Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea . Its 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles) encompass citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains, and some of Europe 's cleanest beaches. Also the easternmost island in the Mediterranean Sea , Cyprus is approximately 105 kilometres (60 miles) west of Syria , 75 kilometres (47 miles) south of Turkey and 380 kilometres (200 miles) north of Egypt . The nearest Greek point is the Greek island of Rhodes which is 380 kilometres (200miles) to the west. The island has a mild, typically Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine even in winter and little rainfall. Prominent geographic features include the Troodos massif that occupies most of the southwestern part of the country, the Pentadaktylos range in the north around Kyrenia and the Messaoria Plain in between them. It is here that the capital city, Lefkosia, is located.