Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean. The landscape varies between rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest-covered mountains. The Troodos Mountains in the centre of the island rise to almost 1950m (6400ft) and provide good skiing during the winter.

Nicosia (Lefkosia), the capital of Cyprus, is situated at the heart of the Messaoria Plain. The old city has many quaint and ancient shops. Nicosia District extends westwards into the vine-covered Troodos Mountains, where magnificent forests and valleys feature hill resorts such as Kakopetria and Byzantine churches in Galata.

Limassol (Lemesos) is the island's main port and centre of the wine industry. In September the town has a wine festival, during which wine and food are served free. Cyprus is becoming established as a winter destination with both Platres and Kakopetria conveniently placed for the skiing season on Mount Olympus.

Local dishes include kebabs (lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire) and dolmas (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice).

Visas: Nationals of the USA , Australia , Canada , Japan , New Zealand , Singapore and the EU can stay in the Republic of Cyprus for up to three months without a visa. The UN Green Line, which separates the Greek and Turkish Cypriot regions, is currently open and travel between the regions is legal and straightforward; however, travellers must present their passport, complete a 'TRNC Arrival Card' and must return to their side by midnight. It's also illegal to travel from the Republic to the North and to then continue to Turkey - you cannot take luggage with you across the Green Line, and you will be placed on the Republic's black list, which will most likely prevent you from ever entering the Republic again. Travellers may enter the Republic only through the legal ports of entry: Larnaka and Pafos international airports, or the seaports of Limassol and Pafos.

The shoulder seasons - April/May and September/October - are the most pleasant times, climatically, to visit Cyprus . Summer - June to August - can be very hot, and winter is sometimes wet but still pleasant.

The Republic celebrates basically the same festivals as Greece . Easter, more important in the Greek Orthodox Church than Christmas, is the biggest celebration of the year - expect candle-lit processions, fireworks and feasting. The date changes every year, but it's 50 days after the first Sunday in Lent, which is occasion for a carnival of its own. Cyprus Independence Day is celebrated on 1 October.

Land Area Water: 10 sq km

Latitude:035 00 N