Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. A story past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus and travelers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.
Today Cyprus is a modern country that combines European culture with ancient enchantment. One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day.
Cyprus constitutes one of the largest Ship Management centers in the world; around 50 shipmanagement companies and marine-related foreign enterprises are conducting their international activities in the country while the majority of the largest ship management companies in the world have established fully fledged offices on the island. Its geographical position at the crossroads of three continents and its proximity to the Suez Canal has promoted merchant shipping as an important industry for the island nation. As of 2005 Cyprus holds the 9th largest (by DWT), merchant navy in the world and the 3rd largest in the European Union.
THE CITY OF NICOSIA
Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia, is the capital and the largest city in Cyprus, as well as its busy modern commercial and business center. It is located in the middle of the island, on the banks of the Pedieos River. The city center is its old quarter, a hotchpotch of narrow streets with sandstone buildings with overhanging balconies and indoor courtyards. The old city is surrounded by a fortress wall with a moat and some heart-shaped bastions. Nicosia is known for its fine museums wich have the best collection of archaeological artifacts on the island, including a first century AD Roman statuette of Aphrodite of Soli and the original mosaic of Leda and the Swan, while the Leventis museum depicts the history of the town. St John’s Cathedral, with its frescoes is a marvelous museum of byzantine icons.
LANGUAGES
Greek and Turkish are the official languages of the Republic of Cyprus. English is widely spoken.
LOCAL TIME
Cyprus Time is GMT +2.
DIAL CODE FOR CYPRUS
+357
EMERGENCY NUMBER
Call 112, the EU-wide emergency number for police, fire department and ambulance.
CURRENCY
The currency of Cyprus is the Euro.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
The electricity supply in Cyprus is 230 volts, a.c. 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, with 3-pin plugs, with square pins. Many hotels provide adaptor upon request from the reception.
DRIVING
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. On roundabouts, priority is given to the right side.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places and night clubs.
CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANIZATION
web: www.visitcyprus.com
CYPRUS AIRWAYS
web: www.cyprusair.com
LARNACA INT’L AIRPORT (LCA) & PAPHOS INT’L AIRPORT (PFO)
Cyprus Weather Climate
The climate on the island of Cyprus is one of its main attractions.
The following is an average of Cyprus weather, calculated for the whole island in the last few years. Local conditions may vary
| Month | Temperature in Centigrade | Sea Temperature C° |
Hours of sunshine per day |
|
|
| Day | Night | ||||
| January | 16 | 8 | 17 | 5.8 | |
| February | 17 | 8 | 17 | 6.5 | |
| March | 18 | 8 | 18 | 7.4 | |
| April | 22 | 12 | 20 | 9.2 | |
| May | 26 | 16 | 21 | 10.8 | |
| June | 30 | 18 | 24 | 12.6 | |
| July | 32 | 21 | 26 | 12.4 | |
| August | 33 | 22 | 27 | 11.8 | |
| September | 31 | 20 | 26 | 10.6 | |
| October | 27 | 16 | 24 | 8.8 | |
| November | 22 | 13 | 21 | 7.1 | |
| December | 18 | 9 | 19 | 5.6 | |
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