Welcome to Cyprus
Dear Participants
To make your stay in Cyprus a pleasant and enjoyable one, we would like to provide you with some additional information about the island.
Your SME-Conference Team
Map of Cyprus
History of Cyprus
The Capital: Lefkosia (Nikosia)
Lemesos (Limassol)
Excursions
Restaurants
Music and Night Clubs
Some Helpful Facts
Consulates
Map of Cyprus
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History of Cyprus
The history of Cyprus is one of the oldest recorded in the world. The first signs of civilisation go back to the 9th millennium BC. Around 1200 BC a process began that was to stamp the island with an identity that it still has today; the arrival of Mycenaean – Achaean Greeks as permanent settlers, who brought their language and culture. The Turkish Cypriots were descendants of the Ottoman Turk who occupied the island for more than 300 years between the 16th and 19th century, and have contributed their own heritage on the country.
From 1878 to 1960 Cyprus was a British colony and during this period many of the features of modern Cypriot society were shaped.
Between 1955 and 1959 EOKA, a Greek-Cypriot organisation, fought an armed struggle for union of the island with Greece. This conflict resulted also in civil strife between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities and led to the involvement of Greece and Turkey which came to the brink of war over the island. The UK shared together with Greece and Turkey the responsibility for the preservation of the constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the island. Moreover, Britain retained two sovereign military bases as colonial relics.
The unresolved conflict between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well as their “mother countries” culminated in a Greek coup d’état against the Greek Cypriot president Makarios and an ensuing Turkish invasion in 1974, which led to the current division of the island.
In a two-stage offensive Turkish troops took control of 36,2% of the island. Many Greek Cypriots fled south while many Turkish Cypriots were forced to flee north. Since then the southern part of the country has been under the control of the Government of Cyprus and the northern part under an "autonomous Turkish-Cypriot administration" supported by the presence of Turkish troops. In 1983 that "administration" proclaimed itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", recognized only by Turkey. UN peacekeeping forces maintain a buffer zone between the two sides. In 2003 there was a partial lifting of restriction of movement across the dividing line. Several crossing points have been opened on the line and there have been millions of crossings by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In 2004 the Council approved the Green Line Regulation which provides for the movement of goods, services and people across the line.
The Capital: Lefkosia (Nicosia)
The capital of Cyprus is Lefkosia (Nicosia) with a population of 219.200. It is the only divided capital in the world. Since the Turkish invasion in 1974 the northern part is under occupation. There is a UN controlled buffer zone running across the city and the island.
In Nicosia you will find a wide variety of sights and museums for planning your stay in Cyprus. We would suggest visiting the following places:
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Cyprus Archaeological Museum
This museum was established to collect study and display archaeological artefacts from all over the island. Some of the exhibits are as old as 8,500 years. The museum is arranged in chronological order. The first hall contains pottery and implements from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods whilst the other rooms trace the history of Cyprus through the ages from the Bronze Age, Hellenic Period, Mycenaean times, and Roman Period to the early Byzantine. A unique feature of the museum lies in the basement, where several graves rest in a dark cellar complete with skeletal remains and grave adornments that have been reconstructed.
Address: 1 Mouseiou Street, Old City; Telephone: +357 22 865 864, 865 888; Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 1pm; Admission: C£1.50
Byzantine Museum
The largest collection of icons on the island of Cyprus is displayed in the Byzantine Museum in Nicosia. The icons date from the ninth through to the 18th centuries. The museum also contains an art gallery exhibiting oil paintings, maps and lithographs.
Address: Plateia Archiepiskopou Kyprianou, Archbishopric; Telephone: +357 22 430 008; Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm; Saturday 9am to 1pm; closed Sundays; Admission: C£1
Ethnographic Museum (former Folk Art Museum)
The colourful collections in this museum represent Cypriot folk art of the 19th and early 20th centuries, and include wood carvings, jewellery, woven goods, tapestries, embroidery, pottery and national costumes. The museum is housed in the Old Bishopric in a 15th-century Gothic building that used to serve as a Benedictine Monastery and then became the palace of the Archbishop.
Address: Plateia Archiepiskopou Kyprianou, Archbishopric; Telephone: + 357 22 432 578; Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 1.30pm; Admission: C£1
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St John’s Cathedral (Agios Ioannis)
The Orthodox Cathedral in the Old City was built in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos, dedicated to Saint John the Theologian. The 18th-century wall paintings show Biblical scenes and illustrate the discovery of the tomb of Saint Barnabas at Salamis. The Cathedral’s prize features, however, are the iconostasis of carved wood covered with gold leaf, and the magnificent double-headed eagles.
Address: Archbishop Kyprianos square, Archbishopric; Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm; Saturday 8am to 12pm and during mass; Admission: Free
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Old City Walls
The walls that completely encompass the Old City date from the Venetian occupation in the 16th century, and have a circumference of three miles (five km). Eleven heart-shaped bastions are interspersed along the walls, which have only three gates, in the north, south and east. One of the gates, the Famagusta Gate, has been restored and serves as the Lefkosia Municipal Cultural Centre, used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and occasional performances. The gate’s vaulted passage leads on to the moat encircling the Old City, which has been planted to create a garden.
Lemesos (Limassol)
The second biggest town on the island is the main commercial port of Lemesos (Limassol) in the south of the island, also a popular tourist resort, which has a population 163.900.
Cyprus Medieval Museum
Limassol Castle, built in the 14th century, stands sentinel over the old harbour on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. Today it houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum with a host of fascinating exhibits. The castle is renowned for being the place where Crusader Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and crowned her Queen of England in 1191.
Address: Limassol Castle, Richard and Berengaria Street; Telephone: +357 25 305 419; Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 1pm; Admission: C£1
Folk Art Museum
A collection of traditional costumes, farm and household tools and a variety of local handicrafts are among the displays at Limassol’s Folk Art Museum, contained in a restored house. Authentic Cypriot handicrafts are also offered for sale.
Address: 253 Ayios Andreas Street; Telephone: +357 25 362 303; Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1.30pm, and 3pm to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (June to September 4pm to 6.30pm); Admission: C£0.50
Excursions
Pitsilia
A worthwhile day trip from Limassol is to explore the unspoilt villages in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, in the region known as Pitsilia. A rental car or a hired taxi is necessary because public transport is infrequent. Many of the villages make their own wines, and other products such as honey and cheeses. The picturesque houses, painted churches and red-tiled roofs are striking, and many restored houses have been turned into cafes or restaurants.
Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains in the interior of Cyprus north of Limassol offer a selection of four interesting signposted summer walks for nature lovers. The Artemis Trail is circular, extending four miles (7km) in the Black Pine region through the distinctive sub-alpine flora of the area. Orchids can be found under the pines, and one may spot the rare Epipactis condensata. The Atalanta Trail, six miles (9km) long, starts at Troodos and also offers rich plant life, spectacular scenery and birdwatching opportunities. The shorter and easier Caledonia Trail, covering two miles (4km), follows the Kryo Potamo stream about one mile (2km) from Platres, and winds through pine forest, and among plane trees. It also bypasses the Caledonian Falls, which are the only waterfalls on Cyprus. The Persephone Trail, named after the Greek goddess of spring, is about two miles (3km) long and offers lovely views.
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Restaurants in Lefkosia, Lemesos and surroundings
We would like to give you some suggestions for going out in Lefkosia, Lemesos and surroundings. Of course, there are much more places to go. If you look for additional recommendations either for restaurants or sightseeing and excursions, please contact the hotel reception desk or the
Cyprus Tourist Board in Lemesos:
Spyrou Araouzou 115A
CY 3036 Lemesos
Telephone: 00357 25 36 27 56
Opening Hours: every morning except Sunday & on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons
Aliada
An excellent restaurant that is a dining experience in itself. It's a set meal, but you'll have no problem finding something you like because of the huge buffet.
Address: 117, Irinis, 3041 Lemesos; Telephone: +357 25 340758, E-Mail: aliada@logosnet.cy.net; Homepage: www.aliada.com.cy ; Opening hours: Mon - Sat from 8 p.m.; Sun closed
Edo
Every night in Edo Lemesos tavern you may enjoy traditional Limassol “Cantadori” and special Cyprus meze besides the guitar music.
Address: 111, Irinis, 3341 Lemesos, Telephone: +357 25 367981, E-Mail: pantro@cytanet.com.cy
Homepage: www.cytop.net/edo-lemesos
Psarolimano Fish Restaurant
The restaurant is situated in front of the small harbour which hosts many fishing boats in the Mackenzie area of Larnaca. There you have a spectacular panoramic view of the harbour, something you can only find in the Greek islands. It is served fresh local fish, with a variety of special fish mezes at very reasonable prices.
Address: Pigia Pasha 118, 6028 Larnaca; Telephone: +357 24 655408
Cyprus House
Cyprus House is probably the one of the most authentic restaurants in North Cyprus providing delicious, home made local delicacies, in a very authentic setting, decorated as 1930s old Cypriot village house. A must for gourmets visiting the island. Booking recommended
Address: Opposite Famagusta County Courts, Famagusta; Telephone: +90 392 3664845
Music and Night Clubs
Plato's Bar
The most unique bars in the world. Plato's bar can offer you a cross section of the best beer, spirits and wine of the world. It has the richest bar on the island. Situated in the heart of old Nicosia town.
Address: Platonos St. No 8-10, Nicosia; Telephone: +357 22 666552
Folia tou Koukou
It could be possible to confound the bar for an antique trade. The innkeeper used to be a foreign legionnaire and captain. He is known for paying a round to his guests while telling stories about his life. Also street musicians are present playing some songs.
Address: 228 Agiou Andreou, Limassol
Sto Perama
A tavern with greek- cypriotic life music which lies between the castle and the Agía-Nápa church.
Address: Genethiou Mitella, Agía-Nápa; Telephone: +357 25373763, Opening hours: Thu, Wed, Sat, Sun from 11 p.m.
Some helpful facts
Demography
In 2004, the Cypriot population was estimated at 793,100. The population in the government controlled area was 705,500 and the estimate for Turkish Cypriots in the non government controlled area was 87.600. In addition, it is estimated that there were 140,000 Turkish citizens from Turkey living in the non government controlled area. In addition, there were more than 80,000 foreign residents.
Language
The official languages of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. Many Cypriots speak English fluently. German and French are spoken in tourist areas.
Weather
The average maximum temperature in September is 30 degrees centigrade and the average water temperature is 26 degrees centigrade.
Emergency
In case of emergency dial 112 or 199
Traffic and public transport
Please keep in mind that Cyprus has a left-hand traffic!
Public transport in Cyprus is limited. There are no trains and there is no train service. There are inter-urban public bus services connecting major towns, urban buses which run in most larger towns and tourist centres, rural buses which connect smaller villages to their nearest towns.
Bus time tables and schedules are available from tourist offices or directly from the bus company. Be aware that services stop early daily (about 18:00) and there is no bus service on Sundays. Bus fare is paid directly to the bus driver; make sure to bring change.
Shared and private taxi services provide an alternative method of transport with the options being: shared interurban service taxis, rural taxis and urban taxis.
Bus companies serve the following routes:
- Larnaca - Nicosia - Limassol - Larnaca Airport - Ayia Napa - Protaras
Intercity Buses (Green Buses)
Tel: 24 643 492 or 24 722 700 - Ayia Napa - Larnaca - Paralimni
Eman Buses
Tel: 23 721 321 - Nicosia - Limassol
Lefkosia Interurban Co Ltd
Tel: 22 665 814 - Larnaca - Nicosia
Larnaca - Limassol
K. Interurban Co Ltd
Tel: 24 643 492 or 24 722 700 or 24 665 814 - Paphos - Limassol - Polis
Nea Amoroza Transport Co Ltd.
Tel: 26 936 822 or 26 936 740 - Larnaca - Paralimni - Protaras
E.P.A. Co.
Tel: 23 821 318 or 23 825 607 or 99 484 818 - Paralimni - Protaras - Ayia Napa
Paralimni - Deryneia - Larnaca
Paralimni - Protaras - Larnaca
Leopa Bus Service
Post office
Opening hours of the post office:
Monday - Friday 7.30 – 13.30
Also: Thursday 15.00 – 18.00 and Saturday (central branches only) 08.30 – 10.30
Currency - Exchange Rates
The currency of the Republic is the Cyprus pound - CY£, which is divided into 100 cents.
Notes and coins currently in circulation are as follows:
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents
Notes: 1, 5, 10 and 20 pounds.
The exchange rate offered by banks is approximately: 1 Euro = CYP 0,56
Banking hours for the public
September
Monday-Friday 08:15 - 13:30 until the end of October
In tourist areas, some branches open Saturday morning to exchange foreign currency.
ATMs are available outside numerous bank branches in all areas.
LOST CREDIT CARDS
In case you lose your credit card, you can call JCC Payment Systems Ltd., on +357 22 86 81 00 and at the same time contact your bank either in Cyprus or your home country.
Shopping hours
Summer Period (April 1 - October 31)
Mon, Tue, Thu : up to 20:30 hrs
Wednesday : up to 14:00 hrs
Friday : up to 21:30 hrs
Saturday : up to 17:00 hrs
Electric Current - Voltage
The supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square-pin in most buildings.
Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the Reception.
Adaptors can be purchased from electricians, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc., at approximately C£1,50.
Time difference
The time in Cyprus in September and most of October is GMT +3 hours.
Car rental
All major car rental companies are represented in Cyprus. Below you find a selection with contact details:
Europcar Cyprus
38-40 Omonias Avenue
3507 Limassol
Phone: (00357) 25880222
Fax: (00357) 25877866
E-mail: europcar@europcar.com.cy
Herz Cyprus Head Office
4, Salaminos Street
1045 Nicosia
Phone: (00357) 2234 6010
Fax: (00357) 2234 7040
E-mail: info@hertz.com.cy
Sixt
Larnaca
Larnaca Airport
Phone 1 (+357) 24 816161
Phone 2 (+357) 24 643584
Limassol
Georgiou 1st Ave. Belmar Co.5c
Phone 1 (+357) 25 312345
Phone 2 (+357) 25 312898
Nicosia
Limassol Avenue 46D
Phone 1 (+357) 22 333841
Phone 2 (+357) 22 333974
Consulates
Austria
Mr Christakis Christofides, Hon. Consul - General
3, Praxippou, Laiki Geitonia, 1011 Lefkosia
P.O.Box 23961, CY 1687 Lefkosia
Tel :+ 357 22 66 09 94 (Con), 22 36 91 02 (Off.)
Fax:+ 357 22 66 56 90 (Con), 22 36 91 01 (Off.)
Mr. Costas Ch. Constantinides, Hon. Consul
95, Kennedy Avenue,1077 Lefkosia
P.O.Box 22333, CY 1080
Tel :+ 357 22 66 55 55
Fax:+ 357 22 66 49 66
Belgium
Mr Andreas P. Lanitis, Hon. Consul-General
Archiepiskopou Kyprianou 21, 3036 Lemesos, P.O.Box 50186, 3601 Lemesos
Tel : +357 25 34 18 61
Fax: +357 25 34 08 49
Czech Republic
Mrs Melita Rolandi-Strati, Hon. Consul
P.O.Box 21414, 1508 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 59 19 00
Fax: +357 22 59 17 00
Denmark
Mr Efthyvoulos G. Paraskevaides, Consul-General
Dositheou 7, 1071 Lefkosia,
P.O.Box 21178, 1505 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 37 60 93, 22 86 86 48
Fax: +357 22 37 62 45
Estonia
Mr Michael H. Zampelas, Hon. Consul - General
Themistoklis Dervis 3, Julia House, 1066 Lefkosia
P.O.Box 21612, 1591 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 55 50 00
Fax: +357 22 55 50 03
Finland
Mr Demosthenis Z. Severis, Hon. Consul General
Leoforos Arch. Makariou 1-7, Mitsi House, Flats 705-707, 1065 Lefkosia
P.O.Box 21613, 1511 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 75 22 77
Fax: +357 22 75 48 97
France
Mrs Josita Bayada – Murat, Hon. Consul (For Larnaka)
Halkidos 11, E.O.L House, Flat 8, 6031 Larnaca, P.O Box 42763, 6503
Larnaka
Tel : +357 24 65 69 59
Fax: +357 24 65 68 62
Mr Christakis Papavasiliou, Hon. Consul (For Lemesos)
Leoforos Franklin Rousvelt 77,3011 Lemesos
P.O Box 50230, 3602 Lemesos
Tel : +357 25 56 38 90
Fax: +357 25 56 89 90
Mr Georgios Mitsis, Hon. Consul (for Pafos)
Leoforos Demokratias 31, St. Neofytos, 8577 Tala Pafos
Tel : +357 26 65 24 90
Fax: +357 26 95 03 27
Germany
Mr Costas Lanitis, Hon. Consul
(for Lemesos, Pafos)
Archiespiskopou Kyprianou 21,3036 Lemesos
P.O Box 50336, 3603 Lemesos
Tel: +357 25 82 09 20
Fax:+357 25 34 13 61
Hungary
Mr Costakis Loizou, Hon. Consul General
20 Amphipoleos Str, 2025 Strovolos, Lefkosia
P.O.Box 21301, CY 1506 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 58 81 28
Fax: +357 22 44 29 30
Ireland
Mr Stephanos A. Stephanou, Hon. Consul
Megalou Alexandrou 1, Engomi, 2411 Lefkosia, P.O.Box 20523, 1660 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 59 28 17
Fax: +357 22 59 05 64
Italy
Mr Benito A. Mantovani, Hon. Consul (for Lemesos and Pafos)
Arch. Kyprianou & Agiou Andreou, Loukaides Bld. 5th floor
P.O Box 50001, 3600 Lemesos
Tel : +357 25 36 20 45,
Fax: +357 25 37 78 43
Mr Victor Mantovani, Hon. Consul (for Larnaka)
Stasinou 9, P.O Box 40318, 6308 Larnaka
Tel : +357 24 84 33 99
Fax: +357 24 66 42 96
Latvia
Mr Adonis Papadopoulos, Hon. Consul - General
Thalia 3, P.O.Box 53253, CY 3301 Lemesos
Tel : +357 25 84 03 00
Fax: +357 25 56 92 85
Lithuania
Mr Jacovos Jacovides, Hon. Consul - General
Leoforos Griva Digeni 81–83, 1080 Lefkosia, P.O.Box 25674, 1311 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 66 21 23
Fax: +357 22 66 25 52
Luxembourg
Mr Christos M. Triantafyllides, Hon. Consul
27, Evagoras Avenue, Irini Court, 3rd Floor, Off. 31 & 33, Lefkosia
P.O. Box 22411, 1521 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 45 62 22
Fax: +357 22 66 32 22
Malta
Mr John M. Louisides, Hon. Consul General
Promitheos 12, P.O Box 27213,1643 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 67 53 31
Fax: +357 22 67 94 47
Mr. Michael J. Louisides, Hon. Consul
101A, Spyrou Araouzou Str.,Lemesos, P.O. Box 50145, 3601 Lemesos
Tel: +357 25 36 26 42, 25 72 60 09 (Res), 99 63 83 35 (Mob)
Fax: + 357 25 35 98 52
Office Hours: 09:00-12:00, 15:00-17:
The Netherlands
Mr Platon E. Lanitis, Hon. Consul
Arch. Kyprianou 21, 3036 Lemesos
P.O.Box 50336, 3603 Lemesos
Tel : +357 25 80 09 20
Fax: +357 25 34 13 61
Poland
Mr Loukis Papaphilippou, Hon. Consul
Agias Fylaxeos 42, 3025 Lemesos
or C. Pantelidi 1, 1010 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 67 57 18, 22 67 41 41
Fax: +357 22 67 33 88
Portugal
Mr Iacovos Demetriou, Hon. Consul
P.O.Box 40143, 6301 Larnaka
Tel : +357 24 53 33 33
Fax: +357 24 53 11 35
Slovak Republic
Mr Vassos Hadjitheodossiou, Hon. Consul General
G. Katsounotos 1, P.O.Box 50531, 3607 Lemesos
Tel : +357 25 86 02 00
Fax: +357 25 36 17 38
Slovenia
Mr Evros Alexandrou, Hon. Consul
Anexartisias 61, P.O Box 50282, 3040 Lemesos
Tel : +357 25 36 70 06
Fax: +357 25 37 79 13
Spain
Mr Spyros A. Araouzos, Hon. Consul-General
P.O.Box 21055, 1501 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 43 31 51
Fax: +357 22 43 08 80
Sweden
Mrs Marian Vryonides, Hon. Consul
Zenas Kanther & Theodorou,
Zenas Kanther Bldg., 2nd floor, P.O.Box 25784, 1310 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 67 24 83
Fax: +357 22 67 17 83
United Kingdom
Alexandrou Palli Street, Hon. Consul
P.O.Box 21978, 1587 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel.: + 357 22 861100
Fax: + 357 22 861315 (Chancery)
E-mail: infobhc@cylink.com.cy
