Top Spots for Living and Investment in Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is located in the southern part of the homonymous island in the east of the Mediterranean Sea.

The state is divided into 6 districts:

• Nicosia (or Lefkosia);
• Paphos;
• Limassol (or Lemesos);
• Larnaca;
• Famagusta (or Ammochostos);
• Kyrenia.

Each of them is governed by homonymous cities. 

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus. It is considered the main city in the Turkish Republic of the Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Istanbul. This part has been occupied by troops since 1974. However, it will become an EU member upon reunification with the rest of the island. 

The population of Cyprus barely exceeds 837,000 people, including 88,000 Turks, 40,000 Russians, 17,000 British, 4,000 Armenians. 

Cyprus is world-famous for its warm beaches and vineyards in the hilly part of the island. According to ancient legends, ancient Greek goddess of love Aphrodite was born from the sea foam and lived here in Paphos. Over its millennial history, Cyprus has accumulated a huge number of myths and cultural values reflected in the local customs. 

Limassol

This region is the southernmost in the Republic of Cyprus and is the favorite resort and residency of Russians. People come here for vacations and permanent residence. It is also considered the business center of the Republic, and therefore, renting in Limassol, Cyprus is always a profitable way to generate income. Villas, houses, and apartments are rented for temporary use. Cheap apartments in Limassol are also in demand since they can be rented out to employees of local offshore companies.

Child education is important for families considering living in Cyprus. There are 10 private schools in Limassol for students who do not use Greek in their studies. If in more detail - 6 private English schools (St. Mary’s School, Logos School of English Education, The Heritage private school, Grammar school, Foley`s school, Secondary school, Pascal Education, American Academy) , 3 private Russian schools (LITC School, Pupils of Pythagoras School and Morphosis) and one Lebanese private school (Green Hill School).

The region is also popular among families who want to move to Cyprus for permanent residence. The major cities of the Republic, as well as the airports of Paphos and Larnaca, are located nearby. 

Health care is a priority for people thinking of moving to Cyprus. In addition to the state clinic and hundreds of private doctors, there are private clinics / hospitals in Limassol, such as Ygia Polyclinic Private Hospital, the Mediterranean Hospital, Pantazis Clinic, the Apollonion Hospital, the Achillion Private Hospital, the St. Peter & Paul Hospital and many others. Also, there is a highly developed healthcare system. Limassol has a large number of private and public hospitals and clinics where specialists communicate with clients in both English and Russian.

The mayor of Limassol has ruled the city so successfully that in the last few decades he was directly elected year after year. Limassol is becoming more modern and developing very quickly. The many social and city projects that have been completed or are in the planning stage were initiated by the mayor of the city: “the Limassol Marina”, the congress center, updated pedestrian and bicycle paths along the seashore, kilometers of landscaped coastline, cafes on the seashore and on marinas , the famous "Promenade", a sports center, an Olympic level swimming pool, a new spacious park in the city center, etc.

Outside the city are the famous beaches of Ladis Mile (with calm shallow water, ideal for children), Kourion Beach (for wave lovers), Pissouri Beach - 30 km, Governor's Beach - halfway to Larnaca. All 13 beaches in the Limassol area have been awarded the Blue Flag. Fasuri Waterpark is also an alternative entertainment option for the whole family.

Entertainment in Limassol never ends. A large number of nightclubs, restaurants, cafes and taverns are open almost around the clock. Other recreational activities include going to the cinema, theaters, bowling centers, amusement parks for children and an ice rink in the city's shopping center.

Limassol is also appealing for organizing tourist business.Renting a villa in Limassol, Cyprus, remains in demand almost all year round when tourists come to relax on variety of beaches. Their total length is 20 km. 17 beaches of Limassol were given the Blue Flag Award. There are places with a calm sea, protected by breakwaters, and those where you can enjoy a good wave and surf. Limassol has many entertainment centers, cinemas, bowling centers, restaurants with local and international cuisine. You can also enjoy shopping in Limassol hitting branded stores, such as Calzedonia, Marks and Spencer, Next, Mango, Mothercare, Intimissimi, Zara, Debenhams, Bershka, The Body Shop, and many others. In the city center, next to the promenade by the sea, Agios Andreas and Aneksartisias streets offer a large (over 300) selection of shops. Makarios Avenue will delight you with prestigious boutiques.

The city has an abundance of local and international restaurants, including Japanese, Chinese, Syrian, Lebanese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, seafood and others.

When purchasing real estate in Cyprus, this region will definitely meet all your needs. You can lease out apartments in Limassol for a long term, build a successful hotel business, as well as live independently in one of the luxury villas on the Mediterranean coast.

Nicosia

The capital of the Republic of Cyprus is located far from the coast with less enthusiastic investors in real estate. However, this area is considered the most densely populated. The opportunity to purchase an apartment in Nicosia is an excellent solution for those who want to live in Cyprus all year round, strive for a developed infrastructure, but prefer to avoid the seasonal tourist influx.

Famagusta

The city got its name thanks to the sandy beaches, because of them named Amochostos (buried in the sand). This is the second largest city in Cyprus, most of its territory is under occupation, (except for Ayia Napa and Protaras) Ayia Napa resort flourishes and is a popular resort in Cyprus. Ayia Napa and neighboring Protaras are the best resorts that attract tourists in spring, summer and autumn. Famagusta is considered the second most populous area of Cyprus. 

Larnaca

This region is loved by tourists who require privacy without any choice of entertainment. Most of the companies and centers are focused on meeting the needs of residents. However, if you purchase housing in Larnaca, Cyprus, to rent it out later, you will find those who would like to live in this beautiful place. This region is famous for its salt lake visited by flocks of flamingos every winter. Larnaca is home to one of the holiest places of Muslim pilgrimage ― the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, as well as the Orthodox Church of Saint Lazarus. There are several museums, archaeological sites and the ancient settlement of Khirokitia (Choirokoitia). Thanks to such a variety of attractions, apartments to rent in Larnaca will always be in demand. In addition, this area is well suited for purchasing housing for personal use.

Larnaca's tourist zone center offers a good selection of restaurants, taverns and cafes. Of the theme parks, it is worth highlighting a donkey farm in the village of Skarina and a camel park in Mazotos.

Paphos

The small-size but growing Paphos city is a resort mostly loved by British, which negatively affected the economy of the region during 2008 crisis. The British actively put up apartments, houses, and villas in Paphos for sale around that time. 

Purchasing a villa in Paphos or an apartment will suit those who prefer a leisurely lifestyle. This region of Cyprus is famous for its natural beauty, a large number of architectural and historical monuments. There are some sights you simply cannot miss, such as Akamas, Polis, Rock of Aphrodite. Popular beaches of Paphos, Cyprus, include Lara, Geroskipou, Coral Bay. The latter is distinguished by the gray-white color of the sand. On Lara beach, you can see rare green turtles protected by the state. 

Paphos began to fade away after the crisis of 2008, when the British urgently began to sell real estate. As a result, the region’s reputation has been severely damaged, and the city’s economy is still in decline. Many companies were closed, and even many jobs were lost.

The Paphos city, as well as the Paphos region, has a very developed infrastructure with several international and two Russian schools. Therefore, the sale of houses in Paphos is popular among young families who dream of moving to Cyprus for permanent residence. Entertainment spots include a water park, zoo, horse and donkey farms, as well as a golf club and a large number of cafes, bars and taverns. The second-largest airport in Cyprus is located near Paphos.

Of the natural beauties of Paphos, it is worth noting the beaches, which are mostly located in rocky bays, while other beaches are gentle and sandy. Lara beach attracts tourists with its famous green turtles, which are protected here and breed every spring only in this place. Geroskipou Beach is one of the most attractive city beaches, and Coral Bay with gray-white sand is probably the most popular.

Kyrenia

This small-sized region of Cyprus is completely occupied by the Turks. It is famous for its quiet harbors with dozens of boats, bright greenery stretching to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as picturesque mountains with several ancient castles.