The Cypriot People
Cypriots are naturally hospitable people and are the unique products of a rich history. This is due to the island´s geographical position at the crossroads of three continents, making the island a cosmopolitan centre for centuries.

Climate
Cyprus is considered to have one of the finest climates in Europe. Short mild winters and long hot summers with more than 300 days per year of sunshine. The central mountainous area gives cool escape in the summer months while in winter, the snow makes those same mountains a favourite skiing spot for all to enjoy.

Medical Facilities
All major towns have a government hospital, where EU nationals can receive free treatment. For those preferring private treatment, there are many excellent private clinics and medical centres, which have been awarded recognition as the best in the Mediterraean area. Doctors have qualified mainly in the UK or the USA and have, in most cases, practised there before returning to Cyprus.

Cost of Living

Taken overall, this is still lower than in the UK and mainland Europe, due partly to the prices of excellent quality local produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Most large supermarkets carry UK brands as well as local and other imported brands. Eating out is relatively inexpensive, allowing most residents to do so far more regularly than they would in the UK.

In addition, electricity, water and local rates are all cheaper than in the UK, as is petrol and car maintenance, the cost of services such as plumbing, electrical work etc. etc.

Pets
Cyprus was one of the first European Countries to sign up to the 'passport for pets' scheme and animals may be imported freely providing that your pet has had the necessary vaccinations. Pets need not be quarantined in kennels, but are kept in 'home quarantine' for a period of six months.

Some airlines will carry pets on the same plane as their owners (but in the pressurised hold), charging only excess baggage according to the weight of the animal in its carrier.

Driving
Driving in Cyprus is on the left-hand side, as in the UK and all road signs are in both Greek and English. Most main roads are of good quality and a major highway of motorway standard connects the island from Nicosia right through to Paphos. There is a branch of the AA here in Cyprus.

Sea travel is available from Limassol and Larnaca ports and a container service is available to and from the UK from Limassol.

Visitors may drive if they hold a valid driver's licence from their country or an international drivers licence. Permanent residents are required to hold a Cypriot driving licence, which is exchanged for the UK licence.

Communications
Excellent and competitive phone, postal and Internet services with the various associated services are available here. Broadband is available in the major town centres and slowly spreading outwards, into the villages.


Education
The educational system in Cyprus is of a high standard and is available to all residents. Children may attend Greek or International Schools. The International School and the American Academy in Paphos, whose curricula are based on the English GCSE and A level syllabus and whose teaching medium is in English, have an unequalled education record. The schools are private, so fees are involved, but considerably less than those of schools in the UK.

Alternatively, there are recognised English language institutions of further education in Nicosia. Students regularly enter English and American universities following full time education in Cyprus and there are many colleges of further education offering vocational training, particularly in Business Studies and Marketing.

Church services
Although Cyprus is Greek Orthodox, Anglican and Roman Catholic services are available, together with other denominations.

You will always be welcomed into any Orthodox church, even if there is a service in progress, provided you are dressed respectfully.