
Visiting Cyprus (22)
Contact Us
If you need to contact us for any reason please use the form below or by any method listed below. We are always happy to hear from you.
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www.findingcyprus.com |
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+357 963 92 523 |
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Bank Holidays and Important Dates
2016 | 2017 | 2018* | |
New Year's Day | Friday 1st January | Sunday 1st January | Monday 1st January |
Epiphany | Wednesday 6th January | Friday 6th January | Saturday 6th January |
Green Monday (Monday of Lent) |
Monday 14th March | Monday 27th February | Monday 19th February |
Greek Independence Day | Friday 25th March | Saturday 25th March | Sunday 25th March |
Daylight Saving Time Starts (+1h) | Sunday 25th March | Sunday 26th March | Sunday 25th March |
Greek Cypriot National Day | Friday 1st April | Saturday 1st April | Sunday 1st April |
Good Friday | Friday 29th April | Friday 14th April | Friday 6th April |
Easter Monday | Monday 2nd May | Monday 17th April | Monday 9th April |
Easter Tuesday | Tuesday 3rd April | Tuesday 18th April | Tuesday 10th April |
Labour Day | Sunday 1st May | Monday 1st May | Tuesday 1st May |
Whit Monday Pentecost/Kataklysmos |
Monday 20th June | Monday 5th June | Monday 28th May |
Assumption Day | Monday 15th August | Tuesday 15th August | Wednesday 15th August |
Cyprus' Independence Day | Saturday 1st October | Sunday 1st October | Monday 1st October |
Greek National Day (Ochi Day) |
Friday 28th October | Saturday 28th October | Sunday 28th October |
Daylight Saving Time Ends (-1h) | Sunday 30th October | Sunday 29th October | Sunday 28th October |
Christmas Day | Sunday 25th December | Monday 25th December | Tuesday 25th December |
Boxing Day | Monday 26th December | Tuesday 26th December | Wednesday 26th December |
All Orange dates are Offical Central Bank of Cyprus Bank Holidays along with Every Sunday and Every Saturday for Bank Transactions, White Dates are just important dates. | |||
* Dates for 2018 are provisonal. We take the definative list from the Cyprus Central bank. Once this is published for these years we will update this list. |
Yellow Slip / Temporary Residence Permit (TRE)
You will see the term ‘yellow slip’ when researching what you have to do to move to Cyprus. The yellow slip is the Cypriot residency and work permit printed on yellow paper. Once obtained, you’ll have the same living and working rights as a Cypriot.
If you are moving to Cyprus, you must apply for your yellow slip within four months of arriving and it is advised to start the process as soon as you arrive.
EU/EEA Citizens
The steps for acquiring your yellow slip is as follows:
- Book an appointment at the local immigration office to apply for a work permit.
- Attend your appointment, brining with you all the documentation as instructed when you booked your appointment. This is why it’s important to make lots of copies of all your official documents before you leave the UK.
- If everything is in order you will either receive your yellow slip straight away or be able to pick it up at an arranged date in the near future.
Immigration Offices
Larnaca Police Station, Piale Pasia, Larnaca (Telephone No. 24-804 242);
Limassol Police Station, Kyrillou Loukareos, Kakos Center, Limassol (Telephone No. 25-805 200);
Nicosia Police Station, Parodos Leoforou, RIC, Nicosia (Telephone No. 22-802 348);
Paphos Police Station,Ypolohagou N.Papageorgiou, Polykatikia, PA.SY.DI First Floor, 8011 Paphos (Telephone No. 26-806 200).
Property
Buying
If you are considering buying property in Cyprus, you should research thoroughly in advance and be completely happy with the process before you start. If you enter into buying a property in Cyprus carefully and with the right legal advice, buying your new home in Cyprus should be a relatively straightforward process.
At a glance, when considering buying a property in Cyprus you should:
- Make sure you have your finances in order and have added the additional fees – usually totally around 10% of the property price – to your budget.
- Contract an independent, English-speaking lawyer to act on your behalf right at the beginning of your search. Make sure they are not acting on behalf of a vendor or builder but completely independently.
- Proceed with an estate agent who is a member of the Cyprus Real Estate Agents Association (CREAA), which since 2004 is a legal requirement.
- Find a surveyor to work alongside your lawyer to complete all the relevant checks.
- Understand that the issuing of title deeds will take some time.
If you know people who have bought property on the island, then speak to them to get their views on the agent they used and the process itself. Personal feedback is always really useful.
A couple of useful sites are:
Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP)
Renting
Renting in Cyprus is fairly straightforward and both short term and long term rentals are available. There is the option for furnished or partly furnished, as in the UK, and most accommodation comes with a fitted kitchen.
Make sure you understand:
- The letting period and get out clause
- The deposit sum
- The agency fees
- What facilities are included in the rent of the property
Rental properties can be searched for online, estate agents, newspapers, local supermarkets and more.
Healthcare
Cyprus healthcare is considered very good and there is both the public and private healthcare option available.
Public
EU/EEA Citizens who work are eligible for free or low cost state healthcare in Cyprus. You can receive a state medical card when they register for social insurance (contributions are taken from their social security payments.)
Private
Non-EU/EEA Citizens who are unable to take advantage of state health benefits, or those who prefer to take out private health insurance, should pay careful attention to the healthcare plan they sign up for. There are lots of private healthcare plans in Cyprus and it is commonplace to take these out, so just make sure they cover your specific needs.
Employment
EU/EEA Citizens
EU/EEA citizens are entitled to work in Cyprus and can seek work for a period of up to 90 days with just a passport or identity card. However, for those who are moving to Cyprus permanently, you should begin the application process for a temporary residence permit (TRE) or ‘yellow slip’ as soon as possible.
Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU and EEA citizens require a work permit before arriving in Cyprus. In order for a non-EU citizen to gain a work permit, the Ministry of Labour must be satisfied that there isn’t a Cypriot or an EU citizen available for the job in question.
Pensions
UK Pension
Your state pension is claimable and payable in Cyprus if you’ve paid enough UK National Insurance contributions to qualify.
For full information and help on your pension, contact the International Pension Centre.
Republic of Cyprus Retirement Pension
If you have worked in Cyprus for an amount of time, then you might be eligible for a Republic of Cyprus Retirement Pension.
For more information, consult the Cyprus Government Web Portal.
Benefits
The UK has a benefit arrangement with Cyprus, which means some benefits can still be claimed once you have moved to Cyprus.
For full information and help on which benefits can be claimed and who to contact, see the GOV.UK site.
Cyprus Contribution-Based Benefits
If you work – and therefore make social security contributions out of your pay – in Cyprus, then you are entitled to Cyprus social security benefits. These benefits include unemployment benefit and permanent and temporary incapacity benefit.
For more information, consult the Cyprus Government Web Portal.
Tax
Britain has a double taxation agreement with Cyprus. This ensures that you don’t pay tax twice (in the country where you live and the country where the money is earned, if they are different).
Tax is a complicated element to the moving process, so make sure you seek advice from your local tax authority. Consult GOV.UK’s Income Tax page for full information.
Bank Accounts
UK residents can open a bank account with a residence permit or with a passport and proof of address in Cyprus.
The Central Bank of Cyprus regulates all banking, publishing a list of all regulated banks operating in the country. Start the process early so that you have time to compare the different banking services before you commit to one. If you want to talk to someone in branch before you leave, there are branches in London and Birmingham.
Driving Licences and Vehicles
You must be 18 years old to drive in Cyprus, and if you are this age or over and hold a valid EU/EEA driving licence you are good to go!
After 6 months of residency, a Cypriot driving licence can be applied for but is not necessary.
Bringing a Car to Cyprus
For information on bringing in a car from a EU/EEA country, please consult the Republic of Cyprus Customs & Excise Department.
Buying a Car in Cyprus
To buy a car in Cyprus and transfer the deed in your name you’ll need your EU/EEA driving licence and insurance.
A car is considered new if its mileage has not gone above 6 000 km or no more than 6 months have passed since the date on which it was first registered. All other cars are considered second hand.
Schools
School attendance is compulsory until 16 years of age in Cyprus and there are public, private and international schools. EU/EEA citizens are entitled to state education, although, of course, all tuition in state schools is conducted in Greek. Some state schools do provide extensive Greek language lessons to help children integrate.
A list of some of the private schools can be found here.
If you are a parent moving to Cyprus with your children, make sure to carry out enough research about the education system and different schools so that they meet your child’s educational and social needs.
Animals and Pets
Bringing your pet with you from an EU/EEA country on your move to Cyprus is a fairly straight forward affair.
Please refer to Ministry of Agriculture Republic of Cyprus Natural Resources and Environment for full information on what you need to do to bring your pet into Cyprus.
Make sure to double check the banned breeds, puppy and kitten regulations and other animals.
Expat Forums
Moving to a different country is a big decision and so it’s nice to chat to people in the same situation that have had to make similar decisions. Here are a few online forums that you might find useful and enjoyable to become a part of:
Online Shops that Deliver
There are more and more online shops that deliver to Cyprus, from women’s fashion to health and beauty, outdoor pursuits to general gifts. Here at Findingcyprus.com we have collated them all in one place for you. Happy shopping!
Shop | Description | Delivery Cost |
Amazon | Multi Category | Varies |
Asos | Fashion | €3 / Free Delivery on Orders Over €30 |
Beauty Bay | Beauty | €2.20 / Free Delivery on Orders Over €17 |
Blacks | Sport and Outdoors | £6.99 |
Boden | Fashion | £6 |
Bonmarche | Fashion | £5.95 |
Boohoo | Fashion | £6.99 |
Book Depository | Books | Free |
Caraselle Direct | Multi Category | From £3.20 |
Chemist Direct | Health and Beauty | Varies |
Chocolate Trading Co | Food and Drink | £25.99 |
Coast | Fashion | €15 |
Cotton Traders | Fashion | £8.95 |
Debenhams | Multi Category | £5 |
Dress-for-Less | Fashion | €19.90 |
ebay | Multi Category | Varies |
Feelunique | Health and Beauty | €4.95 / Free Delivery on Orders Over €40 |
Figleaves | Fashion | £5.95 |
French Connection | Fashion | £8 / €9 |
Game | Technology | £3 |
Goddiva | Fashion | From €7.99 |
House of Fraser | Multi Category | £6.00 |
IWOOT | Gifts | Free |
John Lewis | Multi Category | £7.50 |
Joy | Fashion | £ 10 |
La Senza | Fashion | £27.24 |
Lookfantastic | Health and Beauty | Free |
Mango | Fashion | €11.95 / Free Delivery on Orders Over €150 |
Mango Outlet | Fashion | €5.95 / Free Delivery on Orders Over €75 |
Millets | Sports and Outdoors | £6.99 |
Mothercare | Baby and Child | £14.95 |
My Memory | Technology | £1.95 |
New Look | Fashion | £5 / Free on Orders Over £55 |
Next | Fashion | €3 / Free Delivery on Orders Over €25 |
Not on the High Street | Multi Category | Varies |
Octave | Fashion | £4 |
Office | Footwear | £25 |
ProBikeKit | Sports and Outdoors | £4.99 / Free on Orders Over £50 |
Quiz | Fashion | £5.95 / Free Delivery on Orders Over £25 |
Qwerkity | Gifts | £49.99 |
Schuh | Footwear | £35 |
Sports Direct | Sports and Outdoors | From £10.83 |
Tesco | Fashion | £10.00 |
The Hut | Technology | £2.99 / Free Delivery on Orders Over £20 |
The Outnet | Fashion | £20 |
Wallace Sacks | Home and Garden | £20 |
Wiggle | Sports and Outdoors | Varies |
Zavvi | Technology | £1.99 |
Details correct as of 11th November 2016 If you have any updates to this page or sites you think should be here please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Every year brides and grooms celebrate their wedding day in Cyprus.
If you’ve just got engaged and have always fancied a wedding in the Mediterranean, then visit Getting Married in Cyprus for anything and everything to do with your big day on this special island. There is information on wedding supplies, locations and much more.
Useful Phrases
General
Excuse me... Signomi...
Thank you... Efharisto...
Do you speak...? Milatay...?
English...? Ag-glik...?
How far is it? Posso makria eenay?
Excuse me, where is...? Signomi, poo eenay...?
In a restaurant
How much is this? Posso Kanay Afto?
Do you have a toilet? Eheeyete Too-aletta?
Can we see a menu? Boroomay na doomay enna menoo?
Can we pay the bill? Boroomay na plirosoomay?
Too expensive... Polee akrivo...
For me... Ya menna...
That's fine/Okay... Andaxi...
It's good... Oraya...
Introducing yourself
Good morning/good day... Kalimera...
Good afternoon/evening... Kalispera...
Good night... Kalinihxta...
See you/hello/hi... Yassas...
How are you? Ti-kanis?
Well/good... Kala...
Sorry, I don't speak Greek... Signomi, then milow ellenica...
What is your name? Pos se le'ne?
Nice to meet you... He'ro poli'...
Shopping
How much does this cost? Po'so ka'ni afto'?
What is this? Ti' i'ne afto'?
I'll buy it... Tha to agora'so...
I would like to buy... Tha I'thela na agora'so...
Do you have? 'Ehete?
Do you accept credit cards? Pe'rnete pistotike's ka'rtes?
Travelling and directions
Are there any vacancies for tonight? e'hete e'na doma'tio gia' apo'pse?
Where is...? pou i'ne...?
How much is the fare? Po'so ka'ni to isiti'rio?
One ticket to ... please... E'na isiti'rio gia, parakalo'...
Where are you going? Pou' pa'te?
Where do you live? Pou' me'nis?
Hotels & Apartments
Cyprus certainly has its fair share of hotels and apartments on offer. Like with other destinations, it depends on what you are seeking from your holiday to Cyprus. Do you want to stay in a bijou, secluded hotel or an apartment right on the beach?
Our advice would be to have a research of areas of Cyprus first and foremost and then you have a good foundation from which to search for accommodation.
Prices range from around €300 per night for 5-star accommodation to about €30 per night for selected apartments and hotel rooms.
Self-Catering Villas
Self-catering villas are great if you are coming to Cyprus with a family and want the freedom of some outside space and areas to cook and relax. Again, decide on location first and then there are lots of comparison and booking sites where you can find a good deal.
You can either opt for a complex of villas where you often share amenities such as pool, bar and cafes or you can book a private villa. Prices can range anything from €70 approximately and the island’s luxury villas can sleep as many as 20.
Hostels & Campsites
Hostels
There are various hostels dotted about Cyprus with great rates for single travellers or groups, with prices around €15/€20 per night per person. They tend to be in the bigger towns and can be searched for in all the hostel comparison websites.
Campsites
Camping in Cyprus isn’t that common but there are a couple of well-appointed campsites in the south of the island set up for tents and caravans with good facilities. If camping is your sort of thing, some of the locations – where you can see the coast from your tent – can’t be beaten.
Prices are roughly about €6 per night for a person and a tent.
Polis Camping Site sits right on the beach in an eucalyptus grove, walking distance from Polis centre.
Feggari Camping Site can be found at Coral Bay, 11km north of Pathos.
Troodos Camping Site is situated in the pine forests, just 2km north of Troodos resort.
Emergency
199 / 112 should be called in the event of an emergency. Medical, fire or police services can be reached on these numbers.
The Pan-European emergency number 112 can be called from any telephone (landline, pay phone or mobile cellular phone). Calls are free and operators in Cyprus speak English.
Telephone Numbers
You can find a comprehensive list of Emergency and Useful numbers by clicking here.
Postcodes
For a comprehensive list of Cyprus postcodes click here.
Helpful Android & iOS Cyprus Apps
Android
Map of Cyprus Offline – A great offline map which doesn’t require an internet connection
Exploring Cyprus – An all in one guide to Cyprus, including phrase books, general information, phone numbers etc
Foody - A comprehensive food delivery directly with an easy to use interface
iOS
WOW Cyprus Guide – An all in one guide with restaurant, bars, beaches information, all offline.
Mobile & Internet Advice
Mobile
There are just two mobile phone networks on Cyprus; Cytamobile and MTN. Both work with GSM technology, meaning that your mobile phone should be able to connect to one of these networks whilst vising Cyprus.
If you’re planning on a longer stay, then either of these two options would be more cost effective than roaming charges:
Pre-paid SIM/ PAYG
At either one of the networks, buy a pre-paid SIM card that gives you a certain amount of credit for your mobile. If you don’t want to sign up for a more permanent contract, then this would be a good option. If you know people on Cyprus, ask what network they are on as they often do free texts or calls to numbers on the same network.
Contracts
Contracts are great if you are using your phone a lot and they can start at under €5 a month. Both providers charge a connection fee but the set up process is very simple, for expats too.
Internet
If you’re visiting Cyprus as a holiday, then a lot of hotels and villas offer WIFI.
For setting yourself up from scratch, however, you often firstly need a telephone line. (There is the option of ADSL that doesn’t need a phone line, although this is less common.)
The main internet connectivity providers to choose from for broadband are Cytanet, MTN and PrimeTel, all offering similar packages to what you would be familiar with; TV, phone and internet combinations. Digital TV is available and a wireless modem is usually installed by the service provider. Have a browse of their websites for more details.
Radio Stations
Rock FM 98.5
Paphos based English channel offering rock classics and soul
Radio Paphos FM 93.7
English and Greek local station offering music, news and light entertainment
Kiss FM 89.0
Popular music channel from Nicosia
Love FM 100.7
Pure entertainment
Choice FM Nicosia 107.4
Music station, lots of hits
More...
Food & Drink
Cyprus Specialities
If you are looking forward to some popular Greek dishes in Cyprus, then you won’t be disappointed; Greek Cypriot food and drink and Greek food is largely identical with some differences here and there for those in the know.
Halloumi is a rubbery cheese that when fried or grilled can be added to most dishes or eaten on its own. Deliciously salty, you will be hard pushed not to try it on your trip. Cypriots love combining it with melon in the hot summer months.
Meze is Cyprus’s equivalent to tapas and contains a wide range of small plates from dips to potatoes, halloumi to fish.
Tiropittes are considered more in the street food category and are flaky pastry cheese pies. Try the spinach ones - Spanakopittes - too, delicious!
Loukaniko are sausages, often flavoured with orange peel, fennel seed, and various other dried herbs and seeds. You’ll often get them on meze boards.
Souvlakia is an extremely popular dish for Cypriots. It consists of small pieces of pork or lamb, skewed and cooked – with or without vegetables – on charcoal and served in pitta bread with tomatoes, cucumber parsley and onion.
Daktyla, or lady fingers, are sweet treats filled with ground almonds and cinnamon sugar.
Ekmek Kadayif is a Turkish bread pudding desert and served with a type of clotted cream.
Favourite Drinks
Frappe is perfect for a hot day; usually a concoction of instant coffee, foam and ice.
Cypriot Coffee is an island speciality and a strong one at that. It’s served with a glass of water alongside and it’s best to sip it slowly and not to drink the dregs at the bottom.
Ouzo is the popular anise-flavoured aperitif made by distilling grape juice. Drink it neat or with water/ice.
Brandy Sour is considered the unofficial national cocktail of Cyprus and is a delicious long drink made from Cypriot Brandy and lemon flavourings.
KEO is the Cyprus beer and you’ll see it everywhere. Take a sip!
Commandaria is the well-known and well-loved rich, fruity, sweet desert wine.
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Currency
The currency of the Republic used to be the Cyprus pound (CY£), but from 1st January 2008 this was replaced by the Euro as the legal tender money of Cyprus. It was exchanged at a fixed exchange rate € 1 = CY£ 0,585274.
Currency Exchange
All banks operating in Cyprus offer foreign currency exchange services and quote the exchange rates of the Euro against all major foreign currencies daily. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at hotels. More detailed information concerning exchange rates can be obtained from the Central Bank of Cyprus.
Click here for a currency Converter
Banks
General
The main domestic and foreign banks are the Alpha Bank Ltd, Bank of Cyprus, Co-operative Central Bank Ltd, Cyprus Popular Bank, Emporiki Bank (Cyprus Ltd), Hellenic Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) Ltd, Société Générale (Cyprus Ltd) and Universal Bank Ltd.
There is a charge for some banking transactions in Cyprus banks. A list of charges is available from local branches or via the banks website.
Cyprus banks generally don’t open at weekends and are always closed on Bank Holidays.
Commercial Banks
Monday to Friday 8.15 – 13.30
Monday 15.15 – 16.45
Co-operative Central Banks
Monday to Friday 14.30 – 17.15
Saturday 8.00 – 13.30
Airport Banks
Banking facilities are available at the island’s two international airports (Larnaca and Paphos) up to 24 hours a day.
Climate & Weather
General Overview
Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers starting in mid-May and lasting until mid-September and rainy, quite mild winters from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are effectively short intervals in between, characterised by smooth weather. With almost year-round clear skies and sunshine, daylight length ranges from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June.
Average Temperatures
In broad lines, Cyprus's climate is characterised by hot summers and mild winters. There is a significant seasonal difference between mid-summer and mid-winter temperatures that ranges from 18°c inland to about 14°c on the coast. The difference in daily maximum and night minimum temperatures is also quite significant. In winter they range from 8°c to 10°c on the lowlands and 5°c to 6°c on the mountains and in summer from 16°c on the central plain and 9° to 12°c elsewhere.
Daily temperatures during the hottest months of July and August range between 29°c on the central plain and 22°c on the Troodos Mountains. The average maximum temperatures for these two months range between 36°c and 27°c. In January, the coolest month, the indicative daily temperature is 10°c on the central plain and 3°c on the higher parts of the Troodos Mountains while the average minimum temperatures are 5°c and 0°c.
Sea Temperatures
The temperature in the open sea hovers above 22°c from June to November, climbing to 27°c in August. Even during the three coolest months of January to March, average sea temperature are an acceptable 16°c or 17°c. Near the coast, the temperature of water three or four metres deep is similar to that of the open sea, ranging from 15°c to 17°c in February and from 23°c to 28°c in August. There are no significant daily fluctuations in sea water temperatures, except in very shallow waters less than one metre deep.
Air Humidity
During the days in winter and at night throughout the year, humidity ranges from average to slightly low (65% - 95%). During summer it is very low near midday, ranging from 15% to 30% on the central plain. Fog is rare and typically occurs in early morning. Visibility is normally very good or excellent. There is an exception over a few days in spring when the atmosphere is very hazy due to dust from the Arabian and African deserts.
Sunshine
Cyprus enjoys a very sunny climate compared with most countries with 11.5 hours of bright sunshine per day over the six summer months. Even during the months of December and January, there is 5.5 hours of sunshine.
Winds
Winds over the island are relatively variable in direction and strength depending on the elevation of the land and local temperatures.
Clothing During Different Seasons
Clothing requirements vary, depending on the length and the period of your visit. During April and May, days are pleasantly warm, but temperatures may drop at night. Spring and summer apparel and long sleeved tops or light jackets for the evenings are recommended. From June to the end of August, very light summer clothing is a must. September to October see quite a few warm days and cool evenings. Light apparel for the day and long sleeves for the evenings in October is recommended. November has pleasantly warm days that can be enjoyed in jumpers and light jackets.
December and January will be the only winter you will get, even though it feels more like autumn for most visitors. It may rain occasionally, yet the promise of glorious sunshine is still there. Winter clothing is necessary, but not heavy coats. The possibility of fairly warm days is always there during February, as is the occasional rainfall. Mild day time temperatures are the harbingers of spring but it can get quite cold in the evenings and winter apparel will be needed. Winter wear will also be appropriate during March with its moderate but sometimes unpredictable weather inviting you to enjoy Cyprus nature at its best.
HISTORY
1) Cyprus is known as the playground of the gods, and for good reason too! Aphrodite is said to have risen out of the water near Paphos.
2) Archaeological evidence suggests that people first settled on the island of Cyprus 10,000 years ago.
3) Cyprus was once a nation of incredible wealth. It was during the Copper and Bronze Ages when the island's rich natural copper resources were exported to other countries. The word copper, in fact, derives from the Greek name for the island, Kupros.
4) King Richard the Lionheart – the English crusader king – wed Berengaria of Navarre at Limassol Castle on 12 May, 1191. To this day it is the only foreign venue at which an English Royal Wedding has been hosted.
5) Famagusta was once the island’s most important port city, with its natural harbour and high protective walls, and it was from where the Silk Route merchants transported their goods to the west of Europe.
6) There are 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cyprus - Paphos, the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region and Choirokoitia.
7) The Neolithic settlement of Choirkoitia is one of the most important Neolithic sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
8) Cyprus is a divided country. A UN buffer zone – known as the Green Line – separates the self-declared Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek controlled South.
9) There are two British military zones in Cyprus. Known as United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas, the two zones are a legacy of the British occupation of Cyprus which ended in 1960.
10) Cyprus Independence Day is celebrated on 1st October.
11) The Byzantine Museum in Nicosia holds the largest collection of Byzantine Art in Cyprus.
12) Stavrouvouni Monastery in the Troodos Mountains is the oldest monastic site in Cyprus. It was founded in the 4th century by St Helena.
13) The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylatis was one of the main sites of religious worship on Cyprus. The site covers over 15,000 square meters and lies near Kolossi in the south.
14) Cyprus became a province of the Roman Empire in 22 B.C.
GEOGRAPHY / GEOLOGY / NATURE
15) Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is now the only capital in the world to be divided between two nations; North Cyprus and South Cyprus.
16) Cyprus is one of Europe's most southerly ski resorts.
17) There are around 370 species of bird recorded on the island of Cyprus. Due to the island’s location on one of the major migration routes across the Mediterranean, many species can be spotted in spring and autumn.
18) In geological term Cyprus is an ophiolite and is made up of three distinct geologic regions.
19) Cyprus is home to 20 rare species of orchid.
20) There are more than 1950 species of flowering plant in Cyprus, 140 of which are found nowhere else in the world.
21) 260 species of fish circle the warm Mediterranean waters around Cyprus.
22) Cyprus is one of only a few places in the world where Green Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles nest.
23) Cyprus is the easternmost island in the Mediterranean Sea.
24) The Cyprus mouflon is a wild sheep that is only found in the Troodos and Paphos mountains.
25) More than 55 beaches on Cyprus have been awarded the Blue Flag for high water quality, cleanliness and safety.
26) The highest peak in the Troodos Mountain Range is Mount Olympus, which reaches up to 6402ft above sea level.
27) Around 10,000 flamingos temporarily stop over to feed at Larnaca Salt Lake every autumn during their migration south to warmer climes.
ECONOMY
28) Southern Cyprus joined the European Union on May 1st 2004.
29) The major industries that contribute to the Cypriot economy are tourism, fruit & vegetables, wine, cement, clothing and shoes.
30) The population of Cyprus is approximately 1.141 million.
31) Life expectancy is just over 79 years.
PEOPLE / CULTURE & FOOD
32) Lefkara Lace is hand made in Cyprus.
33) Kolokasi – a type of sweet potato – is a speciality root vegetable grown on Cyprus.
34) Commandaria is a sweet desert wine produced in the foothills of the Troodos mountains. It is reputed to be the oldest wine in the world.
35) During August every year the villages in Cyprus host the August Village Festivals. At least 20 villages take part.
36) George Michael (musician), Fatima Whitbread (Olympic athlete) and Muzzy Izzet (English premiership soccer player) were all born in Cyprus.
SPORTS/ART & ENTERTAINMENT
37) Marcos Baghdatis, one of the most talented junior tennis players in the world, comes from Cyprus.
38) The first sporting contact between Turkey and Cyprus since the 1974 Turkish invasion was a Champions League 2nd round qualifying match between Famagusta Anothosis and Trabzonspor on July 26th 2005. Famagusta won 3-1.
39) There are 5 golf courses in Cyprus.
40) The Cyprus Rally is a rallying competition held yearly in Cyprus since 1970.
41) The largest freshwater fish caught in Cyprus was a 31lb 4oz Mirror Carp. It was caught in the Dhypotamos reservoir between Larnaca and Limassol.
42) Ayia Napa in Eastern Cyprus is one of the most popular nightclub districts in Europe.
43) The Pafos Aphrodite Festival takes place each year in August or September in front of the medieval castle in Kato Paphos.
44) The only horse racetrack in Cyprus can be found in Nicosia. Approximately 60 race meetings are held there throughout the year.
OTHER FACTS
45) One of the world's most famous shipwrecks lies off the Cypriot coast near Limassol Harbour. MS Zenobia, with its cargo of vehicles, sunk in 1980.
46) Traffic in Cyprus drives on the left-side of the road.
47) Cyprus has 1 of the top 10 wreck diving sites in the world.
48) Easter is the main holiday of the island; almost 80-pecent of residents worship the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox faith.
49) Cyprus has two international airports; one at Larnaca and the other at Paphos.
50) London Olympics 2012 gave Cyprus its first Olympic medal: a silver in men’s laser sailing.