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Cyprus is well known as the island of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and
beauty, who, according to legend, was born there.
Although a small country, Cyprus has an almost overwhelming cultural heritage.
Wherever you travel you will find ancient monuments and sites, churches and
monasteries bearing silent witness to over 9 000 years of civilization and
history.
Cyprus stands at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe and this exotic mix
is well-reflected in Cyprus' cultural history.
An island of spectacular beauty, a living mosaic of cultures, cuisine and
undiscovered riches, Cyprus is a romantic place with something for everyone.
You will receive a warm and friendly welcome from this fascinating land, with
its wonderful beaches and clear blue seas.
Sunny Mediterranean beaches enclosed by rugged cliffs, cool cedar forests,
scented orange groves and gentle meadows blanketed in wildflowers, charming
villages, ruins of ancient civilisations and distinctive local cultures: there
are whole worlds to discover in this eminently accessible island, where the
service is extraordinary and the people are as warm as the Mediterranean sun.
As the sun sets and nightlife begins, you will find everything, from traditional
tavernas to lively bars and clubs. Take time to discover the breathtaking
Troodos mountains and the raw beauty of Akamas peninsula, or explore some of the
island's rich history, from pre-historic tombs to Crusader castles.
Cyprus can really please everyone: couples, families and groups can choose
between lively resorts and quieter settings with plenty of space to relax.
Cyprus is the third-largest island and one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the Mediterranean, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per
year.
Discover a country where East meets West, fashionable spas sit side-by-side with
village kafeneia and heavenly beaches are backed by rugged mountains.
The climate is temperate and Mediterranean with dry summers and variably rainy
winters. Summer temperatures range from warm at higher elevations in the Troodos
mountains to hot in the lowlands. Winter temperatures are mild at lower
elevations, where snow rarely occurs, but are significantly colder in the
mountains with sufficient snow for seasonal ski facilities. Dust storms are
frequent throughout the year.
The traditional folk music of Cyprus has many common elements with Greek
mainland and island folk music, including dances like the sousta, syrtos,
zeibekikos, tatsia, and the kartsilamas. The instruments commonly associated
with Cyprus folk music are the lute ("laouto"), violin ("fkiolin"), accordion
and the Cyprus flute ("pithkiavlin"). There is also a form of musical poetry
known as "chattista", which is often performed at traditional feasts and
celebrations. Composers associated with traditional music in Cyprus include
Marios Tokas, Solon Michaelides, Savvas Salides, and Doros Georgiades. Pop music
in Cyprus is generally influenced by the Greek pop music "Laika" scene, with
several artists such as Anna Vissi and Evridiki earning widespread popularity.
Cypriot rock and "entechno" rock music is often associated with artists such as
Michalis Hatzigiannis and Alkinoos Ioannidis.
Rich in history yet equipped with modern amenities, relaxing but also effortless
full of surprises, Cyprus is irresistible to everyone. As it has been for nine
thousand years...
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Nick Nikolis
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