cyprus

Cyprus

Friendly people, great food, 300 days of sunshine – a retirement location that is hard to match

Why Cyprus?

In the 21st century Cyprus has been the favoured destination of tens of thousands of British people. The weather is a major factor in deciding to retire here but a lot of expatriates find it too hot in August when the temperature can exceed 40 ̊C. In the winter, houses can be cold principally because they are designed to keep their occupants cool in the long hot summers.

While the climate is often given as the first reason for living here there are other reasons too. Cyprus is accessible from the UK with many flights daily between most major UK airports and Paphos and Larnaca. The flight takes between four and five hours.

The pace of living is much slower than in the UK making it ideal for those who want a relaxing retirement away from the hassle of the British way of life. The fact that the overwhelming majority of the population speak English is a major attraction.

Cyprus has some stunning scenery including the unspoiled Akamas Peninsula, the Paphos Forest and the Troodos Mountains that includes Olympus which is higher than any British mountain.

The Mediterranean is warm enough to swim in for nine months a year and some hardy souls go in at Christmas too. Agia Napa in the east and Coral Bay in the west are among many beautiful beaches. It is not unknown for people to ski in the mountains and swim in the sea on the same day.

For those whose lives have revolved around the M25 or M62, taking the motorway between Paphos to Limassol is a dream because it is often deserted and there are never any traffic jams.

It is said in Cyprus amongst expatriates that there is a phenomenon called ‘The Cyprus Stone.’ The reference is to the fact that even those not prone to putting on weight tend to do so when they come to live here because eating out is a lot less expensive.

Restaurateurs are extremely friendly and hospitable and Greek Cypriot food is generally excellent and portions are generous. Tavernas are nearly all family owned and the service matches the food.

Singing and dancing are very popular and many restaurants have live shows. Live opera is staged in the open at Paphos Harbour every September with famous international performers.

Cypriots are generally welcoming. Family ties are very strong with what British people might call old- fashioned values such as respect for parents and for authority being normal.

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