Cyprus, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, is an island situated in the North-Eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea, at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia. It has a pleasant climate with an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, fine sandy beaches, pine scented forests and vine covered hillsides. Cyprus is a country where 21st century still rubs shoulders with history. It is an island with great diversity, combining western bustle and eastern calm. Cosmopolitan hotels, restaurants and nightclubs coexist with quiet mountain villages seemingly untouched by the 21st century. This sun-drenched island has been at the crossroads of world events for centuries. Greek, Roman, Byzantine and British influences have all had a bearing on life in Cyprus. 9,000 years of history and culture since the first inhabitants from Greece landed and distributed in various settlements around the island have left Cyprus a heritage rich in historical and artistic treasures - Byzantine monasteries, ruins of Greek and Roman monuments and Venetian castles. The people of Cyprus owe their individuality and warmth to their Mediterranean Greek roots and to the fact that they are the product of an amazingly colorful history. That's why Greek Cypriots make visitors feel at home as soon as they step on the island. The tourist industry began to grow in Cyprus in 1960 with Independence. Cyprus has since become one of the main tourist centres of the Mediterranean with tourism as the mainstay of the island's economy. In 2001, 2,69 million tourists visited the free part of the Republic of Cyprus, compared to 25.700 arrivals in 1960. Most tourists come from Europe (95%), the majority from the UK. Other important tourist markets for Cyprus are the Scandinavian countries, Germany, Russia and the countries of former USSR, Switzerland, Greece and Holland. There is also an influx of tourists from the Middle East, the Gulf and Israel. Lefkosia, the capital of Cyprus, and also the last divided capital of Europe due to the cruel Turkish invation on 1974 , is home to lavishly decorated churches and the island's foremost museums. Among them are the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, the Ethnographic Museum , the Byzantine Museum, the Museum of the National Struggle, the State Gallery of Contemporary Art, and the House of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios. The old walled city of Lefkosia is unique and definitely the place to head for first. Encircled by strong fortress walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting old city is scattered with buildings and monuments of historical interest as well as shops, cafes and tavernas. Its pedestrian section, "Laiki Geitonia", has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmoshphere of past days. In the countryside you'll find ruins of the ancient city kingdoms of Idalion and Tamasos near the villages of Dali and Politiko respectively. One may also visit the Fikardou village which has been declared as a monument and was awarded the Europa Nostra award in 1987. Language Greek is the national language of Cyprus, but English is widely spoken. Time +2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Currency Official currency in Cyprus since January the 1st 2008 is EURO. Other currencies like GB Pound, U.S. dollar e.t.c. are also accepted without any problem almost everywhere in the island. Prices & Tipping VAT as from 1st January 2003, is 15% on goods and services. A service charge is included in restaurant prices and taxi fares, however additional tipping is common practice. 2003 - 2004 As well as the Irish Paralympic Athletics team. Shopping In most of the tourist areas, both souvenir shops and supermarkets remain open until late in the evenings, and all day on Sunday Shops in other areas are closed for lunch from 13.00h to 15.00h on weekdays. On Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and all day on Sunday they are also closed. Tax-free shopping Visitors are able to purchase tax-free goods when leaving the country, either at the airport or in tax-free shops. Credit Cards All international credit cards (VISA, Eurocard, Mastercard, AMEX, Diners) are widely accepted in Cyprus at hotels, restaurants and shops.