Country Guides > Cyprus > South-East Coast

Larnaka / Protaras

  PROTARAS / AYIA NAPA

This is a more calm resort compared to Ayia Napa even though it is only 10 minutes away by car. Protaras is situated between Cape Greco and the village of Paralimni and boasts the fabulous Fig Tree Bay, which stretches over 10 miles of sandy Beach. While lying on the beach you will have the opportunity to decide which of Protaras' many restaurants you will try that evening. Protaras is the place to try freshly grilled fish in one of the open-air seafood restaurants or take a pick from the several types including Thai, Italian, Indian and many others. Protaras also offers a good choice of shops, tavernas, nightclubs and bars.

Cyprus is the 3^{rd largest Mediterranean island, covering 240km from West to East and 96km from North to South, with a population of approximately 750,000. It is an island that has superb mountain scenery, forests and fascinating coastlines and beaches, as well as places of great historical and archaeological importance. A trip into the mountains will provide a refreshing change from the heat of the beaches, with delightfully fresh air, cool nights scented with the aroma of pine trees and wild herbs. Although the language is Greek, English is readily spoken and understood almost everywhere as is French and German.}

The people of Cyprus are a warm and friendly nation. They have very strong family values and are proud of their traditions and culture. This small island has always been recognised as being the gateway to the Middle East due to its perfect location. So it’s no surprise that its people are familiar with welcoming foreign visitors.

Cyprus has approximately 340 days of sunshine each year. The winters are extremely short and mild, and the long summers are guaranteed to be hot. During the months of February and March it is possible to sunbathe in the mornings along the coast and ski in the afternoons, as most years there is snow in the Troodos Mountains.

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Crime is virtually unheard of in Cyprus, making it very appealing for foreign investors. Vandalism and theft are extremely uncommon. Many crimes against individuals and property that have become part of everyday life in many developed countries are unheard of in Cyprus. This is a country where everyone is happy to help each other.

Is on the left in Cyprus as in Britain and distances between towns are relatively short, covered by a good network of roads.

Cyprus has two airports, one in Paphos and one in Larnaca. The island welcomes over 260 international flights on a weekly basis.

Cyprus is now a full member of the European Union since 1st May 2004; it is also a member of the United Nations and the British Commonwealth.

English is spoken throughout the island to a high level, which may be particularly reassuring when it comes to healthcare. Medical facilities are of high quality and many doctors study in the UK so are trained to international standards. The most up to date facilities and operating techniques, using state of the art modern technology are available, and surgery like heart bypass and kidney transplants are now routine in major hospitals on the island. Doctors and dentists are easy to locate and generally charge lower fees than other European countries. Pharmacies are modern and well equipped and most medical products can be purchased over the counter. Medical insurance is also available to Non-Cypriots at quite competitive rates.

Since joining the EU in May 2004 there has been many changes, one of them being medical cover in Cyprus. Foreign nationals living and working legally in Cyprus are entitled to the same medical cover as locals. A Cyprus medical card, provides health care coverage at state hospitals, with the holder entitled to inpatient and outpatient treatment, medicines and some types of surgery. To receive the means-tested card, foreigners will need to submit an E121 form and supporting documents. For full information visit the Health Ministry’s website at ^{www.moh.gov.cy where you can also print out the E121 form.}

There is no official quarantine for cats and dogs entering any EU County from the United Kingdom. From July 2004 an EU Pet Passport issued by your vet, who must be DEFRA certified (since the introduction of the pet passport most vets are now DEFRA certified). To obtain this, you must first have your pet micro chipped by your vet. The vet must then vaccinate your pet against rabies. If you intend to return to the UK with your pet, then the vet must obtain a blood sample 30 days after the rabies vaccination and submit it for testing. Assuming this result is positive, the details of the blood test will be entered into the Pet Passport. For more information ^{www.defra.gov.uk.}

The schools in Cyprus range from pre-school, primary and secondary, right up to University level. There are schools that cater for both Cypriot and foreign students. If you would like your child to attend a government run school, he or she would need to have a comprehensive knowledge of the Greek language. Schools are very well funded and are staffed by highly qualified teachers. The school system in Cyprus is structured in a similar way to British schools. Secondary school students (from either local or international schools) graduate at 18 with internationally recognised diplomas, which can gain them access to higher education anywhere in the world.

Cyprus offers a very full and comparatively inexpensive lifestyle, and with high European standards of living, the county has seen a large influx of foreign people, not only for holidays but wanting to buy property for both investment and permanent residency. Apart from the appealing climate, rich culture and hospitable people, Cyprus is now recognised as one of the most inexpensive countries in Europe to live in today. Practically everything you need, including named brands are widely available in the modern shopping centres in all areas of the island. Restaurants and bars are in competition with one another which keep the prices low, and it goes without saying, the quality and choice of both local and international cuisine, is of superb standard.

Since joining the EU in May 2004 any person from within one of the EU countries are allowed to work in Cyprus without a work permit and all Social Security and other benefits are transferable in EU countries.