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Cyprus |
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| 10 Good Reasons to buy property in Cyprus |
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| 1. |
It’s a very good investment opportunity. |
| 2. |
Buying a property in Cyprus allows the purchaser to become a resident. |
| 3. |
Cost of living is low - approximately 30% cheaper than in the UK. |
| 4. |
There’s no language barrier - 90% of people living in Cyprus speak English. |
| 5. |
It’s warm nearly all year round. Cyprus enjoys 340 days of sunshine a year. |
| 6. |
It’s familiar: cars drive on the left-hand side of the road and road-signs are in English as well as Greek. |
| 7. |
It’s affordable: Cyprus has some of the lowest house prices in the Mediterranean. |
| 8. |
Cyprus has a low crime rate (6% that of the UK). |
| 9. |
It offers excellent medical facilities. |
| 10. |
It is a great place to retire. |
For Cyprus map please see below, or visit www.mapquest.com
Few countries can trace the course of their history back over 9000 years, but Cyprus can. Of all the momentous events in the island's distinguished history, the discovery of copper - Kuprum, in Latin - was one of the most crucial. Not only did the mineral give its name to the island, it also generated much of its traditional wealth.
Cyprus' strategic position, its copper deposits and its timber attracted the first Greeks to the island over 3000 years ago at the end of the Trojan wars. Settling
on the island, they brought with them their Greek identity, language and
civilisation.
In the centuries that followed, Cyprus found itself under various rulers, including
the Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, the successors to Alexander the Great and the Romans, before it became part of the Byzantine Empire. Later came the
Crusaders, the Lusignans and Venetians, the Ottomans and the British. Cyprus finally won its independence in 1960, the first time in 3500 years, miraculously retaining much of its Greek identity, language and culture.
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Each and every conqueror left their mark on the island and it is because of
this that today's Cyprus is so rich in cultural heritage and archaeological
treasures. Beautifully painted Byzantine churches; Kykkos Monastery ( the most famous and wealthiest monastery in Cyprus, which possesses one of the three surviving icons ascribed to Saint Luke ); Limassol Castle ( where Richard the Lionheart is believed to have married Berengaria of Navarre ); Hala Sultan Tekke mosque ( built in memory of the aunt of the Prophet Mohammed ); Stavrovouni Monastery ( founded in the 4th century by Saint Helena, who left a fragment
of the Holy Cross to the monastery ); and the entire town of Kato Pafos ( which is included in the World Cultural Heritage List ) are just a few.
Naturally, sea sports like sailing, yachting and diving are automatically associated with the island, but other pastimes are also catching on. The Troodos mountains and forests, for example, offer a great deal for hikers and birdwatchers - rugged slopes, towering pines, flowing streams and an amazing variety of flora and fauna. In the winter months, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities while Cyprus is also earning itself a fine reputation in the golfing world, with three splendid 18-hole golf courses already on offer.
This island is a fascinating land of contrasts. While it boasts some of the most sophisticated cities in the region, you don't have to travel far to find yourself transported back in time. Drop into almost any village taverna, or join the locals at a town market, and you'll witness a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for years.
Wherever you venture in Cyprus, you will encounter strong traditions kept alive from generation to generation, often through local celebrations. In Cyprus, hardly a week goes by without an event of some sort, be it a colourful festival or homage to a saint on one of the numerous 'name days'. The panayiri , a traditional open-air fête, is a time of great fun, especially in the villages, while Easter is the single most important Greek Orthodox religious event and is celebrated with solemnity, joy and hope.
The Greek Orthodox Church has been the mainstay of religion in Cyprus since the 1st century AD, and in a society where the church continues to play an important role, traditional values have remained firmly in place. Family values are still at the core of the Cypriot way of life and underlie the warmhearted nature of the local people.
Taking pleasure in enjoying life is at the heart of the Cypriot personality. Observe the fun Cypriots have when they go out - particularly in large family groups - and you will see how important the lust for life is on this enchanted island.
In fact, get to know the people and you'll probably be invited back to a Cypriot home, perhaps to enjoy a meal of meze. Join them and you'll soon learn the true meaning of the word " hospitality ".
Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism Industry. |
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