Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Cyprus
 |  | Fact File : Cyprus |
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| | | Cyprus | | Did you know?
According to legend, Caesar gave the island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.
Language
Greek.
Visas
No visas required for stays of up to three months.
Getting there
Scheduled and charter flights are available direct from London and regional UK airports. Fly to Larnaca and Paphos airports.
Flying time from London
Between four and a half and five hours.
Getting around
The best way to travel around is by hiring a car or motorbike. It's fairly cheap and easy, with driving on the left and many road signs in English. Buses are efficient but the best way to explore locally is to rent a bike.
Currency
Cypriot pound.
Costs
Prices vary greatly, but as a rough guide: a meal for two with wine costs around £10; a bottle of wine is £2.50; a bottle of beer £1; local buses are 50p within resort, and a local taxi ride is 80p per kilometre.
Weather
Midsummer can be very hot so try to visit in April to May or September to October. Winter is intermittently wet but still pleasant.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 357.
Voltage
240V, 50Hz AC. Plugs are square three-pin, the same as the UK.
Opening hours
Very relaxed — most shops are open 8am-7.30pm, with lunch from 1-4pm, and closing at 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Religion is important, so few businesses open on Sundays — but many cafes, restaurants and clubs are open until 2am or later during the week.
Health — before you go
No jabs are necessary. Though tourists receive free medical attention and treatment for emergencies at the Ambulatory and Emergency Department of government hospitals and institutions, adequate insurance should be taken to cover inpatient care and unexpected health costs.
Health — when you are there
The emergency number is 199. Tap water is safe to drink, but overexposure to the sun can cause sunstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration, and sunburn. Take it easy, especially during the first few days. The embassy can recommend a doctor.
Warnings
Hire cars cannot be taken across the border between the Republic and the North. It is also advisable to get Immigration to stamp a separate piece of paper rather than your passport if you're visiting North Cyprus, for later ease of passage into the Republic or Greece.
Emergency
The emergency number is 199. British Embassy High Commission, Alexandrou Pallis St, PO Box 1978, Nicosia. Tel (00 357) 2 861100.
Customs
Family life and religion are central to Cypriot life. Though Cypriots on both sides of the border are friendly and easy-going, most are fiercely patriotic and passions can rise about partition.
Pets
Cyprus is now included in the Pets travel scheme, but be aware that organising the necessary vaccinations and documentation takes some months to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping
A service charge of 10% is sometimes added to restaurant bills; if not, leave a similar amount. Taxi drivers and hotel porters appreciate a small tip.
Tourist office
Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London, W1R 0AA. Tel: 020 7569 8800.
Did you know?
According to legend, Caesar gave the island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.
Language
Greek in the Republic; Turkish in North Cyprus. English is widely spoken.
Visas
No visas required in either the Republic or the North for stays of up to three months.
Getting there
Scheduled and charter flights are available direct from London and regional UK airports. Fly to Larnaca and Paphos airports for the Republic and to Ercan Airport, via Turkey, for the North.
Flying time from London
Between 4 1/2 and 5 hours.
Getting around
The best way to travel around is by hiring a car or motorbike. It's fairly cheap and easy, with driving on the left and many road signs in English. Buses are efficient but the best way to explore locally is to rent a bike.
Currency
Cypriot pound in the Republic, Turkish lira in the North.
Costs
Bottle of beer 85p; roll of camera film £2.50; moderate restaurant meal £6-£7.50; litre of petrol 45p; four-mile taxi ride £2-£3. These prices are a rough guide as prices will vary around the island.
Weather
Cyprus is the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, with an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. April-May and September-October are the most pleasant months, dry with temperatures between 70F-85F(22C-30C). Summer temperatures can reach well above 90F(35C), and it can drop to around 50F(10C) in December and January.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 357 for the Republic. 00 90 392 for the North.
Voltage
240V, 50Hz AC. Plugs are square three-pin, the same as the UK.
Opening hours
Very relaxed - most shops are open 8am-7:30pm, with lunch from 1-4pm, and closing at 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Religion is important, so few businesses open on Sundays - but many cafes, restaurants and clubs are open until 2am or later during the week.
Health - Before you go
No jabs are necessary. Though tourists receive free medical attention and treatment for emergencies at the Ambulatory and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals and Institutions, adequate insurance should be taken to cover inpatient care and unexpected health costs.
Health - When you are there
The emergency number is 199. Tap water is safe to drink, but overexposure to the sun can cause sunstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration, and sunburn. Take it easy, especially during the first few days. The embassy can recommend a doctor.
Warnings
Hire cars cannot be taken across the border between the Republic and the North. It is also advisable to get Immigration to stamp a separate piece of paper rather than your passport when entering North Cyprus, for later ease of passage into the Republic or Greece.
Emergency
The emergency number is 199. British Embassy High Commission, Alexandrou Pallis St, PO Box 1978, Nicosia. Tel (00 357) 2 861100.
Customs
Family life and religion are central to Cypriot life. Though Cypriots on both sides of the border are friendly and easy-going, most are fiercely patriotic and passions can rise about partition.
Pets
Cyprus is now included in the PETS Travel Scheme, but be aware that organising the necessary vaccinations and documentation takes some months to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping
10% service charge is sometimes added to restaurant bills; if not, leave a similar amount. Taxi drivers and hotel porters appreciate a small tip.
Tourist office
Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London, W1R 0AA. Tel: 020 7569-8800.
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Villa rent Limassol Cyprus. Cheap prices. Beautiful tranquil walks, golf, birdwatching, beaches, mountains and much besides.
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Luxury one bedroom penthouse in Kapparis with 72 square metre balcony, private spa, pergola, bbq, patio table & chairs, sun loungers, communal pool. Perfect summer or winter rental.
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