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Friday 2nd October 2009

Please Note that October 1st - Cyprus Independence Day is a Cyprus Public Holiday. All public services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on public holidays though many shops and certain services remain open in resorts and coastal areas.

Wedding Location - Cyprus

The Wedding will take place in Limassol on the beautiful island of Cyprus, situated in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The venue is The Holiday Inn Hotel, situated on the seafront of Limassol and is within walking distance of the Tourist Area.

A special deal has been arranged with the Hotel, as follows:

- For sea view rooms, the price per night (and not per person) is, for a double room: 138.00 €, and 110.00 for a single room.
- Other rooms are: 118.00 for double, and 90.00 for single.

Links : The Holiday Inn Hotel Limassol

The Holiday Inn Hotel (Site in French): http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/350/fr/hpt/LMSCY/1/pt?ptLink=hd

The Holiday Inn Hotel (Site in English): http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/925/en/hotel/lmscy?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/hi/925/en/hotelsearchresults

About Cyprus

Greek and Turkish are the official languages of the Republic, but English is widely spoken.

Cyprus is part of the EU and adopted the Euro as it's currency as of January 1st 2008. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted by hotels, shops, bars and restaurants and the pin method of payment (rather than a signature) is becoming more frequent. In addition, cash dispensing machines are conveniently situated in and around the major towns.

The Republic of Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and lies at the hub of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa, 33° east and 35° north of the Equator, 75km south of Turkey, 105km west of Syria, 380km north of Egypt and 380km east of Rhodes (Greece). With an area of 9.521 square kilometers, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia. The island's population is estimated at 780.133.

There are two International airports on the island: Larnaca and Paphos, both popular holiday resorts and within an hour's drive of Limassol. By air, Cyprus is one hour from Athens, Egypt and Israel and four hours from London and most European cities.The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, which is situated roughly in the center of the island and is the seat of government as well as the financial business center.  All other major cities are situated on the coast, with Limassol second in size and being the main commercial port and industrial center as well as a tourist resort. 

Links : About Cyprus

http://www.visitcyprus.com

http://www.marycy.org/cyprus.html

http://www.thecyprusguide.net/

Cyprus Weather

Cyprus has a most pleasant Mediterranean climate with approximately 300 sunny days a year. Summer lasts from June to September, with August being the hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius.

During Winter, the weather is mild, but changeable with January being the coldest month with a mean minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. 
There is snow on the mountains from December to April, whilst the bulk of the rainfall is during the period November to March.

Links : Weather

http://www.cyprusmeteo.com/

http://www.visitcyprus.com/wps/portal

Cyprus History

The history of Cyprus is a long and complicated affair, but well worth reading up on. At one point in time, Richard the Lionheart sold Cyprus to The Templars for 100,000 dinars. He married Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol, where she was crowned queen of England. The Templars then re-sold the island to King Richard who later transferred it at the same price to to Guy de Lusignan.

Cyprus is steeped in Mythology and Legends which also makes for interesting reading. Cyprus is well known for being the birthplace of Aphtodite, the rock where she emerged from the sea is Petra tou Romiou and can be visited, it's roughly half-way between Limassol and Paphos towns. Just past the town's fishing harbor of Latchi, and 48 km (30 mi) north of Paphos, are the "Baths of Aphrodite", a natural pool where the goddess of love is said to have seduced her swains.

Links : History

http://www.thecyprusguide.net/explore_cyprus/history_culture.php

http://www.windowoncyprus.com/newpage110.htm

http://www.windowoncyprus.com/myths_and_legends_of_cyprus.htm

Cyprus Attractions and Activities

There are many places worth a visit in Cyprus, given it's colourful history and newer modern attractions. The museums and exhibitions around Cyprus also contain many, many ancient treasures, Paphos is particularly interesting for historical artefacts of and around the roman era. The Tombs of the Kings and the Mosiacs in Paphos, Curium Theatre with it's stunning views, Mosiacs at Curium and Kolossi Castle in Limassol are definately worth a visit.

The natural features of Cyprus create a vast range of sports and activities to choose from. The Cyprus mountains are favourite hiking and mountain biking destinations. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation publishes excellent free maps and guides in English, German and other languages. Being an island Cyprus also offers all sorts of water sports: diving, sailing, fishing, wind surfing and canoeing. Other popular sports in Cyprus are golf, horse riding, tennis and during the winter months skiing.

Cyprus offers activities all year round: diving, golf, sailing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, horse riding. For those who seek relaxation and pampering there are plenty of spa and health centres around Cyprus. Also local tour operators and most hotels can help you book a mountain bike tour, horse back riding, a dive course, a sailing boat or other activities during your stay on Cyprus.

Links : Attractions

http://www.thecyprusguide.net/major_attractions/attractions.php

http://www.planetware.com/top-tourist-attractions/cyprus-cy.htm

http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/cyprus-cy.htm

http://www.cyprus-beach.net/

Cyprus Accommodation

Cypriot hospitality is legendary, and you’ll be given the warmest of welcomes in Cyprus. From the basket of fresh fruit and bottle of wine you may receive on arrival, to the attentiveness of staff and friendly service, everything is geared to make you feel at home. You will find reasonable rates and every type of accommodation to suit a wide variety of preferences and pockets in Cyprus, offering you great value for money.

Whether you prefer to lounge around in the lap of luxury at a five-star hotel right on the beach with every amenity, including health centre and spa, or if you choose a hotel apartment or villa with pool for independent flexibility, or even a quiet hideaway in the hills in a simple family-run establishment for a back-to-nature experience, you will find what you want on the island. Whether mountains or beach, city or countryside, the island can accommodate you.

Links : Accommodation

http://www.cyprushotels.com/

http://www.cyprushotelsguide.net/list-of-hotels.shtml

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/350/fr/hpt/LMSCY/1/pt?ptLink=hd

http://www.cyprushotelsguide.net/parkbeach.shtml

http://www.cyprus-hotels.com/

Cyprus Travel and Transport

Air Travel:

The National Airline of Cyprus is Cyprus Airways and there are apparently two direct flights per day into Cyprus from France. There are of course other airlines, with non-direct flights that will also fly into the two international airports on the island, Larnaca and Paphos.

Cyprus Roads:

Driving in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus can be enjoyable and in some cases essential as regular transport services to remote areas of interest are not always available. The minimum driving age is 18. To rent a car, drivers must be in possession of a driving licence for at least three years or be aged over 25. Visitors may drive using a valid international driving licence or their national driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.
Fairly good surfaced roads complying within ternational traffic requirements link cities and villages. Four-lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia with the coastal cities of Lemesos, Larnaka and Pafos. Minor roads and forest roads are for the most par tun surfaced, but in good condition. Drivers should note that driving is on the left-hand side of the road as in UK, not on the right. All the international road traffic signs are in use and placed on the left-hand side of roads and highways. Distances and speed limits are posted in kilometres and kilometre/per hour (km/h) respectively. The maximum speed limit on motorways is 100 km/h and the minimum is 65 km/h. The use of seatbelts is compulsory both in the front and back, while the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited while driving.  It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle or a pedal bicycle when under the influence of alcohol.
The legal limit in breath is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in blood is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Rush hours in the cities are approximately between 07:30 - 08:00 and 13:00 - 13:30 and in late afternoon 17:00 - 18:00 in winter or 18:00 - 19:00 in summer.

Buses

There are three types of buses in Cyprus that can help you move around:
- Transurban buses that link all towns on a daily basis and with frequent routes
- Rural buses that link almost all villages with the nearest city but with limited frequency once or twice daily except Sundays.
- Urban buses that link different areas within the cities and operate frequently during daytime. In certain tourist areas, during summer period, their routes are extended till late in the evening.

Taxis

There are three types of taxi services available, covering the entire island:
- Transurban service which offers the opportunity to share a taxi with 4 - 7 other passengers. It provides connection between all major cities of Cyprus, every half an hour, from Monday to Friday starting at 06:00 in the morning until 18:00 in the evening. On Saturdays and Sundays the service finishes an hour earlier at 17:00. Seats can be booked by phone or online from the providing companies.
- Rural service operates in village areas and can only be hired from and to their base station. These taxis are not equipped with taximeters and charging is based on kilometre/tariff rate.
An indication of the charges is listed below:
Tariff I: Single trip 0,53 Euro per kilometre.
Tariff II: Single trip from 23:00 – 06:00 0,59 Euro per kilometre.
Tariff III: Return trip 0,41 Euro per kilometre.
Tariff IV: Return trip from 23:00 – 06:00 0,53 Euro per kilometre.
For every luggage weighing more than 12 kg 0,53 Euro per piece.
Delay or waiting time charge:
For tariff I and III 12,08 Euro per hour.
For tariff II and IV 15,74 Euro per hour.
Minimum Charge: 3,04 Euro.
- Urban service is a 24hours service provided in all cities. Taxis can be booked or hired on the street. Urban taxis are obligatory provided with taximetres and charging commences upon the entering of a passenger in the taxi. An indication of the charges is listed below:
From 06:01 - 20:30:
Initial charge 3,07 Euro
Fare per km 0,59 Euro
Delay or waiting time per hour 13,68 Euro
For every luggage weighing more than 12kg 0,99 Euro
Public Holidays surcharge 1,96 Euro
From 20:31 - 06:00:
Initial charge 4,01 Euro
Fare per kilometre 0,71 Euro
Delay or waiting time per hour 15,73 Euro
For every luggage weighing more than 12kg 0,99 Euro
During the following public Holidays, taxis charge an extra supplement of 1,96 Euro per ride: 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December, 1st January, Good Friday, Good Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and 1st May.
The transport of pets is allowed only when they are carried in small pet-carrying boxes and the charge in such cases is 0,54 Euro per pet.

Cruises:

Whilst in Cyprus, you may wish to take advantage of the island's proximity to surrounding countries and take a short cruise (between 2 and 5 days) to explore and see the splendours of ancient Egypt, the desert city of Petra in Jordan, the Bible lands and, of course, the Greek islands.

Travel is on board large and comfortable cruise ships offering full board accommodation at very reasonable prices including entertainment. This way you won’t have to book hotels in the various ports of call. Trips last typically from two-to-five days leaving in the afternoon to early evening with travel taking place at night while you sleep. Bookings can be made while on holiday in Cyprus or through tour operators abroad, who feature the cruises in their holiday brochures.

There are also many short boat trips from and to various destinations around the island sailing from almost all marinas and fishing shelters. These trips can be for pleasure and sight-seeing, or activity trips for fishing or diving and can be booked directly from the marinas.

Links : Travel and Transport

By Air:

http://www.cyprusairways.com/main/default.aspx

http://www.topkinisis.com/

Major Car rentals:

Petsas - www.petsas.com.cy

Alamo - www.astracarrentals.com

Drive Cyprus - www.drivecyprus.com

EasyCar - www.easycar.com

Europcar - www.europcar-cyprus.com

Cyprus Airways - http://www.cyprusairways.com/main/default.aspx?tabid=141

Cyprus Villas Cyprus Cars - http://www.cyprusvillascypruscars.com/

Cruises:

Louis Cruises - http://www.louiscruises.com/destinations_map.html?FROM=CYPRUS

Other Practical Information for Cyprus

Public Holidays

October 1st - Cyprus Independence Day - All public services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on public holidays though many shops and certain services remain open in resorts and coastal areas. Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday but not on Christmas Eve.

Drinking Age Limit

The legal drinking age in Cyprus is 17. Drivers should exercise due care over the amount of alcohol consumed. The legal limit in breath is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in blood is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Tap Water

Water is safe to drink in Cyprus. Water pollution is negligible and every home has fresh running drinking water.Tap water in hotels, restaurants, public premises, etc., is also safe to drink.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Cyprus is 230 volts, a.c. 50 Hz. 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.

Safety in Cyprus

Cyprus has an excellent reputation for being a safe and friendly place.  You can help us keep it that way. A few basic precautions can be enough to protect your belongings.

Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Cyprus

Detailed information concerning foreign Embassies and High Commissions in Cyprus can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Pharmacies and Medications

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.

Emergency Numbers

In case of emergency call 112 wherever you are on the island.

Health Care System

Medical treatment and assistance in Cyprus is offered free of charge to international tourists in cases of emergency at the Accident and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals and Health Institutions. EU citizens must produce an E111 form issued by their country's health care authorities. Holiday makers can also use their health insurance towards their medical expenses, provided the policy covers the length of their stay on the island. More detailed information can be obtained from the Cyprus Ministry of Health

Vaccinations

Cyprus has no dangerous infectious diseases. Visitors do not require any vaccinations to travel to Cyprus.

Local Time

Cyprus Time is GMT +2.

Working Hours

Public service working hours during the period September 1st – June 30th are 07:30 – 14:30 from Monday to Friday and on Thursday from 15:00 – 18:00. During the period July 1st – August 31st working hours are 07:30 – 14:30 from Monday to Friday. Private sector working hours are 08:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday for the period September 15th - May 31st and 08:00 - 13:00, 16:00 - 19:00 Monday to Friday, for the period June 1st - September 14th .
Shop opening times vary depending on their type and location, though shops normally open between 07:00 and 09:00. During the period November 1st - March 31st shops close at 19:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, at 15:00 on Wednesday, and at 19:00 on Saturday. For the period April 1st – October 31st shops close at to 20:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, at 15:00 on Wednesday and, at 19:30 on Saturday. During the period June 15th – August 31st there is an optional three hour afternoon break from14:00 - 17:00.
Special shopping hours apply for Christmas and Easter. From December 1st to December 31st , shops may remain open until 20:00 throughout the week, but must close by 18:00 on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Shops can also remain open until 20:00 10 days before Easter Sunday, but must close by 18:00 on Good Friday.

Eating Hours

Breakfast is usually served between 07:00 and 10:00 in the morning. Lunch is served in restaurants between 12:00 and 15:00. Dinner is served from 19:00 till late in the evening.

Links : Directories

www.cyprus-yellowpages.com

Cyprus Food and Drink

Traditional Greek Cuisine

We are sure you all know of Moussaka, but Cypriot food is based on Greek cuisine and to help you take the plunge to try some of these tasty dishes, this is what they are:

Stifado: Beef in a tangy onion, wine and vinegar gravy. Delicious!

Kleftiko: Tender pieces of lamb stewed in a traditional clay pot with herbs.

Dolmades/Koupeia: Vine leaves stuffed with mince, rice and herbs.

Afelia: Pork casserole with wine and coriander.

Souvlaki: Kebabs

Souvla: BBQ lamb

Meze: A complete meal (and you won’t finish it!) comprised of lots of different dishes brought to your table a few at a time. A typical meze will consist of at least 15 different dishes. The meal tends to start with vegetarian dishes, dips and salads and progresses towards meat dishes, finishing with fresh fruits. An ideal way to idle away a few hours and try some of the local village wines.

Cyprus Beverages:

Zivania - Zivania (also Zivana) is a traditional Greek-Cypriot distillate produced in the island of Cyprus from pomace, the residue of grapes that were pressed during the winemaking process mixed with high-quality dry wines produced from the local grape varieties of Cyprus. The pomace/wine mixture is then distilled in special traditional distillation apparatus, producing zivania. Zivania is characterized by its typical taste and aroma. It is colorless and it has a pleasant alcoholic with light aroma of raisins. The typical alcohol content is 45% by volume. It contains no sugars and has no acidity.

Cyprus Brandy - However, a good wine makes also a good Brandy. The Cyprus Brandy is popular because of its mild taste. Pure or in long drinks, not only experts will enjoy it. It also makes the famous "Brandy Sour" to the specialty that it is.

Beer - The mild Mediterranean climate of Cyprus produces rich wheat and allows it to brew light beer (of high quality). There are three breweries in the Republic of Cyprus established: KEO, the Cypriot brewery, the world known Carlsberg brewery and Leon the first Cyprus beer.

Cyprus Wine - Cyprus wine has been produced for thousands of years and since the time of the Crusades it has also been exported to Europe. 'Commandaria' has enjoyed a reputation as a fine dessert wine since the 12th century. Today wine is one of the most important exports of Cyprus. 

Links : Wineries and the Commandaria Region

www.cyprusvines.com

www.cyprusvillagelink.com

www.commandariawine.com

www.http://cottonscape.users.btopenworld.com/pachna.htm

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