Larnaca Destination Guide Overview of Larnaca Larnaca is the international gateway to Cyprus; it has a busy international airport and is also an important port of call for cruises in the East Mediterranean. The town is one of the most popular holiday spots in Cyprus, with stunning beaches and a lovely palm tree-lined promenade, which is lined with bars, shops, and restaurants. Larnaca was known as Kition in the days of the Old Testament and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The ruins of the ancient city can still be seen and much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved and is showcased in the local museums. The lively package holiday resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paralimni sit on a peninsula to the east of Larnaca, and are heaving with holidaymakers over the summer months. With a reputation as the party capital of Cyprus, the beach resort of Ayia Napa is popular with the young looking to make the most of their holiday in the sun. Away from the action along the coast, the Larnaca region offers miles of unspoiled wilderness to explore. The Cape Greco peninsula is a government-protected conservation area with dramatic cliffs and abundant indigenous flora and fauna, proving popular with walkers and cyclists. Key Facts Language: The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas. Passport/Visa: Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket and documentation necessary for that journey, as well as sufficient funds for the period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Extensions are available to visa-exempt nationals. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled 'green line' are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden changes, and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. It is highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Money can be exchanged at banks, open from Monday to Friday. There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24 hours a day. Electricity: Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three square-pin plugs are used. Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Page 1/10 Larnaca Destination Guide Travel to Larnaca Climate for Larnaca The Mediterranean climate in Larnaca is characterised by hot, relatively dry summers and winters with moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. The hottest part of the year lasts from the middle of June until the beginning of October, with average high temperatures between 84°F (29°C) and 91°F (33°C). Minimum temperatures rarely fall below 66°F (19°C), while humidity levels during this period can be as high as 90 percent. The summer heat is, however, offset by fresh sea breezes. The coolest part of the year starts in the beginning of December and lasts until the end of March, with temperatures that generally range between 44°F (7°C) and 66°F (19°C). Light to moderate rains and thunderstorms can occur throughout most of the year; rain is most common from December to March and least likely between the middle of July and the end of August. Health Notes when travelling to Cyprus No vaccinations are required for travel to Cyprus but hepatitis A and B vaccinations are always recommended for travellers by health authorities. Health services on Cyprus are of a good standard. UK citizens should bring with them a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which enables them to receive free emergency medical treatment. Medical fees are reasonable in Cyprus, but supplies are expensive and it is probably a good idea for visitors to bring any important prescription medications they may require (with the appropriate notes from their doctor to get them through customs). Travel insurance is advised. Safety Notes when travelling to Cyprus Crime against tourists is rare and the area is generally safe. Customs in Cyprus Visitors should avoid taking photographs near military establishments. Religious customs such as Ramadan should be respected, particularly in the north where most of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim; travellers should avoid eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during the holy month. Women should dress modestly. Duty Free in Cyprus Travellers to Cyprus over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits with higher than 22 percent alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with less than 22 percent alcohol volume, or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine, 4 litres of still wine, or 16 litres of beer. Doing Business in Cyprus Business in Cyprus is best conducted face-to-face, as developing a working relationship based on trust is important. Business is conducted formally, and dress should be smart and conservative (a suit and tie are the norm). Greetings are usually made with a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. It is common for women to hold high positions and they are generally well respected in the business world. Punctuality is important, but meetings may not begin on time. Business hours can vary according to the season, but are usually 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday in summer, closing at 5pm in winter. Communication in Cyprus The international access code for Cyprus is +357. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Visitors can purchase local SIM cards for their phones and wifi is increasingly available in many cafes, restaurants and airports, and at most hotels, especially in the south (the Republic). Tipping in Cyprus A 10 percent service charge is levied in hotels and restaurants so a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi drivers and porters appreciate a small tip. Passport/Visa Note Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket and documentation necessary for that journey, as well as sufficient funds for the period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Extensions are available to visa-exempt nationals. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled 'green line' are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden changes, and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. It is highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Page 2/10 Larnaca Destination Guide Getting around in Larnaca The most popular way to get around in Larnaca is by bus. The local public bus service is run by Zinonas Larnaca Buses, which has routes that run throughout the city and surrounding areas. Buses are blue in colour and usually have their destination displayed on the front window. Roadside bus stations generally don't display departure information, although buses should arrive approximately every 30 minutes. The city's largest bus terminal is the Dimitras Bus Station to the east of the city, which can provide travellers with route information. Buses are also a popular option for intercity travel and are run by a variety of private operators, with some extending routes to resorts such as Ayia Napa and Protaras. Taxis are another option for getting around Larnaca as well as for intercity travel but they are more expensive than buses. For longer distances, shared taxis are a popular, more cost-effective option than taking a regular taxi cab. Page 3/10 Larnaca Destination Guide Attractions in Larnaca There's plenty to see and do in Larnaca, with visitors able to relax in a gorgeous Mediterranean setting before exploring the impressive archaeological sites. The most famous of these are the ruins of the ancient city of Kition, and the remains of Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to around 7000 BC. Numerous museums preserve the country's historical artefacts, while there are many sites of religious significance such as the remote yet beautiful Stavrovouni Monastery, the striking Hala Sultan Tekke and the Church of Avios Lazaros. For those more interested in sand and sea, the main town beach of Finikoudes is highly popular. Larnaca is a dream destination for divers, with numerous technical and recreational dives.