WALKING TOURS IN CYPRUS
Most visitors to Cyprus are there for the sun, sand and the sea. They love the beautiful beaches and quiet coves. But, Cyprus has more than just this to offer. Apart from its fabulous coast it has picturesque inland villages and the Troodos Mountains.
There are free guided tours in and around Nikosia, Larnaka, Limassol and Agia Napa.
On these tours you can visit quaint fishing harbours, beautiful and tranquil countryside, archaeological sites, chapels, nature trails, craftsmen at work, forts, picturesque streets, traditional homes, prehistoric sites, castles and mosques.
There is also the beautiful National Forest Park of Athalassa. It contains 840 hectares of parkland and trails. It is a great place for a gentle walk and a picnic or a good 20km hike.
The Troodos Mountains and the Troodos National Park covers an area of 9337 hectares, where you can hike, ski, mountain bike, nature study, picnic and take photographs to your heart’s content. There are a number of trails in the Park all with something of interest to see.
So when planning your Mediterranean holiday in Cyprus remember there is more to the island than just fabulous beaches. Try to get out and about either on a gentle walk or a longer hike and discover more of what the island has to offer.
EU UPGRADE OF AIRPORT SERVICES
Directives from the Eu have often been received with scepticsm, criticism and downright hilarity. The shape of certain vegetables comes to mind. However, Travel Advice Pages welcomes a new statement from the European Commission regarding the free services which must be provided for disabled and elderly passengers.
As from the 26th July, all EU airports must provide wheelchairs and even guide dogs for persons with reduced mobility, from when they enter the airport to the boarding gate at both departure and arrival destinantions. Such passengers should be able to use the airport in the same way as other passengers. They should enjoy priority boarding under the best conditions and with the necessary equipment.
On flights from EU airports and from airports in a third country to an EU destinantion, European Air Carriers will be obliged to carry wheelchairs and guide dogs free of charge. These new rules should end discrimination and give disabled and elderly passengers the help needed when travelling. A third of the EU population suffers from reduced mobility. Although these are mainly the disabled and elderly, there are others unable to walk the long distances in modern airports.
Although not compulsory, anyone requiring such assistance should notify their travel agent about specific requirements 48 hours before departure.
Travel Advice Pages applauds the EU for this initiative.
CYPRUS - A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Cyprus is tucked away in the Eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of three continents. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean.
This position makes it an ideal location for exploring other nearby exotic locations. It is a short flight to Greece or the Greek Islands, Egypt and the Middle East are also close by. So perfect for a two center holiday.
Surrounded as it is by these diverse cultures Cyprus has become rather a melting pot of external influences. It does however retain it’s own unique culture, history and art as well, giving it a truly distinctive character.
Cyprus has been under Persian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Roman, British, Italian, and the Ottoman Turks rule. All have left their mark on it’s history and architecture. Archaeological sites abound!
Cyprus is known as the Island of Love because it is the birthplace of Aphrodite. But two other famous lovers are also connected with Cyprus. Marc Anthony who loved the island’s sweet wines, gave Cyprus as a gift to his lover Cleopatra.
For a relatively small island it is very diverse. Whatever type of holiday break you wish to enjoy can be found on this island. City breaks, beach holidays, winter skiing, sailing, fishing, hiking in the Troodos Mountains, photography, archaeology, historical research, special wedding and honeymoon holidays, diving, water sports, cruises and just plain relaxing in the sunshine.
Travel Advice will be including further more detailed articles on the various cities, holiday resorts and fabulous sites in Cyprus.
CYPRUS - THE ISLAND OF LOVE
If the idea of an overseas wedding appeals to you, then Cyprus must be high on the list of wedding destinations. To tie the knot, celebrate the union or renew love; this is the island where love was born. After all, the Goddess of Love - Aphrodite - emerged from the sea in 3200 BC and despite the date, her amorous spirit still lingers. With 300 days of sunshine, the blue, warm, Mediterranean and the legendary hospitality of the people, Cyprus provides the ultimate wedding and honeymoon location.
Within the romantic framework of Cyprus the island’s hotel industry offers a choice of great indoor and outdoor venues to tailor special dreams to your personal needs. The top hotels offer all the support services you could ever wish for. These include limousines, music, photography, floral decorations, hairdressing, beauty treatments - in fact anything you require for the special day.
Protestant, Anglican and Catholic church wedding services are held in English in the major towns. Applications must first be made to the Marriage Officer in any Municipality in Cyprus and the couple must produce:
Passports
Birth Certificates
Decrees of Absolute (if divorced)
Death Certificate (widow or widower)
In the case of a Catholic marriage a Registry Office ceremony must be concluded prior to the church wedding. You should advise your local priest who will advise you which documents you will be required to present to the priest in Cyprus.
In the case of Civil marriage, there are two kinds of weddings:
Marriage by Notice and Marriage by Special Licence.The former requires a notice of 15days and a minimum stay of 20 days in Cyprus. The Special Licence can be performed within 3-4 days. The documents required are the same as those for a church wedding. Ceremonies can take place in the Town Hall of your chosen resort or in certain licenced hotels. A Mayor or Marriage Officer can perform the ceremony in English. Detailed information is available from the Union of Cyprus Municipalities Tel: +357 22 44 51 70 e mail endeky@cytanet.com
Note that hotel accommodation is limited during the months of June, July and August and that temperatures hover around 40C in those months. Many couples plan a short visit to Cyprus to view the various locations to ensure the perfect setting for that special day. We hope that you enjoy the romantic Island of Cyprus
10 THINGS NOT TO DO ON HOLIDAY
1. Try not to be drunk during the day at your holiday resort. Red faced, sweating and sick is not an attractive look at home or abroad.
2. Don’t wander about towns or cities in beach clothes it is offensive to the locals. Dress as they do and you won’t go far wrong.
3. If you sunbathe topless take the time to put a top on when going off the beach or away from the poolside.
4. If you are visiting strongly religious countries take the time to find out the local rules and regulations regarding clothing, manners and behaviour. In some countries the breaking of their laws could result in jail time!
5. If you must hire a dune buggy or motorbike when on holiday, drive it sensibly in the appropriate area. Behaving like a lunatic roaring up and down the local beach will not make you more attractive to the local females. Neither will revving your engine continuously or doing wheelies on take off. This is even more important if you are over 40.
6. If you must get drunk try not to sing on the way back to your Hotel room. I know this is a difficult one because a few drinks and your singing improves tremendously but everyone who is trying to sleep will really appreciate it.
7. If you are overweight do not choose the tiniest of swim suits. I know a tan makes you look slimmer but it isn’t a miracle cure.
8. When purchasing new clothes for your holiday, don’t buy anything you wouldn’t wear in your own home town, the locals in your holiday resort would really appreciate this.
9. Don’t insist on eating only McDonalds or egg and chips have a culture shock and try the local food.
10. Women of a certain age don’t think just because you are on holiday and in the sun that dressing 20 years younger is suitable and attractive or that you are fooling anyone.
