Stores generally are open from 8:00 a.m. to 13:00 hours and 14:30 to 17:30 hours, except Wednesday and Saturday when they are open only in the morning. In the summer, the afternoon hours are 16:00 to 19:00 hours.

Specialties include handmade Lefkaritika lace, silver and copperware, shoes and leather goods, and pottery.
Tucked away inside the old quarters, down one of the back streets, is a quaint old tailor's shop, or 'Raftadiko'. Rolls of cloth practically block the doorway and the bell gives a friendly tinkle as you slowly push open the narrow glass door. Pouring over an old-fashioned, black sewing machine is Andreas, whose wrinkled face looks up, smiling in welcome. He rises, immediately pulls up a dilapidated chair and offers you a glass of orange juice or coffee before asking how he can be of help.

Such a scene is just one example of shopping in Cyprus. For so many of us shopping is regarded a tedious procedure associated with long supermarket queues crowded department stores or less-than-helpful shop assistants. But while you are here put such thoughts behind you and experience shopping the Cyprus way. Enjoy the relaxed attitude, genuine hospitality and friendliness as you delve into the treasure throve of tempting goods, many at bargain prices. From shoes to spectacles, clothes to coffee, you're bound to find something to suit your taste and your pocket, at the same time discovering a little of the daily life of Cyprus.

Remember that shops have different opening times from most of Europe.

In the winter, shops are open from 08.00-13.00hrs and 14.30-17.30hrs, with half days on Wednesday and Saturday.

In the summer, many souvenir shops at the resorts stay open in the evenings, but the remainder open from 07.30-13.00hrs and from 16.00-19.00hrs. Cyprus has thirteen public holidays during the year, so check first to avoid disappointment. If you decide to hire a car, note that petrol stations are closed at night and close at 16.00hrs on Saturday for the weekend, although a few stay open on Sunday - check in the local press for details. For further information just ask at your hotel or the nearest Tourist Information Office. You will find everyone only too pleased to assist.

It's a good idea to go on a shopping spree early on in your stay, giving time to get a shirt or shoes made, prints framed or jewellery engraved. In any case, it's better to shop around before buying and once you begin, you will realise just how much there is to see. Get an early start, as summer temperatures at midday can he exhausting and not all shops are air-conditioned.

Banks are open Monday to Saturday from 08.30-12.00 noon. The larger branches operate an afternoon tourist service from 16.00-19.00hrs in the summer and 15.00-19.00hrs in the winter, except Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Many shops accept credit and charge cards and you can always use a card to draw cash from one of the major banks. All prices are fixed, so there's no bargaining, although some shopkeepers may offer discounts. Communication is not a problem as English is widely spoken throughout the island.

For more pictures, go to
Photo Gallery...