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The Country
The third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus stretches 150 miles
(240 km) from the west coast to its easternmost tip and 60 mlles (96 km) from
north to south. Two imposing mountain ranges act as a dramatic backcloth to the sweeping
central Mesaoria plain. There are six major towns Nicosia, the capital situated inland in the middle
of the Mesaoria plain, and the 5 coastal towns of Limassol, Larnaka, Pafos,
Kyrenia and Famagusta. The latter two, in the north and east respectively, have
been under Turkish occupation since 1974 and are inaccessible to visitors. Cyprus's landscape is one of infinite contrasts, from its fertile central
plain to the cool vine-clad foothills; the majesty of the cedar valley in which
wild indigenous moufflon roam; mile after mile of sandy shores with secluded
beaches to seek out, and hundreds of villages to explore each with its own
tradition and charm. Leafy carob and attractive olive trees abound while plantations of citrus and
banana, and an endless profusion of vines add variety to an island where
everything seems to flourish and blossom.
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![]() | C.T.O. =
Cyprus Tourism Organisation. |
![]() | Driving
Is on the left side of the road. |
![]() | Between
1300-1600 hrs is siesta-time in summer. (May-Sept.) |
![]() | The
International Airports are at Larnaka and Pafos. |
![]() | Centrally
located banks offer special afternoon facilities for tourists. |
![]() | The
Cyprus pound is divided into 100 cents. |
![]() | Voltage:
240V A C throughout the island, Sockets outlets and sockets of flat 3 pin
type are used. |
![]() | The
population of Cyprus is approximately 706.000. |
![]() | A small
tip in restaurants taxis etc is always welcome. |
![]() | The
typical take away is "souvlaki stin pitta"-kebab in a special
envelope - type. |
![]() | Nearly
all drug and medicines are availabie on the island. |
![]() | "Lefkaritika"
is the local embroidery. |
![]() | It is
forbidden to remove antiquities from the bottom of the sea. |
![]() | In Cyprus
there are 127 endemic flower varieties, that is growing nowhere else in the
world but in Cyprus. |
![]() | The
Tourist Information office at Larnaka Airport provides 24hrs service 365
days. |
![]() | Cyprus is
a member of the Commonwealth. |
![]() | "Commandaria"
is the local sweet fortified. |
![]() | The
transurban service-taxis are shared taxis connecting all main towns (only
during day time) |
![]() | Hallourmi:
Is the local cheese. It can be served plain or grilled. |
![]() | No
vaccination is required for any International traveller. |
![]() | All the
publications (maps, leaflets etc) provided by CTO are distributed free of
charge. |
![]() | The
Supermarket basket in Cyprus is considered among the cheapest in Europe. |
![]() | The shops
are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. |
![]() | Dhekelia
(east of Larnaca) and Akrotiri-Episkopi (west of Limassol) are the two
British bases in Cyprus. |
![]() | Avoid
shorts and wear suitable clothing when you are visiting churches and
Monasteries. |
![]() | More than
30 airlines connect Cyprus directly with most European and Middle East
Countries. |
![]() | The town
of Pafos is included in the official Unesco list of Cultural Heritage. |
![]() | If you
drive a car in Cyprus do not hesitate to use the "horn" if
required, (not during night time). |
![]() | The tap
water is drinkable. |
![]() | The
average day temperature in summer is 32 C and In winter 16 C. |
![]() | Cyprus
automatic telephone dialling system reaches over 184 countries. |
![]() | Easter is
the main religious feast in Cyprus. |
![]() | A Greek
Drama in an ancient theater is a memorable experience. |
![]() | 30
minutes after sunset darkness has fallen. |
![]() | The
average sea temperature in April is 18.6 C and in October 25 C. |
![]() | "Koulouri"
is the typical sesame bread, excellent with green olives. |
![]() | Do not
forget your sunglasses while in Cyprus. They are indispensable due to the
intense brightness of our sunshine. |
![]() | The
Cypriots wear summer clothes (short sleeves and sandals) from May till
October. |
![]() | There are
two Marinas in Cyprus, one in Larnaka and one in Limassol. |
![]() | Accommodation
with local families does not exist in Cyprus. |
![]() | Due to
the mild winters Northern European athletes and football teams use Cyprus as
their training ground. |
![]() | The most
important Museums of the island are in Nicosia. |
![]() | On
Sundays petrol stations are open on a rotation basis. Most petrol stations
provide twenty-four hours service either by attendance service or by
pay-terminals. |
![]() | Citizens
from most of the European countries, U S A, Canada, Australia, Japan etc can
enter Cyprus with a valid passport and do not require a visa. |
![]() | Cyprus
occupies one of the highest places internationally in terms of third level
students. |
![]() | There is
no limit on bringing in cheques, travellers cheques and other negotiable
documents. |
![]() | Amount of
foreign exchange in excess of the equivalent of US 1000 dollars should be
declared at the customs. |
![]() | Flying
time: From London is 5 hours, from Frankfurt 4 hrs, from Bahrain 2 hrs 35
minutes, from Stockholm 4 1/2 hours. |
![]() | Parakalo
means: please. |
![]() | Kalimera
means: goodmorning. |
![]() | Metrios:
is the local coffee with sugar. |
![]() | Efharisto:
means thank you. |
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