Cyprus attracts travelers with its mild climate, warm and clean sea, long tourist season, pleasant service and delicious food. Russians also like it because they can apply for a pro-visa to the southern part of the country for free right from home, and to visit Turkish Northern Cyprus a visa is not needed at all.
The relatively small island accommodates not only two warring states, but also two dissimilar mountain ranges, Kyrenia and Troodos, the capital Nicosia, also divided between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, and a large number of ancient monuments lying at the intersection of European and Eastern cultures .
Many city names still have three variants - Greek, Turkish and colonial. For example, Nicosia can be Lefkosia and Lefkosa depending on who is talking about it.
When to go
The tourist season in Cyprus is very long. You can swim from May to October, and sunbathe even longer. Best time to travel: late spring and early autumn, when the air is not too hot and the sea has already warmed up. At the height of summer, the air temperature can rise to +40 ° C, the water is so warm that it is not even refreshing.
Travelers who go to Cyprus in the spring can enjoy the greenery and flowering trees, but by autumn all the vegetation burns out in the sun, the island looks dry and deserted.
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Beach holiday
Most travelers come to Cyprus to sunbathe and swim. The beaches on the island are covered with yellow or white sand, sometimes interspersed with small pebbles, many of them are awarded the Blue Flag. The entrance to the water is flat almost everywhere, and the sea is clean and pleasant.
In the Republic of Cyprus, all beaches are municipal, entry is free, you only have to pay for sunbeds with umbrellas, but you can sunbathe on a towel. Northern Cyprus has both free and private stretches of coastline.
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Excursion holidays
Almost all the interesting places in Cyprus are located along the coast, so you can combine a beach holiday with sightseeing. It’s amazing how so many ancient ruins, museums, monasteries, religious sites and uniquely beautiful corners of nature fit into such a small area.
By the way, on “Subtleties” experienced guides offer a lot of exciting excursions around Cyprus.
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The sights of Nicosia deserve special attention - the magnificent Old Town, divided between two states and surrounded by an almost perfectly round fortress wall, the Archaeological Museum, which is worth a few hours to explore, and the modern, but well-stylized Archbishop's Palace.
Many travelers study with interest the ghost town of Varosha, which does not belong to any of the countries that divided the island in 1974. Local residents left the city, and gradually, over the past almost 50 years, it fell into disrepair. It is impossible to get into Varosha; it is examined through a telescope from an observation deck near the village of Derynia, located 10 km from Ayia Napa.
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Active recreation and entertainment
In addition to visiting the sights and spending lazy time on the seashore, tourists can relax actively, for example, go hiking along the Camel Trail in the Troodos Mountains or take a boat trip from Larnaca or Paphos to Lara Bay with an incubation station, where they help the loggerhead turtles survive, are in danger of extinction. On the island you can practice almost all kinds of sports - from windsurfing to cycling, from diving to golf (the only thing you shouldn’t forget is diving or yachting, for example).
Those interested in wines go on trips to the wine regions of Cyprus - to the Krosochoria region in the southwestern part of Troodos.
Particularly lucky are those whose trip coincides with local holidays - the Apokreo carnival, which takes place in Limassol and lasts two weeks until Lent, the May flower festival "Antestiria", music festivals in Bellapais Abbey and Larnaca.
Who will like it in Cyprus
Holidays in Cyprus are suitable for everyone, because it amazes with the variety of opportunities, activities and entertainment. The main thing is to choose the right resort.
Many beaches are designed for families with children - fine soft sand, a gentle entrance to the water and the absence of waves, and in the cities all kinds of entertainment await children - from water parks to playgrounds. Young and active travelers can go hiking, diving, golf, hang gliding, windsurfing, tennis and even skiing in the Olympus area. Those who love sightseeing will also not be bored - there are ancient ruins, ancient cities, modern museums and aquariums in almost every resort. Elderly tourists will appreciate the hospitality of local residents, quiet evenings in restaurants by the sea, amazingly beautiful nature and a pleasant climate.
TOURISTS' ANSWERS:
Cyprus is a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea, divided into two parts, all tourism is concentrated on the Cypriot side, many call it Greek, although it has nothing to do with Greece, the second part is Turkish, there is no tourism as such, there are some offers in on the Internet, but how real this is, I can’t say for sure. Therefore, I will talk about Cyprus, which is known to many.
Is it worth going on holiday to Cyprus?
I would definitely say yes. This is a no-win destination for beach tourism. The weather here is always good, and the swimming season lasts quite a long time, so those who were unable to get to the sea in the summer can easily extend their warmth in the fall by purchasing a trip to Cyprus. And the undoubted advantage of the destination is that the flight here, if we talk about Moscow, takes 3 hours. Even those who do not tolerate the flight very well can afford to stay for such a short time for the sake of their own vacation. Mothers with small children, especially infants, can fly to Cyprus quite calmly, since during the 3-hour flight, the children will not have time to get very tired and will not torment the surrounding passengers with their whims. Of course, all children are individual, but I assume that the average child is moderately active and curious.
In addition to quality beach holidays, Cyprus has great potential as a hotel base. I can’t say that the choice is very rich, but every tourist will find something to suit his taste and budget. There are hotels of world chains, ordinary simple hotels and apartments. By the way, in Cyprus you don’t have to worry about star rating, the service and conditions are good everywhere, the main thing is to choose based on the location: how many meters to walk to the sea, proximity to the necessary infrastructure and how noisy or calm it is around (this is especially true for the resort of Ayia Napa).
The hospitality of the local residents is what I would like to highlight. Against the backdrop of Europe, the contrast is felt; perhaps not everyone will agree with me, but this is my personal opinion. Cypriots are very attentive to tourists, both those who are directly involved in tourism activities and ordinary local residents. They always smile, are touched by small children walking towards them, and are ready to help at any moment - without knowing the tourist language. This is very attractive to them. A similar thing happens in restaurants; often, the owners of the establishments themselves are ready to serve their guest.
Absolutely everyone will feel comfortable in Cyprus. Here you have a choice of where to relax and what you need for a successful stay on the island. Someone wants peace and tranquility, without noise and a lot of cars - please go to Paphos, Protaras or Ayia Napa. If you want proximity to the city, to life and movement, then welcome to Larnaca or Limassol. Active party-goers will also not be left out - the famous street of bars and discos in Ayia Napa is always happy to welcome new guests.
For those who like to travel, it will be great to rent a car in Cyprus and see all the places on the island; it won’t take much time, but you will be able to cover all the most interesting things in a very short period of time.
Which may upset those who are considering Cyprus as a holiday destination.
1. A very modest excursion program. In fact, only 15% of what is offered to tourists is worthy of attention; everything else can hardly be called a serious attraction. You can often hear dissatisfaction on the beach from those who wasted time and money on the excursion that the guides described so interestingly. Therefore, do not try to rush to watch everything that will be offered. It’s better to sit down before your trip and read what the tourists themselves advise - it will be much more productive, and most importantly, truthful. For example, an excursion to the Aphrodite baths sounds very beautiful, but in fact they are brought to Paphos, brought to the shore, opposite a small stone in the sea and the guide says that here the goddess Aphrodite herself once emerged from the waves of the sea and offers it to everyone who wants swim in this place, swim around this stone several times, and according to legend, such an action will give everyone youth and beauty.
2. Prices for tours. Cyprus was once worth very little money. And not only Cyprus, you say. But I think there should still be some kind of line. What can really upset and surprise you is the cost of the tour itself. In addition to the fact that prices on the island are not the lowest for everything, you will also have to pay a lot of money for your vacation. As a result, I’ll say that Cyprus has really gone up in price, even the simplest 3* hotel is expensive during the season. Just two years ago, you could fly for 10 days using the Fortuna system for 10,000 rubles per adult. And by paying another 5,000 on top, you can choose a very good hotel with breakfast and dinner. Now it’s at least 40,000 rubles, I would say that such a price still needs to be found.
3. Cyprus, due to its climatic features, does not have lush greenery, a large number of flowers, shrubs, trees, etc. The most beautiful time on the island is April and May, then hot summer comes and everything green turns into something yellow, dehydrated and very dry. On hotel grounds, of course, gardeners look after their gardens, but outside the situation is sad, especially in August, when you shouldn’t go outside from 12 to 16, as the heat is sweltering.
Aphrodite Beach in Paphos.
In general, despite the disadvantages, Cyprus is a great place to relax. In 2010, the island broke all records for the number of blue flags for the cleanliness of its beaches and sea water. In my opinion, this is a serious plus in favor of this direction, given that every year there are fewer and fewer resort places where it is pleasant to swim and sunbathe. And tourists have become more demanding about their holiday destination, and this is understandable. Prices have increased, and most destinations clearly do not correspond to the concept of price-quality.
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Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, which is ideal for a beach holiday in the summer season.In my opinion, Cyprus has many advantages over other tourist destinations, so anyone interested in a beach holiday should pay attention and consider it as a possible option.
Pros of holidays in Cyprus:
As I said above, Cyprus has a number of undeniable advantages, thanks to which it has become so popular among Russian tourists. Read more about them below:
- transport accessibility
Between May and October, a large number of tourists from Russia come to the island. In this regard, many flights fly to Cyprus - most of all, of course, from St. Petersburg and Moscow, but also from other cities of our country. We flew to Cyprus from St. Petersburg, so when purchasing tickets we were able to choose from two daily flights (one of them departs at 6:30 in the morning, the second in the afternoon). The planes fly big, ours had about 500 seats, so we had tickets for the flight even a week before departure. Another advantage of the flight is the flight time - if you fly from St. Petersburg or Moscow, you will spend no more than three to four hours in the air. We flew for about three and a half hours, so we weren’t tired at all.
- relatively low prices for holidays on the island
Speaking of low prices, I compare Cyprus primarily with Europe - for example, with Spain, popular among Russians. In general, prices in Cyprus will please you. Let me give you an example - two sunbeds and an umbrella on the beach in Tenerife (Canary Islands) cost us 15 euros per day, in Cyprus 6-7.5 euros (depending on the beach), banana boat ride in Spain cost 25 euros, in Cyprus - 10. In Cyprus we lived in a four-star hotel, but in Spain for the same money we would only have gotten a three-star hotel, not located on the first line. This list can be continued, but the main message is clear - prices for food, hotels and beach activities in Cyprus are significantly lower than in Spain, Italy, and often on the Greek islands.
- a huge number of Russian speakers on the island
Of course, for those who want to take a break from their compatriots, this can be a minus, but, in my opinion, this is a huge plus for those who do not speak or speak English poorly. Firstly, many Russians live in Cyprus, and secondly, some Cypriots are studying Russian. In almost any hotel and restaurant there will be a person who speaks Russian, which makes communication much easier. Also, the vast majority of restaurants have a Russian menu. In this regard, Cyprus is very convenient for holidays for the older generation - as a rule, older people do not speak foreign languages - in Cyprus they will not have to worry about this.
- some of the cleanest beaches in Europe
The beaches of Cyprus have repeatedly received the so-called “blue flags” - a quality mark awarded to beaches whose water is completely suitable for safe swimming - it is clean, does not contain dangerous bacteria and sewage, and the beach is equipped with everything necessary for relaxation - toilets, trash cans, The beach is regularly cleaned. The number of such beaches in Cyprus exceeds 50 - each resort has beaches that have received such an award.
- relatively mild climate
Even the summer temperature on the island rarely exceeds 35 degrees; the average summer temperature is 28-32 degrees, which ensures a comfortable stay. We were in Cyprus in August, which is considered one of the hottest months - the daytime temperature was around 30 degrees, so we did not suffer from terrible heat (compared, for example, with mainland Greece - the temperature remained there throughout our entire holiday 40 degrees - it was very difficult to be even on the beach, and there was no talk of excursions). Out of a two-week holiday in Cyprus, it was very hot for just a few days - the temperature was about 33-34 degrees, according to local residents, it was a “heat wave” that came from somewhere in the south.
- availability of attractions, as well as a fairly large selection of excursions
In Cyprus there are ancient monasteries, to which various excursions are organized (both for the whole day and for half a day), in addition there are a number of museums (archaeological museum, history museum, and so on). Plus, tourists are offered excursions around the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia (however, it takes quite a long time to get to it from all the resorts, since it is located in the center of the country). There are also trips for nature lovers - a tour of the Akamas Peninsula, which is a nature reserve, a donkey safari, and a yacht ride. In addition, tour operators and travel agencies organize trips to traditional villages, where you can get acquainted with the crafts that the inhabitants of the island continue to practice to this day. Thus, the choice is quite large, so everyone can find something to suit their taste.
- availability of entertainment for different ages
The Ayia Napa resort, popular among young people, can be visited by those who love bars, nightclubs and dancing until the morning - life there is in full swing, without stopping for a minute - crowds of young people walk there, get acquainted and have fun. For lovers of a more relaxing holiday, resorts such as Paphos and Protaras are intended. Children and teenagers will also find something to do in Cyprus - water parks are open for them (there is a water park in Paphos and Limassol). In addition, in resort towns there are quite a lot of equipped playgrounds that kids will love.
- friendly behavior of the locals
Despite the relatively low prices for holidays, Cyprus compares favorably with Turkey and Egypt in the behavior of local residents. In that part of the island where tourists are usually brought, Greek Cypriots live, whose behavior is very pleasing throughout the entire holiday - like Europeans, they treat tourists absolutely unobtrusively, with respect, not allowing any liberties in communicating with girls and women, but together with Moreover, they are very welcoming, friendly, and always ready to help tourists. Most restaurants have very pleasant service, the waiters are always interested in what you liked and what you didn’t, in general, they try to make your stay there as comfortable as possible. During the entire two-week vacation, we did not have a single conflict situation, and we never encountered rudeness or rudeness, which, of course, made us very happy.
- delicious food and large portions
Those who love to eat should also pay attention to Cyprus - firstly, the food there is very tasty - Greek cuisine includes both seafood and fish, as well as meat dishes. In addition, in all cafes and restaurants, the portions are simply huge - so those who like to eat a lot will be happy, and those who eat little can take one serving for two and save.* 
Thus, Cyprus has a large number of undeniable advantages, which were described by me above. In my opinion, it is one of the best destinations for a summer beach holiday.
In conclusion, I would like to write a little about disadvantages of holidays in Cyprus. So, the disadvantages include:
- relatively few truly historical monuments
Most of the palaces and museums are located in the capital of the island - Nicosia, which takes a long time to get to. Resort towns have museums and archaeological parks, but they are usually small.
- quite tiring trips to monasteries
Above, I already mentioned the presence of ancient monasteries in Cyprus - it is also worth drawing your attention to the fact that they are located in the depths of the island, so it takes quite a long time to get to them, and due to the fact that most of them are located in the mountains, the road goes along serpentine roads, so the road can become very difficult for some.
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Cyprus is an island of love, a country that has absorbed and united the traditions and cultures of Europe, Asia and Africa. Incredibly advantageous position
Cyprus's position in the Mediterranean has meant that it has changed hands several times throughout its history, remaining on the periphery of various empires, from Byzantium to the United Kingdom. As a result of many years of national liberation struggle, Cyprus still gained independence, but turned into an arena of clashes between the Greek and Turkish communities, which ultimately led to the division of the island into Greek and Turkish parts.
Aphrodite Island is the most common name for Cyprus. Cyprus is simply good in itself, without any far-fetched attractions (may the Cypriots forgive me for such free-thinking). The mild Mediterranean climate determines relatively warm weather in winter and dry, hot weather in summer. The island is not large in size, which makes it possible to explore many beautiful secluded corners. Life in Cyprus is calm and safe. Given the high standard of living, crime is extremely rare here. Since joining the European Union in 2004, analysts unanimously predicted an economic boom for this country. Just don’t be confused, my friends, Cyprus belongs to the euro zone, but is not a Schengen country. True, that same boom led Cyprus into a complete swamp, from which it will continue to emerge for many years. I always try to stay away from politics and financial issues, and the only thing I would like in this situation is that the economic crisis does not turn into an obstacle to tourists who want to explore the country. 
Cyprus is a country for every taste. Everyone will find a city to their liking. Restless and reckless Ayia Napa, calm, comfortable and measured Paphos, almost a “Russian city” Limassol...
The attitude of Cypriots towards animals, and in particular towards cats, is also touching. Once a year, a real festival of gluttony happens in the Cat Monastery of St. Nicholas. On St. Nicholas Day, November 6, Cypriot fishermen traditionally donate their entire morning (first) catch to cats in the hope that for this godly deed the good Saint will help ensure that more fish are caught in their nets. According to legend, if a fisherman was stingy or cheated and did not give all the fish or, God forbid, did not give at all, then he will not have luck next year. This is such a sweet and fair holiday, such a kind, touching tradition has developed in Cyprus! 
Cyprus begins to bloom from the end of February - beginning of March. And just as Cyprus blooms, no other island blooms. The slopes of the hills and mountains are covered with incredible greenery of emerald color, flowers of absolutely fabulous shades bloom, creating magnificent, breathtaking landscapes. All nature rejoices, for her beautiful favorite Adonis returns to earth to the bright rays of the sun and golden Aphrodite. 
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It’s definitely worth going on holiday to Cyprus. And there are several reasons for this. But the main flavor of the island is its vibrant cultural events. Throughout the year, the island hosts various events featuring local and international artists. A huge number of religious holidays and fairs make life on the island bright and colorful, and the characters of Cypriots - cheerful and life-loving.
Among the many cultural events, one should first of all highlight the wine festival, which is held every September in the city of Limassol on the territory of the city garden. As part of this holiday, concerts, fairs and even educational lectures are organized in Greek and English. Not a single holiday is complete without national Cypriot and Greek dances. Wine is served free of charge here. Thousands of locals and visitors to the island take part in this festival to have fun and get to know the Limassol Bacchus.
Carnivals are held in Limassol, and more recently in Paphos. During these holidays, colorful processions of masks, dances, and competitions for the best carnival costume are organized in cities. The holiday usually ends with a parade of decorated floats moving along the central streets of the cities. This action usually takes place on the last Sunday of Maslenitsa.
In May, every city on the island holds a flower exhibition, which includes parades and competitions for the best bouquet.
In addition to these holidays, the Orange Festival, which is held in Famagusta and Morphe, has long been especially popular in Cyprus.
Cypriots carefully preserve and honor the customs and traditions of their ancestors. The feast of Epiphany is celebrated with special solemnity in Cyprus. After the end of the service, all those present collect holy water in vessels that they bring from home specifically for this purpose, and also light a holy fire to bring it into their home. Therefore, this colorful holiday is called the Feast of the Holy Fire or Holy Light. In houses, a candle should be lit in every room to ward off all temptations and evil spirits with its fire. Holy water is sprinkled on vegetable gardens and vineyards. Returning home from church, the mistress of the house prepares traditional pancakes. There is a custom of throwing the first pancake on the roof of the house to drive away evil spirits.
As in Greece, one of the most solemn holidays in Cyprus is Easter and the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are celebrated with special religious feeling, solemnity and splendor. It will be interesting to watch the action.
On Good Friday the tombstone is taken out of the church. Before leaving the church, believers kneel and walk next to the tombstone, and the clergyman gives each one a flower with which the tombstone of Jesus is decorated. The iconostasis and all the icons in the church are covered with black or purple fabrics. On Saturday morning, the cloth covering the icons is removed and the church is decorated with festive ribbons. On the same day, housewives prepare the famous “flauns” - a traditional Cypriot Easter food that is sure to be present in every home. We are talking about a special type of Easter cake, the filling of which is a mixture of cheese, eggs and raisins. On Saturday evening, a fire is lit in the church yard and an effigy of Judas is burned. On Sunday afternoon the celebration and treats continue. The main traditional dish of this day is lamb roasted on a spit.
The next holiday that is worth visiting when traveling to Cyprus is the Feast of the Flood. It corresponds to the Feast of Pentecost or the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. The festival of the Flood itself has its roots in the era of the ancient ritual - Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, rising from the depths of the waters. This is a water festival during which trade fairs, poetry competitions, various exhibitions of traditional crafts, as well as boat competitions are held on the embankments of the coastal cities of the island. Once upon a time, for example, in Larnaca the Flood festival was celebrated with unique splendor and solemnity. Merchants and traders from all over Cyprus and from Syria brought their goods here, and the city embankment was filled with trade tents and small shops during the holiday. Many different games and competitions attracted local residents and guests of the island here.
In mountain villages and in villages that traditionally grow grapes, after harvesting, all residents together begin to make the famous palyuze (chuchkhel). “Hardzin” - the remains of squeezed grapes - is cooked in a large cauldron. To make the filling (sujiuko), take almond or walnut kernels and soak them in water. Then they string it on strings and attach these bundles to the two ends of a hanger, which is a large forked branch with a small knot at the end with which it is suspended. Then the strung nuts are dipped into thickened grape juice, after which they are dried. This procedure is repeated six to eight times. This joint work is a reason for communication and fun, so making a stuffed animal ends with a bright holiday.
In general, songs and dances occupy a special place in the life of Cypriots. Today in Cyprus, all kinds of excursions are organized for tourists, including watching show programs with national Cypriot dances. All Cypriot folk songs are divided into Akritian, folk couplets and epic songs. Akritan songs represent a living spiritual monument of folk art. The central idea of these songs is the idea of the heroic spirit and self-sacrifice, as characteristic features of the Cypriot soul. Cypriot couplets are purely folk poetry, reflecting the soul of the people themselves in every manifestation. At weddings, fairs, and holidays, poets of Cyprus enliven the atmosphere with their apt couplets.
In Cypriot folk dances, roles are very clearly distinguished - male and female. Men's dances are very dynamic, movements can sometimes be quite sharp. The clicking of heels keeps the rhythm, the bloomers flutter, the chest, dressed in a vest, proudly sticks out. The women's dance demonstrates modesty and submission. In pairs, women move in small steps, holding hands or holding scarves in their hands. In any case, Cypriot dance is always a demonstration of national flavor that will not leave you indifferent.
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Good afternoon.
Cyprus is, of course, worth going on holiday for many reasons!
- Firstly, this is the weather, 330-340 sunny days a year! The climate in Cyprus is considered one of the most favorable and moderate for health. Climatic and natural conditions contribute to maintaining good human immunity. Cyprus boasts iodine-rich sea air and clean mountain air!
- Also, this destination is ideal for families with children, because Cyprus is a very safe island, there is practically no crime here. Therefore, you can absolutely calmly come on vacation with your children and not worry that something might happen to them. As I said above, Cyprus has an amazing climate, so it will be especially useful for children to breathe in the fresh sea and mountain air. Also, hotels in Cyprus have animation groups, children's clubs, playgrounds, and swimming pools, so you can rest assured that children's holidays will be varied and interesting every day. On the island, almost every city has water parks that are open every day in the summer; children will simply be delighted!
- It is impossible not to mention separately the national cuisine of Cyprus. Restaurants and local taverns abound in seafood delicacies; here you can taste oysters, squid, octopus, salmon, shrimp, etc. The island is also famous for its love of meat products, so taverns, restaurants, and cafes offer different types of meat dishes to suit every taste. Don't forget about fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs all year round! And also delicious fresh bread, rolls with various fillings and sweet pastries are sold in local bakeries, which are located almost at every turn!
- Cyprus is also famous for its vineyards, so there are a lot of local wineries on the island that produce delicious wine. If you are a connoisseur of good and high-quality wine, then you definitely need to come to Cyprus!
Almost all tours sold on the island. Cyprus has a fairly high price, which rarely goes down. And there is an explanation for this:
- O. Cyprus is a very popular destination for a beach holiday. The beaches of Cyprus are not just good, they are some of the best, because most of them are marked with the Blue Flag, confirming the status of the cleanest coasts;
- the climate in Cyprus is mild and comfortable for any category of tourists;
- a wide variety of hotels in Cyprus and a high level of service in them, often regardless of the number of stars.
Everything you need to know about Cyprus
- Official name
Republic of Cyprus; - Capital
city of Nicosia; - Territory
area more than 9,251 km²;
island width - 100 km, length - 240 km; - Official language
Greek and Turkish.
The second most important language is English.
Currently the staff and people
those related to the tourism business speak good Russian; - Population
in the south - Greek Cypriots, in the north - Turkish Cypriots.
The total population of Cyprus is 838,897 people (data from 2011), including:- 160,000 people are Turks;
- 17,000 people are British;
- more than 40,000 people are Russian.
- Religion
The Greeks profess Orthodox Christianity, the Turks profess Islam; - Time difference between Moscow and Cyprus
In winter - minus 2 hours:
(at a time when it is 12:00 in Moscow, 10:00 in Cyprus);
In summer time - minus 1 hour:
(at a time when in Moscow it is 12:00, in Cyprus it is 11:00).
Geographical location of Cyprus
If you look at the world map and try to understand where the island of Cyprus is located, then it will not be at all difficult: the state is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea with an area of 9251 km2.
Knowing the geographical location of the island, it becomes obvious which sea in Cyprus will delight vacationers here with warm and crystal clear water.
The entire territorial possession of the island stretches for a distance of 240 km from east to west, and 100 km from north to south, and geographically belongs to Asia.
A few words about Cyprus' neighbors:
- on the northern side, the closest neighbor is Turkey, the distance to which is only 75 km;
- the eastern neighbor, approximately 104 km away, is Syria;
- on the southern side, Cyprus neighbors Egypt, which is the farthest neighbor, the distance to which is as much as 370 km.
The entire territory of the island of Cyprus is divided by ownership as follows: 98% is owned by the Republic of Cyprus, and 2% belongs to the British military bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Few tourists know about Cyprus and that the Republic of Cyprus is not only the island itself, but also nearby islets such as Agios Georgios, Geronisos, Glyukiotissa, Kila, Kiedes, Kordilia and Mazaki.
In fact, all the possessions of Fr. Cyprus is controlled by three states: the Republic of Cyprus has at its disposal the largest part of the island - almost 60%, just under 40% is at the disposal of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, 3% of the territory is occupied by the UN and 2% of the island is owned by Great Britain, whose territory is military bases.
Everything you need to know about Cyprus resorts
All resort areas of the island occupy the southern coast of Cyprus.
- Paphos, located in the western part of Cyprus, is considered an elite resort on the island - suitable for a relaxing holiday;
- The youngest and noisiest resort in the southeast of the island is Ayia Napa, ideal for youth holidays in Cyprus, where life does not subside even at night;
- Another resort on the south-eastern coast of the island - Larnaca - is an ideal holiday destination for any category of tourists, considered the most economical holiday destination on the entire island;
- The place in Cyprus where you can meet the largest number of Russian tourists is the Limassol resort - the entertainment industry is very well developed here, which attracts tourists here even in winter (the period of tourist lull on the island);
- The easternmost resort in location - Protaras - is an ideal place to relax with children in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
All the most important things about the climate of Cyprus
A temperate climate prevails on the island. Cyprus, which has the following features:
- A large number of sunny days a year;
- Short winter with a mild climate with an average temperature of +17-19ºС;
- Quite long swimming and beach holiday seasons in Cyprus, starting in mid-May and ending only in mid-October;
- High air temperatures are perceived quite comfortably - all thanks to the low humidity levels on the island.
Thanks to the climate, Cyprus can be declared as a year-round resort, because even in the coldest winter month (February) the water temperature does not drop below +14ºС. Therefore, the decision about when is the best time to relax in Cyprus is up to you.
Currency exchange in Cyprus
The largest bank in Cyprus is Bank of Cyprus.
In 2008, the Cyprus currency, the Euro, was officially introduced on the island. Not everyone knows what's on about. It is better to fly to Cyprus from the Euro: dollars here will be gladly exchanged for local currency, but at a very unfavorable rate. !!! Often, exchange offices charge a commission, which is written about in the most inconspicuous place. With rubles, things are even worse in Cyprus: the exchange rate for the Euro is extremely unfavorable and they are accepted only in large banks, and therefore we strongly do not recommend traveling to the island with Russian currency. !!! For those who like cashless payments, Cyprus has all the conditions for this: Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and withdrawals from cards at ATMs occur with minimal fees.
Visa to Cyprus
All tourists who want to relax on the island and learn a lot of interesting things about Cyprus when planning a trip are required to check with the travel agency whether a visa to Cyprus is required. Tourists from Russia require a pre-issued visa to stay on the island. As a rule, tourists going on vacation on a tour package are issued a temporary visa (provisa), which is exchanged upon arrival at the airport for a stamp in the passport, giving the right to a one-time stay on the territory of the Republic for a period of no more than 90 days.
All about the safety of tourists in Cyprus
Cyprus is an island that can be called an absolutely safe holiday destination for tourists.
Everything that tourists who want to relax in the resorts of Cyprus can be warned about only concerns compliance with the rules of behavior and compliance with the laws of another country:
- the island has some of the strictest smoking rules in public places in the European Union;
- be careful on the roads: on the island, traffic is on the left, so unusual for us;
- do not park your car in unauthorized places; parking in a prohibited place will result in a heavy fine;
- keep valuables and documents in safes provided in each hotel free of charge or at a certain cost;
- resort to the help of the police if an unpleasant situation arises: Cypriot police are very attentive to the problems of tourists.
Beaches of Cyprus
Almost all beaches about. Cyprus municipal and free! But! The service provided on the best beaches of Cyprus is paid, namely: renting a sunbed and umbrella will cost money (on average 5 Euros/day). Want to save money? Sit completely free on a blanket on any of the beaches you like. Most of the island's beaches are awarded the Blue Flag. The beaches in Cyprus are different: some with golden-gray sand, others with snow-white and fine sand, and still others that boast only pebbles.
All about the cuisine and restaurants of Cyprus
In Cyprus, you can taste Greek cuisine in any of the local restaurants. On the island, seafood is more actively used in cuisine than on the mainland.
All restaurants on the island differ in their range of meze dishes. Speaking about the cuisine of Cyprus, it is worth noting dishes made from feta and halloumi cheeses, as well as on the list of things you should definitely try on the island, you must include green walnuts in syrup. For lovers of alcoholic beverages, Cyprus has a lot to offer: locally produced wines, liqueurs and local grape moonshine “Zivania”. As for tips, all restaurants already include a 10% service charge in the bill. Whether or not to leave a tip as a sign of gratitude is a personal matter for each tourist.
Hotels in Cyprus
The island has hotels of absolutely all categories: from 2* to 5*, and even hotels with the lowest star rating will have a decent and decent level of service. Hotels in Cyprus 2* - apartments. For many tourists, it is surprising that all sockets in Cyprus are three-phase and adapters are needed to use them. Most vacationers find out about this upon check-in. Don’t be upset - in every hotel at the reception you can take such an adapter for a deposit or buy it for a small price in any nearby store.
Transport in Cyprus
Taxi
Taxis on the island are very popular among tourists. You can order a car by stopping it on the streets of the city, or by calling it by phone.
There are two tariffs for taxi travel in Cyprus:
- daytime from 6:00 to 20:30;
- nightly from 20:30 to 6:00.
The night rate is usually 15% more expensive than the day rate.
It is possible to hire a vehicle to travel around the cities for sightseeing. The cost of renting such a car is discussed in advance with the driver.
Rent a car
An ideal option for those who want to independently explore all the most beautiful places on the island. Car rental in Cyprus is available to tourists who meet the conditions and requirements of companies providing car rental:
- The tourist must fall within the age limit scale - 25-70 years;
- Rental companies always ask about driving experience and require at least 2 years of experience.
When renting a car for a long period of time for trips in Cyprus, unlimited mileage is provided. The average rental cost is 35 EURO/day. The rental price does not include insurance and VAT (15%).
Now you know and have the most important and necessary information for a trip to Cyprus. Make up your mind, the resort places of the island deserve attention and are worthy of your visit.
Have a nice holiday!
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Useful information about Cyprus
Geographical location: Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sardinia and Sicily. The length of the island from north to south is 96 km, from east to west - 224 km. Neighboring countries are Greece, Türkiye, Israel, Libya, Egypt. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia. The main resorts of Cyprus: Ayia Napa, Limassol, Larnaca, Protaras, Paphos.
Climate: The climate in Cyprus is even throughout the year. The average air temperature on the island is always comfortable for relaxation: in summer (from May to September) from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, and in winter - from 17 to 19 degrees Celsius. The water temperature in Cyprus in summer is about 27, and in winter - about 15 degrees above zero. The hottest months on the island are of course June, July and August. This is the season for beach holidays, sea swimming and sunbathing. September - October: warm days and cool (in October) evenings, but you can still swim in the sea. And, in April and May, the days on the island are quite warm, but in the evening it becomes cool. This period is perfect for those who like to relax and admire nature; Cyprus is surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Capital of Cyprus: Nicosia
Time: Time in Cyprus lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer, by 2 hours in winter.
Population: about 793 thousand people.
Language: Basic Greek and Turkish. English is a very common language. They also speak German and French.
Flight time: From Moscow to Larnaca about 3.5 hours - 4 hours.
Religion: Orthodoxy – 77%, Islam – 18%, others – 5%.
Rules for entry and exit: Duty-free import of cigarettes is allowed - 200 pieces or 50 cigars or 250 grams. tobacco, strong drinks - 1 liter, 150 g of perfume, 300 g of cologne, food - in the amount of personal need; Various musical and household equipment are declared; special permission is required for the import of film equipment. The import of drugs, weapons and ammunition is prohibited. The export of weapons and ammunition is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency, traveler's checks, credit cards and other payment documents. The import of parrots, fruits and fresh flowers is prohibited. It is prohibited to lift archaeological treasures from the seabed or remove them from the territory of Cyprus without the prior permission of the Director of the Department of Antiquities.
Transport: there are no railways in Cyprus; Due to the small size of the island, there is also no internal air service, so the main means of transportation is road transport. Buses, minibuses and taxis in Cyprus carry out intercity flights and intracity transportation. Intercity buses run quite rarely, making on average two trips a day: one in the morning, the second in the evening. There are no flights on Sundays. Minibus taxis run between the cities of Cyprus daily from 5.45 am to 6.30 pm. Please note: minibuses do not operate to and from Cyprus airports; in such cases you will have to resort to the services of a regular taxi. A minibus taxi on holiday in Cyprus can be called through the hotel administrator or independently by phone. An ordinary taxi in Cyprus, unlike a fixed-route taxi, will take you on vacation to any point in Cyprus you name, of course except for Turkish Northern Cyprus. You can hail a taxi on the street or call through the hotel reception. You can go to any store or restaurant in Cyprus and they will also help you call a car. There are two tariffs for taxis - day and night. The taxi driver does not turn on the meter when he receives the order, but only when you find yourself inside the car. You will be charged strictly according to the meter, but you have the power to leave a tip to the taxi driver - fifty cents will be enough.
Money: The currency is the Cypriot pound. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 1 pound, as well as coins of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent. It is better to change currency in banks in Cyprus, and not in hotel exchange offices, where, as a rule, the rate is less favorable. On the other hand, an exchange at a bank in Cyprus usually takes significantly longer. Banks are open from 8.30 to 12.30 (Saturday and Sunday are days off).
Car rental: All the world's major car rental companies are represented in Cyprus, as well as many small private ones, where the conditions are somewhat simpler. The general rules are as follows: to rent a car, you must be at least 25 and not older than 70 years old and have a driving experience of at least three years (in private rental offices these requirements are often reduced to 18-70 years and two years of experience). When renting a car for a week, unlimited mileage is provided, but the payment does not include insurance, VAT (15%) and the cost of a full tank of gasoline. The car can be returned with an empty tank. The use of seat belts is mandatory for the driver and passenger in the front and rear seats. The maximum speed on the highway is 100 km/h, in the city - 50 km/h.
Hotels: Voltage is 240V, but devices designed for 220 volts work without problems. In many hotels and apartment hotels you can get adapters for sockets.
Connection: Telephone cards for paying calls are sold in post offices, kiosks, supermarkets and souvenir stalls in Cyprus. Automatic international telephone communication while on holiday in Cyprus provides the opportunity to connect with 206 countries around the world. The international code of Cyprus is 357. Therefore, to call Cyprus from Russia, you need to dial the following combination of numbers: 8 +10+ 357 + city code in Cyprus + subscriber number. For international calls from a holiday in Cyprus, dial: 00 + country code + city code + phone number. Russia code is 7. There are two tariffs for telephone calls: regular and preferential. For calls within the country, the preferential tariff is valid from 20.00 to 7.00 daily, for international calls - from 22.00 to 8.00 daily and all Sundays.
Kitchen: The national cuisine of Cyprus has absorbed all the best from the culinary secrets of its Mediterranean neighbors. The cuisine of Cyprus is based on the traditions of Greek and Turkish cuisine; the influence of Armenian and Arabic cuisine is also very noticeable; Of course, English chefs also contributed. The cuisine of Cyprus is based on meat and vegetable dishes. The food is healthy, light, and fats of vegetable rather than animal origin are consumed more often. There is not much seafood in the diet, because fish is practically not caught off the coast of Cyprus; it is delivered from other regions of the Mediterranean and around the world. The result is high prices for fish dishes. Sweets in the cuisine of Cyprus are mainly of oriental origin. We are familiar with some things from the Eastern Sweets stores. Honey in Cyprus is very tasty. Almost all year round in Cyprus there are fresh fruits and vegetables.
Shops: Shops in Cyprus are open during the summer from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. From 8.00 to 13.00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From May to September, stores are open from 8:00 to 19:00 (break from 13:00 to 16:00), from October to April - from 8:00 to 18:00 (break from 13:00 to 15:00) . Shops are closed on Sundays and Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. From Cyprus they bring wines and liqueurs, sweet dessert wine “Commandaria” (or “Namas wine”), which is best purchased at the Kykkos Monastery on Troodos, handmade lace and silver, paintings, leather goods, expensive jewelry of original design, fur coats. Fans of culinary delights can bring from Cyprus goat cheese “halloumi” (easy to transport), Cypriot sweets (Lokoum, halva, “suzoukos” - almond grains in grape molasses, etc.).
Tips: Tipping on holiday in Cyprus - in a restaurant the usual tip size is 10% of the bill. In hotels in Cyprus, it is customary to leave a few coins for the maids.
Main seasonal sales in Cyprus: The range of arts and crafts on holiday in Cyprus can be found at the Cyprus Arts and Crafts Center: Nicosia, Leoforos Athalassia or at one of its branches in Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos. High quality pottery is produced in Kornos, on the route between Nicosia and Limassol, and in Fiti, in the Troodos Mountains north-east of Paphos. Bargaining is not customary in Cyprus, but when purchasing large items it is permissible to inquire about a possible discount
Attractions/excursions: The main attractions of the country: the tomb of Lazarus - the tomb of Hala Sultan, the Cyprus Archaeological Museum. In the old part of Famagusta there is a fortress of the 14th-15th centuries, where the prototype of Othello, the Venetian commander Christopher Moreau, lived in a tower. Ruins of the ancient city of Salamis. Near Kyrenia - the ruins of the Gothic Abbey of Bellapais, the Museum of Shipwrecks. Stavrovouni Monastery, founded, according to legend, in 327 by Saint Helena.
Features of staying in Cyprus, personal safety, safety of health and property of tourists: In first-class hotels in Cyprus, nightclubs and restaurants, it is better to appear in an evening suit. When visiting monasteries, churches and mosques, women should change from trousers to a skirt and cover their shoulders, and men should always wear long trousers. It is prohibited to photograph military installations in Cyprus. It is prohibited to lift archaeological treasures from the bottom of the sea or remove them from a holiday in Cyprus without special permission from the competent authorities. Guests on holiday in Cyprus must respect religious traditions. Greek Cypriots gravitate towards Greek culture and their lifestyle is reminiscent of that of mainland Greece, although Cypriots are more organized and entrepreneurial than their mainland counterparts. The morals of the people of Cyprus are quite conservative. Residents of Cyprus are businesslike and cheerful, they are hardworking and know a lot about relaxation. At the end of the day, when the sun sets and the heat goes away, residents of Cyprus go to taverns, often with the whole family, including children, and spend the whole evening relaxing there. Holidays there can be noisy, but it is always decent and safe. In Cyprus, Greek music and Greek dances are very popular. Not a single holiday in Cyprus is complete without them. The apotheosis comes when sirtaki sounds. If passions reach the highest intensity, dishes are used - plates that shatter into smithereens are thrown at the dancers’ feet. Due to the historical situation and the high general educational level in Cyprus, almost every resident of Cyprus (especially in cities) can speak English. There is practically no crime in Cyprus and the safety of holidays in Cyprus is noted by everyone. The police are loyal to tourists on vacation and are ready to help in any difficult situations. As, indeed, are all residents of Cyprus. A tourist on vacation is the most welcome guest here. A resident of Cyprus will always come to the rescue, answer questions, guide you to your desired vacation spot, or at least explain what you should do. If you have problems with your car while on vacation, a resident of Cyprus will most likely stop his car himself, without waiting for your request, and offer help. Residents of Cyprus love holidays and celebrations and celebrate them with special solemnity. In the villages, many ancient customs and rituals have been preserved, especially carefully observed during the celebration of Christmas, New Year, Epiphany - the holiday of the Three Magi, and Easter. For the Greek Orthodox Church, Easter is the main holiday of the year.
Attention! Tourists are obliged to comply with local laws, norms of behavior, respect traditions, cultural and religious customs. Failure to comply with laws may result in prosecution. It is necessary to exercise caution while traveling, follow personal safety rules, and monitor the safety of your property and documents. Store valuables in the hotel safe, make a photocopy of your passport and visa. Read the insurance conditions specified in the insurance policy! It is recommended to pay for additional insurance taking into account the specifics of the trip.
Holidays and non-working days: Public holidays in Cyprus January 1 - New Year. January 6 – Epiphany, or the Feast of the Three Magi. March 25 – Greek Independence Day (day of the national liberation revolution of 1821). April 1 – Greek Cypriot Day. Good Friday. Easter May 1 - Labor and Spring Day Kataklysmos - “holiday of water” (an ancient holiday of pagan origin). August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary. October 1 – Cyprus Independence Day. October 28 – Greek national holiday (Ohi Day), also celebrated by Cypriots. December 25 and 26 – Christmas
Cyprus has very clean beaches, hotels with good service and an easy excursion. Entertainment includes mini-cruises, thalassotherapy and delicious Greek cuisine. The capital Nicosia, Paphos and Ayia Napa, Limassol and Protaras - all about Cyprus: weather, tours, reviews, maps and prices.
- Last minute tours to Cyprus
- Tours for the New Year Worldwide
Perhaps the most adequate assessment of tourist Cyprus will sound like this: “strong Mediterranean goodness.” That is, this is a completely typical destination for a beach holiday, without any bright or unique “tricks”, but without any major drawbacks (unless, of course, you include fairly high prices as such). The island has a mild climate, hotel service is quite adequate to their level, and the beaches are very clean, with many Blue Flags - so tours to Cyprus are more than deservedly popular among travelers.
Regions and resorts of Cyprus
The island of Cyprus has several excellent beach resorts and one ski resort.
Time difference from Moscow
no in winter −1 hour
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- from Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
Climate
A daily flight to Larnaca from Moscow is operated by Aeroflot, and since 2016 also by the low-cost airline Pobeda. S7 Airlines flies from Moscow to Larnaca and Paphos three times a week. The journey takes about 4 hours.
From St. Petersburg, direct flights to Larnaca are operated by Rossiya Airlines on Thursdays and Sundays. During the summer season, there are additional charter flights, and the rest of the time it is easier to fly with a transfer in Moscow.
Also in summer there are charter flights from Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Rostov-on-Don, Moscow, Samara and other cities.
By sea
Cyprus can be reached by sea using regular flights and private ships from the ports of Greece, Egypt and Israel. From the Greek port of Piraeus, several transport companies operate regular ferry services to Limassol and back.
In particular, flights from Greece (including the islands), Egypt and other ports are operated by Cruise Cyprus (website in English). Cruise prices start from 250 EUR per person one way. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.
Search for flights to Cyprus
Transport
You can travel around the island by intercity buses. From every major city, buses usually depart twice a day (morning and evening), except Sundays.
Travel cost: approximately 3 EUR for 50 km. There are single, daily, weekly, monthly and annual passes. All, except one-time, offer an unlimited number of trips. A single trip ticket from Limassol to Larnaca costs 4 EUR, a day ticket costs 7 EUR, a weekly ticket costs 33 EUR, and a monthly ticket costs 70 EUR. You can purchase them at bus stops or from the driver.
There are also single travel tickets valid on all intercity routes: for one day - 15 EUR, for a week - 75 EUR. More detailed information about fares, routes and stops can be found on the carrier’s website.
Public transport in cities
Large cities have municipal buses and minibuses. Travel time is from 4:00 (in some cities - from 6:00) to midnight. In major tourist cities, buses run 24 hours a day, but they have special night rates (but are cheaper than a taxi anyway). On Sundays and holidays, many drivers have a legal day off, but in tourist centers there are rare buses.
The ticket system is the same as for intercity buses. There are single, daily, weekly, monthly and annual passes. A single day ticket (from 4:00 to 21:00) costs 1.50 EUR, a night ticket (from 21:00 to 4:00) - 2.50 EUR. A daily weekly pass (there are no night passes) will cost 20 EUR, and a daily intercity pass (a one-day ticket that gives the right to travel on both intercity and city transport) will cost 15 EUR.
A taxi can be stopped on the street, called through the hotel administrator, or by phone from any store or restaurant. There are two tariffs: day (from 6:00 to 20:30) and night (from 20:30 to 6:00, 15% more expensive); The baggage transportation tariff does not depend on the time of day. It is better to agree on the price with the driver in advance, and a few words in Greek can reduce the price a little. The average cost of a taxi ride is 5-10 EUR for a 10-15 minute journey, depending on the city.
Car rental in Cyprus
Police, fire service, ambulance: 112, 199 (24 hours a day).
Information help desk: 191, 192 (24 hours a day).
Beaches
All beaches in Cyprus are municipal and free; you only have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas (3-7 EUR per day). Some hotels provide beach equipment for their guests free of charge, but this is more likely to apply to the most expensive hotels. In city centers, hotels are separated from the beach strip by a highway.
Diving in Cyprus
Diving in Cyprus is not as spectacular as in the Red or Caribbean Seas, but also offers good opportunities for beginners and experienced divers. The flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is not particularly diverse, but it is full of sunken ships, caves and other interesting objects. The best dive sites are located around Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa.
In Larnaca there is one of the most interesting diving sites in the world - the sunken Swedish ferry "Zenobia", which was wrecked in 1980. None of the crew members were injured, only the ferry itself and the trucks, which lie on the seabed at a depth of about 40 m. at a depth of 33 m in the same area rests the cruiser HMS Cricket from the Second World War, which sank to the bottom in 1947. A little deeper - at 50 m - there is a rock in the form of a mushroom Mushrooms Rock, and at 10 m in depth - Octopus Reef, where they live octopuses.
The Swedish ferry Zenobia, which sank in the waters near Larnaca, is one of the ten most interesting dive sites in the world.
In Paphos, divers will be interested in seeing the Greek ship Achilleas, which was wrecked in 1975 under unclear circumstances (depth 12 m), and a unique natural monument similar to an amphitheater (12 m). And just 5-10 m in these waters you can see Amphorae Reef - amphorae and other ancient pottery that sank along with Greek galleys.
In the waters near Limassol there are also many ships at different depths, from 7 to 23 m. There are caves that look like ancient tombs, where you can watch the cute fish living there (for example, Tombs caves at a depth of 12 m).
Ayia Napa has a very picturesque canyon (depth 25 m) with corals, caves and the remains of ancient Phoenician wooden ships.
Dive centers are located throughout the island. Beginners will first be offered diving in the pool, and then released into open water. Almost every major dive center has Russian-speaking instructors, so there will be no problems with communication.
Beginning divers undergo mandatory training, which includes instruction, a swimming pool and open water diving at a depth of no more than 10 m. The cost of one dive is from 50 EUR. The Open Water Diving program involves a training course lasting 4-5 days, from 5 dives in open water, and based on the results an international diver certificate is issued. Cost - from 250 EUR.
What to bring
Popular souvenirs: a figurine of Aphrodite, models of ships and dolls in national costumes. Fans of culinary delights can bring from Cyprus goat cheese “halloumi” (easy to transport), Cypriot sweets: Turkish delight, halva, “suzoukos” - almond grains in grape molasses, etc.
From October to April, shops are open from 8:00 to 18:00 (break from 13:00 to 15:00), and on Wednesdays and Saturdays after lunch they close completely. Shops are usually closed on Sundays.
Cuisine and restaurants of Cyprus
The island has mainly Greek cuisine, which differs from its mainland version in that it contains more seafood. Cypriot cuisine is based on meat, fish and vegetable dishes, and the main “culinary attraction” of the island is “mezze”: a set lunch that includes 20-30 dishes. Serving “meze” begins with appetizers, salads and vegetables and ends with meat and fish dishes, and each tavern has its own menu. Another popular Cypriot dish is souvlaki - kebab wrapped in flatbread. It is traditionally served without sauce so as not to overpower the taste of the meat. Also worthy of attention are “moussaka” - minced meat baked with vegetables and a sauce of sour cream and beaten eggs, and “kupelka” - cabbage rolls in grape leaves.
You should definitely try Cypriot feta and halloumi cheeses, as well as green walnuts in syrup. We should not forget about Cypriot wines, spirits and liqueurs, of which there are plenty on the island. The most famous wine is Commandaria. This is a type of Cahors, and it is best to purchase it at the Kykkos Monastery in Troodos. Beer lovers can recommend the foamy drink of two local brands - Keo and Carlsberg.
Those who like it stronger will appreciate the Zivania grape moonshine, the alcohol content of which can reach up to 80°. True, you can only bring home memories of tasting it: the export of drinks with an alcohol content above 50° from Cyprus is prohibited.
You can have an inexpensive meal at snack bars or kebab shops, of which there are plenty on the island. Lunch will cost an average of 5-8 EUR excluding alcohol. The most popular establishments are traditional Cypriot taverns. These are small family restaurants that are passed down from father to son, and the owner and his relatives usually work there. The menu is rarely extensive, but all the traditional local dishes are usually there. The portions are large, you can safely order one for two, and taverns often offer dessert or liqueur. Lunch in such a restaurant will cost 12-20 EUR with wine, dinner may be more expensive.
In hotels and restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill. Therefore, tipping in Cyprus is optional, but small change is always gratefully accepted.
There are also classic restaurants on the island, and the most interesting of them are located near wineries. They offer Cypriot cuisine and local wine. The average bill will be higher than in taverns: from 25 EUR per person.
Halloumi is a divinely delicious Cypriot goat's milk cheese that everyone should try.
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Guides in Cyprus
Entertainment and attractions
Cyprus is a relatively small island, but it surprisingly houses a huge number of monuments of nature, culture, history and art from different eras. The ruins of Stone Age settlements, temples from the times of Ancient Greece, Roman theaters, ancient Byzantine monasteries, Venetian fortresses and Gothic cathedrals have been preserved here. And due to the compactness of the island, many of these attractions can easily be visited in one trip.
It is worth visiting the capital of Cyprus Nicosia, all the main attractions of which are collected in the old quarter of the city. These are the Byzantine Church of Chrysalinotissa and the Church of Trypiotis with the famous iconostasis, the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral of St. John, the Gates of Famagusta and the Venetian Wall.
On the Akamas Peninsula, the ruins of the ancient cities of Morion and Avagos, the monastery of Agios Georgios have been preserved, and the territory of Lara Beach Bay, located to the south, has been chosen by green and big-headed turtles. It is also worth visiting the Baths of Aphrodite, which is not far from Latchi Bay. Amathus is one of the oldest cities in Cyprus, the ruins of which are located on the seashore 5 km east of Limassol. Modern archaeologists have found here a basilica of the early Christian era, a sanctuary of Aphrodite, ruins of baths and aqueduct systems - of course, time, as they say, has not been kind to them, but even in this form they make an impression.
No less ancient, Kourion was one of the largest city-states of the island. To this day, Roman baths and rich houses, the sanctuary of Apollo of Hylates, an ancient theater and numerous mosaics have been preserved there. The Troodos Mountains are a nature reserve and ski resort. There are also numerous churches and monasteries, some of them are included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage and are under state protection.
Cruises from Cyprus
Mini-cruises from Cyprus are an opportunity to travel to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Greece, or Lebanon while vacationing on the island. For example, a two-day cruise to Egypt includes a full-day trip to Cairo (with a visit to the Cairo National Museum) and a tour of the pyramids and papyrus factory on the second day.
During a cruise to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, tourists will see the Church of the Nativity and Grotto, built over the birthplace of Jesus Christ. After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues in the Holy City of Jerusalem with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Golgotha and the Western Wall.
The cost of a two-day cruise starts from 300 EUR per person, this amount usually includes transfers from the hotel to the port of Limassol and back, necessary visas (not always), excursions with a Russian-speaking guide, full board, all entertainment on board the ships and accommodation in the chosen cabin categories.
10 things to do in Cyprus
- Swim in Petra tou Romiou Bay, where, according to legend, the sea goddess Aphrodite emerged from the foam, and find eternal youth and beauty.
- Go to a small winery to taste Commandaria and other wines.
- Travel back to the Middle Ages in Kyrenia and visit the local Shipwreck Museum.
- Have dinner in an authentic Cypriot tavern and drink a glass of liqueur with the owner.
- Buy a hand-embroidered tablecloth in the village of Lefkara.
- Dance all night until dawn in the discos of Ayia Napa.
- Climb into the tower of the jealous Moor in Famagusta, where the supposed prototype of Othello, the governor of Cyprus, Christopher Moreau, lived in the 12th century.
- Watch flamingos on the Aliki salt lake near Larnaca.
- Ride a donkey named Hitler or Schumacher at the Dipotamos donkey farm in Ayia Napa.
- Look from afar at the ghost town of Varos in Famagusta (you can go inside, but it’s very expensive - a fine of 500 EUR).
Holidays and Events
A separate reason for traveling to Cyprus is the endless holidays and festivals. In April, the country celebrates the National Day of Cyprus. In May-June, coastal cities celebrate “cataclysmos” - the festival of water and the global flood, and Limassol hosts a Folk Dance Festival. In July-August there is a Festival of Ancient Greek Drama: performances are given in the ancient amphitheater of Kourion, in the Paphos Odeon, Larnaca Fort and in the Monastery Square in Ayia Napa. The beginning of September brings an invigorating breath to the popular Wine Festival in Limassol, dedicated to the god of wine, Dionysus.
