It's a well known fact that the more you know about the lay of the lands, the more chance you have of getting the best out of every opportunity you get. This means more than chatting someone up so you can spend two weeks in their apartment. More than being best buddies with every barman in town. More than... well you know what we mean. So here it is, Radio 1 Online's Official Napa Knowledge.
Lingo
Taxi - Taxi
Hello - Yassou
Two beers please - Theo berrehs Se'baragaloh
How much? - Bossah?
Cheers - Stin ygeia sou
Where am I? - Bou iemmeh?
Water please - Neroh se'baragaloh
Drunk - Mehizmenos
Toilet - Toualletta
I love you - Aghaboh she
Drink:
Although you get a great measure for your money, imported spirits cost more than the Cypriot version. So go local, the brandy's highly recommended. Remember, there's a wide selection of fruit juices if you don't drink alcohol. Don't forget that with such high summer temperatures, you'll need to be drinking water constantly.
Drugs:
Don't even think of it. Unless you want to make the news headlines, drugs are a big no-no. The police come down hard on even the smallest amount of substance abuse.
Cigarettes:
A packet of cigarettes in Cyprus cost just a third of what you'd pay at home. Don't carry any out to Ayia Napa, save the space in your suitcase for thongs or whatever instead.
Shopping:
Gucci, Tag watches and gold jewellery are a third of the price of that you'd pay over here. Leather goods and sunglasses are cheap too, so buy them in Cyprus and spend what you save in the clubs.
Eating Out:
Food in Ayia Napa's plentiful and cheap. You can get a good meal for less than £4, so don't spend all your time in burger bars. It's also quite varied, with Italian, Mexican, Japanese and West Indian restaurants all over town.
Clubs:
After just one night in the square you'll have a good idea of what's happening in the clubs. An army of club p.r workers will thrust scores of flyers into your hands. You can exchange them for free or cheap admission, or cut-price drinks in the clubs.
It's likely that you'll be drinking and dancing more than normal, so try to pace yourself. An average night out can start at 8pm in the bars. Most clubs don't open before midnight, so by 3am you could be too tired to make it to the after parties at clubs like Insomnia. Cut back on the drink, take it easy in the bars, and you might experience the sun rising whilst on the dancefloor, instead of tucked up in bed. Remember, you've got other nights to enjoy, and you might also be missing out on that beach action!
Heat:
Once temperatures get above 90C you won't be able to breathe without sweating like you've just run a marathon. Gauge the time you spend in the sun very carefully, wear quality sunglasses, and use plenty of suntan lotion. Carry plenty of light clothing, vests and shorts. Trousers and jeans will make you feel hot, even at night!
