Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, with an area of sq. kms (3.572 sq. miles).

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1 A country s cultural heritage is the most important living treasure of its people. It is through this that its identity can be expressed and an awareness of its historical continuity through time can be created. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It is situated at the crossroads of three continents Europe, Asia and Africa. This geographic position has since antiquity played an important part in the island s turbulent history. Its prehistoric age inhabitants were joined by the Mycenaean Greeks 3500 years ago, who introduced and established their civilization, thus permanently instilling the island s Greek roots. Many other cultures followed since then, including Phoenicians, Assyrians, Franks, Venetians, Ottomans, British, all leaving behind visible traces of their passage. On this island once walked Christ s apostles. The splendor of the Byzantine Empire for many centuries encapsulated Cyprus. The island is an open air museum, where one can visit prehistoric settlements, classical Greek temples, Roman theatres and villas. The population of the Republic of Cyprus is (2012) of whom belong to the Greek Cypriot community, (71,5%), (9,5%) to the Turkish Cypriot community (estimate) and (19,0%) are foreign citizens residing in Cyprus. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, with an area of sq. kms (3.572 sq. miles). It is situated at the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean, at a distance of 300 km north of Egypt, 90 km west of Syria, and 60 km south of Turkey. Greece lies 360 km to the north-west (Rhodes-Karpathos).

2 The country has two mountain ranges: the Pentadaktylos range which runs along almost the entire northern coast, and the Troodos massif in the central and southwestern parts of the island. Cyprus' coastal line is indented and rocky in the north with long sandy beaches in the south. The north coastal plain, covered with olive and carob trees, is backed by the steep and narrow Pentadaktylos mountain range of limestone, rising to a height of m. In the south, the extensive mountain massif of Troodos, covered with pine, dwarf oak, cypress and cedar, culminates in the peak of Mount Olympus, m. above sea level. Between the two ranges lies the fertile plain of Messaoria. Cyprus is almost surrounded by coastal valleys where the soil is suitable for agriculture. Arable land constitutes 46.8 percent of the total area of the island. There are no rivers, only torrents which flow after heavy rain. Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers starting in mid-may and lasting until mid-september and rainy, quite mild winters from November to mid-march. With almost year-round clear skies and sunshine, daylight length ranges from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June. The weather in September is still sunny and hot. Summer continues, however, it slowly moves towards the autumn. Average maximum temperature in September is 29 C on the west coast, 31 C on the eastern-south coast, 34 C inland and 24 C on the mountains. Evenings are also warm, with average temperatures of 19 C on the west coast and inland and 20 C-21 C on the eastern-south coast. It might rain, though the possibility of it is still very small. The water warms up to 26 C and is comfortable enough for swimming. Recommended clothes in September are light-weight summer clothing for the day and light long sleeve top or shirt for evenings. Since it is still hot and very sunny do not forget about sun protection, such as hats, sunscreen and sunglasses as well as sun lotions. The water warms up to 26 C and is comfortable enough for swimming. Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities respectively. English is widely spoken. French and German are also well spoken within the tourist industry

3 Cyprus enjoys an exceedingly high level of freedom of worship. While the majority of Greek-Cypriots are Greek-Orthodox Christians, other denominations are represented on the island, including Armenians, Maronites and Roman Catholics. The Turkish-Cypriot community is predominantly Muslim The currency of the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro ( ). It is divided into 100 Euro cents ( ).... Prior to that, it had been using the Cypriot Pound as its currency. Transfer from Larnaca or Paphos airports to Limassol (duration about 45 minutes) Limassol Airport Express (EAL company) tel: (+357) Transfer from Larnaca airport to Limassol town - price Euro 9 p/p. The bus will stop at a nearby hotel to the venue hotel Amathus and Mediterranean hotel which is next door. Bus no. 30 will drive you to Amathus for only Euro 1.50 p/p or you may take a taxi for about 5 Euro. Transfer from Paphos airport to Limassol town - price: Euro 15 Euro p/p. From the bus terminal in Limasso,l you may take a taxi to Amathus hotel and Mediterranean hotel for about 15 Euro. Taxi fare from Larnaca airport or Paphos airporats to Amathus Beach hotel: approx. Euro 60 Transfer to Limassol town from Amathus hotel: Public bus service (bus no.30) at Euro 1.50 p/p (there is a bus stop 20 metres from the hotel) with a frequency of about every 10 minutes which travels along the coast to the town and shopping areas Taxi fare approximately Euro 13 during daytime / Euro 16 during night time

4 Limassol hospital Doctor associated with Amathus hotel: Dr. Stylianides tel: cell: Information on Pharmacies Limassol: Water is safe to drink in Cyprus. Water pollution is negligible and every home has fresh running drinking water. Tap water in hotels, restaurants, public premises, etc., is also safe to drink. The electricity supply in Cyprus is 230 volts, a.c. 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square pin in most buildings. More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point by using an adaptor (i.e. radios, electric clocks etc.). The use of adaptors for operating high current rating appliances is not recommended (i.e. electric heaters, toasters, irons etc.). Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception. Adaptors can be purchased from electricians, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc. Lemesos (Limassol) is the second largest city in Cyprus after the capital Nicosia. It is located on Akrotiri Bay between the ancient towns of Amathus and Kourion. It is the largest city in geographical size, as well as being the biggest municipality of Cyprus. Limassol is home to around 179,900 people. The Medieval Castle in the old part of town was, according to tradition, the site of the royal wedding in the Middle Ages between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre, and now houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum. Vineyards and wine producing villages are located in the surrounding countryside and foothills of the Troodos mountains. The city sits on the seafront making it very popular with

5 tourists as it combines a cosmopolitan city with sandy beaches and clear waters. International standard golf courses are a short drive away. Limassol has progressed into one of the largest commercial ports in the Mediterranean, as well as one of the most important maritime, tourist, commercial and service centres in the wider region. It is the business and financial centre of Cyprus with a large number of local and international companies surrounded by a further network of hotels, restaurants and other venues for entertainment and leisure. Hundreds of shipping, as well as financial companies have their headquarters in the city, which is also the largest ship-management centre in the European Union.

6 Limassol Seafront Promenade The seafront walking path in Limassol - a UNESCO winning Award project - has become one of the most popular attractions in the town as it offers a great view of the sea. The promenade of Limassol offers an amazing experience to locals and foreigners of all ages who wish to surround themselves with the tranquility of the sea. Take a stroll, relax and enjoy one of the many hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops you will walk by. You can start walking on it by simply walking out of the garden of your hotel towards the beach and you will have the surprise of your life.