I don’t need to tell you that if you are going to have any surgical procedure, it is far better to have it in the country in which you reside. Why? So that if you have any serious problems (which I must stress are rare) the surgeon is near. So why do we choose to go to Cyprus? Simple, because it’s cheaper, as is the economy of the country in which the surgery is performed. If the prices in the UK were not as unbelievably high, we would have surgery nearer to home, it’s plain common sense. However until that day dawns; if it ever does! “Normal” hard working people look for alternatives.
Furthermore, most surgical procedures require you spend some time out of circulation, to rest, heal and recuperate in your own time. So what could be better than jetting off to the beautiful island of Cyprus for two weeks? And then return home with your new image. Cyprus offers the visitor the best of the Mediterranean – day after day of sunshine throughout the year, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle and excellent cuisine. And, due to its long association with the UK, Cyprus is remarkably familiar to British visitors. English is widely spoken and understood. This safe and welcoming country is becoming a centre for cosmetic surgery at competitive prices. Also the cost is substantially less than it is in the UK!
Moreover, having your cosmetic operation in Cyprus ensures you have a high degree of privacy and that you don’t have to answer any unwanted questions, from family or friends, neighbours and work colleagues while you are not looking and feeling your best. You are not going to have to answer the door, feel obliged to cook, just nip down to the shops, speak to so-and-so on the phone or make polite conversation with any inquisitors no matter how well meaning. You will communicate solely with family and friends of your choosing. Privacy is an obvious consideration when you think about it, which many people fail to take into account when planning their cosmetic surgery.
Summarizing, Cyprus:
Is a favoured holiday destination!
Offers treatment prices at around 30-50% of UK prices!
Is less than five hours away by air!
Has a temperate climate!
Is aligned with the UK in terms of driving on the left and using the same plugs!
Has English spoken population, in the main!
Cyprus photo
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General info about Cyprus
Cyprus is a land of many charms. Glorious sun-kissed beaches, stunning mountain scenery, a wealth of historical sites, and long hot summer nights… Spend some time getting to know the island and you’ll soon see why Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was born here.
Cyprus lies in the north-eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa. It is a land of contracts, with a coastline made up of stunning rock formations interspersed by long sections of sandy beach.
Troodos is the main mountain range, with Mount Olympus its highest peak at 1,951 meters. There are 380 villages. The population is 792,604 and the most common language is Greek, although English is widely spoken. Cyprus became a full member of the European Union in 2004 and adopted the Euro as its currency in 2008.
Distances:
From Pafos to:
Lefkosia: 149 km
Lemesos: 67 km
Larnaka: 139 km
Polis: 37 km
From Lefkosia to:
Agia Napa: 80 km
Pafos: 149 km
Troodos: 70km
Lemesos: 83 km
Larnaka: 45 km
From Lemesos to:
Lefkosia: 83 km
Pafos: 67 km
Larnaka: 45 km
From Larnaka to:
Lefkosia: 45 km
Lemesos: 71 km
Pafos: 139 km
Agia Napa: 40.5 km
Paralimni: 43.5
Downtown
Now that you’ve spent a couple of days on the beach and the suntan is coming along nicely, it’s time to get out and about. Cyprus has so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to begin but a wander around the nearest town is always a good place to start and you’ll be delighted to discover that there are some great bargains to be found.
Glasses:
Did you know that glasses and contact lenses are much cheaper in Cyprus than in most European countries? Eye testing is free and you don’t even have to book an appointment – all shops have qualified opticians and standards are excellent, plus they have the very latest selection of frames of just about every named brand you can imagine. Your glasses will be ready for collection within a couple of days, or they can be sent on to you.
Fashion:
Cypriots are very fashion conscious and there are virtually hundreds of shops to browse. All Europe’s major stores are here including Zara, Mango and Bershka as well as British favourites, Debenahms and Marks & Spencer. Do take a look at the smaller boutiques, usually located slightly off the main drag. These specialise in pieces from Europe’s top fashion houses. Fendi, Armani, Gucci, MaxMara, Escada and many others are all there, together with some of the island’s own impressive designer brands. Most of these smaller shops sell fantastic accessories. There is also a huge range of footwear with imported Italian and Greek designs being the most popular.
Jewellery:
For a really enduring memento of your holiday, look for a piece of jewellery. Silver and gold is reasonably priced and there are many designer shops offering fantastic pieces for those looking for a very special buy. Some jewellers make copies of archaeological pieces (cruciforms, birds, animals, etc.) and these are incorporated into charms, pendants, key-rings, cufflinks and more. Look out for the pomegranate (the ancient symbol of fertility) it makes a great gift for a young bride. Many small shops sell more modern silver items, often with semi-precious stones. Tiny silver framed icons of the religious saints are also popular buys.
Visit a market:
An experience to delight the senses. Just about every type of fresh vegetable and fruit are on display in the colourful markets – ask anyone and they’ll tell you where they are. Saturday’s are usually the best days to go, as this is when the majority of stall owners bring their produce from the villages.
The markets sell mainly locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, so don’t expect highly polished, tissue-wrapped, apples. Here everything is brought straight from the fields or orchards – usually only a few hours after it’s picked. The produce arrives in brightly coloured crates- just grab a bag, select the pieces you want and hand it to the stall keeper for weighing.
There are lots of other things to discover: Herbs and spices, handmade baskets, olives and olive oil, village cheeses, sausages, smoked hams and homemade breads, crystallised fruits and pure honey, are all there to be bought and taken home as a special gift. Don’t forget to take your camera.
Tax Free Shopping:
Did you know, if you are visiting Cyprus from a non-EU country, you can claim back the VAT on purchased items through the Euro Refund Tax Free Shopping scheme?
Look for shops that display the distinctive ‘Tax Free Shopping’ logo. If you spend over 50 euro ask for a Euro Refund voucher to show (together with the goods) when you leave the island – the tax on your purchases will be reimbursed to you at the Euro Refund desk within the airport or port departure.
The capital city of Cyprus is a fascinating mix of old and new – the high rise buildings, popular street cafes and modern shops of the newer commercial centre contrasting sharply with the ‘old’ city, confined within its circular mediaeval fortified stone walls.
Stroll through the popular Laiki Geitonia, an area restored in 1894, where you can see various craftsmen at work. More craftsmen work at the government-run Cyprus Handicraft Service, on the outskirts of the city, which promotes traditional Cypriots arts and crafts, while the Chrysaliniotissa Crafts Center in the old city hosts a complex of 8 workshops.
As well as handicraft centres, Lefkosia has an abundance of museums, galleries, ancient churches and historic buildings. Guided city tours organized by the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) take place regularly. Not to be missed is the observatory on top of the Siakolas Tower in Ledra Street, a good viewpoint overlooking Europe’s last divided city.
Lefkosia is the Greek name for the city, but ‘Nicosia” is also in common use, so don’t be surprised to see either spelling on road signs, etc.
Places to visit:
Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation (Includes George & Nefeli Giabra Pierides Collection).
86 Phaneromenis street, Tel: 22677134
A range of archaeological items dating from 2,500BC through to the 16th century AD. Includes contemporary Cypriot art, coin collections, maps and rare historical documents.
Chrysaliniotissa Multicraft Centre
(within the old walls at corner of Ipponaktos & Dimonaktos Stret), Tel: 22347465
Eight workshops around a courtyard offer traditional products and handicrafts – some of which give a new slant to old crafts.
Cyprus Handicraft Service
186 Athalassa Avenue, Tel: 22305024
Visit the workshops and see the traditional craftsmen working at this government-run centre. Pleasantly lay out around a courtyard. There is also a gift shop and cafeteria.
Chrysaliniotissa Church
Archiepiscopou Filotheou, Famagusta Gate
The Church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and means “Our Lady of the Golden Flax”. Built in 1450, it is believed to be the oldest Byzantine Church in Lefkosia. It contains a collection of old and rare icons.
Cyprus Archaeological Museum
Museum Street, Tel: 22865864
The island’s foremost museum, it has a priceless collection of artifacts from the Neolithic to the Byzantine periods.
Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum
44 Granikou Street, Tel: 22680222
A fascinating collection of two-wheeled machinery from the past.
Cyprus Jewelers Museum
7-9 Praxippou Street, Laiki Geitonia, Tel: 22667377
Permanent exhibition of traditional 19th and 20th century.
Cyprus Postal Museum
Department of Postal Services
3B Agiou Savva Street, Tel: 22304711
Collection of Cyprus stamps and postal memorabilia from 1800 onwards.
Ethnographic Museum
Archbishop, Tel: 22430008
The museum houses an interesting collection of Cypriot folk art from the 19th and early 20th century.
Byzantine Museum & Art Galleries
Archbishop, Tel: 22430008
Home to the island’s largest collection of icons and art.
House Of The Dragoman – Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios
20 Patriarchou Grigoriou street, Tel: 22305316
This is a fine example of a traditional 18th century town mansion. The Dragoman was the link between the ruling Ottoman administration and the Greek Cypriots. The house has been richly restored and won the 1988 Europa Nostra Award. Also houses an Ethnological Museum.
Kasteliotissa
Rigenis Street, within the old City walls near Pafos Gate.
This medieval hall was once part of a Louisianan Palace dating back to the 13th 14th century.
Ledra Observatory
Shacolas Tower, 11th floor, ‘Hermes’ shopping center, Ledra Street, Tel: 22679369.
Offers impressive views of the city.
Leventis Municipal Museum
17 Ippokratous Street, Laiki Geitonia, Old Town
Tel: 22671997 / 22661475
Permanent exhibitions of Lefkosia’s 6,000-year history.
Municipal Arts Center & Contemporary Art Gallery (AKA: The Powerhouse)
(Associated with the Pierides Museum Of Contemporary Art)
19 Apostolou Varnava Street, Tel: 22432577
Municipal Theatre
Museum Street, Tel: 22664028
Neo-classical style theatre, built in 1967.
Omeriye Hamam
8 Tillyria Square, Tel: 22460570
A haven of calm and serenity at the heart of Lefkosia for everyone to enjoy, the Omeriye Hamam (Turkish Baths) has recently undergone considerable renovation.
Omeriye Mosque
Trikoupi Street, Open daily (no shoes allowed inside Mosque), Free Entry.
The Mosque dates from the 14th century. It was originally the Augustinian Church of Saint Mary, but was destroyed during the Ottoman conquest. It was restored as a Mosque due to the belief that the Prophet Omer was here during the 7th century. The muezzin still calls the faithful to prayer five times a day.
Venetian Walls
Between 1567 and 1570 the ruling Venetians built a circular fortified wall around the original city, with a circumference of 4.5 km and 11 heart-shaped bastions. Entrance to the city was through three gates – The Famagusta Gate, Pafos Gate and Kyrenia Gate. Famagusta Gate has been restored and is now the Municipal Cultural Centre. The moat is now used as a public garden and car parking space.
Agios Irakleidios
Politiko Village, 0.5 km from the Royal Tombs
Agios Irakeidios was the first Bishop of Cyprus. He was the guide for Saints Paul and Barnabas and many miracles are attributed to him. Now used as a nunnery, the current monastic buildings date from the late 18th century.
Dhali
The first settlement at Dhali, ancient Idalion, dates back to the Bronze Age. One of the city-kingdoms of Cyprus, ancient legend says that Adonis was killed by a wild boar nearby. Dhali became a prosperous town on the camel route. A new Museum is well worth a visit.
Machairas Monastery
41km south of Lefkosia, through Deftera and Pera villages. The Monastery is said to have been founded by two monks in 1148.
Tamassos
Mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey as Temese, the area of Tamassos was reputed to have an endless supply of copper. Excavations here have revealed copper workshops associated with Aphrodite – Astarte – and two 6th century BC tombs with unusual decorative carvings. The name Cyprus is thought to have been derived from the word copper.
Walking Tours
Tel: 22691100
Offered free of charge by the Municipality of Lefkosia in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association. Walks are in English and depart from the CTO office (11 Aristokyprou Str., Laiki Geitonia) at 1000hrs:
*Walking Tour of Lefkosia (Thursdays)
*Chrysaliniotissa and Kaimakli: The Past Restored (Mondays).
*Lefkosia: outside the Walls (Fridays).
The island’s second largest town and, thanks to its 12km coastline, the largest coastal resort. Lemesos is also a thriving port and commercial centre.
Known as the town that never sleeps, local residents are renowned for the friendliness to visitors and for their ability to throw a good party! For proof, look no further than the spring carnival and the autumn wine festival.
A town long associated with wine production, Lemesos is also said to be the site where Richard the Lionheart wed Berengaria of Navarre. The usual water sports are catered for along the beach while most sporting activities (including shooting, golf, bowling, karting, golf and more), are out of the town centre.
Nearby is Germasogeia dam, popular with anglers, and Akrotiri salt lake, home to migrating birds in winter and a stopover point for millions more. Lemesos is also known as Limassol.
Places to Visit:
Lemesos Castle
Near the Old Port, Tel: 25305419
The current castle dates from the 13th century. It stands on the site of a Byzantine castle where, it is said, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in 1911, crowing her Queen of England. The British used the castle as a headquarters and prison until 1940. The castle today houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
Amathus
Amathus Archaeological Site
11km (7miles) east of Lemesos
Amathus was occupied from 1,000BC to the 12th century AD. It played an important part in ancient Cypriot history as a port and a city kingdom. Unfortunately stone from the ruins was removed for variety of building projects – one of them being the Suez Canal.
Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Village, 14 km (9 miles) west of Lemesos
Tel: 25934907
An original castle is though to have been built on the site in the 13th century when it belonged to the knights of St John of Jerusalem – the knights Hospitallers. The present castle was built in 1454. The Kolossi headquarters ‘Grandde Commanderie’ gave its name to Commandaria, the renowned Cyprus wine. Sugarcane was grown extensively in the area and the remains of a 14th century sugar processing factory can still be seen nearby.
Kourion
Kourion Archaeological Site
Episkopi, 19 km west of Lemesos, Tel: 25934250
Kourion Archaeological Museum, Tel: 25932453
A fascinating site that has ongoing excavations. It is thought to date from the 3rd century BC. The 2nd century Roman theatre is very impressive and regularly hosts concerts and theatrical performances. There are also remains of a 5th century Christian cathedral, villas with mosaic floors and the house of Eustolios – a private villa which became public baths at the end of the 4th century.
Municipal Art Gallery
28th Oktovriou 103, Tel: 25586212
The gallery has a permanent display of works by Cypriot artists.
Municipal Folk Art Museum
Agiou Andreou 253, Tel: 25362303
Items from the 19th and 20th century, offering a glimpse of Cypriot life.
Stadium
Near Kourion Archeological Site
All that remains of this 2nd century AD stadium is the oval wall. It had capacity for 6,000 spectators. At 217 meters long and 17 meters wide it was one of the largest stadiums in Europe and many games were held here.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Episkopi 3 km west of Kourion
This sanctuary, dedicated to the God of the Woods, is surrounded by what remains of a deer forest. Apollo was worshipped here from the 8th century BC until the 4th century AD. The 1st century AD Temple of Apollo has been partly restored. This area is believed to be Kourion’s oldest settlement.
Donkey Sanctuary
Vouni Village, Tel: 25945488
Rescued and retired donkeys are cared for in this delightful sanctuary. Open to the public.
Hiking/Nature Trails
Three trails are available, prepared by the CTO. One at Germasogeia Dam and two at Kyparissia. Telephone the Cyprus Tourism Organization on 22691100 for further information, or visit the CTO’s website at www.visitcyprus.com
Akrotiri Enviromental, Education & Information Centre.
Akrotiri Village, Tel: 25826562.
A RAMSAR site with lots of interesting information and displays on the enviromant of this unique wetland area. A 2km nature trail takes you to the village, famous for its basket markets.
Open daily from 8am until 3pm. Admission free.
Sea Sponge Exhibition
Old Port roundabout, Tel: 25871656
Situated in an old carob warehouse, an interesting display of different sponges.
Walking Tours
Contact CTO Lemesos: Tel: 25362756
Tours run from Nov-April and depart from the Cyprus Tourism organization office:
Germasogeia – A village blessed by Water
Discover the Natural Environment of Germasogeia
Water Parks
Fassouri “Water Mania”
Located between Lemesos New Port & Pafos via Trahoni village, Tel: 25714235
Annual Events
Cyprus Rally – March
Organised by Cyprus Automobile Association Tel: 22313233
The Cyprus Rally is a great opportunity to see the superstars of rallying in action. See the teams, the cars, the mechanics at work and sometimes the drivers at the Lemesos service park
Festivals
Lemesos Carnival – beginning of Lent
“Kataklusmos” Flood Fair – June