The cities and villages of Cyprus are aimed at various categories of tourists - families with children, elderly couples, young people. In some of them life is in full swing even in low season, others prefer to take a break from guests in winter. But even in the smallest villages there are enough sights from different eras to satisfy the most strict connoisseurs of history.
Lying on the southeast coast of Cyprus, Larnaca, thanks to the development of tourism, has become the economic center of the island. The area was inhabited as early as the XIII century BC. e. the Mycenaean Greeks, who built the city-state of Kition here, then it passed to the Phoenicians. The Turks left in Larnaca the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, one of the shrines of Islam, which is now inactive. The building, perfectly visible from the side of Lake Larnaca, is designed in classical forms with a semicircular dome and a sharp minaret. Today's city is full of beaches with dark sand and the promenade of Finikoudes, planted with palm trees, shallow sea, hotels with excellent service.
The historical center of Paphos, located in the southwest of Cyprus, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many archaeological finds tell about the history of the island before the arrival of the Greeks after the Trojan War. The Paphos Archaeological Park is open from 8 am to 5 pm during the low season, and until 7.30 pm during the high season, the ticket price is 4.5 euros. The Greeks were replaced by the Romans, already in the 1st century AD. e. Cypriots adopted Christianity en masse. The villas of the II-III centuries have remained from the Roman period. with well-preserved mosaics.
The Church of St. Paraskeva in Paphos, a squat building with umbrella-domes and frescoes from the 9th-15th centuries, was built during the time of iconoclasm no later than 843. Another interesting monument of religious architecture is the 13th century Panagia Odigitria Church with later frescoes near the sanctuary of Aphrodite. The Church of Panagia Theoskepasti was built in the 10th century right on the rock - it is hidden by a grand staircase, but the rough stones of the natural foundation are perfectly visible from behind.
By the 19th century, the city was practically deserted. To revive it, they resorted to simple measures - they cleaned up the harbor, built a 20 m high lighthouse in 1888, and already in the 20th century began to reap the fruits of the tourist boom. At the same time, continuous excavations were carried out in the vicinity of Paphos, revealing new secrets of the history of Cyprus. A necropolis of the 3rd century BC was discovered 2 km northwest of the harbor. e. Tombs of the Kings. They buried in them, however, ordinary aristocrats, not monarchs - the "royal" burials with colonnades were nicknamed for luxury. The necropolis is accessible to tourists, the cost of visiting it is 2.5 euros.
20 km north-west of Paphos are the man-made caves of Cape Drepano, the former tombs, and the ruins of the port city. The Church of St. George the Victorious was built here about 100 years ago. This ornate church building in local stone, patterned glass and red-tiled roof is a typical modern Christian building on the island.
In the village of Lempa near Paphos, Scottish archaeologists have rebuilt a 5,000-year-old Eneolithic settlement using the same materials and technologies. In the village of Empe near Paphos, tourists often visit the 12th century Panagia Chryseleousa church with an 18th century annex and unique frescoes from the 12th-16th centuries. In the same places, 20 minutes drive northeast of Paphos, there is a monastery of the Holy Cross of Mint with a single inhabitant. The monastery got its name because of the mint thickets on the nearby hills. The main shrine of the monastery - a crucifix with particles of a genuine cross, from which Christ was removed - during one of the raids, the Turks stole and, as unnecessary, threw it into the bushes just outside the gate. The locals found the cross and gave the monastery an additional name in honor of the miraculous event.
The popular youth resort of Ayia Napa, bustling in summer and sleeping peacefully in winter, is an ancient monastery area, covered with dense forests in the 14th century. According to legend, the monastery was built next to a cave where an ancient Byzantine icon was found. Historians tend to believe this explanation, since during the time of iconoclasm in the 7th-8th centuries. in Cyprus, the owners of the images could easily be executed, so the believers hid their property wherever they could. Now the monastery has been turned into a museum.
Imbued with a religious spirit, Ayia Napa eked out a modest provincial existence until 50 years ago so many tourists came here that it is simply unrealistic to rent a room in the city without prior booking during the season. Night entertainment is concentrated on Club Street, and amusement rides in the amusement park, including the Catapult, which takes off 10 meters. A Dinosaur Park was built for children. Ayia Napa offers the best white sand beaches in Cyprus, boat and yacht rentals. At one of them, "Black Pearl", visitors will be shown a pirate show.
Tourists come to the city in the southern part of Cyprus all year round. Ski slopes are located a few dozen kilometers from Limassol. As elsewhere on the island, in the vicinity of the city there are many archaeological sites: the sanctuary of Apollo V century. BC e., the ruins of Kourion, partially destroyed in the IV century by an earthquake, and then finally destroyed by the Arabs. Now you can see the theater, the Roman forum, mosaics, the early Christian basilica, baths, and the house of gladiators found by archaeologists. 6 km from Limassol - the ruins of the ancient Amathus. The Convent of St. George Alamanu is located 10 km from the city in the direction of Larnaca. In the XII century, it was founded as a man's, then it was empty for a long time. In the 19th century, a new complex was built on its ruins, again for men, and again it was empty. Finally, in 1949, women settled it and the community has flourished ever since.
Elements of ancient and modern architecture of different nations coexist in the city itself. The city castle is formally a monument of the early Byzantine era; in fact, the Turks rebuilt it at the end of the 16th century on the ruins of a thousand-year-old building. Now it houses a museum with a ticket price of 4.5 euros, which tells about the history of the island of Cyprus and how Richard the Lionheart got married in the castle. The Jami Mosque of the 16th century has survived from the Turks. The Molos seaside promenade is decorated with modern sculptures. The kilometer-long promenade ends with the Old Port with a statue of a mermaid and a marina with dozens of expensive yachts. To the delight of Russian tourists, the city park is decorated with a bust of Pushkin.
Protaras, built on the ruins of the Greek city of Lefkola and a fishing village, is located 6 km northwest of youthful Ayia Napa. Indigenous Cypriots and foreign connoisseurs of a quiet family holiday prefer to stay here. There are few attractions in Protaras - a compact stone temple of Elijah the Prophet of the XIV century, the "Singing Fountains" show. In winter, the resort falls asleep, the white sand beaches are empty.
Turkish Cyprus
Kyrenia is the main tourist attraction in the Turkish part of the island. The city is famous for the 7th century Byzantine fortress with the Maritime Museum inside. Its most important exhibit is a ship raised from the seabed and restored. Three Crusader fortresses have survived around Kyrenia; a museum is now open in the castle of St. Hilarion at an altitude of 732 m above sea level. It was built in the 7th century to protect itself from the Arabs, and the name was given a hundred years later in honor of the hermit Hilarion the Great, who was hiding from the world in its vicinity. The castle was rebuilt several times, the last version dates back to the 10th century. The Lusignan dynasty used it as a residence, the Venetians who replaced it, abandoned the castle.
Another popular resort on the Turkish side of Cyprus is Famagusta, a port city. Tourist infrastructure with beaches, water parks, water attractions starts 5 km from the city limits.
Attractions of Cyprus on our website
All sights of Cyprus
Cyprus beaches
The beaches of Cyprus are clean and well-groomed, mostly they are awarded the Blue Flag. The local sand is golden or dark, white sand is usually imported, as in Ayia Napa, where it is not crowded during the season. In Limassol, the beaches are sandy and pebble. Part of the coast of Cyprus is rocky, with a dangerous descent to the water. Petra tou Romiou, where Aphrodite came out of the sea foam, is not a beach at all, contrary to popular belief, but a steep rock near the coast, which is better to photograph from afar. The seabed of Paphos is fraught with surprises - the sand on the coast here is bulked up in places, and the shallow water has remained rocky, so many people prefer to swim in beach shoes. The beaches in Cyprus are public, umbrellas and sun loungers are rented.
Museums
The main museums of the island are archaeological, as a rule, they are open right at the excavation sites. The largest Cypriot archaeological collection on the island outside of ancient sites is concentrated in the Pieridis Museum in Larnaca. It bears the name of the famous Cypriot archaeologist and is located in his mansion. The museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Thursday, on Friday and Saturday it closes at 1 pm, the ticket price is 2 euros. In addition, the Cyprus Museum of Local Lore in Nicosia deserves attention. In Limassol, an unusual Carob Museum has been opened - a source for a food additive and a standard for measuring carat weight. In the halls there is a flour-grinding machine and products that are obtained from fruits - syrup, low-calorie chocolate.
Active holidays in Cyprus
Windsurfing, diving, water skiing are thriving along the entire coast of Cyprus, and excellent fishing near Cape Greco. Golf courses are set in the Mint Hills around Paphos. The ski slopes are laid on the Troodos ridge, the skiing season is from December to March. Tourists have chosen Mount Olympus 1951 m high with 4 lifts and descend from it along the slopes of Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite and Hermes along 12 tracks of different difficulty levels. For children and novice skiers, the conditions of the winter resort "Solnechnaya Dolina" are optimal; the village of Pano Platres offers ample opportunities for winter recreation. During the season, you can rent an apartment or a hotel room from 4000 rubles per night.
Where to stay
There are more than 2500 hotels in Cyprus in various price categories, not always modern, but providing excellent service. The largest number of chain hotels is in Limassol, in the rest of the island there are more private apartments and small family hotels. Despite the abundance of offers, demand is always high, so rooms for the end of summer are booked in spring, and winter holidays in ski resorts should be planned at least in early autumn. There are no hotel-owned beaches in Cyprus, but guests are offered free relaxation at the hotel pools. Room rates start at 1,500 rubles and reach astronomical amounts in luxury hotels. A low price does not mean poor service or poor quality of rooms, most often it is a discount for inconveniences: for example, Cosmelenia in Ayia Napa asks for only 1,500 rubles. per room due to the proximity of the road and noisy discos. Olympic Lagoon Damon Hotel is popular in Paphos
Shopping in Cyprus
The products of world famous companies can be purchased in department stores in Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia - they are sold interspersed with inexpensive Asian products. Nezalezhnosti Street is the main shopping area of Limassol, My Mall is a large shopping center on the outskirts of the city. But in fact, Cyprus is not an ideal place for shopping in the standard sense of the word, in Italy and Spain everything is both cheaper and more varied. Tourists prefer to take home souvenirs and local products: olives and olive oil, wines, carob syrups, honey and sweets, Halloumi pickled cheese. Silver, lace, hand embroidery and jewelry from Lefkara, natural cosmetics, religious souvenirs from monasteries and temples are in demand.
Restaurants and cafes
Finding where to eat is not a problem in Cyprus: there are always a lot of cafes near the beaches, as a rule, in museums, too. On the island, they prefer to treat visitors to Mediterranean cuisine from meat, fish and vegetables; the sweet table in Cyprus is formed under the obvious influence of Turkey. Among the expensive but popular restaurants - Epsilon in Limassol, the best examples of fish cooking in the season can be found in Protaras, right on the beach at the Kalamies tavern. The most popular restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol is Vivaldi. In Nicosia, European cuisine and their own pastries are prepared in an inexpensive Cookshop, while here in the Vino Kultura Wine & Tapas Bar the best selection of wines in Cyprus is presented - about 400 options. Some popular restaurants in Cyprus operate without a menu at all, serving invariably the same national dishes, but fresh and delicious.
Tourists should be especially vigilant in two cases - when traveling on their own to the mountains and crossing the border between the two Cypriot states. Mountain trails are usually equipped with handrails, but this does not prevent stones from falling on their heads; some routes associated with the crossing of mountain rivers are difficult for children. When passing through the checkpoint to the Turkish side, be sure to show your passports and car insurance. Its cost is 20 euros for 3 days, 35 euros for a month. For payment in Northern Cyprus, Turkish lira is accepted officially and euros - unofficially, but at an extortionate rate. Bank cards are freely accepted in shops, sightseeing - only for cash.
How to get there
In order not to have any problems with visas in the future, you should arrive in Cyprus from the Greek side of the island through the airports of Paphos or Larnaca or by sea - to the port of Larnaca or Limassol. Regular flights to the airport located 5 km from Larnaca are carried out from Moscow and St. Petersburg, charters fly here from other cities of Russia. The visa is issued without tourist tax, it is issued in just 1 day. Cyprus is not part of the Schengen zone, but if the guest has an open Schengen visa and a mark of entry into one of the Schengen countries, then you can freely get to Cyprus. Tourists move around the island by public buses, taxis, rented cars, bicycles and motorcycles.
Cyprus has very clean beaches, hotels with good service and an easy excursion. Entertainment - 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.
- Tours for May to Cyprus
- Last Minute Tours Worldwide
Perhaps the most adequate assessment of tourist Cyprus will sound like this: "strong Mediterranean goodness." That is, this is quite a typical direction of beach recreation, without any bright or unique "chips", but without major drawbacks (unless, of course, we do not include quite high prices as such). The island has a mild climate, the service in hotels 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.
Time difference to Moscow
- 1 hour not in summer
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- with Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
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. On the way - about 4 hours.
From St. Petersburg direct flights to Larnaca on Thursdays and Sundays are made by Rossiya Airlines. In the summer season, charters additionally fly, and the rest of the time it is easier to fly with a transfer in Moscow.
Also in the summer there are charter flights from Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Rostov-on-Don, Moscow, Samara and other cities.
By sea
By sea, Cyprus can be reached by regular flights and by private ships from the ports of Greece, Egypt and Israel. From the Greek port of Piraeus, several transport companies operate regular ferry services to and from Limassol.
In particular, flights from Greece (including the islands), Egypt and other ports are operated by Cruise Cyprus (website in English). Cruise prices start at EUR 250 per person, one way. Prices on the page are for December 2019.
Search for flights to Cyprus
Transport
You can travel around the island by intercity buses. From each major city, buses usually leave twice a day (morning and evening), except Sundays.
Fare: approximately 3 EUR for 50 km. There are one-time, daily, weekly, monthly and annual passes. All, except for one-off, allow for an unlimited number of trips. A single trip ticket from Limassol to Larnaca costs 4 EUR, daily - 7 EUR, weekly - 33 EUR, and monthly - 70 EUR. You can buy them at bus stops or from the driver.
There are also unified tickets valid on all intercity routes: for one day - 15 EUR, for a week - 75 EUR. More detailed information on fares, routes and stops can be found on the carrier's website.
Public transport in cities
Major cities have municipal buses and minibuses. Travel time - from 4:00 (in some cities - from 6:00) to midnight. There are round-the-clock buses in major tourist cities, but special nightly rates apply to them (but in any case, this is cheaper than a taxi). On Sundays and holidays, many drivers have a legal day off, but there are rare buses in tourist centers.
The ticket system is the same as for intercity buses. There are one-time, 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 weekly day pass (there are no night passes) will cost 20 EUR, and a day long-distance pass (a ticket for one day, which gives the right to travel by both intercity and public transport) - 15 EUR.
Taxis can be stopped on the street, called through the hotel administrator, or by phone from any store or restaurant. There are two tariffs: daytime (from 6:00 to 20:30) and night (from 20:30 to 6:00, 15% more expensive); the rate for the carriage of baggage does not depend on the time of day. It is better to negotiate the price with the driver in advance, and a few words in Greek can lower the price a little. The average cost of a taxi ride is 5-10 EUR for 10-15 minutes, depending on the city.
Car rental in Cyprus
Police, fire service, ambulance: 112, 199 (around the clock).
Information inquiry service: 191, 192 (round the clock).
Beaches
All beaches in Cyprus are municipal and free, you will have to pay only for sun loungers and umbrellas (3-7 EUR per day). Some hotels provide beach equipment for their guests free of charge, but this is more likely for the most expensive hotels. In city centers, a highway separates the hotels from the beach strip.
Diving in Cyprus
Diving in Cyprus is not as spectacular as in the Red Sea or the Caribbean, but it also offers good opportunities for beginners and experienced divers. The flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is not very diverse, but there are many wrecks, caves and other interesting objects in it. The best dive sites are located around Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa.
Larnaca is home to one of the most interesting diving sites in the world - the sunken Swedish ferry Zenobia, which crashed in 1980. None of the crew members were injured, only the ferry itself and trucks, which lie on the seabed at a depth of about 40 m. a depth of 33 m in the same area rests the cruiser HMS Cricket of the Second World War, which sank to the bottom in 1947. Slightly deeper - 50 m - there is a rock in the form of a mushroom Mushrooms Rock, and 10 m deep - Octopus Reef, where octopuses.
The Swedish ferry Zenobia, sunk in the waters near Larnaca, is one of the ten most interesting diving sites in the world.
In Paphos, divers will be interested to see the Greek ship Achilleas, which was wrecked in 1975 under unexplained circumstances (12 m deep), and a unique natural monument that looks like an amphitheater (12 m). And only 5-10 m away in these waters you can observe the Amphorae Reef - amphorae and other ancient pottery sunk together with the Greek galleys.
There are also many ships in the waters near Limassol at different depths, from 7 to 23 m. There are caves similar to ancient tombs where you can watch 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 dives in the pool, and then they will be released into the open water. Almost every large dive center has Russian-speaking instructors, so there will be no problems with communication.
Novice divers undergo compulsory training, which includes instruction, a swimming pool and diving in open water at a depth of no more than 10 m. The cost of one dive is from 50 EUR. The Open Water Diving program assumes a course of training lasting 4-5 days, from 5 dives in open water, and as a result an international diving certificate is issued. Cost - from 250 EUR.
What to bring
Popular souvenirs: a figurine of Aphrodite, models of ships and dolls in national costumes. Lovers of culinary delights can bring from Cyprus goat cheese "halloumi" (convenient for transportation), Cypriot sweets: Turkish delight, halva, "suzukos" - almonds 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 altogether. Shops are usually closed on Sundays.
Cyprus cuisine and restaurants
The island has mainly Greek cuisine, which differs from its mainland version in that it has more seafood. The Cypriot cuisine is based on meat, fish and vegetable dishes, and the main “culinary attraction” of the island is the “meze”: a set lunch that includes 20-30 dishes. Serving meze starts with appetizers, salads and vegetables and ends with meat and fish dishes, with each tavern having its own menu. Another popular Cypriot dish is "souvlaki" - a shish kebab wrapped in a flat cake. It is traditionally served without sauce so as not to overpower the taste of the meat. Also noteworthy are "moussaka" - minced meat baked with vegetables and a sauce of sour cream and beaten eggs, and "kupelka" - stuffed cabbage rolls in grape leaves.
You should definitely try the Cypriot feta and halloumi cheeses, as well as green walnuts in syrup. We should not forget about Cypriot wines, spirits and liqueurs, which are abundant on the island. The most famous wine is Commandaria. This is a variety of Cahors and is best bought at the Kykkos Monastery in Troodos. For beer lovers, there are two local brands of foamy drink, Keo and Carlsberg.
Those who like it stronger will appreciate the Zivania grape moonshine, the alcohol content of which can reach 80 °. True, you can only bring back the memories of its tasting to your homeland: the export of drinks with a strength higher than 50 ° from Cyprus is prohibited.
You can have an inexpensive snack in the eateries or “kebabs”, of which there are plenty on the island. Lunch will cost an average of 5-8 EUR excluding alcohol. The most popular places are traditional Cypriot taverns. These are small family restaurants that are inherited from father to son, and usually the owner and his relatives work there. The menu is rarely extensive, but all the traditional local cuisine is usually there. The portions are large, you can safely order one for two, also in taverns they are often treated to dessert or liqueur. Lunch in such a restaurant will cost 12-20 EUR with wine, dinner can be more expensive.
In hotels and restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill. Therefore, tipping is optional in Cyprus, but a small change is always accepted with gratitude.
There are also classic restaurants on the island, and the most interesting of them are located at the 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 cheese that everyone should try.
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Guides in Cyprus
Entertainment and attractions
Cyprus is a relatively small island, but it surprisingly accommodates a huge number of monuments of nature, culture, history and art of different eras. Here are the remains of Stone Age settlements, temples from the times of Ancient Greece, Roman theaters, ancient Byzantine monasteries, Venetian fortresses and Gothic cathedrals. And due to the compactness of the island, many of these sights can be easily visited within 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 Tripiotis with the famous iconostasis, the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral of St. John, the Famagusta Gate and the Venetian Wall.
On the Akamas Peninsula there are the ruins of the ancient cities of Morion and Avagos, the monastery of Agios Georgios, and the territory located south of the Lara Beach Bay was 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, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the ruins of baths and a system of water conduits - of course, their time, as they say, did not spare them, but even in this form they make an impression.
No less ancient, Kourion was one of the largest city-states on the island. Roman baths and rich houses, the sanctuary of Apollo of Hilates, the ancient theater and numerous mosaics have been preserved there to this day. Troodos Mountains - nature reserve and ski resort. There are also numerous churches and monasteries, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List 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 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 the Grotto, built over the birthplace of Jesus Christ. After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour will continue in the Holy City of Jerusalem with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Calvary 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, the entire entertainment program on board the ships and accommodation in the cabin of the chosen categories.
10 things to do in Cyprus
- Swim in the bay of Petra tou Romiou, from where, according to legend, the sea goddess Aphrodite emerged from the foam, and gain 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.
- Dine in an authentic Cypriot tavern and have a glass of liqueur with the host.
- Buy hand-embroidered tablecloth in Lefkara village.
- Dance all night until dawn at discos in Ayia Napa.
- Climb into the tower of the jealous Moor in Famagusta, where the supposed prototype of Othello, the governor of Cyprus Christopher Moro, lived in the 12th century.
- Watch flamingos at 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 Varosh in Famagusta (you can go inside, but it is very expensive - a fine of 500 EUR).
Holidays and events
A separate reason for traveling to Cyprus is endless holidays and festivals. In April, the country celebrates the National Day of Cyprus. In May-June, the seaside towns celebrate the "cataclysm" - the holiday of water and the flood, and in Limassol the Folk Dance Festival is held. In July-August, the Festival of Ancient Greek Drama takes place: performances are given in the ancient amphitheater of Kourion, in the Odeon of Paphos, the fort of Larnaca and on the Monastery Square in Ayia Napa. The beginning of September is overshadowed by its invigorating breath at the popular Limassol Wine Festival, dedicated to the god of winemaking Dionysus.
Haven't you been to Cyprus yet? We will help you get the right first impression of Cyprus in just 10 minutes! It's fun and rewarding!
What kind of state is Cyprus?
Republic of Cyprus ( Greek Kipros,
tour. Kibris,
English Cyprus) Is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, a member of the European Union since 2004.
Political structure: The Republic of Cyprus is a presidential republic, a member of the European Union since May 1, 2004, and since January 1, 2008, it is also a member of the euro zone (the national currency - the Cypriot pound - was fixed at the rate of 0.585 pounds per euro).
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a republic unrecognized by the world community (recognized only by Turkey).
Territorial structure: After the 1974 conflict, the once unified state of Cyprus was divided into two parts: the southern one, the Republic of Cyprus (57.6%), and the northern one, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (36%). To prevent conflict, UN peacekeeping troops were deployed to the island. Until now, they occupy a buffer zone separating hostile territories (about 3.7% of the island's territory). Another 2.7% of the territory was retained by Great Britain after Cyprus gained independence in 1960; now there are two British military bases there.
Official languages: Greek (RK) and Turkish (TRNC).
National currency: euro (RK) and Turkish lira (TRNC).
Population: 839 thousand people (RK, census of 2011) + 265 thousand people (TRNC, census of 2006).
Population
The population of the island is more than a million people, of which 839 thousand people live in the Republic of Cyprus: about 90% of the republic's population is Greek Cypriots, the rest of the population is English, Russians and Armenians.
There are 265 thousand people in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, of which 1/3 are ethnic Turkish Cypriots, and 2/3 are immigrants from mainland Turkey.
Religion
The Republic of Cyprus is an Orthodox state. The Cyprus Orthodox Church is an autocephalous apostolic church. Religious traditions are very strong here, church holidays are state holidays, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus after the declaration of its independence was Achriebishop Makarius III. There are over 700 temples and monasteries in Cyprus. The most famous is the Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos Mountains. Also interesting are the small ancient churches of Troodos with wall frescoes (included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List).
The majority of the population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus preaches Islam.
Language
Official language of the Republic of Cyprus: Greek. As a legacy of British colonization, Cyprus inherited the ubiquitous English language, and thanks to the popularity of the resort among Russian-speaking tourists, you will be understood in Russian as well.
The official language of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkish, in tourist areas you will be explained in English and German.
Cyprus climate
The island's climate, combined with clean air and gentle warm sea, is ideal for relaxing at any time of the year. It is not without reason that Cyprus ranks 31st in the world in terms of life expectancy.
The climate on the island is subtropical Mediterranean, it is distinguished by hot dry summers (temperature up to + 45 °, humidity 40-60%) and warm winters (temperature + 12 ° ... + 20 °, humidity 60 - 80%). In the Troodos mountains, temperatures are significantly lower than on the coast, which allows local residents to take a break from the heat in summer, and even go skiing and snowboarding in winter! The wettest months are December and January; rainfall is possible on the coast.
Summer months are perfect for a beach holiday on the coast. Don't forget your sunblock and your holiday will be perfect.
In almost any hotel, cafe or restaurant in the Republic of Cyprus, visitors are provided with free Wi-fi, the password can be obtained from the staff. A free network has appeared on many beaches in Cyprus.
But some hotels began to charge for wi-fi in the rooms (you can connect to the network for free only at the reception). V In the past few years, it has become common practice in many low and mid-budget hotels to provide paid Wi-fi access (about 15-20 euros per day). Specify this point when booking in order to correctly calculate the cost of the rest.
How much is Cyprus really worth?
There is an opinion that Cyprus is an expensive resort. However, this is not at all the case - there are a lot of opportunities for organizing recreation for every taste and budget!
The most expensive months for holidays in Cyprus are July and August, traditionally there is an increase in prices for the May and New Year holidays.
But at the most comfortable time for relaxation - the second half of September, October, early November - you can find great discounts on package tours and hotel accommodation. The most expensive hotels are in Limassol and Ayia Napa, followed by Paphos and Protaras. The most budget holiday on the coast is in Larnaca.
The cost of a week of vacation in Cyprus during the season will range from 650 to 1000 euros for two (and more, in accordance with the level of the hotel). In the off-season, you can go to the sea for a week for 500 euros for two. Package tours include flight and hotel accommodation. In cheap tours, food, as a rule, is not included - check food and airport transfers when booking.
If you are planning an independent vacation, you must provide for the following expenses:
Flight: depending on the season and the airline, the cost of the flight will be from 200 to 600 euros per person in both directions. Follow the special offers of airlines - with promotions from airlines you can fly to Cyprus for only 100 euros per person.
Residence: choose the conditions and price to your taste: rest in the apart-hotel will cost you 30-50 euros for two (usually meals are not included), hotels of the 4 * level will cost from 100-120 euros for two per day (usually, breakfasts are included for default). Front line hotels generally offer their customers free sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach. But if you are staying in another hotel or apartment, get ready to pay from 6 to 7.5 euros per day for an umbrella and 2 sun loungers.
Nutrition: breakfast (English or continental) will cost you 4-6 euros per person; dinner at a restaurant - from 15-20 euros per person. An excellent option for an inexpensive lunch - traditional souvlaki (kebabs) in a pita with vegetables will cost you 8-10 euros. If you are planning to stay at an apartment hotel and cook your own food (the best option for families with small children), expect from 5-10 euros per person per day (depending on your menu).
Travels: you definitely need to travel in Cyprus, this is the only way you will get the most complete pleasure from your vacation! Excursion around the island will cost from 40-45 euros per person (depending on the route and the size of the group), the cost of an individual excursion for a group of up to 4 people - from 120 euros (4.5 - 5 hours) to 180 euros (8-9 hours) and 240 euros (10-12 hours), lunch is paid separately. You can rent a car(20-40 euros per day, depending on the class of the car and the season, at least 3 days; gasoline in Cyprus costs 1.25 euros per liter 95). The island has developed bus service- the fare is 1.5 euros on the city route and from 7 euros on the intercity route (buses run quite rarely, check the timetable).
Entertainment: a visit to the water park will cost 29-38 euros for an adult and 16-25 euros for a child; the cost of boat trips varies from 10-12 euros (1-1.5 hour walk) to 50 euros (5 hour trip with lunch and drinks), individual yacht rental from 200 euros for two (it is advisable to check in advance); the cost of entrance tickets to state museums - from 2.5 to 4.5 euros per adult; sea attractions - from 7 euros (riding a banana) to 40 euros (parachute flight).
Taxi (transfer): from Larnaca airport: to Larnaca hotel from 20 euros; to Ayia Napa from 40 euros; to Protaras and Limassol from 50 euros; to Paphos from 90 euros.
You can read more about how much groceries cost in stores and about the prices of restaurants in the article. Prices in Cyprus.
Transport in Cyprus
FLIGHTS
There are two airports in the Republic of Cyprus: in Larnaca (Hermes Larnaca International Airport LCA ) and in Paphos (Paphos International Airport PFO), on which regular flights from Russia and Ukraine arrive every day. You can get from Moscow to Cyprus by direct Aeroflot flights (from Sheremetyevo airport SVO) and S7 (Domodedovo DME).
In addition, regular flights depart from Cyprus to Belarus, England, Germany, France, Greece, Israel, Syria, Libya, Egypt.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also has an airport near Nicosia, (Ercan Uluslararasi Havalimani ECN). Since this airport is located on the territory of an unrecognized state, it cannot receive international flights, planes arrive here only from Turkey. Tourists arriving at the airport of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus cannot visit the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
There are direct transfers from Larnaca Airport to Limassol and Nicosia. More information about the schedule of transfers to Limassol and Nicosia, respectively, can be found on the websites www.cyprusbybus.com and www.kapnosairportshuttle.com.
TAXI
A taxi will cost more than a bus, but it will take the passenger to the right place and at a convenient time. In the Republic of Cyprus, both taxi drivers and their cars go through a rather tough certification procedure, so you can use these services fearlessly. It is not customary for passing cars to "vote" here.
BUSES
Bus service connects the main cities of the Republic of Cyprus, in addition, there are both urban and rural routes. This is an inexpensive and comfortable means of transportation (all buses are equipped with air conditioning), and although they run quite rarely (1 trip every 1-2 hours), but according to the schedule (the current schedule can be found at the nearest bus station or on the website http://www.cyprusbybus. com /). Attention: the last flights leave early enough, and on weekends and holidays, flights may be canceled! Payment is made in the passenger compartment of the bus upon boarding.
Airport transfers are usually included in the package tour price and are often provided by the hotel upon self-booking (specify when booking).
If you are staying in the cities of Paphos and Larnaca, you can use regular buses (cost 1.5 euros per adult, 0.75 euros for a child over 6 years old).
FERRY MESSAGE
From the Republic of Cyprus ferries and cruise liners depart from the port of Limassol, and follow a course to the ports of Greece (Rhodes, Crete and mainland Piraeus), Bulgaria (Varna), Egypt (Port Said), Israel (Haifa), Syria (Latakia) and Italy (Ankokna). Also in Limassol, liners making a cruise in the Mediterranean make a stop.
In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, two ports are connected by ferry service to Turkey: the port of Kyrenia and the port of Famagusta. Please note that arriving from Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, you cannot enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
Entertainment
All types of water activities are represented in Cyprus. Large water parks (the largest in Europe) have become very popular among tourists - WaterWorld In Ayia Napa and Fassouri Watermania in Limassol. There are smaller water parks in Paphos and Protaras that are great for visiting with children. Count on the water park for a full day - there are attractions for all family members and, believe me, you will want to come back here!
The beaches offer a variety of water attractions - here you can ride a banana boat and water ski, rent a scooter or catamaran, and make an unforgettable hot air balloon trip! In the sea harbors of the resort towns, you will be offered various programs of sea trips - fishing, a full-fledged trip with stops for swimming, meeting the sunset.
The largest luna park on the island - Paliasto park- located in Ayia Napa. Each resort town in Cyprus has small amusement parks and arcade machines. And in Protaras you can enjoy the unique Dancing Fountain Show - Magic Dancing Waters- with a laser show and a real volcanic eruption!
Cuisine and traditions
The cuisine of Cyprus is quite simple - fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh meat and fish, the freshest bread and indispensable olives). The national cuisine is Mediterranean.
Please note that meat cuisine is traditional in mountainous areas, while fish cuisine is typical in seaside areas.
Cyprus has fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round.
National regulations guarantee no additives or chemicals, so you can forget about nitrate scary stories and enjoy the fresh fruits!
About half of the land in Cyprus is occupied by agriculture - there are fresh vegetables and fruits all year round! The main crops are olives, grapes, citrus fruits, melons, wheat, potatoes, almonds, walnuts, pomegranates, beans, cherries, apricots and peaches.
The wines of Cyprus are known far beyond the borders of the island - many wineries produce red and white wines, the famous knightly wine Commandaria, as well as spirits - brandy and zivania.
Dairy products, in particular Cypriot cheeses, will delight the most sophisticated gourmet.
Cypriot cuisine is one of the pillars of Mediterranean cuisine and one of the island's most interesting attractions!
Emergency numbers:
- Single number 112
- Fire Department 199 The sea air has a very beneficial effect on our body, because it is not for nothing that the sea is considered the best healer! The beach season lasts from May to early November, but in winter the water temperature does not drop below +17 .. + 18 degrees! The beaches of Cyprus are considered one of the best in Europe; in 2018, 63 Cypriot beaches were awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness and livability (the unrecognized Republic of Northern Cyprus does not participate in the rating, otherwise there would be much more awards!).
There is no heavy industry in Cyprus, therefore there are no harmful particles and compounds that poison us in large cities
You can talk endlessly about the benefits of mountain air, while vacationing in Cyprus, be sure to go to the Troodos mountains. The highest point of the island is Mount Olympus (1951 m).Convenience for tourists- Cyprus is just made for relaxation! Moreover, for a completely different vacation - each tourist can choose their own format.
All cities and villages of Cyprus are equipped with the necessary infrastructure - shops and pharmacies, restaurants and cafes, banks.
One of the legacies of British colonization is the excellent roads connecting all settlements. The movement is left-hand, but you get used to it quickly. All signs are maximally adapted for the convenience of foreign tourists.
An important aspect of a holiday in Cyprus is the absence of language barriers. Even without knowing English (about 90% of Cypriots speak English), you will not be lost - many Cypriots speak Russian, in addition, many Russian-speaking citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic countries live and work in Cyprus. Coupled with traditional hospitality, this greatly simplifies your stay and completely removes communication problems!Simplified visa regime- Cyprus is a member of the Schengen Agreement (you can come to Cyprus on an open Schengen visa issued by a third country), but issues a national visa. For citizens of Russia and Ukraine, the visa is free, you can get it according to a simplified scheme - without leaving your home, in one day!
Safety- Cyprus is one of the safest countries in the world.
Cyprus cuisine- the cuisine of Cyprus is quite simple - fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh meat and fish, the freshest bread and indispensable olives) The national cuisine is Mediterranean. Please note that meat cuisine is traditional in mountainous areas, while fish cuisine is typical in seaside areas.
Cyprus has fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round. National regulations guarantee no additives or chemicals, so you can forget about nitrate scary stories and enjoy the fresh fruits!
I would also like to say a few words about Cypriot wine, because winemaking has existed on the island for more than 5 millennia!Travel and attractions- Cyprus provides a lot of opportunities for curious tourists: fascinating individual excursions on a variety of topics, the simplicity and availability of independent autotravels around the island. In addition, all the cities of Kip are connected by regular bus routes - you can travel around Cyprus on your own without even renting a car!
The variety of landscapes and attractions makes Cyprus very attractive for tourists. The main directions of tourism in Cyprus:
- Troodos mountains. In addition to traditional villages, small waterfalls and stunning views, there are many naturalistic hiking trails of low difficulty;
- pilgrimage routes. Orthodox churches in Cyprus attract pilgrims from all over the world. The ancient churches of Troodos stand out separately, thanks to the preserved Byzantine frescoes included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
- archaeological parks, neolithic and antiquity. Unique ancient cities and settlements have been preserved in Cyprus, and the ancient mosaics of Paphos are also marked by UNESCO.
- North Cyprus. Unique castles and fortresses of the Middle Ages, combined with a unique oriental flavor, attract a consistently high number of tourists.What is Cyprus known for?
The main attraction of Cyprus is clean and well-equipped beaches Mediterranean Sea, some of the best in Europe. In 2018, 62 beaches and one promenade in Cyprus were awarded the international Blue Flag award.
Troodos mountains- the mountain range of Cyprus with the highest point 1952 meters (Mount Olmpus). Snow falls in the mountains in winter; one ski resort functions. The Troodos Mountains are a national conservation park. Local forests are interesting for a large number of endemic plants, the most famous are the Cypriot cyclamene, golden oak, arbutus and Cypriot cedar. The most famous endemic - an inhabitant of Troodos - mouflon, is included in the international Red Book.
The legacy of ancient civilizations. Archaeologists believe that the first people settled in Cyprus 10 thousand years ago - interesting archaeological parks of the Neolithic period (Choirokitia and Tenta, included in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list) and ancient times (Kourion, Salamis, the archaeological park of Paphos, Kition , Amathus, Tamassos, Salt). In the cities of Cyprus, archaeological museums are open all year round, presenting archaeological finds and ancient artifacts.
Homeland of the goddess Aphrodite. It is believed that it was here, in the bay of Petra Tu Romiou (between Limassol and Paphos), the goddess of love came out of the sea foam to then settle in Paphos. The cult of Aphrodite reigned on the island, the largest temples in Europe were erected here. At the moment, the ruins of temples can be seen in the archaeological parks - the ancient city-states of Cyprus.
Orthodox heritage and monuments of the period of origin and formation of Christianity. The Republic of Cyprus is an Orthodox state. The Cyprus Orthodox Church is an autocephalous apostolic church. Religious traditions are very strong here, church holidays are state holidays, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus after the declaration of its independence was Achriebishop Makarius III. There are over 700 temples and monasteries in Cyprus. The most famous is the Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos Mountains. Also interesting are the small ancient churches of Troodos with wall frescoes (included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List).
Food, winemaking, agritourism. About half of the land in Cyprus is occupied by agriculture - there are fresh vegetables and fruits all year round! The main crops are olives, grapes, citrus fruits, melons, wheat, potatoes, almonds, walnuts, pomegranates, beans, cherries, apricots and peaches. The wines of Cyprus are known far beyond the borders of the island - many wineries produce red and white wines, the famous knightly wine Commandaria, as well as spirits - brandy and zivania. Dairy products, in particular Cypriot cheeses, will delight the most sophisticated gourmet. Cypriot cuisine is one of the pillars of Mediterranean cuisine and one of the island's most interesting attractions!
Cyprus is a favorite vacation spot 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, moreover, in an 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 the destination for our next vacation or business?
Where is Cyprus
The island is the third largest in the Mediterranean with an area of 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 to be part of Greece or Turkey, but this is not true. Cyprus is a separate independent country. The island was once a British colony, which has left its mark. The English language is widely used here, the legislation is based on the British, on the streets there is left-hand traffic.
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 a country is always chosen from among the Greeks, and the vice president from among the Turks.
How Cyprus is divided
Geographically, Cyprus is subdivided into 6 districts, the capital of the country is Nicosia. Official state 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.
There is a Green Line between parts of the island, which is controlled by the UN. There are also two British military bases here: Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
North and South Cyprus
The northern part of the island is ruled 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 deny this.
The culture
The culture of this island is literally unique. Representatives of various nations have come here since prehistoric times and inevitably left their mark. No wonder 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 - Islam.
Modern Cypriots are renowned for their welcoming and friendly disposition. They are smiling, they like to arrange holidays, 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. Nevertheless, 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. Also, Cyprus is engaged in the trade of local delicacies - wines, vegetables and fruits, spices and cheeses. Recently, the purchase of real estate in Cyprus has become especially popular, which also accounts for a considerable share of the state's income. Copper, chromium and iron ores are mined here, they are engaged in fishing, animal husbandry and silkworm breeding, grain, melon and olive trees are grown. Partners - European countries, USA, Japan, Arab Emirates.
There is a difference in the economic development of North and South Cyprus. More than 30 banks function in the republic and about 1000 offshore companies are registered. At the moment, the Republic of Cyprus surpasses the northern part in terms of its economy several times.
Population
770 thousand inhabitants are officially registered 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 annually, mainly from Europe and Russia.
The capital of South and North 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 cities. Kyrenia is a picturesque town full of luxurious pitchforks and comfortable bungalows, a favorite holiday destination for Europeans.
HGI AMOL
Geography
Relief of cyprus
The island stretches for 240 km from east to west, and reaches 100 km in width from north to south. The area is 9251 km².
Relief
Most of the island is mountainous. The Kyrenia mountain range stretches along the northern coast in a 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; some peaks exceed 1 thousand m. The highest point of the ridge is Mount Akromanda (1023 m). The southwestern half of the island is occupied by the wide Troodos mountain range, indented by longitudinal river valleys. The highest is its northern part, here is the highest point of Cyprus - Mount Olympos (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. Of the rare animals of the island, the endemic Cypriot mountain sheep, the mouflon, which lives in the Troodos mountains and in the wooded region of Paphos, is especially interesting. In recent years, hunting him has been banned by the government. In the forest zone of the mountains, foxes and hares are found. In the lowlands along the coast and on the slopes of the mountains, 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. 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 more than 9000 years old. There are traces of the Stone Age, the Copper Age, the Bronze Age on the island 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 XII-XI centuries BC. e., about 3000 years ago at the end of the period of the Trojan Wars.
This is what defined the cultural face of the island. During this period, the Greek language, art, religion and traditions were introduced. In addition, cities that exist to this day were laid.
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.
Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians seized the island in turn and owned it until it in 333 BC. e. was not conquered by Alexander the Great.
Since 1964, the island has hosted a UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus, currently numbering 1,216 troops. The UN peacekeeping force arrived after the inter-communal armed clashes in December 1963, and the threat of intervention from Turkey arose. Given 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 is home to 265,100 people.
Transport
Cyprus has three international airports, two are located on the Greek side of the island in Paphos (16 km from the city) and Larnaca (2 km from the city). There is also a full-fledged operating airport in Nicosia - Ercan. All flights to Northern Cyprus pass through Turkey. The main airline serving the Greek side of the island, Cyprus Airways, ceased to exist in 2015.
Of the resorts of the Republic of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is the center of club life and is focused mainly on young people. For family holidays, mainly Paphos and Protaras serve. Ayia Napa is the only resort in the Republic of Cyprus, where the surface layer of the beaches consists of imported white sand. Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca have beaches of dark volcanic sand. The beaches of Protaras are mixed, mostly of yellow sand. The most popular beaches in Ayia Napa are Nissi, Makronissos, Sandy Bay, Napa (Grishn).
The city of Paphos is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, and is also known for the fact that it is close to the bay of Aphrodite. According to legend, in this place the goddess of love and beauty was born from the foam of the sea.
The sights of Cyprus are a mixture of different eras - the Byzantine castle of Kolossi, in which Isaac Comnenus hid 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 the medieval Tower of Othello and the "ghost town" (Varosha quarter).
Geographic proximity to a number of Mediterranean countries allows for sea cruises for tourists to Egypt, Israel, the island of Rhodes or Jordan. Cruise ships depart from the seaports of Larnaca and Limassol and correspond to 3-5 star hotels. The cruise usually lasts about two days.
Tourist rental cars have red numbers that start with the letter Z. When renting a car, there may be an age restriction depending on the car rental company.
The British heritage includes, in addition to left-hand traffic, the power supply standard is three-pin sockets (one of them is grounding, an analogue of the side contact of the Euro plug), but the voltage is not 230 V, as in Great Britain, 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 afternoons and all day on Sunday, and on weekdays only from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:30 in winter, from 16:00 to 19:00 in summer.
Some tensions persist 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).
sights
The main attractions of the island of Cyprus are Christian churches and monasteries. The most important objects.
