Living and working in Cyprus​

5 fun facts about Cyprus

1. A whole town is world heritage: UNESCO declared the entire city of Paphos as world heritage, because of the remains of ancient tombs, fortresses and palaces from 4th century B.C in the city.
2. The Oldest Wine Label: Cyprus has the oldest named wine label in the world. The commandaria wine emulates the essence of the very island in its flavour. It is said that Richard Lionheart, the British King, even called it “A wine of Kings and the King of wines”
3. Their Carnival is a Dionysian blend: The carnival in Cyprus is the most organised and popular event in the island, with influences from venetian rules and old greek traditions this majestic and long event honours Dionysus God, the god of wine and fun, with masked parties, fancy dresses, serenades, music and dancing children in the 10 or 12 days before easter lent.
4. Haloumi, the Cypriot majestic Cheese: This cheese belongs to Cyprus and is made from sheep and/or goat’s milk that’s been soaked in brine and mint, it can be eaten raw, grilled or fried and whatever form you choose it will surely taste like heaven.
5. Tropical like climate: Cyprus has the great amount of 320 days of sunshine during the year, that means 8 months of sunny weather, and even the winter months (January and february) are not that cold with a temperature of 14 – 18 ºC

The cultural heritage of Cyprus

Cyprus’s history has been shaped by its beneficial position, where it has been exposed to a number of different cultures and civilizations that have occupied the country during a certain period of time. This has left a merge of different customs and historical remains in the country:

• Right now the island is divided into the occupied side and the republic side, where most Greek people live.
• The Greek Cypriots have retained their ancient, Byzantine-style cuisine and their own distinctively Byzantine language and dialect.
• The Turkish Cypriots have retained the same language, religion, and cultural traditions that they brought with them over the centuries, but they have adapted to a life in a largely Greek-speaking society.
• Towards expats, the locals are friendly and it’s a safe place for locals and expats with low crime rates.
• There are many social clubs in Cyprus: They have clubs for walking, sailing, card games, crafts, winemaking, dancing, touring, and so much more.
• If you’re the party type you will find many nightspots in the big cities, and Ayia Napa being the most popular with an endless list of nightclubs and bars.

Traditional food in Cyprus

Having Greek roots and societies, it is no wonder that the food is very similar to some traditional Greek food. However the Cypriot food has subtle differences due to the natural resources in the island that have changed the usual recipes:

• Souvlakia; grilled meat kebabs
• Shaftalia; grilled sausage
• Afella; pork marinated in coriander
• Kolokasi; root vegetables
• But also: fried halloumi cheese, olives, pitta bread, lamb, artichokes, chickpeas and rabbit stews (stifado)

The flavours of Cypriot dishes are well seasoned with herbs and garlic and they use a lot of fruit along with many dishes so you can find fruit available all over the country in every corner.

Living costs Cyprus

Here we will provide the average of the main expenses in Cyprus taking as reference the city of Limassol:

* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.
**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks from.

Languages in Cyprus

If the language is something that worries you, then you can relax in Cyprus. Due to the fact that it’s such a diverse country with heritage of the many occupations, they speak at least 1 or 2 languages beside Greek and Turkish:

• Around 75% of the population speaks English fluently
• 12% speak French
• 5% speak German.

However if you’re interested in learning Greek then it is worth mentioning that the Cypriot government has launched free courses to learn Greek.

Still not convinced about Cyprus?

Cyprus is the island that effortlessly blends sun, sand, and adventure, and it is the perfect location if you desire a vibrant lifestyle:

• Dive into the sea, ride the waves, or simply soak up the sun while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
• Cyprus is rewarded for some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Europe, including the legendary Aphrodite’s Rock.
• Legend has it that Cyprus is the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, saying she rose from the sea foam near Paphos, blessing the island with eternal beauty and love. So, romance is always in the air here! 

The diverse beauty of Cyprus does not only translate to stunning nature and vibrant big cities, but also its unique “split personality”:

• In the south, you’ll find the vibrant Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus with its bustling cities, picturesque villages, and ancient treasures.
• Up north, the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus offers a laid-back vibe, charming coastal towns, and a fusion of cultures. It’s like having two intriguing worlds in one captivating island.

But Cyprus isn’t just about beach life; it’s a cultural playground that will ignite your sense of exploration:

• Wander through the narrow streets of the capital city Nicosia, where ancient and modern coexist harmoniously.
• Visit charming villages like Lefkara, famous for its intricate lacework
• Or immerse yourself in history at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Paphos, home to stunning archaeological sites.

Your new home Cyprus awaits you with open arms, ready to shower you with sunshine, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and memories of a lifetime. Start living and working in Cyprus and start your new life adventure!