Travelling

flag Cyprus Cyprus: Travelling

In this page: Entry Requirements | Organising Your Trip | Visiting | Living Conditions | Eating | Paying | Speaking | Useful Resources

 

Entry Requirements

Passport and Visa Service
Travel informations for foreign visitors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Visa HQ
Information about Cypriot embassies abroad
For Further Information
 
Check IATA Travel Website for visa requirements and health advices.
 

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Organising Your Trip


Transportation From Airport to City Centre:


Airport

Distance

Taxi

Bus

Train

Car Rental
Larnaca Cyprus (LCA) 5 km / 3 miles EUR 8-15 / 5-15 min EUR 1.20 Not available Available
Ercan, N Cyprus (ECN) 8 km / 5 miles EUR 20-40 EUR 2 Not available Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Train reservation services
No railway in Cyprus

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Major airlines

Name Type Domestic Flights International Flights
Cyprus Airways National Domestic Yes
Air Malta National Yes
British Airways National Yes

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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Visiting

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical
Four large cities on the island offer interesting historical sites. Lefkosia (Nicosia), the capital of the island, has kept from the past the walls which were surrounding the city. In Pafos, a Unesco World heritage site is found and which is named the "Tombs of the Kings" (Hellenistic and early Roman style tombs). In Lemesos, a medieval castle is found among other historical sites. Larnaca hosts an important mosque which is a pilgrimage spot. Consult the Cyprus properties inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Cultural
All the island's main cities have an archeological museum to house the regional findings. We can cite the museum of Kykkos monastery in Kykkos, Troodos region which houses an important collection of Christian and other exhibits, the Agios Lazaros Byzantine museum in the city of Larnaca (located near the church of Agios Lazaros), the Cyprus museum of Natural history in Lefkosia which is the largest of its kind in Cyprus and many others. All information about these cultural sites can be found at: Visit Cyprus.
Nature
Cyprus is an interesting country for nature lovers. Cape Greko National forest park is a good illustration of a natural site which is worth seeing because of its sea cliffs and indigenous flora. 36 different orchid species are found in the park. The areas of Dasaki Tis Achnas serve as a stopover for migratory birds in autumn and spring.
Religious
Religious tourism is quite developed in Cyprus because of its numerous churches and cathedrals. The majority of the population belongs to the orthodox church and therefore religion is present in different forms on the island. The most impressive monastery of Cyprus is the Kykkos monastery found in the region of Troodos. It was founded in the 11th century. The Faneromeni church in the capital is also very impressive as it is built within the old city walls and dates back to 1872. Many other churches are found in the other cities of the island like Larnaca and Limassol.
Thermal
Thanks to its climate, thermal and medical tourism is developing in the country. Health spas and wellness centres exist and offer high range possibilities.
Beach
For a beach holiday, Cyprus is an ideal destination. Phinikoudes beach in Larnaca is one of the most famous of Cyprus. The beach has fine grey sand and the coast is surrounded with small palm trees. Other well known beaches include: Pernera A Beach (Ammochostos), Pachyammos beach (Pafos), Kapparis beach (Ammochostos). For more information, consult the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
Winter Sports
Because of the climate, winter sport in Cyprus is not as developed as in other countries.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities are enjoyed all year long in Cyprus. Hiking at Troodos mountains, bird watching, diving at different spots of the island, sailing, cycling are among the most popular activities. 
Shopping
Modern shopping exist along with more traditional shopping (handicrafts) in different regions of the island.
Tourism Organisations
Cyprus Tourism Organisation

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Living Conditions

Health and Safety

Health Precautions
No particular health recommendations when visiting Cyprus.
For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions
Ministry of Health of Cyprus
For Further Information on Safety Conditions
US Department of State notifications about Cyprus
 

Emergency Numbers

European Emergency number 112
 

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Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference
It is %T:%M %A In Nicosia (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer)
Summer Time Period
Summer time from March to October although the weather can be sunny and summer like before June.
 

Map of the Time Zone

Time zone

Type of Climate
Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and a cool, rainy season that extends from October to March. The annual temperature is 21°C (69°F). The annual rainfall averages less than 500 mm. The mountain areas are colder and there are more rainfalls than coastal regions. Mountainous areas can have snowfall for as long as ten weeks beginning in January.
Hotel reservation websites
Cyprus-weather
 

Average Annual Temperatures and Rainfall

Climate

 

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Eating

Food Specialties
Local dishes include kebabs (lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire) and dolmas (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice). Charcoal-grilled meat is generally very popular, as is fresh seafood. One of the best ways of enjoying Cypriot food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a large selection of a number of different local dishes. Fresh fruit is plentiful and cheap, and very sweet desserts such as baklava are widely available.
For more information, you can consult:
- Cyprus Restaurants;
- Cyprus Tourist Travel Guide.
Drinks
Cyprus produces excellent wines, spirits and beers. Well known drinks are Ouzo (an aromatic white spirit made of aniseed), Commandaria (the oldest wine in the world) Coffee is Greek-style (short, strong and unfiltered), though cappuccino is available in most restaurants and bars. Traditional English tea can be bought everywhere. Airani drink is also very popular in Summer as it is very refreshing (made of yoghourt and salt - to be drunk cold)
Dietary Restrictions
There are no taboos with the exception of a small part of the population who follows a strict Muslim rule on which the consumption of alcohol and pork is forbidden. 

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Paying

Domestic Currency
Euro
ISO Code
EUR
To Obtain Domestic Currency
The currency of the Republic is the Euro (EUR) since January 1st, 2008. It used to be the British pound. All banks operating in Cyprus offer currency exchange services. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at hotels.
Possible Means of Payment
Hotels, restaurants, large shops accept credit cards, travellers cheques, Eurocheques and banknotes.

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Speaking

Official Language
Greek and Turkish
Other Languages Spoken
English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism industry.
Business Language
English, French, German

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Useful Resources

To Find a Job
Cyprus recruitment website

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Latest Update: September 2024