CYPRUS LIFESTYLE
The
mystical Island of Cyprus is drenched with legend, culture and ancient
enchantment. However, it is more than the mysticism and timeless beauty
of this Mediterranean Gem that has seduced and captivated many a civilization,
deities and persons over time, including Aphrodite, ‘Goddess of
Love & Beauty’, Cleopatra, Alexandra the Great and modern
day man. The moment you arrive in Cyprus you are greeted not only with
the warmth of the weather but a genuine friendliness that comes from
within
GEOGRAPHY
Cyprus is strategically located
in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, framed by 3 major continents, Europe,
Asia & Africa. With an area of 9.251 square kilometres, makes Cyprus
the third largest island in the Mediterranean.
Click on each
district to see a more detailed map
POPULATION
An estimated population of 755,000
LANGUAGE
The official language of Cyprus is Greek,
however English is widely spoken.
ECONOMY
& GOVERNMENT
Cyprus hosts an open-free market driven
by trade and tourist sectors. The Government structure is similar to
western democracies and has a President elect. A modern infrastructure
has laid the foundation for a stable and thriving economy which are
all part of what makes Cyprus the success and international hub it is
today. Outstanding factors including low cost of living, low crime rate,
pollution free environment, excellent housing conditions and a GNP growth
rate in recent years of 6% make Cyprus an ideal holiday or retirement
destination.
The application of Cyprus to become
member of the European Union is currently being processed.
PUBLIC
HOLIDAYS IN CYPRUS
Shops and offices are closed in
Cyprus on the following dates:
FIXED
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS |
|
|
| 1
January |
New
Year’s Day |
|
|
| 6
January |
Epiphany |
|
|
| 25
March |
Greek
Independence Day |
|
|
| 1 April |
EOKA
Day |
| |
|
| 1 May |
May Day |
| |
|
| 15 August |
Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
| |
|
| 1 October |
Cyprus
Independence Day |
| |
|
| 28 October |
Ochi
Day |
| |
|
| 25 December |
Christmas
Day |
| |
|
| 26 December |
Boxing
Day |
| |
|
| Holidays
failing on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday) are not moved. |
LEISURE PURSUITS
& RECREATION
The
choice of what to do in Cyprus is limitless. There is a wealth of shopping
opportunities from Greek cultural handicrafts to international and European
designer labels. For the gastronomic, a plethora of restaurants, tavernas
and cafes exist throughout the island offering a superb choice of traditional
Cypriot cuisine and international epicurean delights. For the more active
at heart; hiking, cycling, golf, yachting and water sports, snow skiing,
health clubs and gyms along with the bright city nite life are just
a taste of the many leisure pursuits Cyprus has on offer.
Cyprus hosts a number of festivals
throughout the year. You may be fortunate to be in Cyprus during festival
time.
PLACES
OF INTEREST
To explore the Island and places
of interest link to www.visitcyprus.org.cy
CYPRUS
EVENTS 2003
Whether it is January or July, the cultural
calendar in Cyprus is always a busy one. Here is a selection of some
of the more prominent events in 2003.
2003
February/March/April
Cultural Winter at Agia Napa: A touch of tradition in the summertime
clubbing haven, with performances of Cypriot dances, Greek and Cypriot
music and contemporary dance.
European Limassol Festival (November to April): Variety of prestigious
cultural events.
Spidernet Pafos Marathon (March 2)
Carnival Festivities in all towns (February 27 - March 9)
Italian Cultural month in Cyprus
May/June/July
Anthestiria: Flower festivals in Larnaka, Pafos, Lemesos, and Germasogeia.
Strawberry Festival: Village of Deryneia.
International Museums Day (May 18)
Kataklysmos (June 16): A unique Cypriot celebration, the Festival of
the Flood coincides with Pentecost and is marked by festivities at all
seaside towns.
Day of Music (June 21): All towns.
Shakespeare Festival (June 20-22): Outdoors at ancient Kourion.
Ancient Greek Drama Festival (July): At Kourion ancient theater.
International Larnaka Festival (July 1-31)
Cyprus Music Days 2003 (July 3-6) : Lefkosia and Lemesos
August/September/October
Limassol Wine Festival (Sept.2-14): Famous annual festival at Municipal
Gardens, Lemesos, with local foods, traditional music and dance, and
free Cyprus wines from the barrel.
Pafos Aphrodite Festival: (Sept.5-7), Tosca by Giacomo Puccini
Kypria 2003: Cyprus International Festival, Sept.-Nov., all towns.
Cyprus Independence Day (Oct. 1)
"Afamia" Grape Festival (Oct. 4-5)
November/December
5th Kolossi Half Marathon (Dec. 7)
Cultural Winter at Ayia Napa
Annual Christmas Concerts
Visit
the CTO web site to find out more Events
AVERAGE MONTHLY
TEMPERATURE CHART
The site provides aTemperature Scale for
the each month of the year.
| |
MONTH |
AIR |
SEA |
| |
|
Temperature
C |
Temperature
C |
 |
January |
16.6 |
16.4 |
| February |
16.0 |
16.9 |
| March |
18.4 |
17.3
|
| April |
22.8 |
18.6 |
| May |
27.2 |
21.0 |
| June |
30.5 |
24.0 |
| July |
33.3 |
26.3 |
| August |
33.6 |
27.7 |
| September |
30.8 |
26.6 |
| October |
27.3 |
25.1 |
| November |
22.9 |
21.9 |
| December |
19.2 |
18.9 |
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
AND WEATHER CHART
An analytical weather and temperature
gauge highlighting the current temperature and expected weather conditions.
Visit
the site http://kypros.org/Weather/ for more details.
COMMUNICATIONS
& ELECTRICAL
Cyprus
hosts one of the best-developed telecommunication systems, which is
ranked third in the world. These factors help to establish the island
as an offshore business centre.
CYTA (Cyprus Telecommunications Authority) provides a variety of advanced
telecommunication services with automatic telephone connections to 228
countries.
Telephone and postal communication is
efficient and reasonably priced. An international call, during off-peak
period, which is after 8pm and all day Sunday, costs as low as 16 cents
per minute. Mobile telephones are very easily excisable and international
rates are very low. Telephone cards can be purchased from kiosks and
supermarkets and the costs are CYP 3.00, CYP 5.00 and CYP 10.00.
Click on link [Cytanet.com]
Postal costs internationally are 26 cents
for a postcard and 31 cents for a letter.
| CYPRUS
ELECTRIC CURRENT PHASE |
|
Lighting
& Small Household Appliances |
240
Volts |
|
A.C.
|
50
Cycles, Single Phase |
|
Small
Industries |
415
Volts, Three Phase |
