Cyprus 2023 Sporran Guide

Cyprus v Scotland – Friday 8th September – 9.45pm EEST (7.45pm BST)

Table of Contents

On Match Day 3 and 4 Scotland backed up their fantastic start to Euro 2024 qualification with 2 more wins putting them in a brilliant position, many supporters are already looking ahead to Germany next year. Four wins out of four and an 8 point lead in the group is the best start to a campaign ever but until they are over the line and qualification is confirmed complacency must not be allowed. Steve Clarke and his coaching team will be pushing that message all this week as we approach Match Day 5 with a fixture in Cyprus.

November 2019 was the last time Scotland played on the eastern Mediterranean Island, where they won a difficult game 2-1 with a goal from John McGinn, Scotland also won 2-1 at home in that campaign with a very late Oliver Burke goal. Both games were close and Scotland did well to hold our 100% record against Cyprus. Since then Cyprus narrowly avoided relegation from League C of the 2020-21 Nations League, had a poor 2022 World Cup Qualification campaign (only scored 4 goals with 1 win, 2 draws and 7 defeats), finished bottom of the Nations League section again and face a relegation play off against Gibraltar in March Next Year. In the Euro 2024 qualifiers they have started with 3 defeats, losing at home to Georgia and away to Scotland and Norway. Steve Clarke and his team will be hoping for a repeat of the 3-0 victory at Hampden in March that was pretty comfortable although Cyprus did hang on until the 86th minute when Scott McTominay scored the first of 2 late goals. The conditions will be pretty different in Larnaca with soaring temperatures and the home side will be trying to make it as difficult as they can to spoil the Scots record.

Following the trip to Cyprus we have the Heritage match against England at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening, celebrating 150 years of the SFA and the first ever international match. There is a combination of results that could mean we could clinch qualification for Euro 2024 on Tuesday evening, Scotland win in Cyprus and Spain to beat Georgia on MD5 and then on MD6 Norway draw with Georgia. These are realistic results but lets not get head of ourselves when have Scotland ever done it the easy way. 3 points in Cyprus is the main objective for Steve Clarke and his men and here’s hoping we all enjoy our trip to watch that happen.

Scotland v Cyprus Record

AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis, Larnaca

The AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis as it is officially known is the home ground of AEK Larnaca named in honour of the father of the President of AEK. Completed in 2016 it has a capacity of 8,058 and sits beside the GSZ Stadium on the outskirts of Larnaca. It is a 40 minute walk from the city centre and serviced by bus numbers 417,420 and 422 from the Central Bus Station, timetables can be found on the Cyprus Public Transport website, single ticket pay by cash only is about 2.40EUR. The Metropolis Mall has some fast food outlets and cafes, it the only place nearby but will be closed after the game.

Scotland have an allocation of 3,728 which includes all of the North and East Stands.

Scotland fans should enter via Gates 3,4,5 or 6, check your ticket to see the appropriate gate for you. The Cyprus FA have stipulated to the SFA that the number on your ticket should match your Passort Number, so you will need your passport or a photocopy of it and this will be checked before entry, better to have it ad not need it than need it and not have it. Expect delays for security checks.

Ticket Pickup

Ticket collection is on match day only from 11am-4pm at the Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel, 70 Tasou Mitsopoulou (Former Piale Piasa), Larnaca and then at the Ticket Office at the Stadium at the north end of GSZ Stadium from 7.45pm until kick off. Tickets must be collected individually and you must have a valid ID (photocopy is accepted) to prove the ticket is yours.

On the SSC Travel Guide, contact details for SSC staff are provided. Adam +44 7811 494 548 and Liam +44 7736 880 208. Please be respectful to SSC staff, they are only doing their job and there to help you.

Tartan Army Events

Davy Buses

Davey Provan is again running buses from most major cities in Cyprus to the game. Check out his Facebook page for details.

Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal

The Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal’s 95th consecutive donation is to ‘KEPAKY’ and will take place in Paphos. As well as the presentation, TASA will also have Richard Merry in attendance who’ll be playing a couple of his Tartan Army songs. It will be on Thursday 7th September, at 6pm at Flairs Bar in Paphos. #EverywhereWeGo

Tartan Army Children’s Charity

TACC is donating £2500 to Riding School for the Disabled in Cyprus on match day. For more details keep an eye on the Tartan Army Children’s Charity facebook page.

Nicht Afore Perty

Ted Christopher and Tam Coyle are bringing you 3 events in Cyprus. DJ Tam Coyle will have a Nicht Afore Perty in Paphos on Thursday 7th September at Alexanders Sports Bar, the only Scottish Bar in Pahos from 8pm until midnight, admission is Free.

Meanwhile Ted Christopher/P.G Ciarletta and DJ Ross Coutts will be in the Lagoon Beach Bar in Larnaca from 8pm – 1am. On matchday the same line up and venue will feature with doors open from 1pm. Tickets are pric e £6 for each event or £10 for both in advance from Ted or 10EUR on the door.

TA Select FC

The Tartan Army Select Football Club (TASFC) are a group of Scotland football supporters who regularly travel to away games, and organise a game against a local amateur team or supporters club. Unforunately our Cypriot counterparts could not raise a team so there is no fixture for the TA Select FC in Cyprus but they will compete for the Craig Brown Memorial Cup at Toryglen on Tuesday before the England game.

Cyprus

Cyprus is only 149 miles long from end to end and 62 miles wide at its widest point, also a popular tourist destination with a large ex-pat community. So ATAC anticpate that Scotland fans will be spread across the island with many taking in a longer holiday as fans hope to catch some sun before the end of the year in addition to the football. It is surrounded by a beautiful coastline with many fantastic and wonderful sights to see. Here is a summary
of the main destinations.

Larnaca

Larnaca, a coastal gem nestled on the southern coast of Cyprus, beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant Mediterranean charm. Known as the oldest city on the island, Larnaca seamlessly blends modern amenities with a historical legacy that dates back millennia. The city’s picturesque palm-lined promenade, known as Finikoudes, is a focal point for both locals and visitors, offering a vibrant atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and shops overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Larnaca also boasts a fascinating mix of cultural landmarks, from the stunning Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque to the ancient Kition archaeological site, providing a captivating glimpse into the region’s diverse history.

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Beyond its historical treasures, Larnaca is celebrated for its beautiful sandy beaches, making it a sought-after destination for sun-seekers. The city is also a gateway to the stunning nearby villages and landscapes, including the picturesque fishing village of Zygi and the rugged beauty of Cape Greco. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying water sports, or simply savoring fresh seafood by the sea, Larnaca offers a delightful blend of experiences that captivate the hearts of all who venture to this captivating Cypriot city.

Larnaca International Airport is the other side of the Salt Lake from the city. There are several bus lines into the city including route 425, a taxi should cost around 10-12EUR.

Nicosia

The capital city of Cyprus and now the only divided city in the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The ancient Venetian walls surround the old city with 11 arrow head shaped Bastions completing the 360 degrees circular wall. 3 ancient gates served the city, 2 (Paphos & Famagusta Gates) which are now on the southern side and 1 (Kyrenia Gate) on the northern side. The city was first split in the 1960s by the British due to civil unrest between the Greek & Turkish Cypriots. In 1964 the UN intervened in the inter-communal fighting and has patrolled the historic “Green Line”, so called because the separation map was drawn with a green chinagraph pencil, ever since. Since the Turkish Invasion of 1974 the city has been
heavily fortified with military emplacements, which although now unmanned, can still be seen today. The United Nations buffer Zone passes through the city and is a time warp to 1974, with car show rooms and several shops still intact and awaiting their owners return. You can cross by foot to the Northern side of the city at the Ledra Palace Hotel crossing or the main tourist crossing on Ledra Street. You will need your passport to cross.

Limassol

Limassol is the industrial heart of the island with the deep water port in use since the Turkish Invasion of 1974 which captured the islands former deep water port at Famagusta. Fast becoming a very cosmopolitan city, it is currently undergoing a massive building programme of high rise apartment blocks all along the seafront. The recently developed marina, the upgraded old fishing harbour and the seafront promenade stretching 16kms are well worth
a visit, with ample refreshments stops along the way. To the eastern end of Limassol is the tourist area, a mixture of different classes of hotels with sandy beaches. There is a vast array of bars and restaurants along the main dual carriageway back into the centre of the city. There is a good local bus service running along this route and it can be found on Cyprus By Bus.

Paphos

Paphos is known as the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Located on the South West end of the island it was once a province of Ancient Rome although the quaint harbour area, now surrounded by restaurants and bars, was built during the reign of Alexander the Great. Now a bustling all year round tourist destination, it has the largest population of UK expatriates on the island, which is very noticeable in the amount of homegrown restaurants and bars. Appropriately named Bar Street is the best place for bars and the Lodge (Poseidonos Ave 52) is a reccomended spot for food. The small castle in the harbour is surrounded by small fishing boats and pleasure craft and at night is a magnet for those looking for fresh fish in the quayside restaurants. One restaurant even has a real life Pelican which wanders about amongst the tourists, who pose for pictures with it. It belongs to one of the restauranteurs. Coral Bay about 15minutes to the North West out of Paphos is the main sandy beach in the area. Paphos shoreline itself is rocky. Paphos has the driest climate on the island and usually has the most sunshine hours, however, when it rains it rains!

A beautiful harbour with an ever developing old town up the hill, Paphos has both old and new delights to offer the visiting Scotland fan. There are way too many bars and eating houses to list so here are a few chosen with a unique selling point in mind. Romantic sunset with cocktails–Suite 48, Poseidonos Ave 48. Next to the Amphora Hotel. Very good value food bar/restaurant–The Lodge, Diagorou 1Real ale selection–The Old Fishing Shack Ale and Cider House, Teukpou Standard pub–Robin Hood bar, Ayiou AntoniouDecent Chinese restaurant–Imperial Chinese, Poseidonos 18Ouzo frenzy and good food–Ouzeri, Coastal Broadwalk, on the beach at the Almyra Hotel.Sports bar–Keg and Barrel, end of Bar Street opposite the Almyra Cypriot dancing and entertainment, good for big groups–Demokritos Tavern, Bar Street Paphos old town is slightly awkward to get to as they always appear to be doing roadworks but if you want to get a bus or a taxi up it has quite a bit to do and see. Bus number 610 willtake you up from the harbour bus station. Paphos was European City of Culturein 2017 which led to a serious amount of renovation work in the old town. There is an old fashioned covered market where copious amounts of tat can be bought. Places worth visiting include Muse-restaurant/café with a stunning view over the lower town on the harbour Beeroom–craft ale pub Boulevard Bistro Wine Bar–very central spot on the square, great for watching the world go by as you sample some lovely Cypriot wine. Bus to the airport is 612 which departs from Paphos Harbour bus station.

Ayia Napa

Napa became one of Europe’s party capitals in the late 80s early 90s and today is still a very popular destination with some of the most breath taking “Blue Flag” white sand beaches with crystal clear aqua blue water. Nissi Beach is probably the most well known Napa beach famous for its foam parties and drinking games. Originally a fishing village it boasts over 40,000 bed paces in the summer months and just a resident population of less than 1,500 in winter. Clubs, pubs, restaurants & shops in abundance the main street in Napa is the place to be during the day if you are not a beach lover. At night Ayia Napa Square (which is really a triangle) comes to life with clubs open until the early hours all vying for your business, competing with the loudest music and wild party games to tempt you in.

Winning Words

Greek and Turkish are the spoken languages in Cyprus

Greek

Turkish

Whilst Cypriot Turkish is a dialect and different to traditional Turkish and mostly spoken in Northern Cyprus. You can see Winning Words from the recent Turkiye Sporran Guide if required.

Important Information

AVERAGE TEMPERATURELarnaca in September is normally an average of 26 °C but it is forecast to be much warmer
CURRENCYEuro (EUR) Approx 1.17EUR to £1
TIMEZONEEastern European Summer Time EEST – BST + 2
PLUGS AND SOCKETSIn Cyprus power plugs and sockets are type G the same as Scotland so an adapter is not required
COVIDAll COVID-19 restrictions in Cyprus have been lifted, The same rules as prior to COVID-19 pandemic now apply
VISACyprus is NOT in the Schengen area so time spent here does not count towards the 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. However you can stay in Cyprus without a Visa for up to 90 days. Your passport must be:
1. issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country
2. valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave
EMERGENCYPolice 112, Ambulance 112, Fire 112
HEALTHUse the UK Global Health Insurance Card or European Health Insurance Card (must remain in date). The GHI or EHIC entitles you so state-provided medical treatment necesary duing your trip. Always take out appropriate travel insurance 
LGBTSame sex relationships are legal in Cyprus and civil partnerships are recognised. However, they may not be as widely accepted as in Scotland.
EMBASSYThe British High Commission in Nicosia is in Alexander Pallis Street
PO Box 21978, Nicosia 1587. If you’re in Cyprus and you need urgent help call +357 22 861100
MOBILE PHONES ROAMINGMost mobile operators will allow an add-on or will allow usage of your normal plan in Cyprus however always check with your provider as roaming charges could be expensive
NORTHERN CYPRUSCyprus remains divided by the Green Line which separates Northern Cyprus rom the rest of the island. The ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ is only recognised by Turkey and not by the rest of the international community including the UK. Whilst this was a heavily fortified border in the past crossing is now common place for tourists although passports or ID are required to cross over. If you enter Cyprus via Northern Cyprus then you could be considered to have entered Cyprus illegally and may have a problem entering Cyprus.

Transport

Cyprus has 2 international airports Larnaca International Airport is on the outskirts of Larnaca has a cheap (1.50 EUR) and frequent bus (no425) into Larnaca which departs from a bus stop next to departures. Buses run by Zenon (www.zinonasbuses.com). Take the bus to Finikoudes beach to get connections to other parts of the island. Paphos International Airport is 4 miles south east of Paphos on the west of the island. There is a not so regular bus that runs to Paphos Harbour where onward connections can be found. Kapnos Airport shuttle (www.kapnosairportshuttle.com) has regular buses from both airports around the island. Limassol Airport Express runs a regular bus service to/from Limassol from both Airports.

Whilst many cruises land in Cyprus there are no longer any ferries to the Republic of Cyprus. There are no trains in Cyprus

Cyprus by Bus website offers a central area with information for all bus services across the island and local services in all of the major towns. Inter City Buses travels to all the cities of Cyprus with comfort, safety and low prices.

Northern Cyprus

Ercan International Airport is in Northern Cyprus and only operates flights to Turkey. There are 2 regular ferry routes from Turkey to Girne (Kyrenia). Passports are required to cross from north to south and if you enter via Northern Cyprus you could have a challenge crossing the border and back.

Taxis

Uber ride hailing app is not available in Cyprus, but to order a taxi ride in 3 clicks you can use CABCY app. Bolt is another available in the bigger cities

Travel Express is a shared taxi services running regular routes across Cyprus.

Statistics

European Championship Qualifiers Group A

UEFA Nations League Finals 2023

Scotland 2023 – Fixtures and Results

Acknowledgements

SFA Travel Guide

The SFA have also produced an extensive SSC Travel Guide for Cyprus.

PDF

A pdf version of this Sporran Guide can be downloaded and then printed from here.

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Thank You

ATAC would like to thank the following websites and organisations for their assistance with creating this sporran guide