Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, off the coasts of Syria and Turkey. It is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, and a member state of the European Union since May 1, 2004. It has a rich, turbulent history stretching back to antiquity. Cyprus is also famed for its lovely hotel resorts, beaches, archaeological sites relating to the cult of Aphrodite, including ruins of palaces, tombs and mosaic-adorned villas.