ABOUT CYPRUS
About Cypriot Culture
<<Cypriot culture is among the oldest in the Mediterranean. By 3700 BC, the island was well inhabited, a crossroads between East and West. The island fell successively under Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman domination. For 800 years, beginning in 364 AD, Cyprus was ruled by Byzantium. After brief possession by King Richard I (the Lion-Hearted) of England during the Crusades, the island came under Frankish control in the late 12th century. It was ceded to the Venetian Republic in 1489 and conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1571. The Ottomans applied the 'millet' system to Cyprus, which allowed religious authorities to govern their own non-Muslim minorities. This system reinforced the position of the Orthodox Church and the cohesion of the ethnic Greek population. Most of the Turks who settled on the island during the three centuries of Ottoman rule remained when control of Cyprus--although not sovereignty--was ceded to Great Britain in 1878. Many left for Turkey during the 1920s, however. The island was annexed formally by the United Kingdom in 1914 at the outbreak of World War I and became a crown colony in 1925.
Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom and established a constitutional republic in 1960, after an anti-British campaign by the Greek Cypriot EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters), a guerrilla group that desired political union, or enosis, with Greece. Archbishop Makarios, a charismatic religious and political leader, was elected president.>>
source - www.aboutcyprus.com
Accomodation
Our Studio is located in Lakatamia - Nicosia the capital of the Island. It's about 30 minutes by bus from the centre of the town, 40 minutes from the nearest beach and 60 minutes from the Troodos Mountains.
There are many places in Nicosia or Lefkosia for someone to stay, from luxurius five star hotels to one star hotels.
If you like us to help you find the right place for you, just contact us.
Cyprus Weather
Summer When It Sizzles
Summer stretches from mid-May to mid-October and means high temperatures especially in July and August, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea.
It’s the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of watersports from sailing to scuba diving.
At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day.
It’s always a good idea to bring along sun protection, such as sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat. Even in the height of summer when it’s 32C degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos area, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.
The days of September and October are still sunny and the sea water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, its still summer.
Autumn: Warm and Sunny
Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler.
In October and through November, the leaves change colour in the Troodos area and the vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight.
In Cyprus, even mid-November can feel like summer, but by month’s end, medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the traveller’s experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tastings can be very enjoyable.
Autumn (mainly September) also brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.
Winter: An Active Season
December and January are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright sunshine a day.
This is the time of year when smaller Mediterranean destinations shut down for the season, but not so Cyprus. The island is a major business centre and has many important heritage sites and museums, all being least crowded in winter.
The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming up all the time. Early February brings occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos mountains – ideal for skiing! Sometimes, 'good years' bring lots of rain and snow as early as December and January. Australian Christmas is not unusual either!!!
Spring Delights
The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond trees in full bloom. A splendid and inspiring season for artists and photographers!
March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19°C, 9°C at night) but steadily moderate. Local proverbs warn for possible surprises during March.
Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other wildflowers. In April, and upto the middle of May, spring is in full force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures.
If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savour the natural beauty of the island in bloom.
adapted from www.cyprusandmore.com
