Cyprus, an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A historic island, the third largest in the Mediterranean where modern travellers retrace the footsteps of figures as diverse as St. Paul, Alexander the Great and Leonardo da Vinci.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. You will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages.

The people of Cyprus owe their individuality and warmth to the fact that they are the product of an amazingly colourful history. This sun-drenched island has been at the crossroads of world events for centuries. Roman, Byzantine, Greek and British influences (to name just a few) have all had a bearing on life in Cyprus. Perhaps that's why Cypriots have a special knack of making visitors feel at home as soon as they step off the plane or ship. That warm welcome, plus the unhurried pace of daily life, makes Cyprus an instant favourite of anyone who goes there. However, Cypriots managed to positively and creatively assimilate the foreign influences from all the invaders and to maintain unchanged the Greek language and the cultural heritage.

With a modernized economy Cyprus is in position to be part of a new peaceful and prosperous Europe in which Greek and Turkish Cypriots together will be able to utilize the vast opportunities that membership offers. The challenge facing Cyprus is to ensure that both communities have a role to play in the future of the country. A viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem will ensure human rights for all the Cypriot European citizens and this will guarantee security and well being.