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CLIMATE - Cyprus enjoys long, hot, dry summers from around May to September with mild warm weather (with some rain) from October to December. January and February tend to be the coldest months of the year where we see snowfall in the highest mountains – in fact Cyprus has a unique climate where in some cases, during those months, you can ski in Troodos and sunbathe in Limassol all on the same day! Pleasant spring weather can be experienced from March through to mid May.
BEACHES - Although the seas on the majority of beaches around the island are calm please be aware and adhere to the flag system on the beaches which are there for your safety:
Green: Excellent swimming conditions
Yellow: Swim with caution
Red: Very dangerous to swim. Do not swim!
Its no surprise that Cyprus hosts a number of cruises and water activities – from fishing, to water sports and mini cruises around the island.
WATER - We recommend that you buy bottled water for drinking, available at all supermarkets and hotel mini markets. Tap water has a high content of minerals and if you are not used to drinking the tap water it could cause stomach upsets. It’s safe when boiled for cooking and for making hot drinks.
ELECTRICITY - Voltage in Cyprus is 240V, just like in the UK therefore you don’t normally need to use adaptors.
MONEY - The local currency is the Euro. You can exchange your currency and travellers cheques at hotel receptions who do not charge a commission fee or at banks, post offices and exchange bureaux. Please remember you will need your passport whenever exchanging money or cash travellers cheques.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most places throughout the island. You can use your American Express and Diners Card in some places, however Switch Cards are not widely accepted on the island. You can withdraw local currency at cash machines as long as you have a PIN number.
Bank opening hours:
May to September - Monday to Friday: 08.15-13.30
October to May – Monday to Friday 08.15 – 13.30 and Monday 15.15 – 16.45
Banks are closed on Public Holidays and weekends.
ATM’s are widely available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE – there are English speaking doctors who can assist with medical insurance when necessary. Please remember to take your passport and insurance policy with you. Local pharmacies are open during shopping hours, however there are duty chemists available outside normal working hours.
SAFETY - crime rate in Cyprus is still the lowest in Europe. There are police stations in all resorts and towns in Cyrpus. It is essential for insurance purposes to report any losses to the police.
NIGHTLIFE – the resort of Ayia Napa is not the only place to enjoy an array of nightclubs! These can be found in every major city and to suit different tastes and age ranges – your representative will be able to advise you on what’s on in your area.
GOLF – Cyprus offers some of the best golf courses in Europe, the most famous being Aphrodite Hills, an 18 hole international standard golf course situated near the mythical beauty spot known as ‘Petra Tou Romiou’. See your rep for details, bookings and prices.
BOUZOUKI - in all areas you’ll find a taverna that also hosts live Bouzouki nights with a meal and live band. You can join in with the locals and enjoy a delicious meze banquet and dance the night away Cypriot style!
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 1st - New Year’s Day
January 6th - Epiphany
Variable - Green Monday (Lent – 50 days before Easter Sunday)
March 25th - Greek National Day
April 1st - Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable - Good Friday
Variable - Easter Monday
May 1st - Labour Day
Variable - Festival of Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
August 15th - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
October 1st - Cyprus Independence Day
October 28th - Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24th - Christmas Eve
December 25th - Christmas Day
December 26th - Boxing Day
All public services, offices, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays. In resort areas shops and certain services remain open. |