Cyprus Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Cyprus, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Cyprus Information

Overview

Cyprus is a deeply enjoyable holiday island that boasts myriad charms year round. Within one compact and sweepingly attractive island are a variety of rich landscapes and eclectic travel experiences.

Cyprus as a destination is not just about its (admittedly very attractive and impressively clean) beaches, as it also offers skiing and hiking in its voluminous mountains, charming hilltop villages and vine-blessed slopes with nearby towns where you can sample the seriously underrated Cypriot wine. Then there is the sweep of Roman and Greek remnants that scatter the island and sit dramatically amongst its coast and mountains. Moving into the towns and cities, there is a dash of Mediterranean swagger to go with the bright lights and buzzing nightlife.

The rich story of the island can be traced back over 10,000 years. Like many Mediterranean islands, Cyprus has long been seen as an important strategic base with various civilisations having swept through over the years from the Ottoman Turks to the British, the Greeks to the Romans.

While independence was achieved in August 1960, in 1974 Turkish troops arrived on the northern coast of Cyprus, having been ‘invited’ by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, to intervene in order to protect the Turkish community. Since the Turkish army took control of the northern third of the island it has remained partitioned and UN peacekeeping forces maintain a truce between the two sides with all attempts to date to find a solution failing. 

Despite its political problems, Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with indelible links to the past. Here, visitors can discover a compact world of clean beaches and rugged mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where 21st-century Europe seems a very long way away indeed.


Top Things To See

In Nicosia, the capital since the 12th century, visit the attractions of the Cyprus Museum, a storehouse of the island’s archaeological treasures; the Folk Art Museum; the new Archbishop’s Palace; St John’s Cathedral; Byzantine churches; the Byzantine Museum/Makarios Cultural Centre; and the Ömeriye Mosque.

From Nicosia, go on an excursion to the Royal Tombs and Agios Irakleidios Monastery at Tamassos; the five-dome church and the mosque in Peristerona; and the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church, in a cliff-side cave near Deftera. 
 
In the resort town of Larnaca visit the Agios Lazaros Church and its associated Byzantine Museum; Larnaca Fort; the District Archaeological Museum; the Pierides Museum (a private archaeological museum); the Natural History Museum; the Tornaritis-Pierides Palaeontology Museum; and the scant ruins of ancient Kition. 
 
Near Larnaca’s airport enjoy the Hala Sultan Tekkesi, a historic mosque standing in beautiful gardens on the edge of Larnaca Salt Lake (dry in summer), a winter home of migratory flamingos.

In the hills to the west venture to the village of Lefkara, famous for its handmade lace, and the Convent of Agios Minas. Off the Limassol-Nicosia road are the hilltop Stavrovouni Monastery, and the Crusader-era Chapelle Royal near Pyrga.

Head for Limassol Castle which stands guard over the old harbour and houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum. There is also a Folk Art Museum, the Limassol District Archaeological Museum and, in the Municipal Gardens, a small zoo.

In the ancient city of Kourion, on a steep hillside near Episkopi, discover a superbly sited Graeco-Roman theatre where concerts and Shakespearean plays are performed in summer. See also the House of Eustolios, which has beautiful mosaics; the Acropolis; the ruins of the Roman-era forum; and the Christian Basilica. 
 
Beyond Kourion to the west are the city’s ancient stadium and the Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis. All of these sites lie within the Akrotiri-Episkopi British Sovereign Base Area. 
 
Do not miss Pafos, the booming main town and year-round resort in the west. Pafos is rich in ancient sites, in particular a cluster of excavated Roman villas near the harbour, among them the House of Dionysos and the Villa of Theseus, and the Tombs of the Kings. 
 
At the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, witness where, according to legend, the Greek goddess of love bathed at the Baths of Aphrodite, a grotto containing a freshwater pool. 
 
At Kouklia visit the ruins of ancient Palaia Pafos and the Temple of Aphrodite. At the coast is Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite).
 
Explore the scenery in the forested (or, more accurately, reforested) Troodos Mountains, which is spectacular. Platres, 1,200m (3,937ft) above sea level on the southern slopes, is the ideal base for excursions. It lies on the approaches to Mount Olympus, at 1,952m (6,404ft), the highest peak in Cyprus. 
 
Visit Omodos, a restored conservation village, which has the Stavros Monastery and a small Folk Art Museum. Foini is a centre of local craft pottery. 
 
Visit the nine Byzantine churches in the Troodos mountains listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites for their magnificently frescoed interiors.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Top Things To Do

Celebrate the feast of Kataklysmos (the Greek Orthodox Whitsun); although celebrated throughout Cyprus, there is special enthusiasm in Larnaca, where crowds throng the shore for watersports, singing, dancing, eating and drinking.

Hike through the many unspoilt areas in Cyprus. Recommended nature trails include Atalante, Kaledonia and Persephone in the Troodos area and Aphrodite and Adonis in the Akamas area, with other trails in the forests of Machairas and Limassol.

Go skiing: both Platres and Kakopetria are conveniently placed for the skiing season on Mount Olympus, which usually lasts from January to mid March, but Troodos is actually the nearest resort to the skiing area. There are four ski lifts on Mount Olympus.

Get wet: opportunities abound for windsurfing, paragliding and swimming. Recommended beaches include Geroskipou, Dasoudi, Larnaca, Dassoudi Beach and Germasogeia (latter two at Limassol).

Find more sun, sea and sand: South of Limassol, on the Akrotiri Peninsula, at Lady’s Mile Beach is a long stretch of excellent sand. On the coast north of Pafos, Coral Bay is a fast-growing resort around a good beach. On the north coast, Polis is now a bustling resort.

Take the kids to family-friendly spots: on the coast south of Famagusta lie busy resorts, speckled with golden sand beaches, that are ideal for children, like those at Fig Tree Bay and Flamingo Bay. Family-oriented Protaras and Pernera resorts have good beaches, with cafes and beach bars.

Party hard in Agia Napa , which has an increasingly boisterous reputation as a major clubbing resort. It also attracts families to its beaches, Waterworld leisure centre and Go-Karts track.

Around Cape Gkreko, the coastline becomes indented with rocky coves and small sandy beaches, so enjoy snorkelling and scuba-diving, explorations by boat and picnics. The Cyprus Federation of Underwater Activities (tel: (22) 754 647) and Cydive (website: www.cydive.com) can provide information.

Practise fishing: note that a licence needs to obtained from the Department of Fisheries. Those who do not fish can still taste freshly caught fish in one of the tavernas around the harbour at the fishing port and resort of Latchi (Lakki).

In September, enjoy free wine during Limassol’s wine festival. During the pre-Lenten Carnival, Limassol also bursts into celebration, with bands, gaily decorated floats and dancing.

Southeast of Pafos, try some Greek Delight (like Turkish Delight) at Geroskipou village, which also has a small Folk Museum.

Taste Cyprus’ best produce: apples from Prodromos, the highest village on Cyprus; cherries from Pedoulas in the fertile Marathasa Valley; mineral water from Moutoullas; rose water, mineral water and wine from Agros; and sweet red dessert wine made from grapes grown in the Commandaria Region.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Going Out

Food and Drink

Major resorts have bars and restaurants of every category. At larger hotels, the cuisine tends to international although authentic local dishes may also be available. All over the island there are restaurants offering genuine Cypriot food. One of the best ways of enjoying Cypriot food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a large selection of a number of different local dishes. However, the cuisine varies according to whether the visitor eats in the North or the Republic of Cyprus. Waiter service is normal and counter service is common in bars. There are no licensing hours. The highlight of the wine year is the annual wine festival in Limassol, usually held in September, when free wine flows and local food is on offer.

National specialities:
• Tava (a tasty stew of meat, herbs and onions).
• Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice).
• Kebabs (pieces of lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire).
• Stifado (a stew of beef or hare cooked with wine, vinegar, onion and spices).
• Fresh seafood: Tsipoura (seabream), Lavraki (seabass) and Garides (prawns).

National drinks:
• Coffee is Greek-style (short, strong and unfiltered).
• Cyprus produces excellent wines, spirits and beer which can only be bought in the south. The foothills of the Troodos Mountains are home to much of the best wine, which is now of such high quality that it is increasingly exported.

Tipping : A service charge is added to all bills, but tipping is still acceptable and remains at the discretion of the individual.

Nightlife

Cyprus boasts a lively and enjoyable nightlife scene in all of the cities and resorts. The party goes on year round in the capital and Limassol, with Paphos and Agia Napa tending to be more seasonable. Venues vary from pumping discos through to chic bars in the island’s luxury hotels.

Shopping

Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basketwork, pottery, silverware and leather goods. Jewellery is an art which has been practised on the island since the Mycenean period; craftspeople working in contemporary and traditional styles produce some very fine pieces. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Lefkara lace is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara, situated on a hill on the Nicosia-Limassol road. The local wines and brandy also make good purchases. Imported goods sell at competitive prices, including cameras, perfume, porcelain and crystal.

Shopping hours : Shops are closed Wednesday after 1400 as well as all day Sunday. Otherwise opening hours are 0800-1300 and 1600-1930 (summer, or until 1900 spring and autumn); 0800-1300 and 1430-1800 (winter). On Fridays, shops are generally open until 2000/2030.


Climate

Warm Mediterranean climate. Hot, dry summers with mild winters during which rainfall is most likely.

Required Clothing

Lightweight fabrics during summer months; warmer mediumweights and rainwear during the winter.


Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008 to December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Epiphany. 
10 Mar Green Monday.
25 Mar Greek Independence Day.
1 Apr Greek Cypriot National Day. 
25 Apr Greek Orthodox Good Friday. 
28 Apr Greek Orthodox Easter Monday.
1 May Labour Day. 
15 Jun Pentecost (Kataklysmos).
15 Aug Assumption.
1 Oct Cyprus Independence Day.
28 Oct Greek National Day (Ochi Day).
24-26 Dec Christmas.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Epiphany. 
9 Mar Green Monday.
25 Mar Greek Independence Day.
1 Apr Greek Cypriot National Day. 
17 Apr Greek Orthodox Good Friday. 
20 Apr Greek Orthodox Easter Monday.
1 May Labour Day. 
8 Jun Pentecost (Kataklysmos).
15 Aug Assumption.
1 Oct Cyprus Independence Day.
28 Oct Greek National Day (Ochi Day).
24-26 Dec Christmas.


Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: No

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: No

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

Free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available to European residents, in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note: A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in the north (Turkish) part of Cyprus.

Note

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Visitors wishing to obtain non-Cypriot currency at Cypriot banks for business purposes are advised that this is only possible by prior arrangement.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

All major credit cards are accepted at most places. There are ATMs in main towns and tourist areas.

Traveller's Cheques

May be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Banking Hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1230 in June, July and August; Mon-Fri 0815-1230 and Mon 1515-1645 rest of year. Certain central banks may also open Tues-Fri in the afternoon. Banks in Larnaca and at Pafos International Airport are open all day.


Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Passport Note

(a) Nationalities with stamps or visas from the ’Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ in their passports are only allowed to enter Cyprus after the visas/stamps are cancelled by the immigration authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.
(b) Nationals are only permitted to enter the Republic of Cyprus through Lamaca or Paphos airport, or the ports of Lamaca, Limassol, Latsis and Paphos, which are situated in the area under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Any entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus via any other port or airport, in the area of Cyprus in which the government of the republic does not exercise effective control(Turkish occupied area), is illegal.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card, provided there is a photograph.

Visas

Not required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days. For longer stays nationals will need to apply for a residence permit by contacting the civil registration and migration department.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).


Contact Addresses

High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the UK

93 Park Street, London W1K 7ET, UK
Tel: (020) 7499 8272 or 7629 6288 (Cyprus Trade Centre) or 5350 (consular section).
Website: www.cyprus.gov.cy
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700; 0930-1300 (consular section).

Cyprus Tourism Organisation in the UK

17 Hanover Street, London W1S 1YP, UK
Tel: (020) 7569 8800.
Website: www.visitcyprus.org.cy

Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the USA

2211 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 462 5772 or 0873.
Website: www.cyprusembassy.net

Cyprus Tourism Organisation in the USA

13 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
Tel: (212) 683 5280.
Website: www.visitcyprus.org.cy


Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Cyprus are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Crimes against tourists are uncommon.

Cyprus has a strict policy of zero tolerance towards drugs.

Driving standards are poor: drive with care and caution. Visitors may be heavily fined if they drive without wearing a seat belt or ride a motorbike without wearing a crash helmet. Heavy fines also apply if you use a mobile telephone or are under the influence of alcohol while driving.

Beware of strong seas and only swim at approved beaches.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.