Press Release Summary = For UK buy-to-let investors looking to purchase a property abroad, Cyprus has long been one of the preferred markets. Holiday homes and resort investments have proved particularly popular, capitalising on the large numbers of tourists that visit the island every year. Cyprus properties present a variety of options to suit every taste and pocket, from beach-front apartments to family homes in the mountains.
Press Release Body = For UK buy-to-let investors looking to purchase a property abroad, Cyprus has long been one of the preferred markets. Holiday homes and resort investments have proved particularly popular, capitalising on the large numbers of tourists that visit the island every year. Cyprus properties present a variety of options to suit every taste and pocket, from beach-front apartments to family homes in the mountains.
Although the island, nestled in the Mediterranean, has a reputation as a sun trap, it also offers visitors a much deeper experience than sand and sea. At one time, Cyprus was the crossroads between East and West and an important staging post on international trade routes. The island has a long and rich history, stretching back to the medieval days of the Crusades and beyond.
At various periods Cyprus has been part of the Greek, Roman and British empires, each of which has left its legacy. Although the population identify themselves as Greek, which is the national language and prevalent culture, certain aspects of the British administration remain.
According to Reuters, the island\'s Cultural and Special Interest Tourism Association (CSITA) is hoping to capitalise on that history by offering religio-cultural tourist packages. George Michaelides, chairman of the group, is hoping to encourage foreign visitors with ancient monasteries, shrines and saints\' relics. \"We are more than just a sand and sea and sex destination,\" he remarked.
Cyprus features a number of sites particularly important in the early Christian period. There are medieval churches in the mountains that have been accorded world heritage status because of the wall paintings they contain, as well as the tomb of Lazarus, the biblical figure reputedly raised from the dead by Jesus. St Paul and St Peter both visited the island - although the former spent much of his time there being tortured for his beliefs.
However, for those that are still only interested in spending their vacation lounging on the beach, possibly venturing from it to sip the occasional cocktail, there was good news this week. An EU report released on Thursday conclude that the island has the cleanest beaches in Europe. Of the 100 beaches tested, each one scored 99 per cent or higher in terms of compliance with European beach hygiene and bathing water quality regulations. This is the third year that Cyprus has scored highly - \"a remarkable effort, considering that Cyprus joined the EU only in 2004,\" the report said.