Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located southeast of Greece and south of Turkey. Well-known for its superb beaches and fine resorts, Cyprus, despite its small size offers an immense amount of historical and cultural highlights, as one would expect due to its location in the midst of the world's earliest refined civilisations. Its capital city of Nicosia, more than 1,000 years old, is, along with the surrounding area, a treasure trove of architectural and archaeological delights. The island nation, coveted for thousands of years by foreign states, gained its independence from Great Britain in 1960. Because of its sought-after status, it has been a battleground for many different countries seeking to exert influence, and as such retains parts of each of those eras when it was controlled by others.
Cyprus has picturesque mountain towns in which one can find castles, churches and monasteries undisturbed by time. Its coastline sparkles with white sandy beaches that feature all manner of water sports and boating excursions. Every type of resort and hotel can be found on the island in every price range. People flock to Cyprus during its summer high season and find great deals during its winter low season. One will not be disappointed with the vast array of activities and sights that this wonderful, idyllic island has to offer to travellers.