PRACTICAL INFO
Currency: Euro
- US $1= .74 Euro
- GBP £1= 1.19 Euro
- Exchange rate at time of writing.
Language(s): Greek and Turkish are both official languages
Population: 1.129 million
Don’t Forget to Pack:
- Swimsuit
- Cool clothing
- Camera and extra batteries
- Good walking shoes
MUST SEE & DO
- Beaches- it’s an island, enjoy it!
- Baths of Aphrodite
- Tombs of the Kings- a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Kolossi Castle
- Monastery of Apostolos and Andreas
- Troodos Mountain- the biggest range in Cyprus and home to Mount Olympus
- Ancient Kourion- Greco Roman ruins
- Enjoy the local food- similar to Greek cuisine with other influences as well.
WHEN TO GO
The subtropical climate provides Cyprus with mild winters and warm to hot summers. The average temperature is 24 °C/ 75 °F with cooler nights. The height of tourist season is around the month of August.
For budget minded travelers, it is best to avoid the summer months because prices tend to be higher. The off-peak season is during the winter and spring.
FOOD & DRINK
Because of the proximity and connections to Greece, there is a Greek influence to the cuisine in Cyprus. The most used spices include oregano, thyme, and parsley.
Try local meals such as Mezedes. A plethora of small dishes eaten in order of texture and taste. The idea is similar to enjoying a multi-course meal.
Seafood is also an important food staple. Visitors can enjoy calamari, cuttlefish, red mullet, and sea bass, just to name a few.
A traditional drink of Cyprus is Aryani. It is non-alcoholic and made from milk. The most popular acoholic beverages are Brandy and Zivania, a beer.
TRAVEL
Do not plan on trains while traveling in Cyprus because there is no train network.
Buses are available as reliable transit. It is one of the cheapest ways to get around, however the buses may appear outdated by decades.
Driving a car is one of the best methods of transportation around the island. Roads are good and traffic is easy going.
DRESS
Generally there is no dress code to follow while in Cyprus, but plan to wear modest clothing -covering legs and arms- when visiting monasteries or churches.
VISAS
A passport is valid for stays up to three months. Passports are not required by European Union countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway who may enter using a national identity card with a valid photo. Some non-EU countries require Visas.
It is advisable to check visa requirements because changes may occur.
