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  Seemingly
isolated in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus has been at the cockpit of western history for thousands of
years, notably during the mediaeval crusades, when it acted as a launch
pad for the crusaders. These days crusades are led by the waves of
tourists who arrive to enjoy the popular seaside resorts,
but inland a few kilometers, an older World prevails. Sleepy
villages, farms and forests with fabled mountain views. You will
find in this a natural, unhurried people who are proud of
their ancient associations.
In legend the birthplace of Aphrodite, the island
probably gave its name to the metal copper, which was mined
here during the Bronze
Age (bronze is an alloy of copper and tin), as well as to the cypress
tree, forests of which cover much of the beautiful Troodos mountain range
in the southwest of the island.
Cyprus is split three
ways: the northern part of the island is under Turkish control, the south is Greek-speaking, Orthodox Christian, while
Britain, formerly the colonial power, retains two large ‘sovereign base
areas’ in the south. English
is still widely spoken, but the culture you will encounter in the
Troodos Mountains is distinctively Greek.
We invite you to share the Baths of Aphrodite or visit the remnant
spring snows of the Troodos. Flower lovers in particular enjoy
looking out for the many representatives of the orchid family during
this period. However Cyprus makes an ideal destination during
winter, spring and autumn.
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