Cyprus has been described as ‘the island of all seasons’ and rightly so. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoys 340 days of sunshine per year. Winters are mild and short with temperatures varying from cool along the coast to cold in the Troodos Mountains where there is seasonal skiing.
The island boasts of crystal clear waters and excellent beaches. It is pollution free with its main sources of revenue coming from tourism, services, agriculture, and a well diversified economy. There is a population of approximately 800,000 and tourism numbers are 2.5 million arrivals. The economy of the country has a growth rate of 4.6 per cent and low unemployment of 2.6 per cent compares very favourably with Ireland and its EU partners.
English is very widely spoken and 95 per cent of road signs are in English, enabling people to get around the island very easily. All official documentation is in English and the legal system is based on the English system. Unlike most other holiday destinations, cars are driven on the left, and various makes and models of cars are available for hire.
A member of the EU since 2004, the island has excellent infrastructure with a superb highway running across the island enabling visitors to get from east to west in little over two hours. New marinas, airports, golf courses, etc, are planned and under construction, with the island availing of the benefits of EU membership. Since January 2008 the euro is the official currency of Cyprus.
Paphos has a unique topography with mountains, beautiful coastline, excellent beaches, and clear unpolluted waters, and remains very green throughout the year. There are many beautiful hotels, bars, restaurants, golf courses, and a thriving marine activity sector. The town of Paphos remains open throughout the year and has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with visitors from all parts of Europe. One of the cultural highlights of the Cyprus year is the annual outdoor opera festival which is staged at the castle ruins in the famous harbour. Indeed Paphos has been designated as a world heritage site in recognition of the archaeological sites around the town mainly at the famous Tomb of the Kings next to the harbour. This ensures that overdevelopment will not happen due to planning and environmental policies.
Access to Cyprus from Ireland is provided directly from Dublin and Cork with a number of travel companies flying to Larnaca and Paphos itself. Direct flights are also available from many UK airports. A new international airport has been built in Paphos and a new purpose built marina with 1,200 berths is being developed. For the more active individual, golfing needs are easily met with a number of championship courses operating and a further six planned. For those who like to ski, Mount Troodos provides the facilities during the winter.
Property investment offers great value and tax advantages. The annual rise in property value shows 15 to 20 per cent increase with current prices for Leptos properties available from €93,750 for apartments, maisonettes, and townhouses. The property market in Cyprus remains very strong and vibrant, offering excellent value with quality developments. Compared to some other holiday destinations, Cyprus offers a safe and secure investment similar to home opportunities but at much lower costs.
Inspection visits can be organised, with different options available varying from direct flights and non-direct with connections from Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, London, or Amsterdam. Galway, Knock, and Shannon can connect with UK flights.
For further details ring (091 ) 791985/773036 or (086 ) 8059880.
