone just interested in reading.

The thing that weighed heavy on my mind about moving to another country was learning a foreign language. Once my wife, son and I decided to move to Cyprus for the next few years and live close to our family I immediately purchased books for learning Greek. I feared the possibility of failure, but I approached it with determination and enthusiasm anyway. Unfortunately, the results were not good, any words learned were quickly forgotten. I hoped that maybe in Cyprus it would be easier. I was right, once we arrived I was able to pick up words much more easily and within weeks I had memorized forty words. At that pace by the end of the year I would be fluent which brings me to my first surprise.

My biggest surprise is that I now know less than I did before. The reasons are that most people speak English and many English speaking residents are not attempting to learn. I asked a few people about how good their Greek was, to see how long it usually takes to learn and to get some kind of average. I was very surprised to hear them tell me that they don't speak and were not going to try. People who on first impression I would of picked as someone who would learn, and quickly had no interest. I have learned a lot since I have been here and I will learn Greek, I promise.

The second thing that concerned me was the anticipated culture differences or "shock" having come from the US. We were used to many things that are not available, (good and bad) but that's another story. I feel no shock; of course we miss things such as the great television programming we were used to in America and the vast amount of choices. In Cyprus however, we have lots of real, quality, family time.

What is also surprising is the decline of the tourists in the non summer months. Yes, I know kids go back to school and parents get back to work however, to me everyone is coming here at the wrong time of year. The weather in Cyprus is absolutely wonderful all year round and the millions of tourists that visit this island only come when it's absolutely blistering hot. The only thing to do at that time is to bear it and try and stay cool, and of course tan or burn which ever you prefer.

Living most of my life in Chicago and dealing with those types of harsh winters, I feel like I live in paradise during December and January. I sell homes and as I talk to home owners listing property with me to sell, I ask what kind of heating they own so we can write it in the description. I feel silly asking but not everyone is as immune to the cold as I am and the winters are seem mild to me anyway. One message that's repeated on many websites promoting Cyprus is "340 days of Sunshine." Well they are not lying and they need to push this message a little harder.

Another surprise is the actual population, or the lack of it. I must confess that I did a lot of research about the country, I looked at statistics regarding just about every aspect of the country and the region including history and especially business related issues, trying to figure out where my experience would be best fitted. I did not consider the small local population because the one time I visited Cyprus it was during the summer months and all the hotels, apartments and villas were full of people. I did not realize that they would only remain full for such a short time.

The cost of living was yet another shock. I thought coming from the U.S. to a small country meant a lower cost of living, especially since things I associated with higher standards such as fancy malls, theme parks, zoo's, museums and theatres are not available in Cyprus. I accepted a high cost of living when I moved to Washington D.C. from Peoria, IL because there were reasons for the high price and I took advantage of them. In Cyprus, I couldn't justify the even higher cost, until now.

What is it that makes Cyprus worth the price? The answer is of course my own personal beliefs obtained from observations and conclusions I feel strongly towards. First is the lack of crime, there is a feeling of safety that I have here that I never had anywhere. I forget to lock my house doors even when I leave to go far, I leave my car windows rolled down, and I don't worry about my kids being abducted and other things you see in the news.

Second is the lack of pollution, not only are we in a country with the main source of revenue from tourism and agriculture, add the fact that we are in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, north of the least industrious continent Africa. I am not a scientist but I don't see any obvious source of pollution and I feel the difference. The final point is the lack of time my family and I spend in traffic. There is no traffic, yes there are times when a driver might do something to delay a few drivers behind him or I see the occasional accident that has brought everyone to watch and wait for the policeman to arrive to record and measure all details for his report, but that only happened once and it lasted for five minutes. The time gained is spent doing meaningful things with family and friends in a stress free, unpolluted, beautiful part of the world.

Cleo is the owner of Cyprus marketing solutions Ltd. a Paphos based company providing proven internet marketing solutions specializing in selling property in Cyprus to families relocating to Cyprus and buying property in Paphos District and surrounding area.

Here's a great video of the island of Cyprus and looks at the opportunities for property purchase. A must see!

High above Coral Bay is this exclusive development, which is set in a small valley near the village of Peyia, Cyprus. Superb views of Coral Bay are enjoyed from the development which also has a 270 sq metre swimming pool and sun terraces.

Cheap flights from the UK to Cyprus are becoming more available as the budget airlines are now flying to the island. These will increase further with the upgrading of both the Republics airports in Larnaca and Paphos. The greater accessibility to the island has made Cyprus property for sale even more popular as a holiday-home location and more and more a location to relocate permanently.

Larnaca became the islands main airport due to the closing of Nicosia airport following the 1974 Turkish invasion; it was originally designed to handle 2.5 million passengers per annum, now in fact over 6 million pass through. The current passenger buildings have already been extensively upgraded and renovated while phase 1 of the new terminal is being built. The new complex has a three-level 95,000 square metre terminal with a capacity for 7.5 million passengers a year; this is due to open in 2009. Phase 2 a year later will increase the volume again to accommodate 9 million travellers. Cheap flights from the UK to Cyprus and return flights, Cyprus to UK will gain from the infrastructure improvement and passengers will benefit from the increased competition between airlines.

Paphos is regarded as the second international airport in the Republic of Cyprus and caters mainly although not exclusively for charter airlines, making this a major destination for cheap flights from the UK to Cyprus and return flights, Cyprus to UK. Paphos is also being improved with its new terminal being able to cater for 2.7 million passengers a year. When looking for cheap flights from UK to Cyprus do keep in mind that as the island is small and either airport has easy connections via the road network to the whole island, so if you come across a really amazing deal - snap it up!

Cyprus property for sale appeals to many different types of purchasers due to the diversity of its buildings and locations. The island has much to offer as the place for a holiday home due the fantastic climate in Cyprus, long hot summers, warm mild winters and incredible scenery. Many people are also choosing to relocate permanently, either to retire or join the record number of Britons fleeing the country for more appealing climates, lower taxes, affordable property, fewer traffic jams and one of the lowest crime rates in the EU.

Cyprus topped the list of the ten most popular retirement countries by the Homebuyer and Property investor show in 2008 based on eight key categories; income tax, inheritance tax, property tax, property costs, healthcare, climate, ease of gaining residency, and culture. These categories are not just relevant to retirees, but to younger people and families. Children in Cyprus have the kind of childhood you can only dream of in many other countries now.

So all in all, cheap flights from the UK to Cyprus and return flights, Cyprus to UK and Cyprus property for sale are encouraging many people, sometimes just for holidays but more and more to escape from the rat-race and enjoy life and- with an actual lifestyle - in the sun!! Kate says cheap flights from UK to Cyprus are more reasons to buy here!!

Larnaca, Cyprus has some of the most beautiful coast lines on the island and currently undergoing a major period of investment into the town's infrastructure. It makes for a fantastic holiday destination with plenty of tavernas, restaurants and bars at reasonable prices and fresh food daily, there is no need to stay in a hotel and his makes self catering apartments in Cyprus a very attractive and affordable way to have a holiday in the Mediterranean.

Larnaca stretches across about 6 miles of sandy coastline, the two main beaches being McKenzies and Dhekelia beach. in the centre of Larnaca the beach front promenade is filled with bars and restaurants suiting anyones taste and budget, with fresh fish, salads and other meat specialities.

If you want to take time to explore Larnaca, vehicle rental is relatively inexpensive, around 20 Euros per day and the great thing about Cyprus for UK tourists is that they drive on the left hand side of the road!

The island's weather is fantastic. Long hot summers and relaxing mild winters makes Cyprus one the great places for summer holidays but at the same time an incredible destination all year round. In peak season the temperatures average around 35 degrees celcius and then in the cooler months from October to March around 25 degrees celcius. Incredibly though Cyprus is also one of the few places in around the globe where you can ski and sunbathe in the same day… The snow is only found on the Troodos Mountains n the winter months, but makes for amazing diversity for holiday makers looking to explore everything the island has to offer.

Cyprus itself is very family orientated as is the Cypriot way of life. As such, the island offers some brilliant family attractions for all ages, including waterparks, lakes, mountains, theme parks and even a camel park. The sea also makes for incredible snorkling and diving whatever your ability.

Cyprus is also blanketed in history with Larnaca being the oldest living city on the island, said to be the first settlement of Noah's great-grandson Kittim. There are plenty of historic sites to see and the ancient ruins that can be found date back approximately 6,000 years, way back to the time Larnaca was founded.

Larnaca and Cyprus as a whole should not be missed for those looking for the whole "package" on a holiday. From quaint tavernas to stylish restaurants, from peaceful sandy beaches to skiing in the mountains Cyprus definitely has it all.

This Larnaca Apartments article was researched and written by Gary Paul Taylor, an SEO management specialist providing high quality, Optimised Content