A GUIDE TO CYPRUS

Home of mythical goddess Aphrodite, the land of love has more faces than Proteus the shape-shifting sea god. Tempting tavernas and boutiques huddle together like old friends – so close you're hard pushed to travel more than single file down the maze of cobbled streets. Snaking stretches of white sand fizz with leopard-print clothed beauties. Mountain villages spilling weather-worn locals and their backgammon boards into the street. And it's at the top of the most discerning clubber's guide lists too. It's bold. It's beautiful. And it's brimming with temptation. With everything from silvery sands to magnificent mountains and more culture than your average Greek yoghurt, Cyprus is the stuff holiday dreams are made of.
| Factbook |
| Capital (and largest city) |
Nicosia (Lefkosia, Lefkosa) |
| Official languages |
Greek, Turkish |
| EU accession |
1 May 2004 |
| Currency |
euro (EUR) | 1EUR = 0.79GBP |
| Calling code |
+357 |
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| Area |
9,251 km˛ (167th) 3,572 sq mi |
| Population |
2007 estimate 788,457 |
| Climate |
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters |
Recommended destinations for Cyprus