General
English is the second language and is widely spoken. A greater knowledge of French and German is increasingly noticeable.
The currency of the Republic is the Cyprus Pound (CY£) which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued in £20, £10, £5 and £1 denominations. A Cyprus pound is currently valued 20% more than a GBP. Banks in Cyprus open for the public from 08:30 to 12:30 midday. Certain banks in tourist areas open during the afternoon.
The voltage on the island is 240. Socket outlets are of flat 3 pin-type (same as UK).
All types of medication are available in well stocked pharmacies all over Cyprus. Cyprus is now a member of the European Union, so with a completed E111 form it is possible to obtain health care on the same basis as provided to Cypriot Nationals.
Telephone: Cyprus automatic telephone dialing system reaches 206 countries. Telecards can be purchased from Post Offices, kiosks and souvenir shops. Cypriot telephone charges are amongst the best value in the European Union.
Shopping from May to September is 08:00 to 13:00 16:00 to 19:00
From October to April is 08:00 to 13:00 14:30 to
17:30
Shops are closed all day Sunday and on Wednesday and Saturday
afternoons.
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and all road signs are in English. Distances between towns are not lengthy.
The transurban service-taxis are shared taxis connecting all main towns (during daytime) and are very reasonably priced. There are many car rental companies in Cyprus, and the top international names are all represented. Petrol stations in all seaside areas and major towns are equipped with automatic pumps, accepting bank notes and operating on a 24-hour basis. On Sundays and Public Holidays, petrol stations in rural areas may open.
Geography
Cyprus is situated in the North Eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. With an area of 9.251sqkm, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Siciliy and Sardinia. The strategic location of the island has played an important part in its continuing development as an international financial and commercial centre. The centre of the island is dominated by the scenic Troodos mountains. The island is currently divided with the North being under the illegitimate Turkish occupying troops, and the south being under the Greek Cypriots. In the South there are 4 main towns Nicosia, Larnaka, Limassol and Paphos.
History
Cyprus the birth place of Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love, is rich in history with archaeological sites dating back to 7000 to 3900 BC Neolothic age. With its strategic position as the gateway to the East the island has been invaded many times from the Greeks at the end of the Trojan Wars, through the Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, and Romans, to the Crusaders, Venitians, Ottomans and of course, the British. Each has left its mark on the island in culture and archaeology. There are many archaeological sites to visit such as amphitheatres, mosaics and the Tomb of the Kings, as well as Greek mythological sites like Aphrodite’s birthplace, and baths.Climate
Cyprus sits in sun-drenched under clear blue skies for 340 days a year. It is possible in the winter to snow ski in the troodos mountains in the morning and water ski in the warm Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon. The swimming season starts early April and doesn’t really end until the end of November. Cyprus has probably the best climate in the Mediterranean with temperatures rarely dropping below 16c, making it ideal for lovers of all kinds of outdoor pursuits. Its especially ideal for sailing, hiking, diving, and golf. Very rarely does bad weather interfere in Cyprus…. And if it does, its never for very long!
PAPHOS (climate)
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Use the link below to enter the Paphos weather forecast site. On this site there is a hyperlink titled 'trip planner'. If you follow this link and enter the dates of your holiday, the link will provide you with statistics of the weather covering your holiday period for the last 10 years.
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