Cyprus Tourist Guide

Travel - International

Note: Since October 1974, the Cyprus government has declared the ports of Famagusta (Ammochostos), Karavostassi and Kyrenia, and the airport of Ercan, all in the northern part of the island, as illegal 'ports of entry' to Cyprus. Tourists entering through these ports of entry will not be permitted to cross the UN-patrolled Green Line and gain access to the south.

AIR
Over 40 airlines, including Cyprus Airways (CY), the national airline of Cyprus, operate scheduled flights within, to and from Cyprus.

APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES
From Pafos and Larnaca to London is 4 hours 30 minutes, to Paris is 3 hours 30 minutes, to Zurich is 3 hours, to Frankfurt is 3 hours 30 minutes, to Athens is 1 hour 40 minutes and to Stockholm is 5 hours.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Larnaca (LCA) is 5km (3 miles) south of Larnaca Town. Buses to the city centre depart every hour (travel time - 15 minutes). Taxis are also available (travel time - 15 minutes). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, tourist information, bank/bureau de change, bars and restaurants, Cyprus Hotel Information and Reservation Office, first aid, car hire and post office.

Pafos (PFO) is 15km (9 miles) east of the city (travel time - 25 minutes). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, special facilities for disabled people, car hire, bank/bureau de change, hotel reservations, bar and restaurant.

SEA
Passenger ships from the ports of Limassol and Larnaca connect Cyprus with various Greek and Middle Eastern ports, including Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Haifa, Port Said, Jounieh and many Greek islands. Services are reduced during the winter months. For detailed information on ferry boats and shipping lines contact the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Several cruise lines call at Cyprus, including Classical Cruises, Costa, Cunard Line, Euro Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess and Swan Hellenic Cruises. Louis Cruise Lines sail to Egypt and the Holy Land.

ROAD:
Bus: A few services connect some towns and villages on the island every day except Sunday. Service is efficient and cheap. Although the local buses are sometimes slow, they are a good way of seeing the more remote villages. Taxi: These run 24 hours a day between all the main towns on the island. Fares are regulated by the Government and all taxis have meters. Transurban Service Taxis offers an excellent, cheap service using seven-seat taxis running fixed routes between main points. Taxis run to a timetable and delivery is door to door. Fares under this system are often one-tenth of the usual rate. Car hire: Cars are one of the best ways to explore the island. They may be hired at airports and commercial centres, but should be reserved well in advance during the summer season. Reduced tariffs are offered if cars are hired for more than a week. Road signs are in both Greek and English. Traffic drives on the left. Motorcycles: Riders and pillion passengers should always wear crash helmets if the motorcycle is over 50cc. Documentation: An International Driving Permit or national driving license is accepted for 1 year.

URBAN
Nicosia has its own privately run bus company operating efficient services at flat fares which offers a comprehensive service covering the urban area of Limassol and linking the port with the tourist area. Taxis are widely available; a 15 per cent surcharge is in operation from 2300-0600. Tipping is expected.

TRAVEL TIMES
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Nicosia to other main towns and tourist centres in Cyprus.

Limassol 1.00
Pafos 2.15
Larnaca 0.50
Ayia Napa 1.10
Platres 1.30
Protaras 2.00
Polis 2.30