GENERAL INFORMATION OF CYPRUS
Cyprus is situated at the Northeast end of the Mediterranean basis, is the third largest island with an area of 9,251 square kilometers (3,572 square miles).
DEMOGRAPHY
Population: 741 000 (end 1996)
83,9%: Greek Cypriots
12,0%: Turkish Cypriots
1,1%: Other minorities (Maronites, Armenians and Latins)
3,0%: Foreign residents
POPULATION OF MAIN TOWNS
Lefkosia (Nicosia): 193 000
Lemesos (Limassol): 151 200
Larnaka (Larnaca): 67 300
Pafos (Paphos): 37 300
GOVERNMENT
Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government. Under the 1960 Constitution, executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term of office.
LANGUAGES
Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism industry.
Accommodation
Delta Wings Leisure can assist you except from the chosen hotel accommodation by you , a vast selection of quality hotels and only all around Cyprus as well as in any other part of the world as our company provides an unique online reservation system worldwide.
Airlines
More than 37 Airlines, including Cyprus Airways, the island's national carrier, operate scheduled flights from and to Larnaca, and Pafos International Airports
Reconfirmation and booking services for all above airlines can be done from our office through your hotel representative for anywhere you may need to travel
Cyprus Airways Ltd (CY) Nicossia, tel. 02-663054
Aeroflot - Russian Airlines (SU) Nicossia, tel. 02-477071/2/3
Aerosweet - Ukrainian Airlines (AEW) Nicossia, tel. 02-881222
Belavia - Belarussian Airlines (BRU) Nicosia, tel. 02-674500
Donavia (DNV) Nicosia, tel. 02-671300
Continental Airlines (PC) Larnaca, tel. 04-643511
LOT - Polish Airlines (LO) Nicosia, tel. 02-870008
Malev - Hungarian Airlines (MA) Nicosia, tel. 02-668383
Airports
Visitors arriving in Cyprus by air, may enter the Republic only through the International Airports of Larnaca and Pafos. All airports in the part of Republic illegally occupied by the Turkish invasion forces, have been declared by the Government of Cyprus as prohibited ports of entry and exit, and no visitor should enter or leave the Republic through these ports.
The Airport Tax is included in the airfare.
1. LARNACA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The airport is: 5 km from Larnaca town;
49 km from Nicosia;
70 km from Limassol;
46 km from Agia Napa;
139 km from Pafos.
Services offered to travelers at Larnaca International Airport include:
- Tourist information (24 hours service)
- Foreign exchange
- Card and coin - operated telephones
- Duty-free shops
- Cafeterias
- Kiosk and souvenir shop
- Special facilities such as: truck-lifts, wheelchairs, special washrooms, automatic doors etc.
- Post office (closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)
- Health Inspector's office
- Car park: CYP 5,40 per day (for over 12 hours), minimum charge 30 cents for the first hour ( prices are always subject of change)
2. PAFOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The airport is: 15 km east of Pafos town;
63 km from Limassol;
129 km from Larnaca;
50 km from Polis;
146 km from Nicosia.
Services offered to travelers at Pafos International Airport include:
- Tourist Information
- Foreign Exchange
- Card and coin - operated telephones
- Duty-free shops
- Cafeteria
- Special facilities such as: truck-lifts, wheelchairs and special washrooms
- Health Inspector's Office
Archeological Sites, Museums and Other Places of Interest
Important notes:
1. All museums and archeological sites remain closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday (Greek Orthodox)
2. During the rest of the Public Holidays the major archeological sites remain open from 09:00 - 17:00 hrs (09:00 - 19:30 hrs summer)
3. Opening and closing times of Museums and Archeological sites as well as entrance fees are subject to alterations without notice. During the summer period, the archeological sites stay open longer.
4. All necessary information and excursion description can be required from the hotel representatives.
Baby - Food
Both international and local brands of baby food, napkins, disposable diapers, baby cosmetics, anti-rash creams etc., are available on the Cyprus market."Baby's necessaries" can be found in Pharmacies (chemists) and in supermarkets.
Baby-sitting
Almost all Hotels in Cyprus offer baby-sitting facilities at a cost, provided arrangements with the reception are made in advance.
Banking
The commercial banks in Cyprus have correspondence in most major cities around the world, and transactions can be negotiated in all leading currencies.
- Banking hours for the public:
Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 12:30
Monday : 15:15 - 16:45
(July - August : Monday - Friday: 08:15 - 12:30)
- Centrally located banks provide "afternoon tourist services"
- Banks at the Larnaka and Pafos International Airports provide services in the daytime, as well as a night service for most flights
- Banking facilities are also available at the Limassol Harbour
- A number of Automatic Exchange Machines operate on a 24 hrs basis in central places of all towns and the main tourist resorts Agia Napa and Paralimni. Most currencies and denominations are acceptable.
- Hotels, large shops, restaurants, etc. usually accept travellers cheques and major credit cards.
- Bank holidays are the same as Public Holidays.
Blue Flag Campaign
The Blue Flag Campaign which was launched in 1987 during the European Year for the Environment, is supported by the European Union and coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE) in 19 European countries.
"Blue Flag" is awarded to beaches which fulfill certain relating to Environmental Education and Information, Beach Area Management, Quality of the Bathing Water according to the relevant E.U. Directive and Safety.
In 1998 the European Jury awarded the "European Bleu Flag" to 25 beaches in Cyprus: Protaras (Paralimni), Vathia Gonia, Nissi, Lanta and Makronissos (Agia Napa), Foinikoudes and Makenzi (Larnaca), Panagies/Aoratoi, Santa Barbara, Loures, Vouppa, Armonia and Castella (Agios Tychon), Dasoudi (Germasogeia), Pissouri, Municipal Beach (Geroskipou), Pachyammos, Vrysoudia A & B, Alykes and Municipal Bath (Pafos), Municipal/Coral Beach and Laourou (Pegeia) and Municipal Beach and Dasoudi (Polis Chrysochous).
 |
Business / Shopping Hours
Winter period (Sept. 1 - June 30)
Monday - Friday : 07:30 - 14:30
Thursday : 07:30 - 14:30, 15:00 - 18:00
Summer period (July 1 - Aug. 31)
Monday - Friday : 07:30 - 14:30
SHOPPING HOURS
Winter period (Nov 1 - March 31)
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri : up to 18:00
Wed, Sat : up to 14:00
Spring period (April 1 - May 31)
And Autumn period (Sept. 15 - Oct. 31)
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri : up to 19:00
Wed, Sat : up to 14:00
Summer period (June 1 - Sept. 14)
Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri : up to 19:30
Summer afternoon recess from 13:00 - 16:00
Wed, Sat : up to 14:00
OFFICE HOURS
September 15 - May 31
Monday - Friday : 08:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00
June 1 - September 14
Monday - Friday : 08:00 - 13:00, 16:00 - 19:00
Byzantine Churches and Monasteries
Many of churches on Cyprus can be reached by public transport. Others, however are accessible only by private car, or by private taxi, as they stand away from main roads and inhabited areas.
Because of the eminent importance of the icons and frescoes, most churches and monasteries are kept locked. Therefore, visitors wishing to see any of these churches should organise their visits either on their own or by organised tours with the assistance of the hotel representative.
Car Breakdown Emergency
Private companies offer 24 hrs breakdown services all over the island .There are emergency phones along the motorway. Any of the car breakdown services can be contacted through the operator. In case of car breakdown you also may contact your representative for further assistance.
Car Driving in Cyprus
Driving in Cyprus is most advisable, as regular transport service is not available to all remote areas where many places of interest are to found.
Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link the town and the various villages.
Four lane motorways connect the capital Nicosia with the coastal towns of Limassol and Larnaca.
Minor roads and forest roads are still largely unsurfaced but in good to fair condition. Appropriate care should be taken when using these roads, especially during wet weather.
Visitors wishing to bring their car to Cyprus can do so, for a period up to 3 months provided the car has a valid registration licence of its country of origin.
DRIVING LICENCE
Visitors in Cyprus can drive using valid international licence, or their National driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.Cyprus Driving Licence: CYP35 for a lifetime.
CAR INSURANCE
Cyprus has become a member of the Green Card System and has signed the Uniform Agreement with all countries of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, with effect from the 7th August 1997. The Agreement is also in force with all other members of the Green Card System, with the exception of Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Iraq (suspended).
PETROL
Motor fuel and unleaded petrol may be bought in unlimited quantities at Petrol stations. Brands available: B.P., Mobile, Esso, Lina, Petrolina and Agip. Petrol is sold by the litre and is charged as follows:
PARKING FACILITIES
1. Parking places (municipal and private) are found in town centers, charging approximately 50 cents for a half-day parking.
2. Parking meters in the center of towns may be used on payment of ONE 20-cents COIN per hour, on week days, during office hours. Parking meters do not operate on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Public Holidays.
"MINI" GUIDE TO DRIVERS
˘ Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right.
˘ International road traffic signs are in use, and placed along the roads and highways, on the left hand-side.
˘ Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometers and kilometer-per hour (km/h) respectively.
˘ The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h and lower speed limit is 65 km/h. On all other roads the general speed limit is 80 km/h, unless a lower one is indicated. In build-up areas generally the speed limit is 50 km/h, unless a different one is indicated.
˘ The use of front seat belts is compulsory.
˘ Children under the age of five MUST NOT, under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat.
˘ Children from five to ten years old may occupy the front passenger seat only if an appropriate child's seat belt has been fitted.
˘ Rush hours in the towns are approximately between 07:30 - 08:00/13:00 - 13:30 and in late afternoon 17:00 - 18:00 in winter, or 18:00 - 19:00 in summer.
˘ It is advisable to avoid, if possible, driving due West in the late afternoon, as the glare of the setting sun can be unpleasant and potentially dangerous.
˘ Because of the sometimes intense brightness of the clear Mediterranean sky, drivers are advised to wear sunglasses.
˘ DRIVING WITH ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION ABOVE THE PRESCRIBED LIMIT:
Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle or pedal cycle with alcohol concentration in breath or blood above the prescribed limit is an offence.
The prescribed limit in breath is 39 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The prescribed limit in blood is 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
 |
PEDESTRIANS
Pedestrians at uncontrolled zebra crossings have precedence over vehicles.
Since traffic in Cyprus moves on the left-hand side of the road, pedestrians:
a) should always walk on the pavements; if there are no pavements they should walk on the right-hand side of the road
b) should always look to the right-hand side before using the zebra crossing
c) should generally be careful when crossing streets.
Car Rentals - Hire Cars
Self-drive cars are also known as Z cars because their registration number, which is shown on red plates, starts with the letter "Z".
˘ Rates vary according to the number of days of rent, period of the year and extras.
˘ In case of damage, the customer is responsible for the first CYP300 for categories A, B and C and the first CYP500 for categories D, E, F and G.
˘ Unlimited kilometrage
˘ The car can be delivered and collected at the airports by prior arrangement
˘ The car is usually delivered to the customer with the full tank paid for by the customer. When the car is returned, the customer receives a refund according to the amount of petrol left in the tank, unless stated otherwise in the contract
˘ Drivers under 25 years of age holding a driving licence less than 3 years at the time of rental, must inform the car rental company so as an under-age insurance coverage is provided
˘ Customers should read all the information on the rental car agreement and demand fulfillment of all their rights when they rent a car.
Always seek for the hotel representative assistnace for renting a car and never trust the street offers for renting a car.
Climate, Temperature
Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from December to February which are separated by short autumn and spring season.
Summer is a season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas.
Winters are mild with some rain and snow on Troodos Mountains (usually starting before Christmas). In Cyprus there is abundant sunshine as indicated in the table below.
Even in December and January, there is an average of six hours of bright sunshine per day.
Clothing and Activities
General information and suggestions on what to wear and do according to season.
April - May: Days are pleasantly warm, but temperature may fall a bit at night.
- Medium-weight and summer apparel: light woollies or long sleeved cotton for the evenings.
- Excellent season for those who prefer to enjoy nature, as the countryside is green and flowers are in blossom.
June - July - August: Warmest months of summer.
- Very light weight summer clothing
- Ideal for swimming and all beach/water activities
September - October: Warm days, cool October evenings.
- Light weight apparel for the day and medium weight for the evenings
- Swimming and water - sports are still at their best
November: Pleasantly warm days.
- Medium weight apparel, light woollies
- Ideal weather for autumn travel; lunches in the open-air still a delight. Sunbathing and even swimming can still be enjoyed, as well as most outdoor sports.
December - January: Winter time for Cypriots…
Autumn for our foreign visitors! It may rain occasionally yet the promise of glorious sunshine is still there.
- Winter clothes - not heavy coats though!
- Outdoor activities and excursions can be enjoyed
February: The possibility of exceptionally warm days. Almond trees in bloom, occasional rain, and mild day time temperatures are the harbingers of spring. It can be quite cold however in the evenings.
- Winter apparel
- Conditions are ideal for snow skiing on Troodos mountains
March: Moderating weather with nature at its best.
- Winter apparel with medium weight wear
- Most outdoor activities can be enjoyed, and March is an excellent period for long country walks
 |
Conference Facilities
Cyprus is an ideal location for any business meeting from five to 1,200. In addition to the Cyprus International Conference Centre (CICC) in Nicosia, a number of other venues including more than 63 hotels offer conference facilities all over Cyprus.
The high standard of hotels and services in Cyprus as well as the excellent conference facilities, its unique geographical location and accessibility make Cyprus an ideal place to meet, talk and exchange ideas.
Options and proposals on organising a conference in Cyprus can be given by your travel agent through Delta Travel as we are specialising in this field.
Credit Cards
Valid credit cards on Cyprus: VISA, DINERS CLUB, CARTE BLANCHE, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS.
More than 10 000 shops, restaurants and hotels accept at least one of the above credit cards. Usually the card symbol is displayed in the shopwindow or at the reception.
Eurocheques and travellers cheques are also accepted by all banks, shops, restaurants etc.
LOST CREDIT CARDS
In case you loose your credit card you should contact your representative for assistance in reporting this case to the JCC Payment System Ltd. (tel. 22-868100). You should also contact your bank either on Cyprus or in your country.
 |
Cultural Life / Events
Cyprus is a country where the 20th century still rubs shoulders with history, where one may enjoy customs, festivals and religious fairs, whose origins stretch back into antiquity and at the same time enjoy performances of modern dance or theatres as all art forms continue to flourish on the island.
The visitor's participation in such events is warmly encouraged.
On Cyprus the following Public Holidays are celebrated:
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany Day
Variable:Green Monday (50 days before Greek Orthodox Easter), 2000 - 13 of March, 2001 - 26 of February, 2002 - 18 of March, 2003 - 10 of March.
March 25: Greek National Day
April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable:Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church). 2000-28 of April, 2001 - 13 of April, 2002 - 3 of May, 2003 - 25 of April
Variable:Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church).2000- 1 of May,2001-16 of April, 2002 - 6 of May, 2003 - 28 of April
May 1: Labor Day
Variable:Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festivalof the Flood). 2000 - 19 of June, 2001 - 4 of June, 2002 - 24 of June, 2003 - 16 of June
August 15: Assumption
October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Notes:
- All public services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays. In resort and coastal areas, however, shops and certain services remain open.
- Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday but not on Dec. 24.
FOR ALL OTHER CULTURAL EVENTS DELTA TRAVEL PROVIDES THE PARTNER TOUR OPERATORS MONTHLY .
Currency - Exchange Rates
The currency of the republic is the Cyprus pound - CYP, which is divided into 100 cents.
Notes and coins currently in circulation are as follows:
Bank notes: CYP20, CYP10, CYP5 and CYP1.
Coins: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents.
Central Bank of Cyprus quotes daily the rates for the main world currencies.
The exchange rate for the currencies in the hotels are usually less attractive than in the banks. So it is advisable to hold exchange operations via nearest banks or in order to save time via your representatives.
 |
IMPORT OF BANK NOTES:
Visitors may import any amount of Cypriot or foreign bank. They should declare to customs, on form D, their Cypriot and foreign bank notes for purpose of: deposit with banks in Cyprus, purchase of goods or immovable property, or re-export.
Customs Formalities and Facilities
All travellers with the exception of crews and transit passengers may import the following articles in the quantities specified without payment of import duty.
PASSENGERS' CONCESSIONS:
Tobacco products:-cigarettes 200 pcs, cigarillos 100 pcs ,cigars 50 pcs ,smoking tobacco 250 grammes ,spirits or liquors 1 litre ,fortified wines, champagne and aperitifs of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22* 2 litres , other wines 2 ltrs ,perfumes 1 bottle not exceeding 0,6 ltr,Toilet waters 0,25 ltr , goods of any other description to a total value of CYP100 (excluding jewellery).
Exemption for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages shall not be granted to travellers under the age of seventeen.
General Concessions are not afforded on goods imported for sale or other commercial purposes.
1. NOTIFICATIONS TO TRAVELLERS
˘ According to Cypriot Law, the importation, possession and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, is strictly prohibited.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources wishes to inform all travellers that, in order to protect the agriculture of the country from the danger of introduction of new pests and diseases, the importation of agricultural products or propagating stock, such as fruit, vegetables, cut-flowers, dry nuts, seeds, bulbs, bulb-wood sticks, cutting, etc., without the approval of the competent authorities, is prohibited.
Or in other case a relevant licence can be required from the Director of the Department of Agriculture upon the arrival to Cyprus.
˘ There is also a number of other articles of which the importation is prohibited or restricted for different reasons such as:
- Fire arms, ammunition and explosives
- Flick knives, daggers and swords
- Obscene books, photographs, films and goods
- Animals
2. Warning
Goods not declared or for which false declaration is made to customs, are liable to forfeiture and the penalties are severe.
Electric Current - Voltage
The electricity supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square - pin in most buildings.
More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point, by using an adaptor (i.e. radios, electric clocks etc.).
The use of adaptors for operating high current rating appliances is not recommended (i.e. electric heaters, toasters, irons etc.).
Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception.
Adaptors can be purchased from electricians, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc., at approximately CYP1,50.
GOLF
Two golf courses operate on the island.
˘ Tsada Golf Club
The club is situated near Tsada village 15 minutes drive, north of Pafos town. It is an 18 hole course, Par 72, all greens and the total length is 6050m.
˘ The Secret Valley Golf Club
It is located 18 km east of Pafos and 49 km from Limassol, near "Petra tou Romiou". It is an 18 hole course, plays to a Par 72 and measures 6158m.
PUBLIC CARDPHONES AND PAYPHONES
Telecards or coin operated public telephones are installed at various central locations in all towns and villages, as well as at the International Airports, Harbours, Marinas and other locations.
Coin operated telephones accept coins of 2, 5, 10 and 20 cent denominations.
All public cardphones and payphones may be used for national and international calls. Dialing instructions, international codes and charges are available in all public telephones.
The Authority offers reduced telephone rates for trunk and international calls during off peak hours:
Trunk calls (between districts) 20:00 - 07:00 every day
International calls 22:00 - 08:00 every day and all Sunday
MOBILE TELEPHONY (GSM 900)
Travellers may use GSM phones while in Cyprus provided that a Roaming Agreement has been signed between CYTA and a service provider from their country. Guests from all regions of Russia have roaming all over Cyprus.
