Entry Requirements |
Organizing Your Trip |
Visiting |
Living Conditions |
Eating |
Paying |
Speaking |
Useful Resources
Visiting
Different Forms of Tourism
- Historical
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Four large cities on the island offer interesting historical sites. Lefkosia (Nicosia), the capital of the island, has kept from the past the walls which were surrounding the city. In Pafos, a Unesco World heritage site is found and which is named the "Tombs of the Kings" (Hellenistic and early Roman style tombs). In Lemesos, a medieval castle is found among other historical sites. Larnaca hosts an important mosque which is a pilgrimage spot. Consult the Cyprus properties inscribed on the World Heritage List.
- Cultural
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All the island's main cities have an archeological museum to house the regional findings. We can cite the museum of Kykkos monastery in Kykkos, Troodos region which houses an important collection of Christian and other exhibits, the Agios Lazaros Byzantine museum in the city of Larnaca (located near the church of Agios Lazaros), the Cyprus museum of Natural history in Lefkosia which is the largest of its kind in Cyprus and many others. All information about these cultural sites can be found at: Visit Cyprus.
- Nature
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Cyprus is an interesting country for nature lovers. Cape Greko National forest park is a good illustration of a natural site which is worth seeing because of its sea cliffs and indigenous flora. 36 different orchid species are found in the park. The areas of Dasaki Tis Achnas serve as a stopover for migratory birds in autumn and spring.
- Religious
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Religious tourism is quite developed in Cyprus because of its numerous churches and cathedrals. The majority of the population belongs to the orthodox church and therefore religion is present in different forms on the island. The most impressive monastery of Cyprus is the Kykkos monastery found in the region of Troodos. It was founded in the 11th century. The Faneromeni church in the capital is also very impressive as it is built within the old city walls and dates back to 1872. Many other churches are found in the other cities of the island like Larnaca and Limassol.
- Thermal
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Thanks to its climate, thermal and medical tourism is developing in the country. Health spas and wellness centres exist and offer high range possibilities.
- Beach
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For a beach holiday, Cyprus is an ideal destination. Phinikoudes beach in Larnaca is one of the most famous of Cyprus. The beach has fine grey sand and the coast is surrounded with small palm trees. Other well known beaches include: Pernera A Beach (Ammochostos), Pachyammos beach (Pafos), Kapparis beach (Ammochostos). For more information, consult the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
- Winter Sports
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Because of the climate, winter sport in Cyprus is not as developed as in other countries.
- Outdoor Activities
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Outdoor activities are enjoyed all year long in Cyprus. Hiking at Troodos mountains, bird watching, diving at different spots of the island, sailing, cycling are among the most popular activities.
- Shopping
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Modern shopping exist along with more traditional shopping (handicrafts) in different regions of the island.
Living Conditions
Health and Safety
- Health Precautions
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No particular health recommendations when visiting Cyprus.
- For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions
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Ministry of Health of Cyprus
- For Further Information on Safety Conditions
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US Department of State notifications about Cyprus
- Contact Your Embassy
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Embassy of Lebanon in Nicosia, Cyprus
6, Chiou Street
Ayios Dhometios
P.O.Box 21924
1515 Nicosia, Cyprus
Phone: (+357) 22 878282, (+357) 22 878283
Fax: (+357) 22 878293
Contact the embassy by Email
Office Hours: 08:30 - 14:00
Emergency Numbers
| European Emergency number |
112 |
Time Difference and Climate
- Time and Time Difference
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It is %T:%M %A In Nicosia (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer)
- Summer Time Period
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Summer time from March to October although the weather can be sunny and summer like before June.
Map of the Time Zone
- Type of Climate
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Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and a cool, rainy season that extends from October to March. The annual temperature is 21°C (69°F). The annual rainfall averages less than 500 mm. The mountain areas are colder and there are more rainfalls than coastal regions. Mountainous areas can have snowfall for as long as ten weeks beginning in January.
- For Further Information
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Cyprus-weather
Cyprusmeteo
Average Annual Temperatures and Rainfall
Eating
- Food Specialties
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Local dishes include kebabs (lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire) and dolmas (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice). Charcoal-grilled meat is generally very popular, as is fresh seafood. One of the best ways of enjoying Cypriot food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a large selection of a number of different local dishes. Fresh fruit is plentiful and cheap, and very sweet desserts such as baklava are widely available.
For more information, you can consult:
- Cyprus Food;
- Ayianapa;
- Cyprus Restaurants;
- Cyprus Tourist Travel Guide.
- Drinks
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Cyprus produces excellent wines, spirits and beers. Well known drinks are Ouzo (an aromatic white spirit made of aniseed), Commandaria (the oldest wine in the world) Coffee is Greek-style (short, strong and unfiltered), though cappuccino is available in most restaurants and bars. Traditional English tea can be bought everywhere. Airani drink is also very popular in Summer as it is very refreshing (made of yoghourt and salt - to be drunk cold)
- Dietary Restrictions
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There are no taboos with the exception of a small part of the population who follows a strict Muslim rule on which the consumption of alcohol and pork is forbidden.
Paying
- Domestic Currency
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Euro
- ISO Code
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EUR
- To Obtain Domestic Currency
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The currency of the Republic is the Euro (EUR) since January 1st, 2008. It used to be the British pound. All banks operating in Cyprus offer currency exchange services. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at hotels.
- Possible Means of Payment
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Hotels, restaurants, large shops accept credit cards, travellers cheques, Eurocheques and banknotes.
Speaking
- Official Language
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Greek and Turkish
- Other Languages Spoken
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English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism industry.
- Business Language
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English, French, German
- Getting Some Knowledge
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Greek can be learned with the help of the following websites:Xanthi and Kypros.
- Free Translation Tools
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Eurodicautom : The European Union Dictionary (12 languages available)
Systran : Free English-Greek-English translator of texts and web pages
Tranexp : Free English-Greek-Turkish-English translator of texts and web pages
Ectaco : Free English-Greek-Turkish-English Dictionnary
Google : Free translation arabic-greek-arabic
Dicts.info : Free dictionary arabic-greek-arabic
Learn more about Travel in Cyprus on Globaltrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Service Providers.
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Last Updates: May 2012