Cyprus from A to Z: holidays in Cyprus, maps, visas, tours, resorts, hotels and reviews. What is Cyprus and where is it located? Cyprus in Latin

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia, located in its eastern part, 75 kilometers from the coast of Turkey and 105 and 380 kilometers from the coasts of Syria and Egypt, respectively. Cyprus, which has an area of ​​9,251 sq. km., stretches for 240 kilometers from east to west and about 100 kilometers from north to south. Cyprus is a fairly mountainous island with two more or less large mountainous regions. The Kyrenia Ridge runs right along the coast Mediterranean Sea in the northeastern part of the island, its highest point is Mount Akromanda (1023 meters). West Side The island is occupied by the large Troodos mountain range, where the most high mountain Cyprus - local Olympus 1952 meters high.

Cyprus is one of the most popular resort destinations in the Mediterranean, although the situation on the island itself is quite tense. The fact is that Cyprus since 1974 as a result of Turkish invasion actually divided into two parts - the Republic of Cyprus (where all tourists go) and the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus owns approximately 60% of the island's territory, 36 percent is occupied by Turkish Northern Cyprus. Both of these parts are separated from each other by a buffer zone controlled by the UN contingent and occupying about 3.7 percent of the territory.

In addition, 2.7 percent of the island's area is the British military bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The capital of both the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the city of Nicosia (Turkish version - Lefkosa), divided by the so-called Green Line. About 300 thousand people live in the Greek part of the city, about 90 thousand live in the Turkish part.

The total population of Cyprus is 1,190,236 people, of which 864,236 people live in the Republic of Cyprus and 326,000 live in Northern Cyprus. More than 90 percent of the residents of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek Cypriots, the rest of the population is British, Russian and Armenian. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is home to Turkish Cypriots, Turks and some other nationalities. 77 percent of the population of Cyprus professes Greek Orthodoxy, 18 percent are Sunni Muslims, 5 percent are other branches of Christianity (Catholics, Maronites, Protestants, etc.).

Flight time:
(charter flights to Larnaca, 50 km)
from Moscow - 3 hours 40 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - 4 hours 25 minutes.
from Kazan - 3 hours 30 minutes.
from Yekaterinburg - 4 hours 30 minutes.
from Novosibirsk - 8 hours 20 minutes.

Current time in Nicosia:
(UTC +2)

The official languages ​​are Greek and Turkish. The majority of the population of the Republic of Cyprus speaks fluent English, which makes communication easier while holidaying on the island.

How to get there

How to get to Cyprus? There can be no two opinions - by plane, of course. Ferry service from southern part There are no islands, and the northern one can only be reached by ferries through Turkey.

Despite the fact that Cyprus is a relatively small island, it has two air ports on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and one in its northern part. If you choose a scheduled flight over a charter flight, in most cases you will land at Larnaca Airport. All major airlines are based here. The exception is S7, which flies to both Cyprus airports- Larnaca and Paphos. The airports are managed by a single company, Hermes, with Larnaca Airport handling three times the passenger volume and being larger itself. In 2017, it became the leader in speed of service among all EU airports.

A little advice: if you intend to live in the southwest of the island and plan independent trip, it makes direct sense to look for flights specifically to Paphos - yes, tickets may cost more (however, this is not a fact), but the road to the place of intended residence is much shorter. Otherwise, the next hour and a half spent in a taxi will be added to the time spent on the plane, as well as €95 for a one-way taxi trip.

If you want to fly directly to northern part islands, you have no choice: all planes landing in Northern Cyprus must one way or another take off from Turkish territory (the specificity of the political moment of a partially recognized state) and they all land near Nicosia - at Ercan Airport.

At the same time, be sure to keep in mind: having started your acquaintance with Cyprus from its northern part, you will not be able to move to the south - for such a trip you must have a Schengen visa or a national visa of Cyprus in your passport, which are not required to fly to the southern side - there is enough regular pro-visa (see). To feel freer, choose airports in the southern part of the island.

Ferry connections between Cyprus and other countries are carried out only from the North side and only with Turkey: thus, you can get to Kyrenia (Girne) from Tasucu (Silifke) (150 kilometers from Alanya, 100 from Mersin), and to Famagusta from Mersin.

In March 2019, the opening of a ferry service with Beirut (from Limassol) was disrupted: the Lebanese authorities did not agree on the route and postponed the decision for at least a year.

Search for flights
to Cyprus

Search for a car
for rent

Search for flights to Cyprus

We compare all available flight options based on your request, and then direct you to the official websites of airlines and agencies for purchase. The air ticket price you see on Aviasales is final. We have removed all hidden services and checkboxes.

We know where to buy cheap air tickets. Airplane tickets to 220 countries. Search and compare prices for air tickets among 100 agencies and 728 airlines.

We cooperate with Aviasales.ru and do not charge any commissions - the cost of tickets is absolutely the same as on the website.

Search for a rental car

Compare 900 rental companies at 53,000 rental locations.

Search 221 rental companies worldwide
40,000 pick-up points
Easy cancellation or modification of your booking

We cooperate with RentalCars and do not charge any commissions - the rental price is absolutely the same as on the website.

Climate, weather in Cyprus

Despite the large amount of information on the Internet, the question about the weather in Cyprus remains open.

When does summer start in Cyprus? A good indicator that a pleasant warm summer has finally arrived in Cyprus are water parks that open in the middle (or last ten days) of April: many years of experience in their work shows that this time is already unconditionally suitable for permanent job, and says that businessmen (whose business, in general, consists of selling this weather) do not expect surprises from the weather.

So, if you want real summer, come in mid-April, when the daytime air temperature at the beginning of the month reaches +25 °C, and by the end of the month reaches +28 °C. Water - up to +23 °C.

Cyprus spring- fleeting and sometimes indistinguishable from “winter”: daytime temperatures from December to April can remain at the same level - about +22 °C (fluctuations from +13 to +22 °C). Well, and then, as already mentioned, summer comes suddenly.

Winter the temperature, of course, is unstable, and if the temperature reaches and, most importantly, stays above +20 °C, then the winter can be considered very warm (as it was in 2014), but in any case it rarely drops below +15 °C, and on average is +17…+18 °C. When visiting Cyprus in winter, don’t think that you won’t have to freeze: apartments in this southern country are not heated, expensive electricity is saved, and, if you are unlucky, the temperature will be the same both outside and inside the apartment/hotel, so warm clothes will still come in handy, especially if you go to the mountains, where there will be snow from the end of December to March , and daytime temperatures can remain near zero. But at this time it will be possible to go skiing in the mountains - equipment can be rented inexpensively on site.

Midsummer in Cyprus is hot. Hot air arrives in the third decade of June and lasts until mid-September. At this time, the daytime air temperature on the coast can reach +38 °C, but usually remains at +32…+36 °C.

One and a half autumn months from mid-September to the end of October are comfortable and pleasant +30 °C, with warm nights.

Then, until mid-November, only the evenings will become cold, and daytime temperatures will still reach +28 °C. December will lower the daytime temperature from +24 °C at the beginning of the month to +18...+20 °C at the end. January will lower it further average temperature, but nevertheless, until the middle of the month it can still rise to +20 °C. From the middle of the month “winter” comes: until the beginning of April, the temperature jumps from +13 to +22 in general, but more often it stays around +16…+18 °C.

Total number of sunny days in a year: at least 340, which means that the remaining 25 days of the year, being distributed from November to March (the time when rain occurs), give approximately 5 rainy days per month. Abnormally rainy winters do occur, but are extremely rare.

Cities and regions

Basic tourist cities Cyprus

The Troodos Mountains are the largest of the island’s two mountain ranges, attracting not only the majority of tourists who decide to do something other than a banal swim in the sea, but also the Cypriots themselves, who escape the heat in the summer and go skiing in the winter (or just look at the snow), take a hundred selfies with a mug of mulled wine in your hands, and delight the children with sledding. The Troodos Mountains are a concentration of cultural, educational and natural sites: traditional villages, medieval monasteries, stunning landscapes, waterfalls and forests.

2. Pentadaktylos Mountains

The second mountain range of Cyprus, Pentadaktylos (or Beshparmak), is lower than Troodos, but is distinguished by especially beautiful steep cliffs, attracting not only with its unique nature, but also with several architectural attractions: medieval castles and Byzantine churches. The nature of the mountains will not disappoint hikers either: the views from the peaks will impress even experienced hikers.

3. Karpas Peninsula

Karpas is a specially protected area from human activity - a small nature reserve on the eastern edge of the island. The hilly terrain is covered with relict forest, beautiful deserted beaches meet a sea of ​​extraordinary transparency. The path to the peninsula is not close, but it is worth any time spent on it.

The Cavo Greco Nature Reserve is a small cape in the southeast of the island near Ayia Napa and Protaras, interesting for its expressive coastline - rocky shores, sea caves, wild beaches, stone arches over the water, and, of course, the “Blue Lagoon” - a bay with crystal clear blue water.

“Brilliant”, and this is how Kyrenia is translated - the most beautiful city of the island: the Venetian harbor has survived to this day, as has the largest historical site of the island - an ancient fortress, which dominates the entire embankment, on which there are numerous cafes and restaurants offering not only delicious food, but also an attractive view of the sea. The city is interesting both for its historical center and for the numerous attractions around it, including: Bellapais Abbey, Castle of St. Hilarion", Alagadi beach.

6. Objects cultural heritage UNESCO

UNESCO protects 11 sites in Cyprus: the ancient city of Paphos, the Neolithic settlement of Khirokitia, and 9 Byzantine churches, which are of greatest interest for their frescoes of an extraordinary degree of preservation - they are of such great value that they are included in a special list - objects requiring special protection in the event of military conflicts .

Bellapais Abbey was once considered the most beautiful medieval Gothic building in the eastern Mediterranean: looking at the complex, partially destroyed by time (however, it preserved the three main rooms in almost original form), one can easily believe this fact. Not only the creation of human hands is beautiful, but also the natural environment: mountains meeting the sea, rocks rising high into the sky, harmoniously combined with the architecture of the monastery.

8. Sea caves and secret beach

Sea caves - the only place in Cyprus, where seals still live - this is due to the proximity of the Akamas Nature Reserve and its relatively sparsely populated surroundings. The place is favored by photographers who have chosen snow-white rocks of unusual shape (the result of weathering) as the setting for wedding photo shoots.

The Akamas Peninsula is perhaps the most a nice place Cyprus: the untouched nature of the landscape reserve will not leave you indifferent - mountains, forests, roads running along the edge of steep cliffs, and, finally, the famous “Blue Lagoon” - a beach surrounded by wooded hills and water with a thousand shades of turquoise and even gold. The easiest way to get to the Blue Lagoon is by pleasure boat from Latchi (travel time 1 hour).

10. Ancient city-states

The history of Cyprus has brought to us information about 13 city-states on its territory, and the ruins of most of them are available for visiting. Once on the island, you can’t help but visit the best preserved ones - Paphos, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, as well as Kourion and Salamis - it will take you several fascinating hours to explore them!

11. Mountain villages of Cyprus

The mountain villages of Cyprus - Kouklia, Lefkara and others - are the concentration of the entire centuries-old culture of Cypriots: it was in the mountains, hiding from many conquerors, that they lived most of the history of the island. Now these historical and architectural monuments are the most interesting to visit: the quiet streets of medieval villages will not leave you indifferent, and the village cuisine is considered the most delicious on the island.

12. Venetian bridges

Venetian bridges are one of the most inaccessible monuments, but even more interesting - built by the Venetians in the 16th century, they were subsequently lost for a long time in overgrown dense forests, and now, surrounded by them, they look very unusual in the midst of almost wild nature. The bridges were built by the Venetians to transport copper ore from the mine to the port of Paphos.

The historical center of the capital lies not only within the boundaries of medieval stone fortifications, 5 kilometers long, but also within the borders of two states: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey, which does not negate the fact of the actual division of the island into two countries). One of the most interesting tourist attractions is border crossing, which brings vivid impressions of a sharp change in the cultural environment. It is on the Turkish side that you will find the three most interesting historical quarters of the ancient city: Arabahmet, Samanbahce and the Gothic center, with medieval churches, well-preserved remains of palace complexes, narrow streets winding between ancient houses, and, of course, large and small caravanserais. In the old part of the “southern” Nicosia you will also not be left without impressions: the Famagusta Gate - the largest gate leading to the city, will surprise you with the size of the interior, where art exhibitions, conferences and concerts are now held, the pedestrian street Lidra will attract you big amount restaurants, clothing stores, the Laiki Getonia quarter is interesting not only for its cramped streets and cozy cafes, but also for its large number of inexpensive souvenir shops, Archaeological Museum attracts tourists with an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, the motorcycle museum will be of interest to those who are interested in technology, and a small treasure trove of Cypriot coins, a visit to which, like the Famagusta gate, is free, will interest collectors, and, of course, a must-see is the small private museum Shacolas tower with an observation deck overlooking the entire city!

Where to go in Cyprus

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Transport

Private guides in Cyprus

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Cyprus in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Cyprus is definitely a seasonal island: most tourists come to the island in the summer. Yes, yes, they are all “victims” of stereotypes - more often they consider it as a place for beach holiday, while losing all opportunities for educational recreation.

Looking at Cyprus from the other side, you may be surprised - the excursion program is rich, and those who visit the island in winter - the best time for educational travel - discover that the sea is far from the most important thing, especially since summer excursions are associated with tiring heat, while winter ones provide an opportunity for thoughtful, measured, healthy rest. What to do in Cyprus in winter?

Of course, go to the mountains. The mountains are especially beautiful in winter: the waterfalls are full of water, the peaks are covered with snow, while in the sun-warmed valleys only the stones do not bloom! Walking around mountain paths will bring extraordinary pleasure: clean air will allow you to explore the entire island from the heights of many observation platforms, lovers alpine skiing can visit the ski resort.

Only in winter you can calmly and leisurely stroll around ancient cities- the unbearable heat will prevent you from doing this in the summer!

It is in winter that graceful flamingos fly to the island. The lake where they spend the entire season is literally a 20-minute walk from the center of Larnaca.

The calendar winter in Cyprus is more like spring - it is at this time of year that the nature of the island wakes up from the beginning (albeit rare) rains. The warm (sometimes even hot) sun on the coast, as well as the presence of snow in the mountains at the same time, allow you to both swim in the sea and go skiing in one day.

Getting around the country

For a traveler whose interests are not limited to the nearest beach and the pub around the corner, without a car in Cyprus it is rather difficult: buses move on highways, and the cities for an inquisitive traveler are not as attractive as the interior regions of the island. Considering that a Cypriot taxi is generally not a cheap pleasure: on average, each kilometer of travel costs 1€ - a rental car will be a reasonable, although not the only choice: those who want to see the true nature and history of Cyprus, and at the same time feel in complete safety- can use it.

Buses

Intercity bus service is not the best, but it is a necessary way to travel around the island: such trips have one advantage - they are cheap.

A trip along the longest two-hundred-kilometer route from Paphos to Ayia Napa will cost you an easy 9 €, and the price for routes between neighboring cities is no more than five. If you look at the map of the island, you will find that the distance between all neighboring cities of Cyprus is almost equal (and is about 50-60 km), therefore, the duration of the trip is the same - about one and a half hours. Most long route from Paphos to Ayia Napa will take about four hours.

If you don't mind wasting time, buy a day or week pass from the driver for 15 and 75 euros respectively - it will allow you to travel in any direction. Weekly passes for intracity routes range from 7 to 15 euros - and this is a really good way to explore the surrounding areas near major cities.

Taxi

Those who prefer relative freedom and speed of travel over short distances, do not want to stand around waiting for rare buses and do not dare to rent a car, can use taxi services.

The cost of a trip can be calculated either by a meter or declared fixed: in this case, the fixed cost is often not taken from the “ceiling”, but is the average for a specific route - this cost will be suggested to the driver by many years of experience.

In the season when it is more profitable for the driver to wait for an expensive client and not carry a “cheap” one, the price for any short trip may be equal to 10 euros regardless of the distance, as long as it does not exceed 5 kilometers. It’s easy to calculate the approximate cost: 1 € for each kilometer of travel, regardless of the distance - traveling within the city or between cities will be calculated the same.

Rent a Car

If you want absolute freedom and rent a car, then keep in mind that despite the apparent speed of getting used to driving on the left, your instincts can play a cruel joke on you at any moment: the most common mistake is unconsciously driving into the oncoming lane after a turn.

Finding a car for rent in Cyprus is easy: both global networks, such as Herz, Sixt or Avis, and small local offices will help you. The former have cars that are in better technical condition, but more expensive. The latter may sell you rubbish (they may not, it’s a lottery), but it’s inexpensive. In any case, the choice is yours.

Russians do not require international rights - this is a plus. Traffic in Cyprus is on the left, which seems like a disadvantage, but you quickly get used to this feature of the former English colony. On the third day of driving, driving on the left begins to seem logical; after a week, it becomes convenient. Red license plates adorning rental cars are an additional “fool-proof”: seeing such a license plate, Cypriots understand that the driver is a stranger who needs to be treated with leniency and consideration. In any case, do not skimp, take extended insurance, without deductibles and other petty savings.

At the same time, pay attention to some subtleties: insurance that works in the south does not work in the north. You'll have to fork out the cash and buy a separate policy. Three days of insurance - 20 €, month - 35. Availability credit card mandatory - when the car is handed over to you, a certain amount will be blocked on it, depending on the class and current condition of the car. The proposed extended insurance costing 5 € per day will radically reduce the amount of blocking by a factor of 4. The rental service is neither expensive nor cheap. More expensive than in Spain, cheaper than in Italy. Central European price.

Getting hold of a car is not a problem in Northern Cyprus either. The rental cost is a little higher than in the south, but sometimes the cars are newer. There is only one unpleasant nuance - in a car rented in the north, you will not be able to cross the border of the Republic of Cyprus and the TRNC without the written permission of the rental office.

Features of driving in Cyprus

What do you need to pay close attention to while driving, besides the changing direction of movement? At high speed. When entering the motorway, you will notice a sign stating the MINIMUM speed limit of 65 kilometers per hour. That is, driving SLOWLY on the freeway is prohibited. Maximum speed 100 kilometers per hour. Additional restrictions may be established on roundabouts, exits and exits, you need to keep your eyes open, especially in Northern Cyprus: while in the Republic of Cyprus the speed is measured by police crews in strictly defined places marked with “Radar speed control” warning signs, in the north this function is performed automatic cameras installed almost everywhere.

There are warning signs, but they occur so often that sometimes you want to ignore them. This is reckless: fines for speeding in Northern Cyprus are depressingly high, with the size of the fine depending on how many km/h faster you are going. You won’t be able to come to an agreement with the camera (as well as with the police), it’s better to keep your eyes open. Tolerance (police leniency for speed violations) - 10% of the speed indicated on the sign. Keep in mind that additional kilometers per hour is not a permitted, but an acceptable excess, which is still a violation.

The quality of the road surface is excellent, navigation is excellent. The routes of Northern Cyprus, connecting Famagusta, Nicosia, Kyrenia and Morpha, are no worse in quality than those in the south. All roads in Cyprus, including motorways, are free.

Kitchen

In our humble opinion, it is impossible to die of hunger in Cyprus. Moreover, if you really don’t perceive local cuisine(which is nonsense, but it happens), you won’t be left without dinner.

First, keep in mind: Cyprus was a British colony for a long time; many dishes are still adapted to the tastes of the inhabitants of Foggy Albion. In particular, everywhere a huge plate of French fries will automatically be served with any dish. You don’t have to order an additional side dish, although in some places such an option exists. Salad as a separate dish can also be neglected. It is usually served as a “light warm-up” before the main course or as part of a side dish. Some unprepared organisms finish their meal on salad.

One of the characteristics of Cypriot cuisine, in addition to “variety” and “taste,” is “abundance”: you don’t have to order salad, soup, meatballs and compote at once - you simply won’t be able to eat it all. One main course will be more than enough. At the same time, one dish for two will still not be enough, then two dishes for three is just right: if in a restaurant you ask for an order to share, then the prepared dishes will be placed in the middle of the table, and they will bring you empty plates - this is absolutely normal and is practiced everywhere.

In large cities - Larnaca, Paphos, Limassol - the variety of restaurants is no different from that in any big city world: Japanese cuisine and all kinds of pizzerias are popular. Having a quick snack is also not a problem: in small kiosks and cafes they will prepare a hot sandwich with lunza for you in three minutes ( jerky) or gyros (meat in pita bread with fresh salad), again accompanied by a rather large dish with French fries. In large supermarkets and shopping centers There are the inevitable McDonald's or Taco Bell, but try to avoid these establishments: Cyprus has much more to offer.

Thanks to his geographical location Cyprus is incredibly interesting from the point of view of a gourmet with a penchant for research: if you characterize Cypriot cuisine in a nutshell, it will be "simplicity" and "eclecticism". Cypriots have creatively rethought the culinary preferences of all cultures whose representatives have made their mark on the island. Arabic, Balkan, Greek, Turkish traditions and recipes are in use here.

Cypriots borrowed grilling from the Greeks and Turks, as well as the use of large amounts of yogurt, parsley, and garlic. From the Arabs - seasonings, but the food in Cyprus is much less spicy than is customary in the Arab world. Zira and hot pepper are used, but carefully and sparingly. The Italians taught the Cypriots to use fresh herbs: mint, coriander, tarragon, basil, cardamom and arugula. Finally, the British are not only about fish and chips, but also about Indian curry and ginger. Moreover, despite the centuries-old history of coexistence and interpenetration of two Cypriot communities, Greek and Turkish, the concept of “cuisine of Cyprus” is difficult to generalize: sometimes even dishes with the same name in the north and south differ quite significantly - both in the composition of the products and in the method of preparation , and in taste characteristics.

Cypriot cuisine is mainly meat. Primarily pork (on the Greek part) and lamb, poultry and sometimes rabbit, less often beef. But fish, strange as it may seem at first glance, is not particularly popular on the island. The fact is that the local population spent a long time in the mountains, hiding from the attacks of various colonialists, having lost contact with the sea. However, nowadays Cypriots enjoy eating tuna, sea bass, swordfish and squid. The basic rule when choosing fish dishes is that the simpler the preparation, the better: ideally, the fish should be freshly caught and grilled. In good taverns you will often be asked to choose your own fish.

And, of course, one of the unconditional Cypriot products - famous throughout the world halloumi cheese, which is not only fried and used in sandwiches, but also for making desserts.

The pantheon of iconic Cypriot dishes consists of such masterpieces as kleftiko, stifado, aphelia, sheftalia, kupepia, souvlaki, pastichio.

But the clearest showcase of all the diversity and impressions of Cypriot cuisine is the famous meze, which everyone who just wants to try it and those who have already tasted talk about with burning eyes: this tradition involves serving almost all the dishes from the menu presented in the tavern in full portions of each of them, for the price of one.

You shouldn’t expect that when you go to the first cafe you come across by the beach, you will be amazed, conquered and forever in love with Cypriot cuisine. Miracles, of course, happen, but, as regular practice shows, masterpieces, especially culinary ones, do not lie on the road. They must be found by trial and error. The main advice is don’t be afraid to experiment.

And one last thing. Don't judge Cypriot taverns by their appearance. Sometimes in the most unprepossessing-looking eatery far from the main tourist routes may not turn out to be free seats, which means reputation and popularity earned over the years local residents. Do not leave! It makes sense to wait for a free table rather than look for a place where there are fewer people and be disappointed.

Purchases

Cyprus can be a good place for shopping - low taxes and import duties make the cost of expensive things lower than in other countries, and you can save thousands of euros on purchases from the luxury segment: products from famous brands such as Cartier or BVLGARI will cost much less on the island than in other European countries.

Purchasing items in the mid-price segment will give you the opportunity to save about 35% of the cost: for example, Samsonite suitcases, clothing from brands such as Zara, Oysho, Massimo Dutti will cost the same as prices in Russia during the sale, and the discount season in Cyprus will take up another 70% of their original cost.

By the way, sales seasons in Cyprus are determined by law: reducing prices at certain times of the year is not the will of the seller, but his responsibility. The summer sales season begins in July and lasts at least until the end of the month, or even until last days summer, and winter - immediately after the New Year holidays.

There are few home-produced goods on the island, and they are mainly represented by food products - cheeses, wines and traditional sweets. Industrial goods are not produced in Cyprus.

There are several grocery supermarket chains operating in Cyprus: known to Europeans Lidl, Greek Alfa Mega and Sklavenitis, Papantoniou, Athienitis and Metro. Most often, supermarkets are located on the outskirts of cities or even outside them: for Cypriots who own vehicles, visiting retail outlets does not cause difficulties, but for tourists it is most convenient to get to the stores by taxi, since studying route networks public transport may be useless: most often it is impossible to get to shops by bus or such a trip will take too much time due to long waits at stops. In this regard, it is easiest for residents and vacationers in Paphos: in close proximity to the tourist center of the city there is one of the largest hypermarkets in Cyprus, on the ground floor of which there is a Sklavenitis grocery supermarket.

In the Northern part of Cyprus, the most famous supermarkets are Lemar and Tempo.

Connection

Mobile communications on the island are represented by three basic telecom operators and one virtual (MNVO). Basic operators: Epic (rebranding with enviable regularity and changing its third name (formerly MTN, formerly Areeba), state operator CYTA (in cooperation with Vodafone) and Primetel. Virtual operator - Cablenet (based on CYTA). The cost of services of all operators is approximately equal: according to the German statistical agency Statista, published in the magazine Der Spiegel, the Cypriot mobile connection is the most expensive in the European Union: on prepaid tariffs (pay as you go) for 1 Gigabyte of data you will have to pay about 10 €, and this does not count call time, which is paid separately at about 10¢. All three mobile operators have Russian-language pages and booklets on their websites full description services and instructions. PrimeTel even has its own

HGIOL

Geography

Relief of Cyprus

The island stretches for 240 km from east to west, and reaches a width of 100 km from north to south. Area - 9251 km².

Relief

Most of the island is occupied by mountains. Along northern shore The Kyrenia mountain range stretches in the latitudinal direction. Its width in the western part is 15 km, to the east it expands to 25-30 km. The western part of the Kyrenia ridge is higher; individual peaks exceed 1 thousand m. The most high point ridge - Mount Akromanda (1023 m). The southwestern half of the island is occupied by the wide Troodos mountain range, indented by longitudinal river valleys. Its northern part is the highest; here is also the highest point of Cyprus - Mount Olymbos (1952 m).

Climate

Subtropical Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures in Cyprus:

Vegetation and fauna

The fauna of Cyprus is not distinguished by the richness and diversity of species. Among the rare animals of the island, the endemic Cypriot mountain sheep - mouflon, which lives in the Troodos mountains and in the wooded region of Paphos, is especially interesting. IN last years hunting it is prohibited by the government. In the forest zone of the mountains there are foxes and hares. In the lowlands along the coast and on the mountain slopes there are many different species of lizards, turtles and snakes. There are especially many of them in the ruins of ancient cities - Salamis, Paphos, etc. A chameleon is found in the forest thickets near the coast. There are many amphibians in Cyprus, especially tree frogs.

see also

Story

The first traces of civilization in Cyprus date back to the Neolithic era, 8000 BC. e., and are over 9000 years old. There are traces on the island of the Stone Age, the Copper Age, the Bronze Age until the end of the second millennium BC. e. An important stage in the history of Cyprus is the settlement of the island by ancient Greek colonists in the 12th-11th centuries BC. e., approximately 3000 years ago after the end of the Trojan Wars.

This is what determined the cultural face of the island. The Greek language, art, religion and traditions were introduced during this period. In addition, cities were founded that still exist today.

In ancient times, Cyprus was famous for its copper deposits and forests. This is what made him the object of aspirations of the powerful states of the Mediterranean.

The Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians took turns capturing the island and owning it until it was conquered in 333 BC. e. not conquered by Alexander the Great.

Since 1964, the island has been home to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, which currently numbers 1,216 troops. UN peacekeeping forces arrived after intercommunal fighting broke out in December 1963 and Turkey threatened to intervene. Considering that there is a 35,000-strong Turkish army in the occupied northern part of the island, the main task of the peacekeepers is to control the buffer zone and ensure that the ceasefire is not violated.

According to the 2006 census, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has a population of 265,100.

Transport

Cyprus has three international airport, two are located on the Greek part of the island in Paphos (16 km from the city) and Larnaca (2 km from the city). There is also a full active airport in Nicosia - Ercan. All flights to Northern Cyprus pass through Turkey. The main airline serving the Greek part of the island, Cyprus Airways, ceased to exist in 2015.

Among the resorts in the Republic of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is the center of club life and is aimed mainly at young people. For family vacation serves mainly Paphos and Protaras. Ayia Napa is the only resort Republic of Cyprus, where the surface layer of the beaches consists of white imported sand. In Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca the beaches are dark volcanic sand. The beaches of Protaras are mixed, mostly yellow sand. The most popular beaches of Ayia Napa: Nissi, Makronissos, Sand Bay, Napa (Grishn).

The city of Paphos is included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage, and is also known for the fact that Aphrodite's Bay is located near it. According to legend, in this place the goddess of love and beauty was born from sea foam.

The sights of Cyprus are a mixture of different eras - the Byzantine castle of Kolossi, in which Isaac Komnenos took refuge from the crusaders, the church in which Richard I the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria of Navarre, Venetian fortresses, British left-hand traffic.

The main attraction in the north of the island is Famagusta with medieval tower Othello and the “ghost town” (Varosha quarter).

Geographical proximity to the series Mediterranean countries allows for tourists sea ​​cruises to Egypt, Israel, Rhodes or Jordan. Cruise ships depart from the seaports of Larnaca and Limassol, and correspond to 3-5 star hotels. Cruise time usually lasts about two days.

Cars rented to tourists have red license plates that begin with the letter Z. When renting cars, there may be an age limit, depending on the company renting the cars.

The British heritage includes, in addition to driving on the left, a power supply standard - three-pin sockets (one of them is grounding, analogous to the side contact of a Euro plug), but the voltage is not 230 V, as in the UK, but 240 V.

Among the attractions of Cyprus are Orthodox shrines, such as the tomb of St. Lazarus in Larnaca.

Many shops and banks on the island are closed on Wednesday afternoon and all day on Sunday, and on weekdays only from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:30 on winter time, from 16:00 to 19:00 in summer.

There remains some tension in relations between the two communities. When communicating with Greek Cypriots, it is not recommended to mention the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island. A particularly painful topic is the “ghost town” of Varosha - a quarter in the city of Famagusta.

Among the ethnic Greeks in Cyprus you can find a certain number of immigrants from the former USSR (Pontic Greeks).

Attractions

The main attractions of the island of Cyprus are Christian churches and monasteries. The most important objects.

Cyprus is an independent country. Cyprus gained independence in 1960, and before that it was a British colony. What remained from the British was driving on the left, legislation, the widespread use of the English language and much more.

Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, west of Lebanon, Syria and Israel, south of Turkey and north of Egypt.

The local population speaks two official languages ​​- Greek and Turkish. In fact, English is spoken everywhere.

Northern and Southern Cyprus

The natives of the island, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, live in different parts of the island after 1974, hence Northern and Southern Cyprus are also incorrect names. In fact, the entire island belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, but as a result of the Turkish invasion of 1974, the northern part was occupied, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was self-proclaimed there. The TRNC is not recognized by anyone except Turkey itself. So since then, residents of the two parts of the island have been waiting for reunification.

Isn't Cyprus part of Greece?

Cyprus has extensive cultural ties with Greece, but Cyprus is not part of Greece.

It is believed that the island of Cyprus has the healthiest climate for humans: sunny, warm, mixing both salty sea and refreshing mountain air. This is due to the favorable location of the island of Cyprus on the world map. That is why there is the largest number of centenarians here. And that’s why this island is worth visiting during your vacation, not only to have a good rest on the sandy shore next to azure sea, but also get healthier. In addition to its wonderful climate, Cyprus has an interesting, changeable history.

History of an independent state.

Although the island of Cyprus belongs to the Asian part Globe, its history and culture are more connected with Europe, namely with Greece. Of course, it is the ancient culture that is visible to the naked eye, once you are in the territory island state. There is even a legend that it was on the shores of Cyprus that the Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite was born, which foreshadowed a happy life for the island. But in reality everything is much more complicated and contradictory than in the legend. In fact, throughout its life, Cyprus has undergone many government changes and armed coups.

Cyprus was not always Greek. Tasty Island, the pearl of the Mediterranean, as it is called, managed to be part of Byzantium, Venice, and was also part Ottoman Empire. From 1879 to 1959 Cyprus was a British colony. This has certainly influenced the modern life of Cyprus, for example, the left-hand traffic habitual for the British has been preserved, and most residents speak English.

In 1959, negotiations took place between Turkey, Greece and Great Britain, as a result of which Cyprus was declared an independent state, which it still is. Main population: Greeks and Turks were supposed to live in peace, the government was supposed to be elected from 2 national communities to satisfy the interests of each. However, in 1983, Turkish northern Cyprus separated from the main part of the island. And now there are 2 states on the island: the Southern Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. However, the latter is recognized only by Turkey and Abkhazia.

Guests of the island live mainly in the recognized southern part. It is in the south of the island that you can find many cultural monuments, reminiscent of the glorious ancient culture in the history of the island of Cyprus.

Cyprus on the world map.

The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Near the island are Turkey (in the north), Israel and Syria (in the east) and Egypt (in the south).

It is much easier to understand where Cyprus is on the world map thanks to this interactive map(clickable):

Resort cities of Cyprus and their features.

The island of Cyprus has the main resort administrative centers where most tourists come:

Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus. Moreover, it is divided by a buffer zone, and is the main city of both Southern and Northern Cyprus. Nicosia is one of the most ancient cities in the world, dating back to the 7th century AD. There are many historical buildings on the territory of the Cypriot capital. Notable, for example, are the Hagia Sophia, Cathedral St. John's, the Gate of Famagusta and various museums where you can trace the cultural history of Cyprus. And in Nicosia restaurants you can taste various dishes Balkan, Greek and Turkish cuisine. It is the mixture of national styles that is unique and remarkable in this ancient city.

Limassol

The name of the city Limassol translates as “middle city”. It is located just between Larnaca and Paphos, where they are located. Therefore, it is convenient to get to it from any outskirts of the island. Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, therefore, it is also worth paying attention to. The center of Limassol is businesslike, there are banks and offices, but closer to the coast, tourists are overtaken by a resort spirit: in Limassol there is a beautiful embankment with a white promenade and tall palm trees on the sides. Limassol - also great city for shopping and fun, as there are many clubs here, amusement parks, a zoo, . Also, the city has the largest sea ​​port. And next to Limassol it is worth visiting Kourion - ancient city, founded in the 12th century BC. Tourists love this place not only for the opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity, but also for the beautiful photographs that are taken here.

Paphos is a city listed by UNESCO. It is no coincidence that here in the city you can find a large number of ancient buildings. There is one near the city archaeological park, where historical relics are collected. And it was in the vicinity of Paphos that Aphrodite appeared from the foam of the water. Near the city and inside it, a number of attractions are dedicated to this goddess. Paphos now justifies its name by the presence of hotels and hotels that are quite expensive compared to other cities in Cyprus. The beaches in the city are mostly rocky, but sandy ones can also be found. However, any of them is marked with the blue European flag of environmental friendliness. It’s also pleasant to relax here: there are cultural programs, there are also fun clubs and bars near the city’s embankment, and during the day this same embankment is a very picturesque place where you can see the port.

Larnaca itself, like any other popular resort town in Cyprus, perfect place for a holiday where you can find both cultural attractions and just enjoy pleasant climate lying on the white sand of the coast next to the shallow sea. It is the latter factors that make Larnaca a favorite place for parents with children to visit. Near Larnaca there is a large ancient monastery of Stavrovouni. Also interesting to visit Salt Lake located in the surrounding area. Young people love Ayia Napa, a city located in the Larnaca district. Ayia Napa is famous for its stormy nightlife. Also, there is a beautiful Nissi beach, famous for its snow-white sand and gentle sea.

Each of the listed urban centers is surrounded by a number of cultural places, therefore, in order to cover each attraction, it is best to rent a car in Cyprus and travel around the island on your own or buy Bus tours, visiting attractions together with other interested people, as well as with a guide.

Every corner of Cyprus is worth visiting. It is a pleasant place for adults and children to relax here, who are interested in visiting historical and cultural places, relaxing in a warm climate next to the azure sea, and young people will also enjoy the clubs, bars, and excursions to the vineyards where national wine is made. Everyone will find a place to be happy here!

And finally, we invite you to watch a very interesting and dynamic video about Cyprus

Cyprus is a favorite holiday destination not only for Russians; tourists from all over the world come here all year round, attracted by fabulous legends, luxurious beaches and comfortable hotels on the island. But Cyprus is not only a resort, it is a state with its own economy, population and legislation, located in offshore zone. What do we really know about this picturesque piece of land in the middle of the azure Mediterranean Sea, and what should we know when choosing it as a place for our next vacation - or setting up a business?

Where is Cyprus

The island is the third largest in the Mediterranean Sea, its area is 9300 sq.m. Located east of Greece and west of Israel, south of Turkey and north of Egypt.

State structure

The state bears the same name as the island. Some consider it part of Greece or Turkey, this is not true. Cyprus is a separate independent country. The island was once a colony of Great Britain, which left its traces. Widely used here English language, the legislation is based on British law, the streets drive on the left.

Executive power and state policy are exercised by the President and the Council of Ministers, which is also appointed by the President. Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral parliament. According to the Constitution, the president of the country is always chosen from the Greeks, and the vice-president from the Turks.

How Cyprus is divided

Geographically, Cyprus is divided into 6 districts, the capital of the country is Nicosia. Official official languages: Greek and Turkish.

In 1974, Turkey illegally invaded the island and occupied its northern part, settling 160 thousand citizens of Turkish citizenship. Today, the state remains divided into two parts; negotiations on reunification have not yet led to a positive result.

Between the parts of the island there is a Green Line, controlled by the UN. There are also two British military bases here: Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

Northern and Southern Cyprus

The northern part of the island is governed by Turkey and is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It is recognized only by the state of Turkey, others call it “occupied Cyprus.” The southern part is called the Republic of Cyprus. The state is part of the European Union, but the TRNC denies this.

Culture

The culture of this island is, without exaggeration, unique. Since prehistoric times, representatives of various nations have come here and inevitably left their mark. It is not for nothing that the island is compared to an open-air museum - there is something to admire even in small villages. The Greek part of the island's population professes Orthodoxy, the Turkish part professes Islam.

Modern Cypriots are famous for their welcoming and friendly disposition. They are smiling, love to celebrate, hospitality is in their blood - perhaps this is due to the very mild, warm climate, because out of 365 days a year, on average 340 here are dry and sunny.

Economy

Economically, Cyprus is an independent state, although it has close ties with Greece. However, the crisis did not affect the situation in the country in any way; the country controls its banks independently.

The state receives its main income from tourism. Cyprus also trades in local delicacies - wines, vegetables and fruits, spices and cheeses. Recently, purchasing real estate in Cyprus has become especially popular, which also accounts for a significant share of state income. Copper, chromium and iron ores are mined here, fishing, animal husbandry and sericulture are carried out, grains, melons and olive trees are grown. Partners: European countries, USA, Japan, United Arab Emirates.

There is a difference in economic development Northern and Southern Cyprus. There are more than 30 banks operating in the republic and about 1,000 offshore companies are registered. On this moment The Republic of Cyprus is several times superior in economic level to the northern part.

Population

There are 770 thousand officially registered inhabitants on the island. Local natives are divided into Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, there is a small proportion of national minorities - Armenians, Myriots, etc.

More than 2 million tourists visit the island every year, mainly from Europe and Russia.

The capital of Southern and Northern Cyprus is Nicosia. The next largest city is Limassol, followed by Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos, Kyrenia. The economic and industrial center of the state is Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Famagusta - large port and resort towns. Kyrenia is a picturesque town, replete with luxurious villas and comfortable bungalows, a favorite holiday destination for Europeans.

 

It might be useful to read: