A woman who has run a seafront hotel for the past 60 years has closed her doors to tourists to provide a “home from home” for Ukrainians.
Nitsa Michael, 84, who runs the Seaward Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, left her home in Cyprus in the 1960’s before her family fled in 1974 as Turkey invaded.
Based on her family’s experience, she said she wanted to help Ukrainian people, when the Russians invaded.
Ms Michael said: “I felt for them… me and my family hope we’re helping them.”
Trellows Estate Agents Cyprus Seaward Hotel
The family reopened the seafront hotel, on Knightstone Road, following its closure during the pandemic.
Ms Michael said it made them “happy” as they “just want to help” the refugees.
Her daughter Michelle Michael said some people seeking help had arrived at the hotel using Google translate.
She said the family was very grateful some of the Ukrainians could speak English and said they had chatted with others over WhatsApp “just reassuring them so they know when they get here they’re going to be safe and they’re going to be taken care of”.
Yuliia was one of the first refugees to arrive at the hotel.
She left her home in Berdyansk in south eastern Ukraine when the explosions started.
She said: “On 24 February , it was very loud and very bright and I understood that it is war.
“I left a very bad situation because they haven’t gas, they haven’t heating and they haven’t Ukrainian money because they can’t pay with cards because they haven’t internet”, she added.
Michelle Michael said the family was grateful to local people for donating clothing, unwanted iPads and laptops.
“Together we’ve been able to contribute to hopefully a very good start for the refugees”.
Cyprus has become the first EU member-state to achieve 100 per cent 5G population coverage, even in its remotest areas, Cyta announced on Monday.
The announcement came after the network reached the village of Sykopetra in Pitsilia, the final stop to achieving 100 per cent coverage.
A small ceremony was organised by Sykopetra community to celebrate the instalment of the last 5G antenna in the network, in the presence of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy deputy minister Kyriacos Kokkinos and other officials.
Acknowledging Cyta’s key role in the country’s digital transition, Kokkinos said that “the immediate availability of networks and services in every corner of Cyprus contributes to enhancing the country and its people’s digital maturity, and by extension to shielding the resilience of its economy”.
Commissioner for mountain areas Costas Hambiaouris said he was pleased with Cyta’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology even in remote areas.
“Cyta is one of the key pillars in the efforts to create a basic development policy for mountain areas, which concerns the promotion of the digital transition, the effective creation of infrastructures and the development of services, with the aim of modernising the mountainous areas and improving the technological accessibility, both for the residents and for the businesses,” he said.
“This is an achievement no other country has reached so far,” Cyta president Michalis Ioannides said on Cyta reaching 100 per cent 5G population coverage across the island.
“For us at Cyta, it is important that all Cypriots participate in the digital transition. Because we are one country, in the same speed, equal in the world of communications”.
For his part, Cyta CEO Andreas Neocleous said that growth is for everyone, and nobody should be left in the sidelines.
“Technology and its benefits can now be accessed all over Cyprus, even in its most remote areas, proving that for Cyta actions speak louder than the words”.
Sykopetra community leader Charalambos Charalambous, thanked Cyta for not leaving the mountain communities behind, noting that technology is a basic condition for them to be able to continue to grow and progress.
Bouzouki nights are a quintessential part of Greek and Cypriot life. The community in the UK and indeed in other countries around the world remain connected to Cyprus through culture, lifestyle and last but not least, through music.
Frankie Champ has become a ubiquitous with Bouzouki nights in London. Now that we have finally exited the recent pandemic, these events are back in full swing, with the next one scheduled for the 1st of April 2022, at the Penridge Suite, Bowes Road, N11.
Frankie always selects people who are well known to the community for his events, from the DJ of a famous London Greek radio, to independent musicians who are well known for providing the music at a wide range of functions, including Greek weddings.
On this occasion, artists will include Tas Diastello and Mixalis Theodosiou, who are, as expected, very well known for their music and entertainment at these events.
For bookings contact Frankie Champ on 07881 364442
Every March, the endless landscape of Episkopi village in Paphos offers spectacular views. The area boasts nature trails, diverse flora and fauna, ancient ruins, hermit’s caves, rivers and streams and a rare enormous rock that predates humanity. The Ezousa valley, where the village is located, has inspired many paintings and works of art, and the area’s serenity appeals to those seeking the vivid sounds of nature.
Episkopi village and its rock
Located on the outskirts of Paphos town, Episkopi has become a magnet for many locals and visitors, who are drawn to the area to marvel at its imposing rock, standing 70 metres tall. It is often referred to as the ‘Meteora’ of Cyprus – a term used to describe Greece’s monasteries built on natural sandstone rock pillars – and is one of the most interesting geological formations in Cyprus, and arguably one of the largest, formed millions of years ago after the African tectonic plate was separated, and Cyprus emerged from the sea.
“Apart from being the largest monolith in Cyprus, it is also environmentally significant due to the fauna and flora that it supports,” says Charalambos Charalambous, President of the Community Council of Episkopi. “Rare and endangered species can be found here.”
According to Charalambous, chasmophytes grow in the crevices of the limestone rock, which are found in only a few locations across the island. “Verbascum levanticum is the most distinctive of the chasmophytes that grow here. It is also worth noting that the rock is the only location in the Ezousa valley where such flora can be found.”
Episkopi’s pole of attraction is also of great ornithological interest. It is home to various species of bird, such as the Cyprus wheatear with its distinctive black and white plumage. The peregrine falcon has also become a resident of the area.
The Ezousa valley is certainly one of the most beautiful valleys in Cyprus. Because of its high ecological value, it has been included in Natura 2000, Europe’s largest coordinated network of protected areas, providing a haven for valuable and threatened species and habitats.
Founded in 2012, the Episkopi Paphos Environmental Information Centre aims to highlight, promote and protect the ecological and cultural characteristics of the area. “One of the centre’s key objectives is to contribute to the sustainable development of the area,” says the centre’s acting director, Mary Beth Trotter.
“We offer information about the geology, flora and fauna of the Ezousa valley through high-quality photographic and video material on display, including touch screens, dioramas and unique collections,” she adds. “The centre is surrounded by a botanical garden where visitors can observe the area’s significant plants, organised into thematic groups.”
The history of the villageAs a self-funded initiative, the centre is reliant on ticket sales and funds generated from the sale of self-care and environmentally friendly products available at the centre’s exhibition shop.
Originally known as Komi, the village was given the name ‘Episkopi’ during Frankish rule when the Orthodox Bishop of Paphos relocated his headquarters there from Polis Chrysochous. Another version of the story suggests the name came from the inhabitants “keeping watch on the top” of the rock, safeguarding the village from invading pirates.
Oozing charm and brimming with historic architecture, the village exudes friendliness and hospitality. Primarily composed of winding, narrow streets dotted with flowerpots, quaint stone houses and overhanging balconies, the village also features the surviving ruins of a small monastery dedicated to the Holy Cross, established in 1192.
According to tradition, St Hilarion was a resident of the village in 371AD, leading an ascetic life in an underground cave. Episkopi’s ‘modern’ church, which is dedicated to the saint, was built on top of the rock, and offers panoramic views of the valley below.
“The area of Episkopi is ideal this time of year,” says Mary Beth Trotter. “It is wonderful to explore the village and the valley on an organised walking trail.”
According to Mary Beth, the village of Episkopi is a treasure trove of varied fauna and flora, as well as remnants of the island’s cultural heritage. “Nature trails are a delight for the senses, especially in the springtime when visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.”
As Green Monday officially marks the beginning of the spring season, an excursion to Episkopi will offer the perfect landscape to fly one’s kite (weather permitting, of course). Alternatively, one can stand at the foot of the island’s largest rock and capture a memorable selfie for the nefarious reason of making other people envious of what Cyprus has to offer.
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Waterworld in Ayia Napa, the largest water park in Cyprus. Your admission ticket offers all-day access to the park’s attractions, including thrilling water slides such as the Aeolos Whirlpool, Thunderbolt and Lightning, and Quest of Heracles, plus various swimming areas, wave pools, Jacuzzis, and a lazy river. Full-day Waterworld Water Park Admission Ticket in Ayia Napa Get your adrenaline pumping on the Aeolos Whirlpool, Thunderbolt and Lightning, and Quest of Heracles water slides Cruise the lazy river, make a splash in the wave pools, or relax in the Jacuzzi Enjoy a family day out, with activities suitable for all ages and abilities Self-guided tour offers greater flexibility
Ayia Napa’s most popular attraction since 1996
Take a dive into ancient mythological Greece with family and friends and make your mythical adventures an unforgettable reality! Welcome to WATERWORLD the largest themed waterpark in Europe, here in Ayia Napa! Spend an incredible day with your family or friends! Unbeatable Fun.
WaterWorld Themed WaterPark is the premier leisure destination in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. The perfect option whether you have an occasion to celebrate or looking for a fun day to spend with friends and family.
You can spend the whole day without getting bored, with more than 30 waterslides and attractions for all ages and wide selection of food and beverage outlets!
Waterworld waterpark – where myth becomes reality!
Waterworld waterpark opened it’s doors in 1996 and has been winning awards ever since, now boasting 25 International awards. Over 4.5 million guests have visited the park which is the largest themed waterpark in Europe and one of Cyprus’s biggest attractions. With over 21 thrilling rides for all ages, the park is themed on ancient Greek mythology.
Top attractions include Chariots chase, Aeolos Whirlpool, the River Odyssey and Poseidon wave pool.
Children are well catered for with the Atlantis activity pool, Pegasus Childrens pool and the Trojan adventure. Those seeking a more adrenalin fuelled ride can attempt the Kamikaze slides, Drop to Atlantis and the fall of Icarus.
As well as the rides, visitors have the benefits of free parking, sunloungers and umbrellas, showers and changing facilities. Lockers are available for daily rental. All staff are fully trained and first aid is available if required.
Those spending a day at the park will no doubt want to eat something from the restaurants or snack bars in the park. There is a choice of self service full meals, pizza, fish and chips as well as a creperia and ice cream parlour.
Treat yourself to a VIP experience with the new THEA VIP suite or book a VIP cabana for poolside comfort.
Ayia Napa Waterpark Location
Waterworld Waterpark is located in the Macronissos area of Ayia Napa, close to the new Ayia Napa marina. It is reachable from central Ayia Napa and Protaras on the local bus route 101/102, or by taxi. There is a car park at the entrance for guests arriving by car.
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2023 Presidential Election candidate Achilleas Demetriades believes the global climate change concern should be urgently addressed. So that the divided island achieves its primary objective which is “A whole and green Cyprus!”.
Here are his views on this crucial issue:
“Climate change is on our doorstep. There is an urgency to address this global concern and Cyprus cannot drag its feet on this any longer. No individual state can tackle climate challenges on its own.
Our EU membership has already given us directions as to how we can act. Now we have to accelerate our pace in order to achieve the objectives of the “European Green Deal”.
End our dependence on coal and become climate neutral by 2050
Reduce by 55% greenhouse emissions by 2030, compared to 1990
Full energy potential in new buildings, limit energy loss in existing buildings
These can be achieved through the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the new EU Funding Program 2021-2027. This time, we must apply these two development programs in a different manner to the short-term policies of the past, which have not laid the foundations for the future.
In the past few years, Cyprus has not made any real progress towards any of the goals relating to viable growth, as these are set out by the EU. Strategies and plans of actions have been drafted by the Anastasiades government but have ended up in a drawer.
Citizens have paid a heavy cost for delays and inaction by the government in adopting and implementing laws on managing pollutants and waste.
This government is wholly responsible for the absence of the appropriate infrastructure and incentives and unfortunately, even today, there is no coordination between the relevant services and the distribution of responsibilities.
Can we change this? My answer is a definite yes. Through a modern coordinated state which will serve the citizen we can work hard to achieve these goals, to bring Cyprus to the forefront of the effort to tackle climate change, instead of lagging behind.
A quick turn to Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Cyprus’ climate helps to fully exploit the production of solar energy. One may very well wonder how other countries, even in northern Europe with a lot less sunshine, have managed to turn so fast and so successfully to RES.
The state must take the lead. Public buildings, ministries, other government buildings and schools should bring into effect the Directive on saving energy. No carbon dioxide pollutants; instead, photovoltaics and special insulation.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), the island’s biggest electricity production plant, must determine irrevocably its strategy to stop using mazut and use a more friendly fuel to the benefit of the consumers and reducing the levy incurred by the state.
Develop a circular economy and biological agriculture.
The green movement concerns us all. We want to make a big investment in our island and our people, particularly in the new generation, using European know-how and available financial resources.
The protection of the environment is a new right! I advocate amendment of the constitution which will ensure the respect for the environment as an individual right for the citizen.
If individual parties or indeed the state violate legislation on the protection of the environment, they could be brought directly and effectively before the courts. Violation of the law should relate to all policies concerning the environment, including policies on areas designated as Natura.
Our primary objective is “A whole and green Cyprus!”
One Cyprus, united, free of Turkish troops, should be in a position to develop its ecosystem as a single entity.
Our children will be able to work throughout our island.
The state will regain control of its natural and environmental wealth to the benefit of all its citizens.
We will be in a position to address the big environmental challenges our country is facing, which do not stop at the ceasefire line, including the planning and managing for dangers arising from climate change such as fires, floods, drought, desertification and coastal erosion.
This is the whole green Cyprus, that we all deserve.”
January 2022 recorded a spike in Cyprus inflation, rising to 5.4% on an annual basis, according to official figures, in line with the trend recorded in the rest of the eurozone.
It is reminded that in Greece the European Union-harmonized inflation was measured at 5.5% year-on-year last month, according to Eurostat.
At the same time, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Republic of Cyprus decreased by 0.53 points, falling to 104.57, compared to 105.10 in December 2021, according to the state’s statistical service (CyStat).
The largest increases, when compared to the index of January 2021, were recorded in the categories of electricity (up 26.3%) and fuel products (25.3%). The categories of housing, water, gas and other types of fuel recorded a 14.1% growth, while in transport there was a 13.3% increase.
The categories of transport, housing, water, electricity, gas and other types of fuel had the largest effect on the change of the CPI, ranging from 1.67 to 1.91 points.
On a monthly basis the largest rise was recorded in agricultural goods (4.3%) and the biggest drop was noted in clothing and footwear (-12.7%).
VAT was introduced in Cyprus on the purchase of brand new property (since Cyprus’ accession to the EU in May 2004) and on the purchase of the land (from January 2018). The VAT rate is 19% and this is usually additional to the purchase price.
The seller is obliged to collect the VAT from the buyer with every payment the latter makes towards the purchase price and then pay this to the relevant government body which is the VAT Department.
When VAT was imposed on property, the Cypriot government tried to mitigate this additional cost to buyers by:
(a) giving buyers the opportunity to apply and receive a VAT reduction from 19% to 5% on the property to be used as their home (this is generally known as a VAT Reduction Application – more on this below); and
(b) by relieving the buyers who pay VAT from the payment of Land Registry Transfer Fees when they get the title deed of the property registered in their names.
Do I pay VAT on resale properties?
No
Do I pay VAT if I purchase a new property?
Yes
Do I pay VAT if I purchase land?
Usually yes. There are some exceptions in the Law relating to the sale of land and these relate primarily to the circumstances of the seller (e.g. if the seller has sold land before etc) for this reason it is always better to assume that the VAT will be payable. It can be a complicated exercise to ascertain whether or not VAT will be payable on land and we will do this on a case-to-case basis.
What is the VAT reduction application?
As mentioned above, the VAT reduction application can be applied for by individuals in order to reduce the VAT rate from 19% to 5% but only for their home and it is considered as a “government grant” in a way. The reduction applies only for the first 200square metres of the said house, and if the same is larger than 200square metres, part of the purchase price will be paid with 5% VAT and part of it at 19% VAT. The buyer who obtains a VAT reduction should maintain the property for a period of 10 years to be able to keep all the VAT discount which he obtains. The said property can still be sold before the end of the 10year period but an amount will need to be paid back to the VAT authority for the years which remained. Furthermore, the buyer who obtains the VAT reduction cannot rent the property out as that is not considered to be in line with the underlying principle of the grant.
I am buying a new property for investment purposes; can I proceed with VAT reduction?
If you plan on renting out the property either short term or long term you are not eligible for the VAT reduction.
I am buying a new property in the name of my company; can I proceed with VAT reduction?
No
Is the VAT reduction “one off”?
You can only have one VAT reduction grant at a time. This means that if you sell a property for which you obtained a VAT reduction or if the 10 years have expired from the time you obtained a VAT reduction, then you can re-apply to obtain a new VAT reduction on another property.
Can my spouse and I purchase two separate new properties and apply for two VAT reductions?
You are only allowed one VAT reduction per married couple. You can purchase several new properties but you can only have one VAT reduction permission between you.
When can I apply for the VAT reduction?
The application can be submitted only after you have signed the contract of purchase of the property and provided that the said contract has been lodged at the Land Registry.
What VAT rate do I pay if I make payments to the seller before my VAT reduction application is submitted or even before it is approved?
Usually, you will be required to pay an amount of around 20-30% of the property purchase price at the same time as the signing of the contract of purchase. This amount will be paid to the seller with 19% VAT. Thereafter, and as soon as your VAT reduction is approved you must provide the said approval to the Developer who will, in turn, adjust the original payments you had made to reflect the change in the VAT from 19% to 5%. This means that you may be provided with a credit note for the initial payments made with the higher VAT rate. All following payments should then have 5% VAT.
What happens if my property is larger than 200sq.metres?
The VAT reduction can be obtained for a maximum 200 square metres of covered area. This means that for the 200square metres the VAT rate will be 5% and for the excess the applicable VAT rate will be 19%. Although this may sound complicated, it can be simplified at the time of making the payments so that you will not have to worry each time on what VAT rate to apply.
If I pay VAT on the purchase price of the property, am I completely exempt from payment of Transfer Fees to obtain the title deed?
You should only pay a nominal fee to the land registry for the registration of the title deed of the property in your name provided you can prove that you paid VAT on the purchase price of the same. The Land Registry will require proof (such as the receipts of payments made to the seller) clearly showing the VAT paid. The land registry transfer fees will be nominally provided that the value of the property is accepted by the land registry as that which is on the contract of purchase. Should the property valuation is done by the land registry be higher than the contract purchase price this may result in transfer fees being due only on the difference between the two amounts. More information on the calculation of Land Registry Transfer Fees in our FAQs on Property
Property prices in Cyprus rose during the third quarter of 2021, a report by the Central Bank of Cyprus released on Friday revealed.
According to the central bank’s quarterly report on Residential Property Price Indices, the price increase was primarily driven by apartment property sales.
At the end of the third quarter, property prices rose by 0.5 per cent over the second quarter, having risen by 0.3 per cent the quarter before that.
Meanwhile, the year-on-year increase during the third quarter was 1.2 per cent, 0.9 per cent higher than the yearly increase recorded during the second quarter.
House prices exhibited different tendencies when compared to apartments, with the former falling in value in certain areas around Cyprus, both when compared to the previous quarter, as well as the corresponding period from the previous year.
Across all districts, house prices fell by 0.3 per cent year-on-year, while they increased by the same margin quarter-on-quarter, mainly due to values rising in Larnaca and Paphos.
Conversely, apartment prices increased by 1 per cent on a quarterly basis, while they jumped by a massive 4.5 per cent year-on-year. This reaffirms the strong demand for apartments in Cyprus over the past two years.
According to the central bank’s property market analysis, the key reasons for the pronounced preference for apartments include subsidies for new homebuyers, rising rental prices, as well as the increase in the cost of construction materials.
Based on a report by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), which cites unofficial sources in the property market, demand for properties by foreign investors has also cooled down.
The report adds that foreign investors are now looking at lower value properties when compared to the year before, which is something that has been attributed to the termination of Cyprus’ citizenship by investment programme.
In terms of a district-by-district breakdown, the data by the central bank shows that residential property prices recorded a quarterly increase in Limassol (0.1 per cent), Larnaca (1.7 per cent), Paphos (1.6 per cent) and Famagusta (0.6 per cent). Residential property prices in Nicosia remained stable.
On annual basis, residential property prices rose in Limassol (2.9 per cent), Larnaca (2.9 per cent) and Paphos (1 per cent), while they fell in Nicosia (1.2 per cent) and Famagusta (0.7 per cent).
According to the central bank, rising residential property values are primarily the result of increased domestic demand, with foreign interest stabilising.
Regarding the current demand by foreign buyers, this has been partially driven by the government’s international headquartering initiative, a move which has resulted in a number of foreign technology companies moving to Cyprus.
Property prices in Cyprus rose during the third quarter of 2021, a report by the Central Bank of Cyprus released on Friday revealed.
According to the central bank’s quarterly report on Residential Property Price Indices, the price increase was primarily driven by apartment property sales.
At the end of the third quarter, property prices rose by 0.5 per cent over the second quarter, having risen by 0.3 per cent the quarter before that.
Meanwhile, the year-on-year increase during the third quarter was 1.2 per cent, 0.9 per cent higher than the yearly increase recorded during the second quarter.
House prices exhibited different tendencies when compared to apartments, with the former falling in value in certain areas around Cyprus, both when compared to the previous quarter, as well as the corresponding period from the previous year.
Across all districts, house prices fell by 0.3 per cent year-on-year, while they increased by the same margin quarter-on-quarter, mainly due to values rising in Larnaca and Paphos.
Conversely, apartment prices increased by 1 per cent on a quarterly basis, while they jumped by a massive 4.5 per cent year-on-year. This reaffirms the strong demand for apartments in Cyprus over the past two years.
According to the central bank’s property market analysis, the key reasons for the pronounced preference for apartments include subsidies for new homebuyers, rising rental prices, as well as the increase in the cost of construction materials.
Based on a report by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), which cites unofficial sources in the property market, demand for properties by foreign investors has also cooled down.
The report adds that foreign investors are now looking at lower value properties when compared to the year before, which is something that has been attributed to the termination of Cyprus’ citizenship by investment programme.
In terms of a district-by-district breakdown, the data by the central bank shows that residential property prices recorded a quarterly increase in Limassol (0.1 per cent), Larnaca (1.7 per cent), Paphos (1.6 per cent) and Famagusta (0.6 per cent). Residential property prices in Nicosia remained stable.
On annual basis, residential property prices rose in Limassol (2.9 per cent), Larnaca (2.9 per cent) and Paphos (1 per cent), while they fell in Nicosia (1.2 per cent) and Famagusta (0.7 per cent).
According to the central bank, rising residential property values are primarily the result of increased domestic demand, with foreign interest stabilising.
Regarding the current demand by foreign buyers, this has been partially driven by the government’s international headquartering initiative, a move which has resulted in a number of foreign technology companies moving to Cyprus
