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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.

QUICK INFO-TIPS

	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.