Cyprus Destination Guide Contents Contents 2 Quick Facts 3 About 4 Events & Nightlife 5 Top Destinations 9 Tours & Activities 10 Food & Dining Out 14 Shopping 16 Best Time To Visit 17 Travel Tips 18 Quick Facts

Flying Time: 4 hours 30 minutes Currency: Euro Language: Greek and Turkish Time Zone: GMT+2 Visit For: Great Beaches, Scuba Diving, Culture, Arts, Architecture, Nightlife, Trekking, Beautiful Scenery

3 About Cyprus

With beautiful villages surrounded by vineyards and cities full of trendy art galleries, spas and restaurants, to shipwreck diving, skiing on snow-covered mountains and strolls around fabulous archaeological sites, colourful Cyprus is every inch a sophisticated Mediterranean destination. The island, which legend has it was where Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, was born at the picturesque near , lies on the fringes of Europe at a point where Asian, Middle Eastern and European cultures merge. While giving the island a rich mix of traditions, cuisine and music, Cyprus’s strategic position has also made it desirable to countless powers over millennia. All have left their mark. In fact, Cyprus’s history is legendary. More than 10,000 years of history has seen periods of rule by the ancient Mycenaean Greeks and Byzantines, and invasions by the Persians and Ottomans. The Romans, Venetians and the Lusignans, along with England’s Richard the Lionheart – who acquired Cyprus in the 12th century – have all ruled, before it became part of the British Empire in the 19th century, independent in 1960 and divided fourteen years later. is the capital and, famously, the only remaining divided city in the world. The south of the city, known as Lefkosia, is a modern metropolis and the governmental, business and financial hub of the Republic of Cyprus, while the north (Lefkosa) is considered the capital of the Turkish Republic of . Since the Turkish invasion of 1974, north Cyprus is internationally considered an occupied territory. South Nicosia is characterised by wide boulevards lined with designer fashion shops, pavements cafés, offices and museums. It is dominated by huge city walls that separate its old town full of Venetian houses and the shiny new city around Eleftherias Square. Nicosia is a popular day excursion from the island’s other cities, (Larnaka), (Lemesos) and Paphos (Pafos). Cyprus embraces contrasts: old and new, traditional and contemporary. Sassy Larnaca, which lies on the island’s rugged south coast near the holiday resorts of Protaras and Agia Napa (locally Ayia Napa), has sandy beaches and modern hotels, while Limassol is best known for the famous Kourion. An ancient city, Kourion is one of the ‘must see’ archaeological attractions in Cyprus. Limassol, and the gentle slopes that ascend from here to the island’s Troodos Mountains, is at the heart of Cyprus’s wine region. In fact, the deliciously sweet amber-coloured Commandaria made from the Mavro and Xynisteri grapes is one of the oldest wines in the world. Paphos, like Limassol, has world famous archaeological sites, including its Greco-Roman mosaics showing scenes from mythology, its medieval castle and the site of the ancient kingdom of Palaipafos. Paphos is an UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety and set to be the European Capital of Culture in 2017. Enjoying Cyprus’s heritage or sports, or simply relaxing over a glass of local wine in a taverna, whatever speed you choose to go Cyprus is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

4 Events & Nightlife

See the list of exciting Events taking place in Cyprus, as well as the varied Nightlife on offer

Events Green Monday From: 18-03-2015 To: 18-03-2015 Free. This public holiday marks the start of Lent and is the culmination of ten days of celebrations that in Limassol centres on its carnival and fancy dress balls. Green Monday, itself, is traditionally when families gather on the seafront or in a village park, fly kites and have a picnic. Venue Name: Throughout Cyprus. Easter From: 31-03-2015 To: 31-03-2015 Free. Easter is the biggest celebration in Cyprus and marked by two weeks of festivals, religious ceremonies and flower parades. Family and friends gather for mouthwatering dishes that include flaounes (minty cheese cakes). In the rural villages, the whole community gathers for the procession of the holy icon on Good Friday. Venue Name: Throughout Cyprus. Agia Irini Day From: 04-05-2015 To: 04-05-2015 Free. The name-days of saints are big occasions in villages throughout Cyprus. Local churches and monasteries become a hive of activity with religious ceremonies and processions. Agia Irini Day is celebrated in the picturesque village of Perivolia, near Larnaca, and the day is marked with a procession and a great feast. Venue Name: Perivolia. Shakespeare at the Kourion From: 12-06-2015 To: 31-07-2015 Ticket prices vary.

5 The restored Greco-Roman theatre at the Kourion which occupies a spectacular hilltop site overlooking the Mediterranean is the setting for Shakespearean plays performed annually by the Performing Arts for Cyprus Charities. From Romeo and Juliet to Much Ado About Nothing, many of the great Bard's works have been performed here. Venue Name: Kourion. Feast of Kataklysmos (Flood Festival) From: 21-06-2015 To: 26-06-2015 Free. All the coastal towns from Polis and Paphos to Larnaca and Protaras come alive to mark the annual festival of Kataklysmos (otherwise known as the Festival of the Flood). It is held 50 days after the Greek Orthodox Easter. Crowds throng the shore for boat races and watersports, processions and feasting. Venue Name: All coastal towns. Cultural August From: 01-08-2015 To: 31-08-2015Date Description: Throughout August. Free. August is a time of celebrations and festivals throughout the island, but especially in the villages of the Troodos Mountains. Every village hosts its own event with traditional Cypriot food, music and folk dancers; some even organise demonstrations of Greek dancing so that visitors can learn a few steps. Venue Name: Troodos Mountain villages Ayia Napa Summer Cultural Events From: 01-08-2015 To: 31-08-2015Date Description: Usually every Sun in August. Free. Agia Napa celebrates Cypriot traditions as part of its annual summer festival. Its programme includes demonstrations of folk dances, art exhibitions, free concerts and music recitals, which are held in and around its central square, next to its 16th century monastery . There is something on every Sunday during August. Venue Name: Seferis Square, Agia Napa Limassol Wine Festival From: 30-08-2015 To: 30-09-2015 Free.

6 A programme of concerts and theatrical performances, plus, of course, lots of wine tasting and feasting, form the basis for the ten-day Limassol Wine Festival held annually at the end of the grape harvest. The Limassol district is famous for producing one of the world's oldest wines, the sweet Commandaria. Venue Name: Throughout Limassol. Aphrodite Opera Festival From: 11-09-2015 To: 30-09-2015Date Description: Carmen, Madame Butterfly, La Bohème and Aida have been among the most recent operatic productions to be staged in front of the medieval castle at Paphos harbour. An annual event, it is watched by locals and visitors, all dressed in their finest, and is the highlight of the Paphos cultural calendar. Tickets from €35. Carmen, Madame Butterfly, La Bohème and Aida have been among the most recent operatic productions to be staged in front of the medieval castle at Paphos harbour. An annual event, it is watched by locals and visitors, all dressed in their finest, and is the highlight of the Paphos cultural calendar. Venue Name: . Afamia Grape Festival From: 01-10-2015 To: 20-10-2015Date Description: TBC. Free. is a pretty village between Ayios Amvrosios and Pera Pedi close to Limassol on the coast. Despite its small size, it is home to four wineries and wine and winemaking is very much a part of the region's cultural identity. And it's here that the Afamia Grape Festival takes place each year to celebrate the end of the harvest season. Like many such festivals in the wine-growing areas, the festival includes folk dancing, live music, a market as well as numerous food and wine exhibitions. Venue Name: Koilani. Nightlife There is a thriving nighttime scene in the capital Nicosia and the coastal towns and cities of Cyprus. Hundreds of restaurants serving everything from Indian cuisine to Italian, French and Chinese, along with wine bars, lively bars with live entertainment, theatres offering classical plays, cinemas and nightclubs are popular with locals as well as visitors. Restaurants and bars line the seafront of places like Larnaca, Paphos and Limassol, and in northern Cyprus. The party capital of Cyprus remains Agia Napa where youngsters dance until late, even though the resort is seeing a growing number of restaurants and sophisticated nightspots emerging. Hotels and resorts have their own restaurants, bars and nightspots.

7 Most cities host a regular programme of evening cultural events and festivals. Among the most popular are the Aphrodite operatic festival held in front of the castle in Paphos Harbour and Shakespeare at the Kourion. Casinos are a rarity in Cyprus. While online gambling venues are steadily opening throughout the island, true casinos that offer roulette and poker can be found only in northern Cyprus. Nightlife in the rural villages tends to revolve around the local taverna, but nonetheless can be a lively affair with traditional music and dances.

8 Top Destinations

Kykkos Monastery is the largest and most famous monastery in Cyprus. Founded in AD1100 by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is home to one of the three surviving icons painted by the Apostle Luke. Kykkos Monastery is ornately decorated and covered in a silver gilt, enclosed in a tortoiseshell shrine. It is also famous for its museum, located within the monastery grounds, which houses an impressive collection of icons, woodcarvings and manuscripts, and other Cypriot antiquities. The nearby Troodos Mountains, with magnificent hills and valleys, should also be explored as they are home to nine Byzantine churches, included on UNESCO's World Heritage list, and richly decorated with murals and Byzantine paintings. Disabled Access: No

9 Tours & Activities

Kykkos Monastery Kykkos Monastery is the largest and most famous monastery in Cyprus. Founded in AD1100 by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is home to one of the three surviving icons painted by the Apostle Luke. Kykkos Monastery is ornately decorated and covered in a silver gilt, enclosed in a tortoiseshell shrine. It is also famous for its museum, located within the monastery grounds, which houses an impressive collection of icons, woodcarvings and manuscripts, and other Cypriot antiquities. The nearby Troodos Mountains, with magnificent hills and valleys, should also be explored as they are home to nine Byzantine churches, included on UNESCO's World Heritage list, and richly decorated with murals and Byzantine paintings. Baths of Aphrodite An isolated freshwater pool on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, the Baths of Aphrodite near Polis is where, so legend has it, the Greek goddess bathed and enjoyed trysts with the god Adonis. Today, the natural beauty of the untouched countryside is as much an attraction as the grotto. The magnificent ruins of Saint Hilarion castle tower out of the limestone rocks of the mountains overlooking Kyrenia. Its turrets and walls built on sheer rock make it is one of the finest sights in northern Cyprus. See the remains of its chapel, royal apartments, banqueting hall, courtyards and stables. Hala Tekke Located near Larnaca International Airport, the Hala Sultan Tekke is a beautiful 19th century set amongst palm trees. It overlooks Larnaca's Salt Lake where migratory flamingos stay in winter. Considered one of the most sacred Muslim shrines, the mosque contains an ancient tomb and is a place of pilgrimage. Kyrenia Once an important Roman and Venetian port and said to be one of the most picturesque harbours in the Mediterranean, Kyrenia is a busy north Cyprus town dominated by a vast fortress. houses a Shipwreck Museum, which is best known for its 2,300-year-old merchant vessel and amphorae display. Kourion, Limassol With its spectacular Greco-Roman theatre, agora (marketplace) and the remains of a cathedral, plus a villa, the House of Eustolios, with well-preserved 5th century floor mosaics, the ancient city-kingdom site of the Kourion is the finest archaeological site on the island. On the same site is a stadium and sanctuary. Nicosia The walled city of Nicosia is a mix of old and new. Visit the Old Town full of quaint tavernas housed in Venetian mansions. Top attractions include the Archbishop's Palace, the spectacular Byzantine Art Museum, St John's Cathedral with beautiful frescos, the House of Hadjigeorgiakis Kornesios and the Ömeriye Mosque. Paphos Harbour

10 Be serenaded whilst gazing at the beautiful medieval fort that dominates the picturesque harbour at Paphos. It's worth seeing anytime of the year, but particularly during the summer festival when operatic sounds reverberate around the ancient walls. Nearby, you can see Paphos's world-famous mosaics that show scenes from Greek mythology. Troodos Mountains Take in the spectacular scenery of the forested Troodos Mountains where you can enjoy hiking and cycling trails, nature reserves, churches and the famous Kykkos Monastery. In winter, resorts offer skiing on the snow-covered peaks, including Mount Olympus, which at 1,952m (6,404ft) above sea level, is the island's highest point. Ayia Napa Once the hedonistic capital of Cyprus, Agia Napa has 'grown up' and now has a growing number of sophisticated nightspots, restaurants and cultural venues, as well as lively clubs that still attract the young, trendy set. The resort has some of the best beaches and diving opportunities on the island. Bask on the beach Find perfect sand-castle building south of Limassol: the Akrotiri Peninsula's Lady's Mile Beach is a vast stretch of golden powder. On the coast north of Pafos, Coral Bay is a fast-growing resort around a good beach. Daytrips from Nicosia From the capital, take an excursion to the Royal Tombs and Agios Irakleidios Monastery at Tamassos, the five- church and the mosque in , and the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church found in a cliff-side cave near Deftera. Eat chocolate Indulge your taste buds on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains at the chocolate workshop. The owners import all chocolate from Venezuela, and have entered the Guinness Book of World Records for making the world's most expensive Easter egg. Family outings On the coast south of Famagusta lie busy resorts, speckled with golden sand beaches, that are ideal for children; try Fig Tree Bay and Flamingo Bay. Family-oriented Protaras and Pernera resorts also boast good beaches, with cafés and beach bars. Feast of Kataklysmos 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. Hiking Hike through the many unspoilt areas in Cyprus. Recommended nature trails include Atalante, Kaledonia and Persephone in the Troodos area; Aphrodite and Adonis in the Akamas area; and several trails through the forests of Machairas and Limassol. Skiing

11 Both Platres and 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. Take a bet Get your wager on at the Nicosia Race Club. It's the only licenced racetrack on the island, and has a pleasant colonial atmosphere as well as the chance to back a favourite. Yoga Look after your soul with a dose of yoga at Sumeru Resort. Located near Kritou Tera, one of the oldest villages in Cyprus, Ohm your way to enlightenment from a beautiful vantage point surrounded by rugged terrain. Lefkara This charming village between Limassol and Larnaca is famous for its silver filigree and, significantly, its lace. Legend has it the Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci visited Lefkara in the 15th century and purchased some of its lefkaritika lace for the cathedral in Milan, and in doing so secured its fame. Petra tou Romiou A landmark of Cyprus and said to be where the Greek goddess Aphrodite was born, Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite) is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Turquoise sea surrounds the rock. Nearby, is the Temple of Aphrodite on the site of the ancient city of Palaipafos. Akamas Peninsula With its rugged unspoilt landscape, woodlands of pine trees and sandy bays, the Akamas Peninsula is wonderful place to escape and be with nature. It stretches from the harbour at Agios Georgios, north of Paphos, to Chrysochou Bay near Polis, and is famous for its wildlife and rare, endemic flora. Tombs of the Kings Dating from the ancient Hellenistic and Roman period, this collection of rock cut tombs have helped to earn Paphos UNESCO World Heritage status in its entirety. The tombs were of noblemen, rather than kings, and are historically important because of their design; some resemble houses with a Peristyle atrium courtyard. Kourion, Limassol With its spectacular Greco-Roman theatre, agora (marketplace) and the remains of a cathedral, plus a villa, the House of Eustolios, with well-preserved 5th century floor mosaics, the ancient city-kingdom site of the Kourion is the finest archaeological site on the island. On the same site is a stadium and sanctuary. Troodos Painted Churches Dating back to Byzantine times, this collection of 10 richly painted churches and tiny monasteries are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two of the most spectacular are the Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis at Kakopetria with frescos from the 11th century, and with scenes from the Old Testament. Phoinikoudes, Larnaca

12 A 3 km (2 miles) or so long esplanade lined with palm trees, the Phoinikoudes (locally Foinikoudes) is the icon image of Larnaca. Here, visitors can relax on the beach or dine on seafood while looking out over the Mediterranean. At one end lies Larnaca's marina and at the other its famous fort. Cyprus Museum A visit to the Cyprus Museum with its magnificent collection of archaeological treasures dating back to Neolithic times is a must. Collections include astonishingly well-preserved Mycenaean pottery, Chalcolithic figurines, Egyptian and Roman statues, and carvings from the Royal Tombs at Salamis. The museum is located in central Nicosia.

13 Food & Dining Out

Cypriot cuisine is delicious and healthy, and takes its inspiration from Greece and the Turkey. In the south, the cuisine is pure Mediterranean, with fruit, such as olives that can be picked from the trees that characterise the island’s landscape and lemons, combined with aromatic herbs from the Troodos foothills to give intense flavour to chicken, pork, lamb and fish. In north Cyprus, the cuisine has all the hallmarks of Middle Eastern and central Asian cooking, with extensive use of herbs and spices like saffron and paprika that give strong colours and flavours to meat. Many dishes found in north Cyprus are served with sauces made from tomato and yoghurt, and often served with rice. All the major holiday resorts have bars and restaurants, although the cuisine tends to be international rather than local dishes. The best way to enjoy authentic Cypriot food is to dine in a taverna and order a mezedhes (also known as a meze or mezze). You will be rewarded by a steady stream of 20 or more small plates topped with local dishes being brought to your table. Typically, a mezedhes will start with dips, such as tzatziki made with yoghurt, cucumber and garlic, or hummus (pureed chickpeas with lemon), accompanied by bread and salad, followed by various meat, fish and vegetable dishes and culminate in fruit or cake. Regional Specialities Afelia and kleftiko are two of the most popular regional dishes of the south, with imam bayildi and adana found on many menus in the north. • Afelia (pork slow-cooked in red wine and coriander). • Kelftiko (slow-cooked lamb with herbs). • Imam bayildi (aubergines stuffed with tomato and onions). • Adana (skewered minced lamb and red pepper). • Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with meat and/or rice). • Kebabs (pieces of meat - typically lamb - skewered and roasted over a charcoal). • Tava (a tasty baked stew of lamb, herbs, onions and potatoes). • Stifado (a casserole of beef or hare cooked with wine, vinegar, onion and spices). • Fresh seafood such as tsipoura (seabream), lavraki (seabass) and garides (prawns). Things To Know Evening dinner is the most important meal of the day and rarely starts before 2000. Tipping A service charge is added to all bills, and tipping is discretionary. Regional Drinks

14 Strong black coffee and wine, which is produced in abundance, are popular drinks in both the south and north.

• Cyprus produces excellent wines, spirits and beer. • Zivania (a strong spirit made from grapes). • Brandy sour (cocktail made from Cyprus brandy, soda, lemon squash and angostura bitters). • Commandaria (a sweet desert wine dating back to ancient times). Drinking Age 17.

15 Shopping

Shopping Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basketwork, pottery, silverware and leather goods. Lefkara lace, known as lefkaritika, is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship. It is intricately patterned and used for tablecloths and table mats. Women can be seen working in small workshops in the village Lefkara after which the lace is named. The village is located on a hill just off the Nicosia-Limassol highway. The Troodos village of also has a thriving lace industry. Lefkara is also famous for its silverwork; traditionally the men of the village would work with silver while the women produced lace. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Jewellery is an art which has been practised on the island since the Mycenaean Greek period; craftspeople working in contemporary and traditional styles produce some very fine pieces. Filigree silver is a popular gift or souvenir. Local wines, including Commandaria, which is one of the oldest wines in the world and produced in region north of Limassol, and Cyprus’s own brandy and its potent Zivania liqueur also make good purchases. Imported goods sell at competitive prices, including cameras, perfume, porcelain and crystal. In north Cyprus, embroidered tablecloths and cushions with patterns traditional to Turkey are widely available. Throughout the island, monasteries sell icons, which are often painted by the monks themselves. The Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa in the foothills of the Troodos is one of several that has its own icon studio. Opening Hours: In summer (June to August) shops are open 0800-1400 and 1700-2030. In winter opening hours are 0800-1300 and 1430-1800 (until 1900 in spring and autumn). However many larger department stores and supermarkets, and shops in tourist areas, do not close for lunch. Shops are closed Wednesday and Saturday after 1300, as well as all day Sunday.

16 Best Time To Visit

Best Time To Visit Cyprus has a sub-tropical climate with sunshine likely on most days of the year. Spring and autumn are pleasantly warm, while summer days are long, dry and hot with temperatures reaching the high 30s and even 40s. The heat is tempered by sea breezes in coastal areas. Winters are mild with often heavy, although sporadic, tropical-style rainstorms. Villages located on higher ground are often subjected to freezing temperatures and frost, while heavy snowfall is experienced in the interior Troodos Mountains and usually stays for several weeks, giving good ski conditions. The best time to visit for those who like the heat is June, July and August, although the intense sun can make sightseeing a challenge. Drinking lots of bottled water is essential to avoid dehydration. September to January, and April to May, tend to be quieter and are ideal for exploring the island and enjoying pursuits such as cycling and hiking. The ski season generally runs from early February to March. Required Clothing Pack lightweight, cotton clothing for the summer months, such as loose tops, shorts and linen trousers, along with a hat to protect against the sun. Warmer medium-weight clothing is ideal for spring, autumn and sunny winter days, together with cardigans or jackets for evening which can get very cold. Rainwear should be packed for winter visits.

17 Travel Tips

Road: Exploring the island by car is the best way to get around. Cyprus’s road infrastructure is excellent with more miles of motorway per capita than any other EU member state. The result is a traffic jam-free motorway drive that will take you from Paphos in the east straight into Limassol and on to the centre of Nicosia, plus a branch heading off to Larnaca, Agia Napa and Protaras. Driving in the Troodos Mountains is good, albeit with roads that zig-zag around ravines. Off-road driving should only be done with a suitable vehicle.

Drivers wishing to reach the north of Cyprus need to cross the border, known as the Green Line, at one of five designated checkpoints (there are a further two checkpoints in Nicosia for pedestrians only). The Green Line is controlled by UN forces. The five crossings are Limnitis at Kato Pygros, Astromeritis near Morphou, Agios Dometios in Nicosia, Pergamos at Pyla and Strovilia near Agios Nikolaos. In Nicosia you can cross on foot at the Ledra Palace checkpoint and Ledra Street in the centre of the city. Road Quality Motorways and main roads are of a high standard. Inner city and smaller town roads are generally good, but infrastructure upgrades have resulted in uneven surfaces. Roads in villages are often poor. All roads are toll free. Road Classification Motorways: A; Main roads: B; minor roads: E and F Car Hire Cyprus has car hire companies with offices in the airports and towns, including major names like Hertz and Europcar. Cars should be reserved well in advance during the summer season. You should be sure to check your agreement if you are planning to take a hired car across the Green Line as not all hire companies in the south permit taking their vehicles to north Cyprus. The minimum driving age is 18, but drivers often need to be 21 years old and to have held a valid license for three years to hire a car. Taxi There are three types of taxi service in south Cyprus: urban, trans-urban, which are shared and can be booked, and rural. Taxis are safe and relatively inexpensive. In north Cyprus, taxis are available in the main towns only. Fares are regulated by the government and all taxis have meters. Shared taxis operate every 30 minutes between major cities. Rural taxis can only be hired from the base station and do not have a meter. Bike Cyprus encourages cycling and bikes are available for hire from most hotels. Coach

18 Private coach companies operate in all the main cities and offer day excursions. Regulations The maximum speed limit is 100kph (63mph) on highways, 80kph (50mph) on most other roads and 50kph (32mph) in built-up areas. There are strict repercussions for anyone not wearing a seat belt or crash helmet, using a mobile phone or being under the influence of alcohol whilst driving. Children under the age of five must not sit in the front passenger seat, and must be strapped into a child seat fitted to the rear. Breakdown Services Car hire companies offer a comprehensive breakdown service as part of their agreement. Documentation An International Driving Permit or national driving licence is required for driving in Cyprus. Travel Urban Buses are modern, reliable and inexpensive. There are four types of service: urban buses that run around town, trans-urban buses that link major towns, rural buses to service the villages and a shuttle between the airports at Larnaca and Paphos. In north Cyprus, buses run between Nicosia and the main towns. Taxis are more expensive. Fares are regulated by the government and all taxis have meters. A 15% surcharge is in operation from 2300-0600. Tipping is expected. Telephone: Telecard or coin-operated public telephones are installed at various central locations in towns and villages. Call Direct (cheaper than ordinary collect calls) is available to most EU countries, as well as Australia, USA and Canada. Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good. Internet: Internet cafes are located in the main towns and resorts. Currency Information: The currency in the Republic of Cyprus is the 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. The currency used in north Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TL; symbol ? ) = 100 kurus. Notes are in denominations of ?200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of ?1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kurus. Euros, Pound Sterling and US dollars are generally accepted in the north. Currency Exchange

19 Non-Cypriot currency can be bought and sold at banks in Nicosia and other large towns in both the south and north. Language: The majority of Cypriots (approximately 80%) speak Greek and approximately 11% speak Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect is different from mainland Greek. Turkish is spoken by . English, German and French are also spoken in tourist centres.

Capital: Nicosia (Greek: Lefkosia; Turkish: Lefkosa). Dialing Code: +357 Area: 9251 Population: 1200000 Population Density: 130 Population Year: 2013 EU Member: Yes Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Square 13-amp three-pin plugs (UK-type) are used.

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