About Cyprus

Mediterranean Gem

Cyprus, famously known as Aphrodite’s birthplace, is a captivating Mediterranean island where East meets West. Steeped in history and rich cultural heritage, Cyprus boasts championship golf courses, luxurious hotels, inviting beaches, and picturesque mountain trails.

Perfect Recovery Destination

Blessed with a mild climate and year-round sunshine, Cyprus is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate, especially after surgery. Its modern healthcare infrastructure ensures visitors receive top-quality care.

Travel Requirements

Travelling to Cyprus is very easy. The documentation required varies, depending on your nationality.

Entry Documents:

– A valid passport is required for stays up to 90 days for most nationalities.
– Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway can use a national ID with a photo.
– U.S. citizens require a passport but no visa for stays under 90 days.

Legal Entry Points:

Arrive through the Republic-controlled airports in Larnaca and Paphos or designated ports. Entry via Turkish-administered occupied areas is considered illegal by the Cypriot government.

Customs Allowances:

– Tobacco: Up to 800 cigarettes or equivalent products. (400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg of tobacco)
– Alcohol: Up to 10 litres of spirits and other limits for wine and beer. (20 litres fortified wine, (such as port or sherry), 90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine), 110 litres of beer)

Travellers under the age of seventeen are not entitled to duty free tobacco products and alcohol. Import restrictions include narcotics, certain agricultural goods, and counterfeit items.

Culture and Language

Languages:

Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities respectively. English is widely spoken. French and German are also well spoken within the tourist industry.

Religions:

Cyprus enjoys an especially high level of freedom of worship. The Greek-Cypriot community predominantly practices Greek Orthodoxy, while the Turkish-Cypriot community is primarily Muslim. Other faiths, including Judaism, Roman Catholicism, and Maronite Christianity, are also represented.

Currency and Payments

Currency:

The euro (€) has been the official currency since 2008, with widely accepted denominations in coins and notes.

Payment Options:

Credit cards, traveler’s cheques, euro cheques and banknotes of major foreign currencies. are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. VAT refunds are available for non-EU tourists on eligible purchases over €100.

Holiday Budget in Cyprus

Understanding the cost of products and services in Cyprus can help you plan your holiday budget effectively. Here’s an overview of average prices in Euro:

– Transport: A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.
– Drinks: Enjoy a glass of beer for €3.50 to €5.
– Entertainment: Theatre tickets range between €25 and €35.
– Dining Out:
- – A fixed-menu lunch is priced at €15 to €20.
- – A traditional dinner at a local tavern, including meze and a drink, costs approximately €20 to €25 per person.

Tipping in Cyprus

Although a 12% service charge is included in hotels and restaurants, tipping is not mandatory. However, it is customary and greatly appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.

Weather and Climate in Cyprus

General Overview

Cyprus experiences a classic Mediterranean climate, similar to Israel, with hot, dry summers from mid-May to mid-September and mild, rainy winters from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are brief transitional seasons marked by pleasant weather. The island boasts nearly year-round sunshine, with daylight hours ranging from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June.

Transportation

Travel across Cyprus is easy and flexible, with options for every need. Cyprus offers convenient transportation options, including buses, taxis, and cruises:

Buses

– Trans-urban Buses: Connect major towns with frequent daily routes.
– Rural Buses: Link villages to nearby cities with limited service (1–2 trips daily, excluding Sundays).
– Urban Buses: Operate within cities, with extended hours in tourist areas during summer.

Taxis

– GMS Taxi Service: Available 24/7, offering comfortable rides and day trips at discounted rates.
– Trans-urban Taxis: Shared taxis connecting cities, departing every 30 minutes (6:00 AM–6:00 PM on weekdays; 5:00 PM on weekends).
– Extras: €1.96 surcharge on certain holidays; €0.55 for pets in carriers.

Cruises

Enjoy 2–5 day cruises or shorter boat trips around Cyprus, departing from marinas and fishing shelters.

Driving

The minimum driving age is 18. To rent a car, drivers must be in possession of a driving license for at least three years or be aged over 25.Drivers should note that driving is on the left-hand side of the road, not on the right. International or valid national driving licenses are accepted.

Healthcare and Safety

Emergency medical treatment is free for international tourists in public hospitals. EU citizens should carry an EHIC, while non-EU travelers should confirm coverage with their insurance provider.More detailed information can be obtained from the Cyprus Ministry of Health.

– Cyprus has no dangerous infectious diseases and has an excellent reputation for being a safe and friendly place.
– Medicine can be purchased at pharmacies on presentation of a doctor’s prescription. Almost all brands of medicine are available in Cyprus. Pharmacies are all marked with a green cross.
– In case of emergency call 112 wherever you are on the island.

Cyprus is a safe destination, offering a peaceful environment for tourists.