traveldk.com

Cyprus is a year-round destination. Temperatures on the coast rarely fall much below 15°C (59°F) even in winter, although snow often falls on the High Troodos. December to February are the coolest, wettest months, and July and August the hottest, with temperatures rising as high as 40°C (104°F).

Most visitors, including citizens of the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, do not require a visa to visit the Republic of Cyprus and can stay for up to three months. However visitors will be refused entry if their passports show that they have entered via Northern Cyprus.

Again, most visitors, including citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand require only a valid passport to visit Northern Cyprus, but to avoid being refused entry on later visits to the south, passports should be stamped on a separate loose sheet of paper.

The Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO), representing southern Cyprus, has overseas offices in the UK, USA, Germany, Australia and elsewhere – see the website www.visitcyprus.org.cy for addresses. The North Cyprus Tourism Centre has overseas offices in the UK, Germany and Sweden – see the website www.gonorthcyprus.com

Information booth

The CTO has several outlets in southern Cyprus where you can access brochures, maps and information about the island.

Many countries have embassies or consulates in southern Nicosia (see General Information), but there are none north of the “Green Line”.

Visitors may bring in 200 cigarettes; one litre of spirits; two litres of wine; and 60 millilitres of perfume. The import of perishable food items is strictly prohibited.

Visitors may import any amount of Cypriot or foreign banknotes, which should be declared to customs on arrival. There are no restrictions in the North, which has no currency of its own and uses the Turkish lira.

Cyprus is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations and some hotels have their own wedding chapel. Bride and groom must stay in Cyprus for 20 days.

Most visitors travel to Cyprus on a package holiday which combines flights, accommodation, transport to and from the airport and, often, car hire, and can be the most cost-effective option. Specialist walking, diving, watersports and wedding packages are also available and lists of these and other holiday companies are available from CTO offices overseas (see Tourist Offices).

The national flag carrier Cyprus Airways and numerous European airlines fly frequently to Larnaca and Pafos airports from many European capital cities. Scheduled flights can be more expensive than weekly charter flights, but offer more flexibility and greater comfort.

Many charter airlines fly to Pafos and Larnaca from European capital cities and regional hubs, with weekly departures. Some fly all year round, but the majority operate only from April to October. Most seats are sold as part of inclusive package holidays, but “flight only” charters are also available and can be affordable and convenient for holidaymakers who live far away from capital city airports.

Determined budget travellers can sail into Limassol from Piraeus (the port of Athens) and from the Greek islands of Patmos or Rhodes. They can also then travel on to Haifa in Israel, Port Said in Egypt or Beirut in Lebanon.

Although Cyprus is not on most yacht-sailor’s Eastern Mediterranean itinerary, it is an ideal port of call on a longer yacht cruise from Rhodes in Greece and along the “Turquoise Coast” of Turkey, as the south of the island has some excellent marinas. Yachts must not land in Northern Cyprus before visiting the south.

Cyprus is the cruising gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, and a Cyprus holiday can be combined with a cruise to various destinations in Egypt, Israel and Lebanon.

The easiest way to visit Northern Cyprus is on a package holiday which offers the same combination of flights, accommodation, airport transport and, generally, car hire as those to the south. Lists of specialist tour operators offering package holidays are available from all the Northern Cyprus Tourist Centres overseas.

Cyprus Turkish Airlines and Turkish Airlines connect Northern Cyprus with Istanbul, Ankara and other Turkish cities. All scheduled flights to Ercan, the North’s only airport, are via Turkey. It is not possible to fly direct to the North from any other country.

Most charter flights to the North are intended to be sold as part of a holiday package, but some “flight-only” deals are available and are the best bet for budget travellers. As with scheduled flights, all charter flights to the North must first land in Turkey.

Driving is the easiest way to get around southern Cyprus. Roads are generally good, with motorways connecting Nicosia with Larnaca, Limassol, Pafos and Agia Napa. Distances are short – it is less than 160 km (100 miles) from Pafos to Nicosia.

Car hire companies have offices in all four major towns in the south (Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Pafos) and at Larnaca and Pafos airports. A full national or international driving licence is required, and drivers under 25 may require additional insurance cover. Rental cars may not be taken from the south into Northern Cyprus.

Cypriots drive on the left and road signs are in English as well as Greek in the south. Distances and speed limits are in kilometres – 100 kmph (60 mph) on motorways, 80 kmph (50 mph) on most other roads and 50 kmph (30 mph) unless otherwise indicated in built-up areas. There are on the spot fines for speeding and for failing to wear seatbelts. Drink-driving (more than 39 micrograms per 100ml) is a criminal offence, as is using a mobile phone while driving.

There are at least six bus services daily between the four main southern towns. Local buses also connect outlying communities with the nearest main town, but they are geared to the needs of schoolchildren and villagers so departures are only early morning and mid-afternoon.

Metered taxis operate in all the main towns. Unmetered rural taxis serve most larger villages, charging 15–25 cents per kilometre. Shared “service taxis”, which take passengers door to door, operate half-hourly between 6am and 6pm (7pm summer) Monday to Friday, and 7am to 5pm at weekends between all the major towns. Telephone the numbers below to order a ride.

Find out-of-the-way beaches and explore the wilder shores of the south of the island with a “self-drive” speedboat, hired by the day at Pafos and some other resorts. This is a great way to see the remote, uncrowded Akamas Peninsula in particular (see Akamas Peninsula).

Bicycles can be hired by the day or week in Agia Napa, and are ideal for commuting to the beach. For more energetic cyclists, several specialist holiday companies offer escorted mountain-bike tours of the High Troodos and other wilder, remoter parts of Cyprus. Details are available from the Cyprus Tourism Organization (see Tourist Offices).

Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters can be rented at all resorts and are a fun way to get around. A national or international motorcycle licence is required.

Metered taxis operate in main towns and unmetered taxis operate to rural villages; for both, agree a fare before setting off. Shared taxis also operate between main towns at set fares, but tend to leave when full rather than operating to a schedule.

Do not wander into areas close to the “Green Line”, which is patrolled by UN peacekeepers and by the Turkish and Greek Cypriot security forces. Crossing the line anywhere other than at the official Ledra Street checkpoint in Nicosia, either by accident or on purpose, is dangerous and may result in imprisonment. If you do cross, you must return by 5pm the same day.

Britain’s sovereign bases in the south, at Akrotiri (Episkopi) and Deryneia, are also used by US forces and are likely to be on heightened alert in these security-conscious times. Do not intrude on military installations. The same applies to Turkish Army personnel, equipment and installations in the occupied North.

As well as avoiding taking photographs of military installations, vehicles and army personnel (including UN soldiers on the “Green Line”), it is best not to take photographs at airports or government buildings, especially in the North.

Cyprus has some of the hottest weather in Europe, and it is easy to get sunburnt any time from early April until late October. Young children are especially vulnerable. Sunhats, a high-factor sunscreen and sunblock are essential.

Although mosquitoes in Cyprus do not carry disease they can be a pest in summer. Most hotel rooms do not have plug-in deterrent dispensers, but these can be bought in all local stores. Repellent containing “deet” or citronella oil keeps them at bay outdoors after dark, but wear long sleeves and long trousers to reduce the risk of being bitten.

Cyprus has its share of sleaze, with so-called “cabarets” featuring topless pole-dancers in Larnaca, Nicosia, Agia Napa and, especially, Limassol. Drinks are over-priced (sometimes by several noughts added to the bill), the atmosphere can be intimidating and credit card fraud is not uncommon.

The events of 1974, when the island was divided between the Turkish and the Greek Cypriots, are still remembered with bitterness. In both the south and the North, local people vehemently argue the justice of their cause. Politics and recent history are subjects that are best avoided.

The Cypriot take on “international” cuisine is not always entirely successful. However much you may be craving your home cuisine, it is advisable to avoid restaurants that seem to try too hard to cater to every possible taste – and make too much use of the microwave oven. Local restaurants are always a better bet, for taste and hygiene.

In the 1990s Agia Napa’s rise to fame as a clubbers’ paradise prompted fears of increased drug use by the party crowd, and a crack-down by Cypriot police. Penalties for possession of any type of drugs are severe and Cypriot club owners are encouraged to turn in people seen using.

Visiting Cyprus off-season will ensure you get the best package holiday deals. In particular, avoid Christmas, Easter, British school holidays (late June to early September), and the Greek Orthodox Easter season (dates vary annually), when accommodation and flights are at a premium and prices soar.

Check with your local travel agent for “last-minute” flight-only charter deals: travellers who can be flexible about departure days, times and airports will inevitably get the best airfare deals.

Students, school-children, teachers, academics and senior citizens are entitled to reduced admission fees at many museums, archaeological sites and other visitor attractions as long as they are able to show some proof of status. The Euro 26 Youth Card, available from the Cyprus Youth Board just outside Nicosia, entitles people aged 13 to 26 to a multitude of shopping, entertainment and transport discounts.

Staying in a self-catering apartment (see Suites and Apartments) can mean big savings, especially for families. Buying food, wine, snacks and soft drinks at local shops and markets and preparing it yourselves is considerably better value than many of the tourist-orientated restaurants.

Youth hostels are not just the preserve of the young and can offer very good value for those on a tight budget. Just don’t expect any luxuries.

There are open-air produce markets in all the main towns, as well as supermarkets and mini-markets in all resorts. Putting the ingredients for a picnic together is not only easy but fun, and offers a chance to mix with the locals and enjoy home-grown fare. There are picnic places, designated by the Cyprus Tourism Organization, at many beaches and natural beauty spots.

Local tourist information offices at resorts can provide an up-to-date calendar of free events taking place nearby, ranging from village harvest festivals and religious processions to open-air concerts and cultural performances.

The following are campsites that are officially designated by the Cyprus Tourism Organization.

It is possible to find holiday work in Cyprus, especially in bars, clubs and restaurants, or, if you have the right qualifications, as a holiday rep. Hours are long, pay is generally low and working conditions less than perfect, but it can help to finance a longer stay.

The official currency of the Republic of Cyprus is the Cyprus pound (CY£), roughly equal to the pound sterling in value. It is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50. When Cyprus joins the EU in 2004, however, it is expected to adopt the Euro. Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish lira (L), although the Cyprus pound is accepted everywhere. Neither currency is easily available abroad, so you need to change money on arrival.

Banks are open 8:15am–12:30pm Monday to Friday as well as 3:15– 4:45pm on Mondays. Banks at Larnaca and Pafos airports stay open until the last night flight has arrived. Banks in the North open from 8am– noon Monday to Saturday.

There are 24-hour automatic teller machines in the centre of all main resorts and towns in the south. ATMs are not available in the North.

All major credit cards are widely accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants in the Republic of Cyprus. Very few establishments in Northern Cyprus accept credit cards.

Greek is the official language in the south, although English is widely spoken, as is German. Both are less understood by Turkish Cypriots, although most workers in hotels and restaurants have some understanding.

All public phones in the south can be used for international calls. Coin-operated phones accept 2, 5, 10 and 20 cent coins. Phone cards are sold in banks, post offices, shops, kiosks and Cyprus Telecommunications Authority offices. Fewer public phones are available in the North and service is less reliable.

Main post offices in Nicosia, Larnaca, Pafos and Limassol are open Monday to Saturday, but generally only until 1:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Post offices in other areas are generally only open 7:30am–1:30pm Mondays to Fridays. Post offices in the North open 8am–1pm and 2–5pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30am–12:30pm on Saturdays. All mail from the North goes via Turkey.

Cyprus’s efficient ISP CytaNet offers a “pay as you go” subscription-free connection costing only two cents per minute. For more information e-mail call.centre@cyta.cytanet.com.cy. There are Internet centres in all towns in southern Cyprus, but only a few in the North, where connection can be slower.

British and European newspapers are available in resorts a day after publication. In the south the Cyprus Mail is published daily in English. The North also has an English-language newspaper, the heavily biased Cyprus Times .

In the south, English-speaking operators respond immediately to emergency calls. In the North there are separate phone numbers for each emergency service.

Cyprus is a relatively safe island, providing you follow any border or military procedures (see Military Zones), but any crime should be reported to the police immediately.

For accidents or illness that require emergency treatment, Cyprus has an English-speaking ambulance service in both the south and the North.

There are two fire services in Cyprus – one covering general emergencies, the other dealing with forest fires that can break out in summer in the mountains. Dispose of anything flammable with due care.

Cyprus is free from most dangerous infectious diseases (although AIDS is present) and no immunizations are required. Drinking tap water is safe. However all medical treatment must be paid for and comprehensive travel insurance to cover any hospital and medical charges, as well as emergency repatriation, is advisable.

All government-run General Hospitals have accident and emergency departments.

There are private dentists in all major towns and resorts and most hotels can recommend a local practitioner. Dentists’ fees must be paid immediately, and all dentists will provide a receipt for insurance purposes.

Listings of local pharmacies can be found in the English-language Cyprus Mail or by dialling 192. These sell a full range of medicines and remedies. Pharmacists can also usually advise and provide remedies for minor ailments and injuries, but if you need specialist prescription drugs it is best to bring an adequate supply with you. All-night pharmacies can be contacted by dialling 192 or leaving a recorded message on 90 90 14 02 (Nicosia); 90 90 14 05 (Limassol); 90 90 14 04 (Larnaca); 90 90 14 06 (Pafos); and 90 90 14 03 (Agia Napa).

As with dentists, hotels can generally recommend a local doctor. Again, bills must be settled immediately, but doctors will provide a receipt for claiming back on insurance policies.

Sadly, few museums, archaeological sites or other attractions in the south (and none in the North) provide Braille or audio guides for visually impaired people, nor induction loop devices for those with hearing difficulties.

Few public buildings, shops or visitor attractions have wheel-chair ramps so access can be very difficult for wheelchair users. Many museums are in older buildings without lifts. Access to archaeological sites is also difficult. Pavements in towns and villages (if there are any) are often uneven. A leaflet giving limited information on facilities for wheelchair users is available from the CTO (see Tourist Offices).

Wheelchair ramp beside stairway

The British charity RADAR (for people with hearing and visual impairment) can supply information on facilities in Cyprus and offer help for travellers with disabilities.

Main brands of baby food, medicines and toiletries such as nappies are sold in all supermarkets and pharmacies. Both parts of the island are family-friendly, with children welcomed everywhere and plenty of kids’ facilities. However, risks for smaller children include sunburn, occasional rough waters on some beaches and pests such as jellyfish, sea urchins and stinging insects. Normal caution should be exercised.

Both Cypriot communities are notably respectful to older people, but hazards include urban traffic (Cypriot drivers sometimes ignore pedestrian crossings) and noise – Agia Napa, especially, is geared to younger visitors.

Women travelling alone or together should exercise normal caution. Cyprus is generally safe, but there has been a rise in sexual assaults against women travellers so avoid walking alone at night.

Homosexuality is no longer illegal in southern Cyprus and gay visitors are generally tolerated; there are gay clubs and bars in Agia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol and Pafos and nude gay beaches at Kermia (near Agia Napa), Pissouri, Evdimou and “White Rocks” beach near Governor’s Beach. However, there are occasional incidents of violence against gays. In Northern Cyprus homosexuality is still illegal.

Animals, including dogs and cats, may not be brought into Northern or southern Cyprus.

People with special dietary needs, such as diabetes, lactose or gluten intolerance, or nut allergies, should seek detailed dietary advice before travelling and should treat many Cypriot dishes with caution. Groundnut oil is widely used in cooking and salad dressings in place of olive oil.

Cyprus has more than its fair share of places to eat: as well as traditional tavernas, serving Greek and Turkish-influenced dishes, there are French, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern, Russian and even Japanese restaurants. Fish is the most expensive item on the menu, although at coastal locales it is generally very fresh and tasty, so well worth the expense. Chicken is usually the cheapest meat dish available.

There are hundreds of cafés and snack bars selling Cypriot specialities such as souvlaki (see Souvlaki) and doner kebabs, as well as international favourites such as burgers, chips and pizza.

International fast food brands are making inroads into the south, and there are also plenty of ethnic restaurants that serve take-away meals. Most will deliver to apartments and villas, and even to hotels, although it is best to check whether the latter accept this practice.

Cyprus has no dedicated vegetarian restaurants. Non-meat eaters may even be offered fish, chicken or vegetable dishes containing meat stock. However, many traditional meze dishes, such as humus, tahini, and other dips (see Tahini), are tasty and meat-free, and there are plenty of fresh fruit and salad vegetables available.

Traditional tavernas often serve wine from the barrel (apo to vareli ) in half-litre or one-litre carafes. It’s usually cheaper than bottled wine, but quality is variable to say the least.

Why pay a premium for imported beers and spirits when local brands north and south of the Green Line can be equally good? Aniseed flavoured ouzo and fiery zivania as well as raki are somewhat acquired tastes, but Cypriot brandy tastes just fine, especially in a brandy sour, the island’s favourite cocktail, made with fresh lemon juice, angostura bitters and club soda. Locally made vodka and gin are palatable too (see Top 10 Drinks).

Local tap water is safe to drink, but too heavily chlorinated for some palates. Bottled mineral water from Troodos springs is available everywhere.

As well as familiar international soft drink brands, and cheaper, locally made versions, Cyprus offers a deliciously wide choice of freshly squeezed juices – orange, grapefruit, apple and pomegranate among them – as well as thirst-quenching freshly made lemonade.

Menus are almost always multilingual, but in smaller, simpler restaurants on the beach (especially in the North) or in less-visited mountain villages you may simply be invited into the kitchen to view what is available.

Most hotels offer cheaper deals in low season (mid-November to mid-March) except for the Christmas period (20 December to 6 January). Rates are highest, and rooms hardest to find, from mid-June to mid-September.

Booking a package holiday, with flights, coach transfers and accommodation all included in the price, is almost always cheaper than booking hotels and flights independently, although it offers less freedom on your holiday.

Hotels in Cyprus can be reserved from abroad by telephone, fax, e-mail or on a growing number of accommodation websites. A deposit by credit card is normally required but may be refunded if the reservation is cancelled within an agreed period before the date of arrival.

Booking a hotel room in advance is strongly advised. Most accommodation in Cyprus is contracted out one or more years in advance by large holiday companies and finding a comfortable room on arrival may be very difficult.

If you do choose to arrive in Cyprus without pre-booked accommodation you can often find a room through the Cyprus Hotel Association’s desks at Larnaca airport, or through tourist information offices at Larnaca and Pafos airports, Limassol harbour, and all major town centres. In the North, tourist agencies in Kyrenia can find hotel rooms for those arriving without a reservation.

Tipping is welcome but optional in hotels in the North and the south, but if a porter or a maid has offered particularly good service, a small gratuity never goes amiss.

Hotels in southern Cyprus are graded from 1- to 5-stars by the Cyprus Tourism Organization. Hotels in Northern Cyprus are also graded from 1- to 5-stars by the Turkish tourism ministry. In general, avoid establishments with less than 3 stars as they are likely to be slightly shabby and with few facilities.

Holiday apartments in southern Cyprus are classified A, B or C by the Cyprus Tourism Organization. Most have a shared pool, a small, basic kitchen with cooker and fridge, and one to three bedrooms. Luxury apartments may have a full kitchen with dishwasher, maid service and linen service (see Suites and Apartments).

Villas usually have a private pool, parking space, garden or patio, and barbecue area as well as a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine and dishwasher, up to four bedrooms, and amenities such as stereos and satellite TV (see Villas).