Cyprus is the sunniest country in Europe. It is blessed with more than 320 days of sun annually which make it an ideal place to live and a year-round holiday destination. The glorious coastline hosts 64 Blue Flag beaches, an exclusive international eco-label award. For twelve years in a row now, Cyprus has the highest ratio in Europe of Blue Flag beaches to total number of beaches.
Cyprus is also home to the picturesque Troodos mountain range, now a Geopark, located in the centre of the island, standing tall at an altitude of almost 2,000m. Its highest peak is Mount Olympus where four ski slopes operate during the winter months.
Thanks to Cyprus’ mild climate, one can enjoy nature, forest parks and reserves year-round.
Cyprus hosts a multitude of cultural, music and sporting events throughout the year, along with the celebration of many religious festivals.
Cypriots are well-known for their sincere and hospitable nature. The Cyprus cuisine, with Greek and Turkish influences, features lots of fresh fish, meat, beans, pulses and vegetables. The traditional Cypriot Meze, similar to Tapas, is the best way to sample a large selection different dishes.
Cyprus is also one of the world’s oldest vine-growing and wine-making regions, with a history that can be traced back nearly 6,000 years. There are currently more than 50 wineries on the island and the popular annual Limassol wine festival offers visitors the opportunity to sample some of Cyprus’ finest wines.
A high quality of life is undoubtedly one of Cyprus’ most attractive attributes. Cyprus is ranked as the 5th safest country in the world and has the lowest reported crime rate in the EU, making it an ideal place to travel and an excellent location to raise a family.
Cyprus offers a high-quality healthcare system. Public healthcare is either free or low-cost for those eligible, and private healthcare costs are more affordable compared to other EU countries. The healthcare industry comprises highly qualified health professionals, with the majority educated in the UK, US, Greece and Russia. The high standard of private healthcare facilities is a significant influential factor in attracting expatriates and foreign investors to the island.
The predominant language is Greek. English is also widely spoken on the island, as a second language, and is part of the school curriculum from primary to higher education.
Cyprus is committed to education. It offers high quality schooling at all levels and has the highest percentage of university graduates per capita in Europe.
International students are increasingly choosing Cyprus for their studies. Currently, here are three public and five private universities and more than 40 private institutions of higher education registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture, offering both academic and vocational programmes of study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
