Where in Cyprus is better to relax with children, as a couple or alone. Beach holidays in Cyprus - great opportunities Cyprus beach holidays at sea

The best beaches in Cyprus - this list could take several pages of neat text. How can I describe all the beauty that nature has bestowed on the Cypriot coast?! It is not surprising that our compatriots have such a strong attachment to Cyprus: the cleanliness and well-groomed nature of its beaches (free, it is worth paying attention) are beyond praise. A beach holiday in Cyprus on hotel grounds will not cost anything; wild beaches enchant with their pristine, untouched beauty; on municipal beaches you can rent an umbrella or sunbed if you wish. The best beaches of Cyprus (and according to tourists, the absolute majority) have the Blue Flag as confirmation of their cleanliness and charm. In total, Cyprus has about 90 official beaches and a lot of wild ones. According to Russians who managed to travel to Cyprus and get acquainted with its beauty, the best beaches in Cyprus are, first of all, Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa). The fame of this beach resounds throughout Europe and even further, and all thanks to the azure water, wonderful sand, picturesque surroundings and well-developed infrastructure, where there is entertainment for both adults and children. Alagadi beach, 15 km from Kyrenia, in the town of Esentepe, deserves special mention. Here, green turtles lay eggs in May and baby turtles hatch in July. Beach holidays in Cyprus include: Pharos, Alykes and Pachyammos in Paphos, cozy beaches of Kastella, Phinikoudes and Mckenzie (very popular) in Larnaca, Potami and Louma in Limassol. A beautiful beach in Paphos is Coral Bay, located in a horseshoe-shaped bay. It has a gentle slope, the water is warm, and many families with children come here. Ayia Napa is simply replete with Blue Flag beaches - Lanta, Nissi Bay and Nissi Beach, Kermia, Glyki Nero, Konnos Bay, Katsarka, Agia Thekla, Pernera, Macronissos and Vathia Gonia (the list goes on and on). And the resorts of Cyprus that do not have a flag are no worse: the coastline everywhere looks neat and well-groomed. The best resorts in Cyprus are actually identical to the best beaches of the island, because no matter what vacation spot you choose, its beach amazes with the beauty of the surrounding view and the purity of the water. There is not a person among our travelers who would not be impressed by the picturesque sandy beaches of Cyprus. If you want maximum privacy, then the wild sandy beaches of Cyprus will give you tranquility and the opportunity to reflect on issues that concern you and even swim naked in the gentle waves. At the same time, the municipal beaches of Cyprus with sand or pebbles are surrounded by all kinds of shops, restaurants, snack bars and entertainment venues such that you can not appear in your room until nightfall, but spend all your time here, in the soft embrace of the Mediterranean Sea. The color of the sand on the island varies, but the white sand beaches of Cyprus are especially popular - the water on them seems unusually clear and azure. The sandy beaches of Cyprus are not only pure pleasure and sunbathing, but also have health benefits, as the hot sand heals joints and warms up tired muscles.

Capital: Nicosia

What could be better than a holiday in Cyprus - an island covered in legends in the Mediterranean Sea?.. There are beaches and mountains, picturesque bays and fruit plantations, luxury hotels and restaurants for every taste. Cyprus has become an almost universal resort, where parents with children, couples and restless youth come. And everyone finds something of their own here and returns home not only with traditional souvenirs and hundreds of photos in their smartphone, but also with the firm intention of returning to Cyprus again.

Climate

The island has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Already in May the air here warms up to 28-30ºС and the swimming season opens. From June to September, average daily temperatures range from 32 to 36ºC, peaking in July and August. The water temperature between June and September averages 23-26ºC degrees.

What is the weather like in Cyprus in autumn and winter? You can swim until the end of October, but some people do it in November, since the water temperature in the sea this month does not drop below 20-21ºС. From December to March, daytime temperatures on the island are 16-18ºС, and this is the best time for walks and a calm, relaxed holiday.

Tips

When arriving at the resorts of Cyprus, remember: tipping here is a sign of your appreciation for good service. If you are satisfied with the cleaning of your hotel room, you can leave 2-3 euros for the maid. You can also offer approximately 1-2 euros to a gas station attendant. If you pay for a taxi by meter, round up the amount or give the driver 1-2 euros more. In cases where the taxi fare is paid by agreement, tips are not required. As for restaurants in Cyprus, some of them include a service charge in the bill in advance - usually 10-15% of the order amount. If this does not happen, you can leave a tip to the waiter in the amount of approximately 10% of the bill.

Souvenirs and shopping

A guide to Cyprus would be incomplete without mentioning souvenirs! You can bring home as a gift Cypriot olive oil, olives and sheep cheese, sweet Cypriot Commandaria wine, healthy carob-based products, traditional desserts Suzuko, Turkish delight or baklava. On an excursion to the mountain village of Lefkara you can buy silverware and handmade lace. Well, in the shops at the resorts there is a truly limitless assortment of olive soap, natural local cosmetics, as well as traditional souvenirs - from ceramics to magnets.

In resort areas you can also purchase swimsuits, beach sundresses, lightweight shoes and leather bags. However, there are large shopping centers only in cities - for example, MY MALL in Limassol and Kings Avenue Mall in Paphos. If your purchase exceeds €50, you are entitled to a 15% VAT refund, so be sure to obtain the necessary documents from the seller.

Kitchen

A holiday in Cyprus is not complete without tasting traditional dishes! First of all, try the meat or fish meze - a set of two dozen different dishes and snacks, which is served for at least two people and costs about 20-25 euros. For appetizers, we recommend tzatziki based on thick unsweetened yogurt with cucumbers and herbs and a rustic salad of vegetables, feta cheese and olives. Souvlaki kebabs, stewed lamb kleftiko and aromatic moussaka with minced meat and eggplant - all these dishes are also worth trying on the island. And, of course, you need to do this with a glass of local wine, and after the meal, order a cup of strong coffee.

Well, for those who choose to travel with children in Cyprus, there is also good news: many restaurants in the local resorts offer inexpensive children's menus.

Beach

Most of the beaches on the island are sandy, with a convenient gentle entrance to the sea. This is why holidays with children in Cyprus are so popular - little tourists feel comfortable and safe here. Sandy beaches are located in the areas of Limassol, Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Protaras. True, the sand is different everywhere: in Protaras it is fine and almost white, in Ayia Napa it is golden, in Larnaca and Limassol it is darker. Regardless of which resort you choose, rest assured that the water is clean everywhere and the beaches are kept in order.

The Paphos area has both sandy and rocky beaches. One of the local attractions is the sandy Lara beach. It is located on the territory of a nature reserve, and every spring rare green turtles swim here. In summer the beach is open to everyone and is a great place for a relaxing holiday.

Most beaches in Cyprus are municipal, so sun loungers and umbrellas are available for a fee.

Transport

How to get to Cyprus? Flights from Russia operate to two airports located in Larnaca and Paphos. Within the country, the cheapest way to travel is by bus. They connect the country's resorts and cities with each other, and some cities also have internal routes. To travel between different resorts, it is most convenient to use Intercity Buses. On most routes their interval is 1-1.5 hours.

An alternative option is to take a taxi or rent a car. There are taxis at any resort, but before you rent a car, study the information about Cyprus, its roads and the peculiarities of driving on the left.

Currency

The official currency of the Republic of Cyprus is the euro. When going to Cyprus, it is better to exchange rubles for euros in advance or get a bank card, payments on which are made in euros. In this case, you will not depend on currency exchange rate fluctuations.

When withdrawing cash from an ATM, a commission is charged, on average, 2-4%. If you receive large bills (100, 200 euros) at an exchange office or for change in a store, it is a good idea to check their authenticity. Also keep in mind that in summer Cypriot banks operate on reduced hours: from May to September they are open only from 8.15 to 13.30.

Time

UTC+03:00 (summer) UTC+02:00 (winter)

Resorts

Almost all resorts in Cyprus are suitable for families and families with children.

Young people and lovers of active nightlife should undoubtedly go to Ayia Napa!

Limassol will also be to your liking with its variety of entertainment and cultural events on the island.

For those who prefer a more relaxing holiday, we advise you to consider the resorts of Protaras and Larnaca.

Those who love a holiday surrounded by history, covered in legends of the past, will certainly suit Paphos like no other resort, rich in architectural monuments and interesting archaeological excavations.

And you will find the best sandy beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras.

Additional resort features

We invite you to plunge into a sea of romantic emotions on the seashore!

Symbolic wedding ceremony 2019– basic package for all regions.

“Newly Married” 2019

Package includes:

renting a place for the ceremony;
decorated place for the ceremony - an arch on the seashore near the resort of Ayia Napa (Sirena beach, next to Agia Thekla), decorated table for registration and a table for champagne (chairs for guests on request);
the arch is decorated with silk flowers (white) and ribbons of the newlyweds’ choice: in white and pink, white and turquoise, white and lilac or white and red;
Russian-speaking master of ceremonies;
marriage certificate on Love Island;
transfer for the couple to the ceremony in the photographer’s car;
bridal bouquet of roses and seasonal flowers with satin ribbon;
a bottle of champagne, two glasses;
an hour photo session in the car of a Russian-speaking photographer.

Terms and conditions for receiving material: within 3-5 days after the shooting you will receive a selection of 5-10 best photographs from each hour, in the author's processing and retouching. You will receive the remaining images (at least 60+ from each hour) with color correction within a month from the date of shooting. Transferring pictures is carried out via a cloud drive (for example, Google Drive or Yandex Drive).

Package cost: 870 euros (Sirena beach (next to Agia Thekla), Ayia Napa).

On weekends, holidays, and after 17:00, an additional fee for holding a ceremony on the beach of Agia Thekla is 80 euros.

Cost of the package in Ayia Napa- 990 euros (for example, on the Bridge of Lovers).

Cavo Greco Peak Package Cost- 1270 euros.

Please note- if the venue is the top of Cavo Greco, you will need to walk about 200 meters uphill from the car to the ceremony. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes with you.

The price is valid for residents of the resorts of Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras.

For the resorts of Paphos and Limassol– ceremony venues - White Rocks (Limassol) or the Birthplace of Aphrodite – cost 1090 euros.

For Paphos resort Venue - White Rocks, cost 1200 euros.

The ceremony is held in the morning (10:00) or in the evening (16:00) - the time is discussed depending on the month and time of year.

1. Makeup and hairstyle for the bride with a Russian-speaking stylist visiting the hotel – 180 Euro;

2. Additional hour for photographer – 125 Euro;

3. Mercedes E car for rent with driver – 95 euros per hour (minimum 3 hours rental);

4. Rose petals – 40 Euro per basket;

5. Fresh flower arrangement for the table – from 70 euros (depending on the choice of flowers);

6. Arch decorated with fresh flowers – from 350 euros (depending on the choice of colors);

7. Buffet for a couple and guests (minimum 6 people) - from 25 euros per person (cheese plate, seasonal fruit, water, champagne - calculated for the number of guests).

Read this material and find out where to go on holiday in Cyprus in the summer, choose a place you like so that you can quickly book the tour of your dreams and fly away to relax on this magical island.

general information

Cyprus has always been full of mysterious legends and mysteries. Since ancient times, this wonderful Mediterranean island has been known as the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, who emerged from the foam of the sea near Mount Petra tou Romiou. Today, this state is incredibly popular among travelers from around the world thanks to its golden beaches, azure sea and beautiful weather almost all year round.

Many natural and historical monuments from different times adorn the surface of this unique island. Picturesque landscapes, small villages and ancient ruins coexist here with modern five-star hotels. And the capital of Cyprus - the ancient city of Nicosia - is surrounded on both sides by the majestic mountains of Troodos and Kyrenia.

Despite the small size of Cyprus (100 kilometers wide and 240 kilometers long), there really is something to do and see. Connoisseurs of excursion leisure will be able to go on a cruise to Israel, Lebanon or Egypt, or take a tour of the main attractions of the island.

Food lovers will certainly want to visit the many taverns and coastal restaurants to sample local cuisine and taste delicious Cypriot wine while snacking on the freshest fruit.

Families with children will enjoy shows in dolphinariums and water parks in Cyprus. There are horse riding courses, safari tours, air excursions around the island, diving, yachting, fishing and sea octopus hunting.

Tours to Cyprus

A summer holiday in Cyprus could be the perfect holiday for you and your family. When you decide to purchase a tour to your dream island, you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of resorts and hotels.

Travel agency specialists will not only tell you how to book air tickets for a flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg, but will also make a good selection of hotels. They will help you choose convenient check-in dates, decide on the number of nights and organize your trip, taking into account all your wishes.

Cyprus is a paradise for tourists, there are calm towns for families like Paphos, as well as more youthful resorts with vibrant nightlife - Protaras, Limassol and Ayia Napa. Those who want privacy can rent an apartment or rent a villa on this amazing island. To choose a tour to Cyprus, located just above. After entering the data and clicking the “Search” button, you can ask any questions you are interested in on our partner’s website.

All inclusive

Most Russians already know how to have an inexpensive holiday in Cyprus on an all-inclusive basis. However, we advise those who want to feel this comfort for themselves to fly to this paradise island in the near future. Moreover, Cyprus is full of hotels operating in the All Inclusive format.

The advantages of such tours are 24-hour service of drinks and food throughout the hotel, free access to the spa center, as well as an almost round-the-clock entertainment program and other pleasant bonuses. Each hotel has its own operating rules, so when choosing a hotel, it is best to clarify all the items that are included in your package.

Minimum package

For those who want to save money, we can recommend, which includes a minimum of services: with breakfast or half board, and. By purchasing such a tour, you can spend the money saved on visiting museums, excursions and exploring the surrounding areas of Cyprus. This option is ideal for those who are not used to spending a lot of time in the room.

For those who want to have a budget vacation in Cyprus in the summer, we can recommend special offers, as well as early booking of a trip in order to save money, since today the situation with exchange rates remains unclear, and the future of the ruble is quite vague.

Best places

Leisure

Young people who enjoy quality seaside parties will definitely want to visit Ayia Napa or Limassol, as they have the best bars and nightclubs in Cyprus. The popular Nissi Beach is especially famous among clubbers for its discos. We recommend visiting Car Wash, Castle Club, ICE, Insomnia and other nightlife spots on the island. In each of them you will find a special program, as well as unique special effects such as foam fountains, sweets flying out of pipes and much more.

Also in these places, sports recreation with water skiing or motor boats, as well as canoes or catamarans is very popular. In Ayia Napa you can go windsurfing and paragliding. And 10 kilometers west of Limassol is the largest water park in Cyprus, Water Mania.

Calm holiday

Those who want to retire and spend time away from crowds of tourists can go to Peyia, a quiet place near Paphos. An alternative would be Latchi or Pissouri, where you can also relax your soul by walking along the sea and tasting local cuisine in one of the many taverns. The most popular cities in Cyprus for family holidays are Larnaca and Paphos.

When you are completely bored with your leisurely holiday, you can take a yacht ride to the royal caves and swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Then it’s worth visiting the Akamas Peninsula, known for its marvelous pristine nature. You will definitely love its wild beaches, ideal for a honeymoon or just a vacation for two, and picturesque cliffs covered with greenery.

Beach resorts for families with children

Cyprus has a fairly long swimming season - from May to November, here you can bask on the sand and swim to your heart’s content. In particular, September and October are a good time for a family holiday with children in Cyprus.

For a relaxing holiday during the velvet season, the resort of Larnaca, which is famous for its golden shores framed by mountain ranges and quality hotels for every taste, is well suited. It is best to relax with children on the local beaches of Finikoudes or Mackenzie: the sea here is quite shallow and entry into it is the safest.

Most beaches in Cyprus have a Blue Flag, a special distinction confirming their cleanliness and well-developed infrastructure. Besides Larnaca, Protaras is a good holiday destination. Some of the most famous beaches with a decent level of service are Golden Sands in Ayia Napa, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, Ladies Mile in Limassol and Coral Bay in Paphos (more detailed information about the beaches of Paphos is in the article on our website).

A summer holiday in Cyprus with a sandy beach is an excellent alternative to the already boring resorts of Turkey and Thailand.

Ski holiday

Incredibly, even in such a hot place as Cyprus, you can have excellent skiing in winter. The temperature in the winter months does not drop below 15 degrees, and snowfall is quite rare. But not far from Nicosia and Limassol, surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, at an altitude of 2 kilometers, lie the natural reserves of Troodos and Platres, where from January to March you can meet crowds of ski lovers from the mountain slopes.

These places are somewhat similar to alpine villages, where there is everything you need for an active winter holiday: cozy wooden houses, taverns with hot tea and food, as well as shops with essential goods. A holiday in Cyprus in winter will be no worse than a summer pastime.

Cyprus has a myriad of attractions and museums that lovers of antiquity will definitely appreciate.

However, the largest selection of museums, cathedrals and excavations are in Nicosia and Paphos. Many of the "places of power" of Paphos are associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, since, according to local legend, she was born in these lands.

Also here are the District Museum and the House of Dionysus with its mosaics, the Byzantine Museum, the Villa of Theseus and other significant places. Not far from Paphos, the Baths of Adonis are located among waterfalls that are a must see. According to Greek mythology, the beautiful young man Adonis was one of the most famous lovers of the goddess of beauty Aphrodite.

In a village not far from the capital of Cyprus there is an ostrich farm. Here you can explore the surroundings of Nicosia by taking a ride on a mini-train.

One of the famous places on the island is the ruins of Ancient Kourion. This ancient city, destroyed by an earthquake in the fourth century, perches on majestic cliffs from which travelers can enjoy magnificent coastal panoramas. The ancient town also has a sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, an amphitheater and ancient Roman baths.

An inexpensive holiday in Cyprus in the fall goes well with visiting temples and monasteries. Here are the Cathedral of St. John, Theoskepasti Church, Hagia Sophia, Stavrovouni Monastery and the Church of St. Lazarus.

Gastronomic joys

A trip to Cyprus cannot be complete without enjoying the masterpieces of the local chefs. One of the places suitable for tasting local dishes is the promenade in Paphos, with its coastal cafes and taverns. Here you should try the mezedhes appetizers, as well as suvlaki, which resembles a kebab, and gyros, a peculiar mixture of döner and shawarma.

When visiting a fish restaurant, do not deny yourself a dish called barbounia. The following dishes are worth trying in Cypriot establishments: salad with sheep cheese, vegetables and choriatiki olives, baked halloumi cheese, lamb Keftiko, vegetables with rice and dolmades meat, as well as taramosalata (cod caviar with mashed potatoes) and other delicacies. As for alcoholic drinks, be sure to try Zivania – “fire water” made from grape juice – and white wine “St. Panteleimon”.

Climate

This paradise island is ready to receive tourists from all over the world almost all year round, because its Mediterranean climate is incredibly healthy and comfortable for life. The hottest period in Cyprus is from May to September.

In spring, there are many Europeans and those who do not like extreme heat in Cyprus. Winter on the island is quite mild, and from January to March there is snow in the mountains and you can go snowboarding or skiing. Cyprus is famous for its long-livers, which is not surprising given its favorable climatic conditions.

Visa

It has now become much easier for citizens of the Russian Federation to enter Cyprus: it is enough to obtain provisions that allow you to stay on the island for up to 90 days inclusive. The foreign passport must be valid for at least 6 months after submitting the documents.

Be prepared for additional expenses, as you will probably want to try local wine or buy a gift for your family. In addition, prices for holidays in Cyprus near the sea are quite close to European prices.
In Cyprus, you cannot photograph military people in uniform, as well as the border between the Turkish and Greek parts. To take photographs and videos on the territory of state museums, you must have written permission from the country's municipality. It is allowed to film at archaeological sites.
The museums here operate under special operating hours, without fixed opening hours, so before visiting, be sure to check the closing time online or by phone. The same applies to the private sector - shops and stores set their own hours, but in the summer they mostly work with rare breaks, until the last customer.
When visiting local temples and mosques, women need to dress so that there are no exposed parts of the body. Men should also wear decent length trousers. When leaving the church, do not turn your back to the iconostasis.
The cheapest place to buy food, souvenirs and other goods is in city stores and supermarkets; it is better not to do this in hotels. Prices in shops are fixed, but you can bargain at street markets.
The pricing policy of cafes, bars and restaurants in Cyprus is controlled by the local tourism organization. As for tips, it is customary to leave 5 to 10% of the bill or 3-5 euros to the hotel staff.
Cyprus has a very low crime rate. But, in the event of loss of personal belongings or another incident, it is better to report to the police as soon as possible. This must be done no later than 2 days from the date of theft.
We recommend taking a sea cruise to look at the island from the sea. You can buy tickets on one of the beaches, but tours from local agencies will be cheaper.
If you're planning on shopping, Cyprus is a great place to buy copper, silver and ceramics, as well as leather clothing, shoes and accessories. In the mountain village of Lefkara they sell handmade lace of incredible beauty, which can be brought as an expensive gift to your family.
While passing through Paphos, find a wishing tree (the locals will definitely show you the way) and tie a knot on it. And then make your cherished wish, and it will definitely come true. At least that's what the Cypriots say.

A trip to Cyprus will leave indelible impressions in your heart and hundreds of photographs in your memory card. You will remember this journey for a long time, because here you will see traces of different cultures and time periods. This wonderful island has surprises in store for everyone: both for those who prefer a quiet relaxation holiday and for ardent adventurers.

Buy cheap air tickets

Low price calendar

Book a hotel room

Inexpensive housing from owners

Cyprus is the island of Aphrodite, born from sea foam and endowed with special femininity and an intoxicating gaze. Since the goddess of love arose here, the enchanting aroma of love hovers in the air of the island, which can be felt literally from the first minutes of your stay in this unique corner of the planet. If you want to plunge into the mesmerizing kingdom of love, then go here. And the captivating charm of these places will make you come back again.

Geographical position

Cyprus is the third largest island by area and population. Geographically, it belongs to Asia. Located in the east of the Mediterranean: to Egypt - 385 km, to Syria - 106 km, to Turkey - 74 km. The island stretches from east to west for 245 km, and its width is about 100 km. It is divided into several parts. One part belongs to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the other large part belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, and between them there is a buffer zone. A large part of the island is covered by mountains. The Kyrenia mountain range rises along the northern coast. In the southwest direction there is the Troodos massif with many valleys. The highest point of the island is Olymbos. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia.

Climate of Cyprus

The climate on the island is Mediterranean, tropical. It is characterized by hot, dry summers, starting in May and ending in September. The number of sunny days reaches 325–345 per year. The holiday season lasts from April to November, the air warms up to + 25–36°C, the sea water temperature reaches +25–29°C.

Winter is quite mild, rainy, with storms at sea. Temperatures sometimes drop to +5°C at night. You can see snow here only in the mountains, for example, in the resort of Troodos. The seasons of spring and autumn are very short, with comfortable and refreshing weather. Here the sky is clear and the sun is shining almost all year round. From April the sea is already suitable for swimming, its temperature remains at +20°C. The tourist season officially begins in May.

How to get there

Transport links with the continents are well regulated. There are 7 airports directly on the island. And any Russian tourist, flying from Moscow or St. Petersburg, may end up at the airports of Larnaca or Paphos. All you have to do is buy a ticket for a charter flight (flights take place on Sundays and Saturdays, less often on Wednesdays). You can use the services of Aeroflot, Cyprus Airlines or Transaero and fly on a regular flight.

The flight duration on Cyprus Airlines is 4.5 hours, while other carriers that have the right to fly through the airspace of the Republic of Turkey spend 3.5 hours on this. You can also get there by sea - regular flights and ferries from Greece, Israel, Egypt.

Visa and customs

To travel to Cyprus territory, every resident of Russia applies for a visa. This is carried out at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the capital of Russia or at the Consulate of St. Petersburg. The registration procedure is free and is completed promptly – up to 5 days. Owners do not need to make it national.

The following documents are required:

application form in English;
international passport, with one blank sheet and with a long validity period;
a copy of the first page of the passport;
color photograph glued to the application form, 3x4 cm format;
a copy of the invitation from a Cypriot travel agency, travel voucher or confirmation of hotel reservation.

To pass customs control, prepare: an international passport, an air ticket, a hotel reservation document, currency - 50–70 €/day for one person. Cash in excess of €10,000 is declared. You can bring 50 cigars or 7 packs of cigarettes, 1–2 liters of fortified drinks and 200 g of perfume into the country duty-free. It is prohibited to import weapons, drugs, flowers, chemicals, and fruits. It is also not permitted to lift archaeological sites from the bottom of the sea and transport them outside the island without permission.

Monetary system

The monetary unit is the Euro. Exchange is carried out by banks, private exchange offices, hotels, transport agencies, and post offices. Banks on the Greek part of the island are open until 13:00, on the Turkish part - until 17:00, exchange offices - a little longer. Avoid large banknotes to avoid buying a counterfeit.

Transport

When moving from one city in Cyprus to another, you need to consider in which parts of the island they are located. There are no difficulties with public transport on the Turkish section - buses run constantly, the price is quite affordable - 1.5 € / 50 km. On the other half you will have to wait a long time for transport. Buses run only on weekdays, and rarely, and the price is 6 € / 50 km. There is no transport connection between the two parts of Cyprus.

In cities you can travel by minibuses and municipal buses. Traveling in a minibus is more expensive. On Saturday, transport operates until lunchtime, and on Sunday it does not work at all. You can only get to the airport by taxi; there is no transport there. Taxis are called through the hotel administrator, stopped on the street, or called from a store or restaurant. The day rate is 15% cheaper than the night rate. Sometimes they rent a car to get around the island. Rental cost is on average 35€.

Resorts of Cyprus

The island is washed on all sides by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The blueness of sea waters, unusual underwater inhabitants, lost caves and grottoes, secluded bays and endless azure beaches are the wealth of Cypriots. Fashionable ones are scattered along the southern side of the island:

Popular: Protaras, Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol.
Elite resort- Pathos.
Youth: Paphos, Ayia Napa.
Stay-oriented family: Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Protaras.

You can get to know the resorts in more detail.

Cyprus Hotels

Traditions and customs

Due to historical events, the island is divided into two parts, and the customs of these two areas are very different religiously and culturally. Some Cypriots have adopted the traditions and customs of their close neighbor, Turkey. In the northern regions, children are given Turkish names, you will see most Turkish dishes on the menu, and the inhabitants of this unrecognized territory profess Islam. Another part of the island’s inhabitants gives preference to Greek traditions, eats Greek national food and professes Orthodoxy.

Cypriots are cheerful and welcoming people. Therefore, various holidays and festivals are often held on the island. The unforgettable Wine Festival is especially attractive. It is held in early autumn in Limassol. This enchanting event lasts for several days, accompanied by folk music, pouring free wine from barrels and performances by artists on themes from Greek myths.

In May, a flower fair is held in Kyrenia. Also at the end of August there is a curious folk dance festival and lemon festival in Karavas. An unforgettable spectacle is the festival of the Flood, participants in the procession move through the entire city, dousing themselves and splashing on people they meet along the way. But despite all the abundance of holidays, the most pompous is Easter.

Entertainment and excursions

Unforgettable prospects open up here for vacationers. Those who prefer an educational type of holiday are offered thematic excursions around the island, visits to monasteries and trips to ancient monuments.

Of great interest will be a visit to:

medieval castle of Kolossi;
destroyed in the 4th century. e. the ancient city of Kourion, where the Greco-Roman amphitheater has been preserved and restored;
a tour of the Byzantine churches - Kakopetria, and on the way back a visit to the wine-growing village of Omodos;
the temple of Apollo, where in former times the inhabitants of Kourion praised the patron saint of the city, Apollo of Hylates;
the corner where Aphrodite was born - Paphos.

Vacationers with children can plunge headlong into the fascinating world of the Water Park and Dolphinarium, watch the aquarium and the “show of dancing fountains”. For restless people and people who like to spend their leisure time actively, Cyprus provides many opportunities: horse riding, golf, safari tours, tennis. Yachting, fishing, underwater octopus hunting, and diving are popular activities.

Cuisine of Cyprus

Greek cuisine dominates among the islanders, with a lot of seafood being used. Also, the basis of Cypriot cuisine is meat and vegetable products. A special feature of the cuisine is meze (lunch consisting of 25–30 items). First they bring snacks, and at the end meat and fish delicacies.

Dishes with the addition of halloumi and feta cheeses and young walnuts placed in syrup have an excellent taste. And the island's wines, fortified spirits and liqueurs are worth tasting. A 10% tip will be immediately applied to the bill, but if you decide to add a few coins, it will be gratefully accepted.

Shopping

During high season, shops are open from 7:00 to 20:00, sometimes until 22:00. In the low season (November - March) they work from 8:00 to 18:00 (the break lasts two hours, starting at 13:00). On Wednesday and Saturday, trade establishments do not provide services after lunch. Sunday is a day off.

From Cyprus they bring:

liqueurs, dessert wines such as Commandaria, Namasskoe, purchased in the monastery cellars of Kykkos;
silver items, hand-made openwork lace;
paintings with a marine theme, jewelry;
leather clothes, fur coats;
souvenir figurines of Aphrodite, dolls in local folklore costumes, ship models;

The island of Cyprus is a favorite destination among Russian tourists. This is not surprising. The country is absolutely safe. You can simply drink water from the tap without risking gastrointestinal illness. And smokers should remember that the island has the strictest restrictions on smoking in public places in the European Union.

It might be useful to read: