Cyprus Guide

Limassol… the largest seaside resort
Limassol is one of the most important tourism, trade and commercial centres of Cyprus. It is the island’s second largest city with a population of 135.000 and largest seaside resort spreading ten miles along the south coast.
Acting as a magnificent backdrop to the city are the Troodos Mountains, in whose fertile foothills most of the country’s grapes are grown making Limassol the centre of the island’s wine-making industry.
The town’s carefree holiday atmosphere, seafront promenade and bustling streets, is matched by the friendly and lively character of its people.  It offers the full gamut of shopping from impressive international boutiques to traditional handcraft centres.
The city is renowned for its long cultural tradition and hosts a wide spectrum of activities. For a more detailed guide on Limassol along with information that will help you buy cyprus property, please visit the Limassol Guide page.

Cypriot Hospitality
Cypriot hospitality is legendary. Affected from a mixture of nations, Cypriots are open and welcoming to all. More than just a friendly smile, Cypriots have a warm and loving nature that really impresses upon visitors every time they come to Cyprus, no matter what their race or creed. In shops, tavernas, cafes and bars the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Cyprus people will always make you feel at home and they will do their utmost to help you no matter what the situation. Buying your property in Cyprus brings with it the joy of living amongst some of the friendliest people on earth!

Low Crime Rate
The crime rate on the island is very low in comparison with other competitive Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Cyprus crime rate is only one tenth of the average rate of the other European countries (6% of United Kingdom).
Passing by residential areas, you will find that people rarely lock their cars, many times leave houses, windows or even doors open. The local population is friendly and honest offering a feeling of security to the visitors who return year after year.

Language
The official language is Greek. Most of the locals, however speak English, whilst other languages such as German, French and Russian are widely spoken within the island tourist trade and it is easy to find someone to communicate.  All street signs, directions and shop signs are written in English.

Lifestyle
Lifestyle in CyprusIn Cyprus you can really enjoy your life at a slower pace and a friendly environment that warms your heart.  Such a small island, yet with so many to offer; its sunny beaches and natural beauty is only the start. Cyprus offers a multitude of lifestyles for all ages.
If you are a passionate water lover all you have to do is step out of your house to the closest beach to enjoy swimming, sunbathing and a variety of water sports. If on the other hand you are the adventurous type try exploring on of the many nature trails around the island or go hiking on the Troodos mountains.
For the sports enthusiasts there is an abundance of options from footsals to tennis courts, fitness gyms and championship golf courses. During the winter months snow skiing facilities are available at the Troodos mountain resorts. For the more relaxing types and especially for women there is a choice of luxurious health spas and beauty centers either within the five star hotels and resorts or on private premises.
With the short distances on the island, you can do so many things just in one day. With so many choices, Cyprus has it all!

Nightlife
It is often said the hobby of Cypriots is food. The truth is that eating out is part of the entertainment in Cyprus. Restaurants offer a variety of tastes from international cuisine such as French, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Japanese, Russian, Mexican and others.
The favorite of all are of-course the local taverns offering greek meze dishes and local music.
Nightclubs with good live music and a variety of bars are some of the entertainment choices that can be found in all towns and tourist resorts.

Climate & Temperature

With 340 days of sunshine, there’s really not much more to say!  Cyprus is in the Mediterranean climate zone, and so benefits from short mild winters and long dry & warm summers. The island is famed for its sunshine and its long swimming season.If you’re looking for sunshine and all year round warmth, Cyprus is the place to be.
During the winter and spring months, occasional low pressure systems travel down the Mediterranean from the west. These bring welcome rainfall – and even snowfall to the higher peaks – welcoming adventurous skiers and encouraging the 1900+ flowering plants on the island to flourish.
In the Troodos Mountains, the temperature regularly falls below freezing near the mountaintops, and it is cold enough for snow to fall between December and March. Winter sports can be enjoyed on Mount Olympus – the highest peak in Cyprus – the best time for skiing being in February. In fact, Cyprus is one of only a few places in the world where you can go skiing in the morning, and then an hour later be lying on the beach topping up your sun tan!

• On average, the warmest month is July.
• On average, the coolest month is February.
• The maximum average precipitation occurs in December.

Useful Information
Important things you should know about Cyprus:

• The time zone is GMT +2
• The Electric current is 220-240 Volts
• The Cyprus currency is Cyprus Pounds (£) or CYP. Please note that this will change beginning of 2008 when Cyprus fully adapts the Euro currency.

International Relations
Cyprus has developed and maintains good relations with all countries, some of which have conflicting interests, and has on many occasions been the venue place of important events and a bridge of communication.
Cyprus joined the European Union as of 1st May 2004. The benefits to Cyprus as a whole from membership of the EU are quite substantial, with the whole population of the island benefiting from political, economic, social, environmental and other advantages. Also, it is worth noting that the EU is Cyprus main trading partner accounting for approximately 50% of total trade, the United Kingdom being Cyprus’ main export destination.
Cyprus is also a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the British Commonwealth and of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Standard of Living
With major infrastructure and residential development, modern facilities, a high standard of medical services and reputable schools, Cyprus offers its visitors and residents a European level standard of living.
The annual per capita income is about US 17,000. The overall cost of living averages about 1/3 to 2/3 of most parts of Europe, Japan or the USA.
A recent international poll showed Cyprus towns to have one of the lowest costs of living within a developed nation.

Medical Services
The medical services in Cyprus are of a very high standard. All hospitals, private clinics and medical centres are equipped with the latest facilities. The latest technology and operating techniques are standard, with heart bypass surgery and kidney transplantation now routine in hospitals.
Government general hospitals and private clinics / hospitals are mostly concentrated in urban areas, while health centers, subcentres, and dispensaries function in the rural areas, providing a network to meet the medical needs of the whole population.
In general, doctor fees are quite low compared to European standards Doctors and dentists, specialists and general practitioners, are available everywhere and their fees are quite low. Low cost international private medical insurance is available for non-Cypriot people living in Cyprus.

Education
The high standard of education is shown by the many schools and colleges existing all over Cyprus. In Limassol only there are more than ten private elementary and highshools – most of them English or Russian speaking.

Transport & Telecommunications
Excellent communications have contributed to a large extent to the fast development of the island. There is a wide network of air-routes connecting Cyprus with Europe, Africa and Asia. The island’s two international airports are situated near Larnaca and Paphos, some 50 and 150 kms, respectively, from Nicosia. They handle over 400 scheduled flights per week served by 39 international airlines as well as flights operated by 41 chartered airlines. The island is rapidly becoming a major international transit station for commercial air transportation with excellent connections within the entire region.
Limassol and Larnaca ports are the island’s main sea gateways handling two thirds of the total volume of seaborne cargo, including the entire traffic in transit. Both ports are increasingly being used as regional warehouse and distribution centers.
Inland communication is very easy with short distances between cities and most of the island covered by a good network of modern roads and a motorway network which is constantly extended and upgraded.  Driving is on the left. There is public transport service with regular connections between cities, with scheduled taxi services and comfortable coaches. Private taxis and rental cars are readily available.
Cyprus telecommunications are among the best in the world – an important factor in establishing the island as an offshore business centre. CYTA (Cyprus Telecommunication Authority) has a network, which enables participants to have direct dial access to over 200 countries.

Travelling Documents
Entry formalities are very simple. All citizens of EU member countries may enter Cyprus on presentation of their identification card only. No vaccination is required when entering the island.