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

bulletC.T.O. = Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
bulletDriving Is on the left side of the road.
bulletBetween 1300-1600 hrs is siesta-time in summer. (May-Sept.)
bulletThe International Airports are at Larnaka and Pafos.
bulletCentrally located banks offer special afternoon facilities for tourists.
bulletThe Cyprus pound is divided into 100 cents.
bulletVoltage: 240V A C throughout the island, Sockets outlets and sockets of flat 3 pin type are used.
bulletThe population of Cyprus is approximately 706.000.
bulletA small tip in restaurants taxis etc is always welcome.
bulletThe typical take away is "souvlaki stin pitta"-kebab in a special envelope - type.
bulletNearly all drug and medicines are availabie on the island.
bullet"Lefkaritika" is the local embroidery.
bulletIt is forbidden to remove antiquities from the bottom of the sea.
bulletIn Cyprus there are 127 endemic flower varieties, that is growing nowhere else in the world but in Cyprus.
bulletThe Tourist Information office at Larnaka Airport provides 24hrs service 365 days.
bulletCyprus is a member of the Commonwealth.
bullet"Commandaria" is the local sweet fortified.
bulletThe transurban service-taxis are shared taxis connecting all main towns (only during day time)
bulletHallourmi: Is the local cheese. It can be served plain or grilled.
bulletNo vaccination is required for any International traveller.
bulletAll the publications (maps, leaflets etc) provided by CTO are distributed free of charge.
bulletThe Supermarket basket in Cyprus is considered among the cheapest in Europe.
bulletThe shops are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
bulletDhekelia (east of Larnaca) and Akrotiri-Episkopi (west of Limassol) are the two British bases in Cyprus.
bulletAvoid shorts and wear suitable clothing when you are visiting churches and Monasteries.
bulletMore than 30 airlines connect Cyprus directly with most European and Middle East Countries.
bulletThe town of Pafos is included in the official Unesco list of Cultural Heritage.
bulletIf you drive a car in Cyprus do not hesitate to use the "horn" if required, (not during night time).
bulletThe tap water is drinkable.
bulletThe average day temperature in summer is 32 C and In winter 16 C.
bulletCyprus automatic telephone dialling system reaches over 184 countries.
bulletEaster is the main religious feast in Cyprus.
bulletA Greek Drama in an ancient theater is a memorable experience.
bullet30 minutes after sunset darkness has fallen.
bulletThe average sea temperature in April is 18.6 C and in October 25 C.
bullet"Koulouri" is the typical sesame bread, excellent with green olives.
bulletDo not forget your sunglasses while in Cyprus. They are indispensable due to the intense brightness of our sunshine.
bulletThe Cypriots wear summer clothes (short sleeves and sandals) from May till October.
bulletThere are two Marinas in Cyprus, one in Larnaka and one in Limassol.
bulletAccommodation with local families does not exist in Cyprus.
bulletDue to the mild winters Northern European athletes and football teams use Cyprus as their training ground.
bulletThe most important Museums of the island are in Nicosia.
bulletOn 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.
bulletCitizens 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.
bulletCyprus occupies one of the highest places internationally in terms of third level students.
bulletThere is no limit on bringing in cheques, travellers cheques and other negotiable documents.
bulletAmount of foreign exchange in excess of the equivalent of US 1000 dollars should be declared at the customs.
bulletFlying time: From London is 5 hours, from Frankfurt 4 hrs, from Bahrain 2 hrs 35 minutes, from Stockholm 4 1/2 hours.
bulletParakalo means: please.
bulletKalimera means: goodmorning.
bulletMetrios: is the local coffee with sugar.
bulletEfharisto: means thank you.