Cyprus Island: Have You Heard of This Winter Sunshine Island?
Date: 12/23/2008
Seasonal cheer is in full swing in the Kamares club-house. Glitter, mince pies, sherry--it’s the annual Christmas Bazaar, and stalls are loaded with arts and crafts.
Hand-made greetings cards, mother-of-pearl jewelry, scented candles, mosaic pictures, and wind-chimes. All kinds of little stocking fillers...
Like the shoppers trawling for gifts, folks at the bazaar tables all speak English. A man in a tweed jacket charms me into buying a raffle ticket--why not, proceeds go to local charities. Penny Douglas, the "Magic Lady," traps me at her table with a demonstration of conjuring tricks--many of which she makes herself.
The challenge of learning another language undoubtedly stops some people from moving overseas. Then there’s, well--the utter "foreignness" of it all. Not everybody wishes to cut themselves off from their compatriots...embrace a completely different lifestyle...make do with a shrinking social scene.
Cyprus Island: Have You Heard of it?
It doesn’t have to be so. Not on one Mediterranean island you’ve probably never considered as a retirement haven. Almost every day is sunny, even in December. During my visit, temperatures were in the low 70s. And most locals speak English.
It’s the island of Cyprus. This former British colony--certainly the Greek-oriented half of it--could provide the kind of lifestyle you dream of. Different, but not too different. Become resident, and you’d only pay 5% tax on any pension income.
Admittedly, not too many North Americans live in southern Cyprus. (Though I have met Claudia and John, a couple from California who have been here for six years.)
But you will encounter tons of Brits. Estimates reckon UK expats number somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000. Enjoying far better weather and lower living costs, they include retirees, trades people, artists, and professionals.
Social life isn’t all about darts nights and pubs with big screen TV soccer matches--though if you chose to live in Paphos, you can certainly sign up as an official Liverpool Football Club supporter.
Things to do on the Island of Cyprus
"Wiggle with a Giggle" belly dance lessons sound a bit extreme, but there are writers groups, music groups, and all kinds of support groups across the island. You can also meet new friends at rendezvous clubs. They organize things such as quiz nights, curry nights, and coffee mornings.
Clubs for badminton, table tennis, and sailing. Learn to speak Greek groups. Animal charities. The Riding for the Disabled Association say they always need Thursday morning helpers. Lessons in everything from the saxophone to spiritual awareness.
When not pulling rabbits out of hats, magician Penny Douglas organizes monthly vegetarian lunches around Limassol. She’s just started a vegetarian newsletter.
There’s no need to be bored or lonely. I’ll tell you a lot more about the Cyprus property market in the IL magazine but why not rent for a year and see if the lifestyle suits? And also wait for property prices to drop--which I think they will.
For example, 400 euro ($577) a month rents a two-bedroom apartment in a new development in a village. Not a remote village--it’s within 15 minutes drive of Larnaka city, the airport, and beaches.
Steenie Harvey
Roving Europe Editor, International Living
P.S. Many agents predict middle-class Russians will help the market hold steady. My prediction is that it will become more buyer-friendly. But although some villas with million-dollar lookouts have prices to match, you’ll also find one- and two-bedroom apartments in large seaside cities such as Larnaka and Paphos for under $150,000. Look for my full report soon in the IL magazine.
To read more IL articles about the best places to find winter sun, see:
Brazil Beach--My Top 5 Beach Property Picks
Merida Winter: The Best Time of Year
Save 25% on Your Own Second Home in the Sun
Vilcabamba, Ecuador: Four Riverfront Lots For Sale
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