ABOUT CYPRUS

ABOUT CYPRUS

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. A story past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus and travelers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that combines European culture with ancient enchantment. One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day.

THE CITY OF NICOSIA

Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia, is the capital and the largest city in Cyprus, as well as its busy modern commercial and business center. It is located in the middle of the island, on the banks of the Pedieos River. The city center is its old quarter, a hotchpotch of narrow streets with sandstone buildings with overhanging balconies and indoor courtyards. The old city is surrounded by a fortress wall with a moat and some heart-shaped bastions. Nicosia is known for its fine museums wich have the best collection of archaeological artifacts on the island, including a first century AD Roman statuette of Aphrodite of Soli and the original mosaic of Leda and the Swan, while the Leventis museum depicts the history of the town. St John's Cathedral, with its frescoes is a marvelous museum of byzantine icons.

WEATHER IN NICOSIA (May)

The weather in Nicosia in May is pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze, with average highs of 28°C and lows 16°C. The sea temperature is 21°- 23°C.

LANGUAGES

Greek and Turkish are the official languages of the Republic of Cyprus. English is widely spoken.

LOCAL TIME

Cyprus Time is GMT +2.

DIAL CODE FOR CYPRUS

+357

EMERGENCY NUMBER

Call 112, the EU-wide emergency number for police, fire department and ambulance.

CURRENCY

The currency of Cyprus is the Euro.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

The electricity supply in Cyprus is 230 volts, a.c. 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, with 3-pin plugs, with square pins. Many hotels provide adaptor upon request from the reception.

DRIVING

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. On roundabouts, priority is given to the right side.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places and night clubs.

CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANIZATION

web: www.visitcyprus.com

LARNACA INT'L AIRPORT (LCA) & PAPHOS INT'L AIRPORT (PFO)

web: www.hermesairports.com

For transportation to and from the airports the shuttle bus service, taxi or rental car can be used.

Shuttle bus services run from Larnaca Int'l Airport (LCA) to Nicosia center

web: www.kapnosairportshuttle.com