ABOUT CYPRUS

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.

THE CITY OF LIMASSOL (LEMESOS)

Limassol has a long and extensive history, as the first settlements of the city were established some 4000 years ago. It was always a natural harbour, with potable spring water, and surrounded by extensive agricultural plantations, chiefly comprising from grape vines and carob trees.

The Municipality of Limassol is the largest in Cyprus, its population reaching 105.000 inhabitants.

Mediterranean.Limassol is today the business and financial centre of Cyprus and one of the most important maritime, tourist, commercial and service centres in the wider region. Furthermore, Limassol is the largest ship-management centre in the European Union while the Limassol port is one of the greatest commercial ports in the

which are an astonishing combination of ancient, Frankish, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern influence.Limassol is also, a popular tourist destination with clear sea, wonderful hotels, restaurants, venues for leisure, museums, cultural centers and archaeological locations around the city,

:The Municipality of Limassol organizes various cultural events around the year, such as

The Limassol Carnival with a tradition since the 1940s, the Wine Festival of Limassol, 52th anniversary this year, promoting basically another main feature of Limassol, being the centre of the wine industry in Cyprus and the Ballet Festival.

Limassol important cultural centers are the Archives Museum, the Public Library, the Public Gallery, the Municipal Museum of Folk Art, the Pancyprian Theatrical Museum, the Municipal Garden Theatre and the Pattichion Municipal theatre.

"The New Face of Limassol" with developments such as the regeneration of the old port into a modern fishing port, the new "Limassol Marina", the improvement of the sea front with cycling and pedestrian paths, as well as entertainment and leisure venues, has brought the people of Limassol closer to the sea and promotes the "island character" of the city. The city is therefore constantly in motion, developing even more.

VISA Information

Republic of cyprus is member of the European Union and Schengen Area as well. Visa information and requirements for non-EU citizens is available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/consular02_en/consular02_en?OpenDocument

WEATHER IN LIMASSOL (October)

Days in Limassol are warm but the evenings are cooler. The average temperature during the month of October is 18-28°C. The sea temperature is 24°C

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

LIMASSOL MUNICIPALITY

web: www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy

Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company Ltd

web: www.limassoltourism.com

LARNACA INT'L AIRPORT (LCA) & PAPHOS INT'L AIRPORT (PFO)

web: www.hermesairports.com

For transportation to and from the airports the shuttle bus service, taxi or rental car can be used.

Shuttle bus services run from Larnaca Int'l Airport (LCA) to Nicosia center

web: www.kapnosairportshuttle.com