Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea . Its 3,572 square miles include citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains, and some of Europe 's cleanest beaches.

Cyprus is 60 miles west of Syria , 47 miles south of Turkey and 200 miles north of Egypt . The nearest Greek point is the Greek island of Rhodes which is 200 miles to the west.

Troodos mountains occupy most of the southwestern part of the country, the Pentadaktylos mountains range in the north around Kyrenia and the Messaoria Plain in between them. It is here that the capital city, Lefkosia ( Nicosia ), is located.

The extended Karpasia Peninsula occupies the northeast part of Cyprus , while the southeastern point terminates in Cape Greco . The southern coast is where the major towns of Larnaca and Lemesos (Limassol) are located. Pafos and the Akamas Peninsula are on the far western edge.

The latitude of Cyprus is 34º 33´-35º 34´ North, and its longitude 32º 16´-34º 37´ East

Either you are in Cyprus for holidays or to stay permanently, your experience can be as varied and rewarding as the geography of the island itself.

The mountainous interior, the Troodos, offers an attractive contrast to the coast that shouldn't be overlooked. Pine-scented air, hiking trails and Byzantine churches are just some of the treasures to be found in Cyprus . The village life of the hill towns can also be the ultimate experience.

There are beaches in Cyprus to suit just about everybody, from families with young children to seekers of solitude and diving lovers. Protaras and Ayia Napa beaches are of the most well-known beaches of Cyprus , offering crystal clear blue waters, and golden sandy beaches.