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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. Fresh fruit is plentiful and cheap, and very sweet desserts such as baklava are widely available. Waiter service is normal and in bars counter service is common. 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, usually held in September, when free wine flows and local food is on offer. The festival is just one of many celebrated throughout the year in Limassol.
Shopping: Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains and table cloths, silks, basket work, pottery, silverware and leather goods. Jewellery is an art which has been practised on the island since the Mycenean period; craftsmen 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 celebrated every year in Cyprus:
Feb Apokreo, (carnival festivities) all over the island. May Flower Festivals (Anthestiria), all over the island; 26th Cyprus International State Fair, Lefkosia. Jun-Sep Pafia Festival, Paphos. Jul Larnaca Festival. Jul-Aug Ancient Greek Drama Festival, all over the island. Late Aug Wine Festival, Limassol. Sep Summer Cinema Festival, Larnaca; Ayia Napa Festival; Limassol Wine Festival; Cyprus Car Rally. Sep-Oct Kypria International Festival, all over the island. Dec Christmas Festivities, all over the island.
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 address 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.
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