The Ultimate Mediterranean Wedding - Anassa Hotel | Cyprus

Located in the east of the glittering Mediterranean Sea, the spectacular island of Cyprus is known for its rolling mountains, lush forests, rugged headlands and sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters. It boasts a unique cultural heritage with a blend of historical influences including Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Cyprus features romantic archaeological finds such as the Temple of Aphrodite, the House of Dionysos, and the Tomb of the Kings. Visitors can look forward to an array of fantastic activities including: exploring the magnificent Kolossi Castle, a 15th-century fortress; visiting the Erimi Wine Museum, to learn about the history of a variety of locally produced wines; and discovering the 2000-year-old amphitheatre in the ancient city of Curium, a treasure trove of history. Soak up the sun-baked vistas, discover a multitude of scenic mountain treks and indulge in an array of heavenly halloumi.

Currency

The currency in the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.  The currency used in north Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TL; symbol ₺ ) = 100 kuruş. Notes are in denominations of  ₺200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of ₺1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kuruş. Euros, Pound Sterling and US dollars are generally accepted in the north.

Banking

South Cyprus: Monday-Friday 08h15-13h30. North Cyprus: Monday-Friday 08h00-12h00 and 14h00-16h00. Banks are closed on public holidays.

All major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express, are accepted at larger restaurants and shops, and in hotels. Smaller shops, such as those in villages, and rural tavernas are unlikely to accept credit cards. Entry to museums and tourist attractions are payable in cash. As of early 2013 credit and debit cards may be less accepted, due to ongoing capital controls imposed on banks.

Travellers Cheques may be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros.

Cyprus is served by international airlines that fly direct to Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport from around the world. Numerous airlines fly from the UK;to Cyprus include Aegean, Blue Air, British Airways, easyJet, Monarch, Norwegian and Ryanair.

Exploring the island by car is the best way to get around. Cyprus’s road infrastructure is excellent. The result is a traffic jam-free motorway drive that takes you from Paphos in the east straight into Limassol and on to the centre of Nicosia, plus a branch heading off to Larnaca, Agia Napa and Protaras. Driving in the Troodos Mountains is good, albeit with roads that zig-zag around ravines. Off-road driving should only be done with a suitable vehicle.

Cyprus has car hire companies with offices in the airports and town. Cars should be reserved well in advance during the summer season. You should be sure to check your agreement if you are planning to take a hired car across the Green Line as not all hire companies in the south permit taking their vehicles to north Cyprus. The minimum driving age is 18, but drivers often need to be 21 years old and to have held a valid licence for three years to hire a car. There are three types of taxi service in south Cyprus: urban, trans-urban, which are shared and can be booked, and rural. Taxis are safe and relatively inexpensive. In north Cyprus, taxis are available in the main towns only. Private bus coach companies operate in all the main cities and offer day excursions.

Healthy and hearty, Cypriot cuisine draws its inspiration from both Greece and Turkey. In the south, the cuisine is pure Mediterranean, with an emphasis on fish and pork dishes such as the ubiquitous ‘souvlaki’ kebab. Cooks make extensive use of the wild thyme that grows across the island, as well as cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, showing the influence of the Middle East. Perhaps the most famous Cypriot dish of all is grilled halloumi, a hand-made Cypriot cheese. In north Cyprus, the cuisine is effectively Turkish, with lamb replacing pork in grills, stews, and soups. Many of the inhabitants of the north are settlers from Anatolia and meaty kebab dishes dominate menus. North and south come together in the ‘mezze’ a rambling meal of dips, snacks, and tasty small dishes – almost invariably featuring hummus and halloumi – served on both sides of the island.

Milk is pasteurised and tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available from supermarkets and kiosks. As with all destinations, it is advisable to eat well-cooked fish and meat, especially chicken and pork which are staples on all hotel and restaurant menus. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit washed in fresh water or peeled.

A 10% service charge is added to all bills, and tipping is discretionary.

Cyprus has a subtropical climate with sunshine likely on most days of the year. Spring and autumn are pleasantly warm, while summer days are long, dry and hot with temperatures reaching the high 30s and even 40s. The heat is tempered by sea breezes in coastal areas. Winters are mild with often heavy, although sporadic, tropical-style rainstorms. Villages located on higher ground are often subjected to freezing temperatures and frost, while heavy snowfall is experienced in the interior Troodos  Mountains and usually stays for several weeks, giving good ski conditions. The best time to visit for those who like the heat is June, July, and August, although the intense sun can make sightseeing a challenge.

Pack lightweight, cotton clothing for the summer months, such as loose tops, shorts, and linen trousers, along with a hat to protect against the sun. Warmer medium-weight clothing is ideal for spring, autumn and sunny winter days, together with cardigans or jackets for the evening, which can get very cold. Rainwear should be packed for winter visits.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Cyprus are the "Type G " British BS-1363 type. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Cyprus usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.