Cheap flight bargains to Tenerife, Arrecife, Paphos, Mahon, Las Palmas, Malaga, Alicante, Faro, Heraklion, Palma, Dalaman, Bodrum and other popular destinations

Travel Guides

Visa, MasterCard/EuroCard, Switch, Solo, Maestro, Visa Debit/Delta, and Visa Electron Cards are all accepted.
All Major Credit/Debit Cards Accepted

Cyprus Travel Guide

pafos_aphroditesrock.jpg
There is a great deal packed into a small space on the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. Not only does it abound with good beaches and holiday resorts, but its relatively tiny landmass is riddled with the relics of ancient history, from the beehive huts of primitive man to classical Greek and Roman ruins, and everything imaginable in-between.A thousand years is but a blip in time in the long history of Cyprus, but it was that long ago that the city of Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia) became its capital. Today Nicosia is unique in Europe because it is divided by the 'green line' that bisects the whole island, dividing north from south. The line, which serves as a United Nations peacekeeping buffer, was drawn in 1974, when the Turks invaded and took over the north. Most of the tourism development since then has taken place in the southern Government-controlled sector, and the political divide, even in Nicosia itself, has not dampened the island's appeal as a holiday Mecca.The charms of Cyprus are many and varied. For a start the weather is sunny and dry for most of the year, and the encircling sea is blue, clear and enticing. There are modern luxury hotels in the coastal resort towns, historic restored city precincts to explore, tavernas and nightlife aplenty. Cyprus has remote picturesque mountain villages and monasteries, beautiful churches, Crusader castles and fascinating museums. The local people are extremely welcoming of tourists, happy to share with them their innate love of life and camaraderie. In Cyprus it is possible to mingle with crowds, or seek isolation off the beaten track as the mood takes, even in peak holiday season. For this reason the island is also a favoured destination for honeymooners, a reputation enhanced by the fact that legend has it that Cyprus was where Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea.


Cyprus Climate and Weather

Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine year round. Long dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a time 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.


Cyprus Currency

Money: The currency is the Cyprus pound (CYP), which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks; it is best to take them in Pounds Sterling. Banks are closed on weekends. There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24 hours a day.

Currency Exchange Rates

CYP 1 = US$ 2.46£ 1.19C$ 2.33A$ 2.66R 16.13EUR 1.71NZ$ 3.21

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.



Cyprus Health Overview

No vaccinations are required. Samples taken from poultry in north Cyprus on 29 January 2006 have tested positive for avian influenza, but the risk to travellers is believed to be low. Visitors should avoid all situations that would bring them into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. 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. Medical insurance is advised.

Cyprus Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of 90 days, provided the visit is for tourist purposes.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:British nationals must have a valid passport. For holders of passports endorsed British Citizen, British Subject, British National (overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen, a visa is not required for a stay of 90 days, provided the visit is for tourist purposes only. In all other cases a visa is required, and passports must be valid at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. However, it is advised to hold a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, provided entry is for tourist purposes only.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, provided entry is for tourist purposes only.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans must have a passport valid at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. However, it is advised to hold a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is required for tourist visits of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, provided entry is for tourist purposes only.
Passport/Visa Note:Travellers should hold an onward or return ticket as well as sufficient funds for period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Nationalities that require a visa are recommended that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. 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 change and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. The partial lifting of restrictions on crossing the 'green line' allows Cypriots to cross in both directions at designated crossing points. It is possible to travel to the north of Cyprus from the south by crossing at several checkpoints, including the Ledra Palace checkpoint. EU passport holders with a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus stamp in their passport will not experience difficulties when entering the Republic of Cyprus.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.



Cyprus Basics

Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. The UK-style three square-pin plugs are used.
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.
Health: No vaccinations are required. Samples taken from poultry in north Cyprus on 29 January 2006 have tested positive for avian influenza, but the risk to travellers is believed to be low. Visitors should avoid all situations that would bring them into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. 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. Medical insurance is advised.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is levied in hotels and restaurants so a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi drivers, porters etc, appreciate a small tip.
Safety: The terrorist threat is low, and crime against tourists is rare.
Customs: 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; avoid eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during the holy month. Women should dress modestly and conservatively.
Business: 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, although Turkish Cypriots (who are mostly Muslim) may not shake hands with women. 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.
Communications: 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). Area codes are not required. Mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators, but not the United States. There are public phones in all towns and villages and can be used for domestic and international calls. Phone cards can be purchased from shops, banks and post offices. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free: 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% alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with less than 22% alcohol volume, or 2 litres of wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; 500g coffee; 100g tea; medicines for personal consumption; and other goods to the value of EUR175. Prohibited items include fresh fruit, meat and dairy products.

Cyprus Airports

Larnaca International Airport

Location: The airport is three miles (5km) outside of Larnaca.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT+3 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +357 2430 4700 or 2481 6130.
Transfer to the city: Transport to hotels and resorts is provided by 24-hour taxis, or Intercity bus services are available.
Car rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty and a number of local companies are represented at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include banks, bureaux de change, a café, a post office, duty free shopping and a gift shop. Snacks and light refreshments are available 24 hours. There are disabled facilities available, including wheelchairs. Tour operators are available in Arrivals.
Parking: Short-term parking is available in front of the terminal building.
Departure tax: None.

Paphos International Airport

Location: The airport is situated nine miles (15km) east of Paphos.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +357 243 047 00 or 248 161 30.
Transfer to the city: Taxis offer transport to the city centre from outside the airport terminal and there is a regular bus service into town departing outside the terminal building.
Car rental: Avis and Europcar are represented at the airport along with several local companies.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a bureau de change, ATM and bank, bar, cafe and restaurant, medical centre, duty free shopping and a hotel reservation desk. Light refreshments are available. Disabled passengers are catered for.
Parking: Short-term parking is available near the terminal building.
Departure tax: None.