NICOSIA (LEFKOSIA) - Cyprus - page 297

Sport
Football (soccer) is the main spectator sport in Nicosia. The football season is from
September to May. The 16-times champion, APOEL Nicosia, held the top spot for many
years. The city is also home to clubs Omonia and Olympiakos. Tickets can also be bought
at the gate on the day of the match. For more information email [e-mail].
The GSP Stadium ( % 22874050; www.gsp.org.cy ; Pangyprion Avenue) is the main and largest stadi-
um in Cyprus with a capacity for 22859 people. It is mostly used for football matches (as
well as major concerts). The stadium is located in Strovolos, southeast Nicosia, approxim-
ately 6.5km from the city centre.
7 Shopping
With its army of designer babes, it's no wonder Nicosia rules when it comes to clothes
shopping. The so-called 'discount stores' offer clothes and shoes at 30% to 80% off their
original price, and many Lefkosians can be found elbowing their way to the best bargain.
There are two main shopping areas. Ledra St in the Old City has lots of old-style, as
well as high-fashion, boutiques and shops, and is home to Debenhams department store,
while Leoforos Archiepiskopou Makariou III in the New City has a smattering of interna-
tional chain stores, like Mango and Zara (although several have moved to Ledra St in re-
cent years).
Tourist shops are centred on Laïki Yitonia in the Old City and sell items like backgam-
mon boards and lacework; don't forget to barter. There's a large and lively fruit, veg and
produce market held at the Constanza Bastion on Wednesday from 6am to 5pm.
o Diachroniki Gallery ART
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.diachroniki.com ; Arsinois 84, Old City; h 10am-7pm Mon-Sat)
This priceless collection of paintings, sculpture, etchings and prints has been lovingly col-
lected by owner Chris Kikas who used to run a gallery in London's King's Road. Art col-
lectors come from far and wide to peruse the art work here. Don't miss it.
Atelier D'Art CERAMICS
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Apollonos 16, Old City; h 9.30am-6.30pm Mon-Sat)
Prepare to be impressed with this highly original pottery, including homewares, colourful
mobiles and jewellery, created by master ceramicist Stavros. He studied his craft in Italy,
France and London.
Phanero Menis 70 CRAFTS
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.kyriakicosta.net ; Phaneromenis 70, Old City; h 9.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat)