Cyprus may be a small country, but it's a large Island, the third largest in the Mediterranean. It is an Island with a big heart, an island that gives its visitors a genuine welcome and treats them as friends.

With its spectacular scenery and enviable climates, it's no wonder that Aphrodite chose the island as her playground and since then, mere mortals have been discovering this "land fit for Gods" for themselves.

Cyprus is an island of beauty and a country of contrasts. Cool, pine-clad mountains are a complete scene-change after golden sun-kissed beaches; tranquil, timeless villages are in striking contrast to modern cosmopolitan towns; luxurious beachside hotels can be exchanged for large areas of natural, un-spoilt country side; yet in Cyprus all distances are easily manageable, mostly on modern roads and high ways, with a secondary route or two for the more adventures.

Most important of all, the island offers peace of mind. At a time when holidays are clouded by safety consciousness, a feeling of security prevails everywhere, since the crime level is so low as to be practically non-existent.

Few countries can trace the course of their history over 9000 years, but in approximately 6800 B.C., the island of Cyprus was already inhabited and going through its Neolithic Age. Of all the momentous events that were to sweep the country through the next few thousand years, one of the most crucial was discovery of copper (or Kuprum in Latin), the mineral that was to give its name to the island and generate untold wealth.

The island's strategic position, its copper deposits and its timber attracted the first Greek, who came to the island over 3000 years ago, at the end of the Trojan wars. They settled down bringing in with them and establishing the Greek identity, language and civilization.

Over the centuries, Cyprus came under the sway of various rules including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, the successors to Alexander the Great and Romans, before Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire. Later came the Crusaders, Lusignans and Venetians, Ottomans and British.

Cyprus won its independence in 1960, for the first time in 3500 years, but the Greek identity of language and culture has been retained. In July 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and since then 37% of the island in the north is being occupied by Turkish troops.