An island-republic in the Eastern Mediterranean and member of the EU, Cyprus stands at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa with easy access to most of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Russia. Cyprus is served by approximately 40 major airlines linking it to the four corners of the world through its international airports at Larnaca and Paphos.

With long, warm Mediterranean summers and mild winters when temperatures rarely dip below 15°C and an average of 340 days of sunshine, Cyprus has attracted traders and travellers for many generations. Its tranquil landscapes are dotted with fascinating ruins and rich legacies, including Neolithic settlements, classical Greek and Roman monuments, Byzantine and Latin churches and monasteries, Frankish and Venetian fortresses, castles and mosques. It is an island of great beauty with a wide variety of contrasting landscapes, including mountains with vine-clad foothills, citrus and olive groves and pine and cedar forests.