Cyprus: An Island Paradise That Can Become Your New Home

Whether you are seeking for a new travel destination or a place where you can retire, Cyprus is truly one island that is worth considering. This island, which is geographically found in Asia, is actually part of Europe. It is located between Greece and Turkey, and for some time has been torn between the occupancy of these countries. Today, Cyprus is considered an independent country. Full reunification between the divisions is on the way and hostilities are gone. Hence, it has become an ideal tourist destination and place of residency of some retirees. Read on if you want to learn more about what this island country has to offer.

Climate

The summer season in Cyprus starts in May and ends in September, while the winter season runs from November to March. In between these are short periods of spring and autumn. The temperature during the winter months reaches a low of 22^oC in daytime and 12^oC in the evenings. This is considered the warmest winter in the Mediterranean. During the summer months, expect temperatures as high as 35^oC during the day and 18^oC at night. 

Rain usually occurs in the winter season and rarely in the summer. On cold winters, snow also falls in Cyprus, but it is centered in the Kyrenia and Troodos mountain ranges, which are located at the central part of the island.

Environment

Cyprus is well known for its vast expanse of beaches that boast of clear blue waters and white sand shores. People who love to lounge under the sun while curling their toes in the sand should never miss the opportunity to visit this beach island. Some of their famous beaches that are worth visiting are the Fig Tree Bay Beach, Nissi Beach, and Pissouri Beach.

In the central part of the island, you will find the Troodos Mountain, which rises to 1951 meters above sea level. It has a hiking trail where you can enjoy a trek as you visit the various resorts, villages, and churches that are built along its slopes. During the winter months, this area is also ideal for some skiing activities.

Aside from the sun, sea, and the mountains, Cyprus is also rich in history and it can be seen in its buildings and architecture. In Nicosia, for instance, you will be amazed by how the old walls that surround the capital have been preserved. Aside from this, you will also see various remnants of the Roman Empire in the structures and antiquities that are found everywhere.

Culture

Two distinct cultures can be observed in Cyprus, and that is of the Turks and the Greeks. You can see both in the food, art, music, and literature. There is also a wide diversity in religion. Although most citizens are predominantly Muslims and Christians, other religions are given freedom. Hence, it is very normal to see various churches of different beliefs in this country.

The people of Cyprus still uphold the importance of family. There is a strong bond across generations and it has been a practice for everyone to help their extended families. Cypriots are also known to give utmost importance to showing respect. It could be respect for someone who holds a high rank in the society or even to business partners.

Aside from hiking, skiing, and various water sports, there are many other activities that sports-minded tourists can join. Some of these are triathlon events, car rallies, marathons, and football. For those who love festivities, there are the Flower Festival in May, the Wine Festival in September, and the Shakespearean Nights in June. As you can see, these festivals cater to various interests among the society, which makes this country quite interesting.

Internet

Nowadays, plenty of travelers take their work with them so that they can continue earning while enjoying their holidays. Therefore, having an internet access is an important consideration when traveling or even when looking for a new residence. Fortunately, this is readily available in Cyprus. Aside from the free Wi-Fi access offered by hotels and cafes, you can also subscribe to their local internet providers. Some of which are Cytanet, Logosnet, PrimeTel, and AvacomNet. Broadband technology is present in urban areas with speeds of up to 32Mbits/s. Faster speeds of 100Mbits/s are also available in selected areas. Whether you are staying for just a few weeks or staying for good, you can easily find a subscription that will meet your exact needs. Monthly rates can range from €6 to €150, depending on the speed.

Cost of Living

People who come from countries with strong economies will find that the cost of living in Cyprus is much cheaper. For instance, food, clothing, utilities, and appliances are available in lower prices in Cyprus compared to the UK. Even the cost of houses in Cyprus is lower and this can be attributed to the low tax charged on them. It is no wonder that retirees from countries with strong finances are moving to this island country.

You can reach Cyprus by plane or boat. Various airline carriers have flights from Larnaka to other European and Middle Eastern countries. If you are coming from Greece, you can reach this island by boat. Once in Cyprus, you can get around the island through various public transports, like buses and taxis. You may also hire a car, but expect to pay more for this.

Visas

Being a part of Europe, citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and European countries can freely visit Cyprus without a visa. This privilege is also given to some nationals, provided that they limit their stay in Cyprus to 3 months. Those included in this list are passport holders of Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Japan, among others. For a complete list, consult with your local consulate.

For nationals that are not covered by this privilege, you may apply for a short-stay or long-stay visa. A short-stay visa is only good for a 3-month stay, which is ideal for tourists. Long-stay visas, on the other hand, are for workers, students, and those who want to immigrate to Cyprus. 

Concerns

One concern regarding living in Cyprus is the lack of water supply. Their main sources are the dams that are located across the country. These rely heavily on the amount of rain that the country gets, which have slowly decreased in recent years. Coupled with the increasing population and the number of foreigners visiting the country, the supply can barely cover the demand. This has pushed the country to build desalination plants and to encourage residents to conserve water.

With this information in hand, you can now assess the possibility of enjoying a short vacation in Cyprus or even open up to the idea of permanently relocating there.