World Country Guide

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Food & Drink
Major resorts have bars and restaurants of every category. At larger hotels, the indigenous cuisine tends to have an ‘international flavour’ although authentic local dishes may also be available. All over the island there are restaurants offering genuine Cypriot food. Charcoal-grilled meat is very popular, as is fresh seafood. Dishes include kebabs (pieces of lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire), dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice) and tava (a tasty stew of meat, herbs and onions). One of the best ways of enjoying Cypriot food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a large selection of a number of different local dishes. However, the cuisine varies according to whether the visitor eats in the North or the Republic of Cyprus. Fresh fruit is plentiful and cheap, and very sweet desserts such as baklava are widely available. Waiter service is normal and counter service is common in bars.
There are no licensing hours. Cyprus produces excellent wines, spirits and beer which can only be bought in the south. Coffee is Greek-style (short, strong and unfiltered), though cappuccino is available in most restaurants and bars. Traditional English tea can be bought everywhere. The highlight of the wine year is the annual wine festival in Limassol, usually held in September, when free wine flows and local food is on offer.

Shopping
Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basket work, pottery, silverware and leather goods. Jewellery is an art which has been practised on the island since the Mycenean period; craftspeople working in contemporary and traditional styles produce some very fine pieces. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Lefkara lace is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara, situated on a hill on the Nicosia–Limassol road. Other products include the simple baskets which have been made on the island for years, leather goods and pottery. The local wines and brandy also make good purchases. Imported goods sell at competitive prices, including cameras, perfume, porcelain, crystal and, of course, the finest English fabrics. Shirts made to measure or ready to wear can be found at very low prices. Shopping hours: Shops are closed Wednesday and Saturday after 1400 as well as all day Sunday. Otherwise opening hours are 0800-1300 and 1600-1930 (summer, or until 1900 spring and autumn); 0800-1300 and 1430-1800 (winter). On Fridays, shops are generally open until 2000/2030.

Special Events
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Cyprus in 2005:
Jan 24-25 Agios Neofytos Days, (traditional festival) Paphos. Feb 16 Carnival Monday, Larnaca. Feb 25-27 28th Troodos International Skie Competition. Mar 3-13 Apokreo & Limassol Carnivals. Mar 14 Green Monday. Mar 25 Greek National Day celebrations. Apr 1 Greek-Cypriot National Day. Apr 15-17 4th Cyprus Amateur Open Championships. Apr 25-30 Greek Orthodox Easter. May 14-15 Anthesteria Flower Festival. Jun 5 11th Children's Festival, Agia Napa. Jun 17-22 Pentecost-Kataklysmos Fair (Flood Festival). Jul 1-31 Larnaka International Festival. Aug Ancient Greek Drama Festival, Pafos. Aug 14-15 Assumption Day celebrations. Aug 30-Sep 11 Wine Festival, Lemesos. Sep 23 Autumn Equinox, Limassol. Sep 27 World Tourism Day. Oct 28 Greek National Day celebrations. Dec Christmas Festivities. Dec 21-24 Re-enactment of Christ’s Birth, Paphos.
In addition to the events listed above, a number of saints’ days based on the Greek Orthodox Church are celebrated throughout the year. For a complete list of events and saints’ days, contact the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section).

Social Conventions
Respect should be shown for religious beliefs. Those visitors who leave the confines of their hotel and beach to explore Cyprus will find a warm reception waiting for them in the many villages. It is customary to shake hands and other normal courtesies should be observed. It is viewed as impolite to refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink. It is acceptable to bring a small gift of wine or confectionery, particularly when invited for a meal. For most occasions, casual attire is acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. More formal wear is required for business and in more exclusive dining rooms, social functions, etc. Photography: Photography is forbidden near military camps or installations. A licence from the appropriate authorities is required to photograph museum artefacts - this can sometimes be purchased from the museum’s ticket desk. No flash photography is allowed in churches with murals or icons. Tipping: A service charge is added to all bills, but tipping is still acceptable and remains at the discretion of the individual.