Cyprus has dazzled folks since the beginning of human civilization…
These days, the island features the same white-sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and countless lemon, fig, and olive trees…
But it now also boasts big opportunities for the retiree or investor abroad:
Cyprus has easy residency ($1,000 a month to qualify)…
Tasty food (that’s good for your heart), affordable real estate (often under $100k), thriving expat communities, and enough history and outdoor activities to last a lifetime…
The island is also one of the safest places in the world.
Plus, nearly the entire island is fluent in English…
For all these reasons and more, Cyprus is our #1 Haven In The Mediterranean.
If you just can’t manage to master Spanish and want a place near the water where you can get by in English…
If you’re lured by a beach lifestyle but want more options than relaxing all day…
If you love history, the outdoors, and adventure…
And if you’d jump at the chance to spend time where the living is much safer and healthier than back home…
Then you should take a look at Cyprus.
Imagine what your friends and family will say when you tell them you’re off to a Mediterranean island paradise…
Surely, they’ll think, you must have hit the jackpot—only the jetset can afford to retire… or to invest… or to spend winters—on a European island fringed with soft, golden sands and bright, crystal-blue waters… right?
Here’s the secret you don’t have to tell them: Living on our favorite island in the Mediterranean is likely cheaper than where they’re all living now.
And the quality of life?
Not even a debate… here in Cyprus, you won’t have to worry about crime or bad foods or boredom or politics or any of that…
This island boasts the 6th longest lifespan in the world, its cuisine helps prevent heart disease and Alzheimer’s, and violent crime is nearly unheard of here.
Learn more about Cyprus in this week’s video…
Got a question? Want to see us cover a particular topic? Write to me here.
Happy trails,
Kat Kalashian,
Editor LIOS Confidential
Video Transcript
Getting to Know Cyprus
Hi! I’m Kat Kalashian for Live and Invest Overseas, and today we’re talking about Cyprus.
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean. It is full of white sand beaches surrounded by warm water, enjoys year-round sunshine, and is home to one of the healthiest diets in the world.
It is already a very popular holiday destination for Europeans, especially the British, and it has quickly become a retirement haven for expats from around the world as well, including people from the United States and Canada.
If you do not know much about Cyprus yet, here are some interesting facts about this wonderful island nation.
Over 80% of Cypriots Speak English
The island’s official languages are Greek and Turkish. However, English—although not an official language—acts as the common language between the two.
It is actually rare to meet someone who does not speak English, and that would usually be someone from an older generation.
English was the official language of Cyprus from 1878 to 1960 during the period when the island was ruled by the British. Even after independence, English continued to be used in courts until 1989 and in legislation until 1996.
This history means English is deeply rooted in the country’s culture, legal system, and daily life. Because of the British influence, Cyprus also drives on the left side of the road.
English is widely spoken among locals, and many signs, advertisements, and restaurant menus are also written in English, making it easy for foreigners to navigate daily life.
Foreign residents make up more than 110,000 people in the country’s population of roughly 1.2 million. Many of these residents are British, and English serves as the common language among people of different nationalities.
When speaking English in Cyprus, it is worth remembering that locals are most familiar with British accents. American or Canadian accents may sometimes be less familiar, so speaking a bit more slowly can help.
Home To Greek Gods
Cyprus is closely tied to Greek mythology and is often referred to as the playground of the gods.
According to myth, Aphrodite—the Greek goddess of love and beauty—was born from the sea just off the coast near Paphos on the island’s western shore.
There is still a rock formation known as Aphrodite’s Rock where legend says she emerged from the water. Visitors can still see this site today.
Another myth tells that Aphrodite met her lover Adonis at what is now known as Aphrodite’s Baths on the Akamas Peninsula. Beneath an old fig tree sits a small natural pool where Aphrodite was said to bathe.
According to legend, Adonis once stopped there for a drink of water and the two fell in love instantly.
Stories like these add a layer of mythology and history that continues to shape the identity of Cyprus today.
Cyprus Has Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cyprus is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While that may not sound like a large number, it is impressive considering the small size of the island.
History surrounds you everywhere in Cyprus, with influences from many different civilizations and eras.
Paphos, believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, is the island’s first UNESCO site. It is an archaeological treasure filled with ancient ruins including villas, palaces, theaters, castles, churches, and tombs.
The famous Paphos mosaics are considered some of the finest examples of ancient mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The painted churches of the Troodos region form Cyprus’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountainous area contains an extraordinary collection of Byzantine-era religious buildings.
The third site is Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement that has helped archaeologists better understand the evolution of human society dating back to the seventh century BC.
For history enthusiasts, Cyprus offers an extraordinary range of archaeological discoveries and historical landmarks.
Home To The Oldest Wine In The World
Cyprus is also home to Commandaria, the oldest wine in the world that has been continuously produced.
This amber-colored dessert wine is made in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains using two native grape varieties: Xynisteri and Mavro.
The grapes are sun-dried before fermentation to increase their sugar content, which gives Commandaria its distinctive sweetness.
Historical records show that this wine dates back to around 800 BC, when the Greek poet Hesiod referenced a sweet sun-dried wine believed to be Commandaria.
Today, the wine’s name and origin are protected by the European Union and it can only be produced in fourteen villages within the Troodos region.
You Can Ski Here
Although Cyprus is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, it is also possible to ski there during the winter.
The Troodos Mountains rise high enough to support ski resorts and offer several kilometers of ski slopes.
The runs may not be the longest or most complex in the world, but the opportunity to ski while living on a Mediterranean island is a unique and surprising experience.
The Diet Is The Healthiest In The World
The traditional diet in Cyprus is the Mediterranean diet, which is widely recognized as one of the healthiest ways of eating.
This diet focuses on simple, natural foods and emphasizes plant-based cooking with plenty of leafy greens.
Meals often consist primarily of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, and generous amounts of extra virgin olive oil.
Red meat, eggs, dairy, and poultry are consumed less frequently, while fish and seafood are more common.
The Mediterranean diet has been associated with stronger bones, improved heart health, and a longer lifespan. It may also help reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, depression, and certain cancers.
In Cyprus, meals are also a social experience. People often gather with friends and family to enjoy long, relaxed meals filled with conversation, music, and shared dishes.
This lifestyle encourages mindful eating and a slower pace, allowing people to fully enjoy their meals and the company around them.
Home To Some Of The Best-Rated Beaches In Europe
Cyprus is also known for having some of the best-rated beaches in Europe.
Beaches and marinas that meet high standards for safety, water quality, environmental management, and education can receive the prestigious Blue Flag designation.
In recent years, dozens of Cyprus’s official beaches have received Blue Flag status, highlighting the exceptional quality of the island’s coastal environments.
The bathing waters around Cyprus are consistently rated as excellent by the European Union, making the island’s beaches both beautiful and safe for visitors.
They Have Their Own Trademarked Cheese
Cyprus is also the origin of Halloumi, a distinctive cheese that is widely enjoyed around the world.
Halloumi is often fried or grilled and is known for its firm texture and ability to hold its shape when heated.
Although it frequently appears in Greek cuisine and restaurants, Halloumi is actually a Cypriot cheese and its name is legally protected.
True Halloumi must originate from Cyprus, making it another culinary specialty closely associated with the island.
