I never purposefully dreamed of getting to Cyprus. For some reason, this island did not particularly attract me. But two years ago, at work, I was rewarded with a ticket to Cyprus, so I had to go!
Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea
So, first you need to say that Cyprus is not only a separate state, but also an island that is located in the warm Mediterranean Sea.
Cyprus is located exactly at the crossroads of the sea routes of two major continents (Africa and Eurasia).
This island state received sovereignty relatively recently, and to be precise, in 1959.
At the moment, Cyprus is split into two parts - Turkish and Greek.
But all over the world Cyprus is recognized as an independent state.
Not far from Cyprus are:
- Lebanon;
- Syria;
- Jordan;
- Israel;
- Greece;
- Turkey.;
- Crete;
- Egypt.
Cyprus is also one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean.
What to buy in Cyprus and bring as a gift
I return from each of my trips simply with a large bag of various souvenirs and gifts for relatives and friends.
Of course, my tradition was not broken when I went on a trip to Cyprus.
Very good soap is sold in this country, which includes olive oil. I also took with me several bottles of Cypriot wine, it is very tasty, it looks like cognac in color.
You can also bring pickled olives from this island. I took it in vacuum packaging.
You can also buy excellent silver in Cyprus. I took a pair of earrings and three bracelets for friends.
Food in Cyprus
I'll start with drinks. The most delicious drink, in my opinion, on this island is freshly squeezed orange juice. It can be found almost everywhere.
And I also liked sheftalya sausages, they are prepared from lamb and come with fresh mint.
Well, if you want to eat seafood, then choose only themed fish restaurants.
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O, ! My husband and I spent our honeymoon on this unforgettable island. This is the best place for couples in love, because it is here that the goddess of love Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam onto land. This place left an unforgettable impression in our young hearts. And I will definitely get to Cyprus again. I will even go on foot if I correctly find its location on the map. :)
Where is Cyprus
If you studied geography well at school, then finding Cyprus on the map will not be a problem for you. If not, look Mediterranean Sea. Right there, in his northeast and lies this island. It is the third largest island in the sea. Geographically he refers to Asia, but culturally and economically- it part of Europe. I thought that the closest neighbor of Cyprus is. But looking at the map, you can see that neighbours the islands are:
- Syria;
- Egypt.
I was very surprised when I discovered that in Cyprus there are two states. 60% takes Republic of Cyprus. The Greek population lives here. And almost 40% takes Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This is only partially recognized territory, the UN considers it occupied by Turkey. A 3% territories are occupied military. set up here bases.
Wonder Island
The island of Cyprus is a unique place. It combines several countries and cultures. And this, of course, was reflected in its history, customs and architecture. What to visit here:
- bath of Aphrodite;
- Cape Greco;
- Stavrovouni monastery;
- port fortress;
- Chirokitia;
- Liopetri.
Interestingly, Cyprus- very safe place. The island has only one prison, but criminal liability here comes from the age of 12. In Cyprus excellent roads, so traveling by bus is a real pleasure. This is the only and fairly cheap form of public transport. And my husband and I did not deny ourselves a little luxury and ordered sea cruise. It can last for several hours or several days.
Climate Cyprus is very soft. The change of seasons here is almost imperceptible, and high humidity allows you to tolerate the heat well. The best period for rest- With May to October. But even in winter it has good offers for lovers of ski holidays.
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Location of Cyprus on the world map
Cyprus is on east mediterranean sea, near several countries - Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Egypt. In the West borders with Greece and the islands and Crete. Cyprus has a small territory, only 9251 sq. km. The state of the same name is located on the island, Republic of Cyprus, as well as the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Cyprus(recognised only by the Ankara government). The largest city and capital is. The state languages, according to the constitution, are recognized Greek and Turkish.
Due to its location Cyprus in any period of history was considered " tidbit» for any state Middle East.
Geography of Cyprus
Many are wondering about origin islands. The first theory says that many millions of years ago it was not an island, but part of the mainland, but after millions of years it broke off and ended up in the sea. According to the second version, it is believed that it appeared due to the eruptions of many volcanoes and subsequent earthquakes.
On the west and south the island predominantly has hills, cliffs and mountains. The highest point in Cyprus is Mount Olymbos(not to be confused with Mount Olympus in Greece!)
To my surprise, it turned out that in the winter time on the mountains and slopes of Cyprus there is snow and open ski resorts. After that, I wanted to visit in the winter! In addition to its mountains and rocks, Cyprus is very rich Flora. I will tell you about it later.
Flora and fauna of Cyprus
Indeed, Cyprus is famous for its flora, namely:
- vineyards;
- olive groves;
- tropical fruit plantations;
- forests;
- meadows and fields.
Cypriot land considered extremely fertile, so the locals do not feel the need for fresh fruits and vegetables all year round!
During my trip, I had the opportunity to taste local oranges and apricots. Although the fruits outwardly did not differ from those that we see on our shelves, they were incredibly sweet in taste, juicy and fragrant. If you are in Cyprus, be sure to try the local gifts of nature!
Cyprus also has a diverse fauna. Hedgehogs, hares, foxes, as well as small reptiles, chameleons, frogs, turtles and snakes (some poisonous). The pride of Cyprus is a wild sheep mouflon, the only wild sheep in Europe. It is found mainly near the mountains of the island and hides from people, so you need to have a lot of luck to meet it.
Various types of tropical fish, as well as dolphins, can be found in the sea.
I really hope that the description of this beautiful island interested you. I recommend you visit it! You will get an unforgettable experience! Good luck!
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Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia, located in its eastern part, 75 kilometers from the coast of Turkey and 105 and 380 kilometers from the coasts of Syria and Egypt, respectively. Cyprus, with an area of 9,251 sq. km., stretching for 240 kilometers from east to west and about 100 kilometers from north to south. Cyprus is a rather mountainous island with two more or less large mountainous regions. The Kyrenia Ridge runs right along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the northeastern part of the island, while its highest point is Mount Akromanda (1023 meters). The western part of the island is occupied by the large Troodos mountain range, where the highest mountain of Cyprus is located - the local Olympus with a height of 1952 meters.
Cyprus is one of the most popular resort destinations in the Mediterranean, although the island itself has developed a rather tense situation. The fact is that since 1974, as a result of the Turkish invasion, Cyprus has actually been divided into two parts - the Republic of Cyprus (where all tourists go) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus owns approximately 60% of the island's territory, 36% is occupied by Turkish Northern Cyprus. Both these parts are separated from each other by a buffer zone controlled by the UN contingent and occupying about 3.7 percent of the territory. In addition, 2.7 percent of the island's area is the British military bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The capital of both the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the city of Nicosia (Turkish version - Lefkosa), divided by the so-called Green Line. About 300 thousand people live in the Greek part of the city, about 90 thousand in the Turkish part.
The total population of Cyprus is 1,054,400, of which 796,740 live in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and 265,100 live in Northern Cyprus. More than 90 percent of the inhabitants of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek Cypriots, the rest of the population is made up of British, Russians and Armenians. Turkish Cypriots, Turks and some other nationalities live in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 77 percent of the population of Cyprus professes Greek Orthodoxy, 18 percent are Sunni Muslims, 5 percent are other branches of Christianity (Catholics, Maronites, Protestants, etc.). The official languages are Greek and Turkish. The majority of the population of the Republic of Cyprus is fluent in English, which makes it easier to communicate while relaxing on the island.
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How to get there
Direct flights
The vast majority of visitors to Cyprus get to the island by plane. The two air gates of Cyprus are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos. The airport of the capital Nicosia is closed to civil aviation. From Russia, regular flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Larnaca Airport are carried out by several airlines at once. First of all, this is the Cypriot carrier Cyprus Airways, whose planes fly at different intervals depending on the season. So, in the summer months, several flights leave for Larnaca every day. Aeroflot aircraft also fly from Sheremetyevo Airport once a week and more often depending on the season.
Previously, planes of the Cypriot state airline Eurocypria Airlines, which was declared bankrupt in November 2010, also flew to Larnaca.
From the Moscow airport "Domodedovo" and from "Pulkovo" in St. Petersburg, flights of the airline "Transaero" to the city of Paphos are carried out. Also from St. Petersburg to Larnaca and Paphos can be reached by flights of the Rossiya airline. During the holiday season, there are charter flights to Cyprus from many major Russian cities, for example, Ural Airlines from Yekaterinburg. Aero Svit Airlines flies directly from Kiev.
Connecting flights
With a transfer to Larnaca from Moscow and St. Petersburg, you can fly with flights of Austrian Airlines (via Vienna), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Emirates (via Dubai, from St. Petersburg - from autumn 2011), " Malev (via Budapest), Aero Svit (via Kiev), Air Malta (via La Valletta, only from Moscow) and Norwegian Air (via Oslo, only from St. Petersburg). Travel time in the case of connecting flights will increase, but the cost of tickets will often be noticeably less than with a direct flight.
As for other Russian cities, you can get to Larnaca by air with a connection not only through Moscow, but also by European airlines flying to some Russian cities: Austrian Airlines (departure from Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk and Sochi with a change in Vienna) and Lufthansa (departure from Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Rostov-on-Don and Samara with a change in Frankfurt).
Transfers to resorts
There are direct transfers from Larnaca Airport to Limassol and Nicosia. A one-way ticket to Limassol will cost 8 euros, to Nicosia - 7 euros. More information about the schedule of transfers to Limassol and Nicosia, respectively, can be found on the websites and.
Northern Cyprus
The main air gate of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Ercan Airport - unrecognized as international due to the non-recognition of Northern Cyprus itself. However, this airport receives flights from several airlines, in particular, Turkish Airlines from Istanbul, Ataturk Airport, and North Cyprus Airlines, the main airline of Northern Cyprus.
Since April 1, 2004, several border crossings have been opened between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus at once, through which tourists can freely and without any formal difficulties visit both parts of the island. In total, so far there are 9 border points on the territory of the UN buffer zone that separates the two parts of the island. Several border points are located directly in Nicosia (Ledra Palace and Aiyos Dhometios). It is worth mentioning right away that trips to Northern Cyprus do not cause much joy among the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, although from a formal point of view they do not pose a big problem.
ferry service
Cyprus is connected to some countries by ferry service, in particular, with the Greek port of Piraeus and with the islands of Rhodes and Crete, as well as with the Egyptian Port Said, Haifa in Israel, Latakia in Syria and Ankokna in Italy. The main sea gate of the Republic of Cyprus is the port of the city of Limassol, from where not only most ferries and merchant ships, but also cruise liners depart.
Customs regulations
A limited number of goods for personal use can be transported through the Cypriot customs without paying a fee.
Products purchased in European Union countries:
tobacco products - 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 1 kg of smoking tobacco;
alcoholic beverages - 10 liters with a strength of over 22%, 20 liters with a strength of less than 22%, 110 liters of beer or 90 liters of wine (sparkling - 60 liters).
Items purchased not in the countries of the European Union:
tobacco products - 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco;
alcoholic beverages - 1 liter with a strength above 22%, 2 liters of wine or 16 liters of beer.
When entering Cyprus and leaving the country of the European Union, the currency exceeding the amount of 12,500 euros (or the equivalent in another currency) must be declared. When entering from the territory of a country that is not a member of the EU, it is necessary to declare a currency exceeding 10,000 euros.
It is forbidden to import into Cyprus natural fruits and flowers, as well as meat and dairy products produced outside the EU (exceptions are packaged baby food).
When importing pets, you must have an international veterinary certificate and a vaccination certificate for the animal, made 10 days or less before departure.
Naturally, the import of narcotic substances, firearms and cold weapons, ammunition, pornographic products, non-pets and birds into the island is prohibited.
It is forbidden to export old antiques and items found on the seabed, as well as items taken from archaeological sites. Copies of antique works are exported freely.
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Climate, weather in Cyprus
The island has a climate that is the best conducive to both a wonderful holiday and a healthy life. By the way, the life expectancy of Cypriots is even higher than in most Western countries, and life-threatening infectious diseases are not well known here.
Cyprus is located in the subtropics, so the climate here is appropriate - subtropical Mediterranean, a distinctive feature of which is quite hot and dry summers (from +25 to +40) and warm and mild winters with rainfall and temperatures of approximately + 10-20 degrees. Actually, Cyprus has the mildest winters in the Mediterranean, and snow can only be observed in the Troodos mountains. The annual rainfall in the flat areas is approximately 300-500 mm, and in the mountainous areas it increases to 1000-1300 mm. Snow cover in the Toroodos mountains allows Cypriots to ski and snowboard during the winter months. Especially in this regard, places in the Olympos region are popular. Humidity in winter is approximately 60-80 percent, and in the summer months - 40-60 percent. The wettest months on the island are December and January.
Thus, it is best to come to Cyprus in the summer, during the hottest months, or in September, when the traditional summer heat subsides, but the sea is still warm and you can swim. By the way, the most pleasant weather in summer prevails just in the coastal areas, in the depths of the island, in particular, in the capital Nicosia, the temperature sometimes reaches not the most comfortable 40 degrees. Although, as already mentioned, the climate of Cyprus is just perfect for relaxing on the seashore.
Details about the climate of Cyprus by months and regions, the current weather forecast is on the service.
Cities and regions
The main tourist cities of Cyprus
Larnaca
Larnaca is famous not only for its beaches, but also for quite interesting sights, among which it is worth highlighting the Church of St. Lazarus, Stavrovouni Monastery, the ancient settlement of Khirokitia, located about 30 kilometers from the city, the famous Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, considered the fourth shrine of Islam in the world, traditional the Cypriot village of Lefkara, as well as the ancient Phoenician city of Kition.
Limassol
Of the historical sights of the city, it is worth highlighting the fortress of Limassol, the sanctuary of Apollo Khilatsky, Kolossi Castle, which was a government residence in different years, as well as the ruins of Kourion and Amathus. In addition to the historical content, Limassol has the reputation of one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus, which has excellent beaches with various hotels.
Pathos
Paphos, even more than its beaches, is famous for its numerous historical sights, which were eventually included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among these attractions are the Villa of Dionysus, the Royal Tombs, the catacombs of Agia Solomonia, the village of Kouklia, the monastery of Neophytos and the birthplace of Aphrodite - Petra tou Romiou.
Also in Paphos are the most interesting museums in Cyprus - the Archaeological Museum, the Eliadis Ethnographic Museum and the Byzantine Museum. In addition, in the Paphos region there is a beautiful Akamas National Park on the peninsula of the same name, which is considered an ideal place for walking and from where you can get to the quiet sandy beaches of Cyprus, where there are no such crowds of tourists as on city beaches.
Nicosia
Tourists can find many remarkable places here, since Nicosia is a rather ancient city. It was founded in the 7th century BC. e., and such historical monuments as the Famagusta Gate, the Venetian Column, the Selimiye Mosque, the Archbishop's Palace, the library of Sultan Mahmud II, several medieval churches and other objects have survived to this day.
Famagusta
Today, many historical monuments have been preserved in Famagusta: the Cathedral of St. Nicholas turned into a mosque today, the monastery of St. Barnabas, the fortress of Othello, the ancient city of Salamis.
Kyrenia
Troodos mountains
The main mountain range of the island keeps many treasures of its own, relatively remote from the main Cypriot resorts. In its depths, there are some truly unique places that tourists should visit. In addition, the mountains themselves are of extraordinary beauty, so even a simple trip along them can bring a lot of impressions.
The main pearls of the Troodos mountains are the monastery of Kykkos and the monastery of Machairas.
Where to go in Cyprus
sights
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and recreation areas
Transport
Private guides in Cyprus
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Cyprus in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Movement around the country
Cyprus is a small island, so the transport system here is appropriate - small and not very well developed. Which may seem surprising, given the special resort status of the Republic of Cyprus and its great popularity among tourists. Some modes of transport are simply absent - as unnecessary, the railway connection was discontinued back in 1952, and domestic air traffic as such is also not represented. However, charter flights between Larnaca and Paphos are carried out on small pleasure aircraft, which are primarily aimed at tourists.
Buses
Strangely, the bus service in the Republic of Cyprus is not as developed as one would expect from a tourist region. However, there are a total of three types of buses in Cyprus.
Taxi
An excellent alternative to the underdeveloped bus system is a highly developed taxi system of various types and distances. A taxi, of course, will cost more than a bus ride (although not by much), but at the same time comfort and speed are guaranteed. As in the case of buses, there are three types of taxis in Cyprus: intercity route, intracity and rural.
Car rent
A car can be rented by holders of an international driving license not younger than 25 and not older than 70 years with a driving experience of at least 3 years. True, in some private offices the conditions are less stringent, for example, you can rent a car at the age of 18. The minimum car rental period is 2 days. Gasoline is paid independently, and insurance is included in the price. The number of kilometers is often unlimited.
- You can read more about Cypriot buses and taxis in our article "Transport in Cyprus"
- Read more about car rental on the island of Aphrodite in the article "Rent a car in Cyprus"
Communication
For tourists, the culture of the Greek part of Cyprus is of paramount importance, since it is here that all the main resorts are located. Northern Cyprus ethnically consists of Turkish Cypriots who profess Islam, and there is a very strong influence of the culture of Turkey itself and the main language, of course, Turkish. Which, by the way, can become a hindrance to communication, because English is not so common among Turkish Cypriots.
What can not be said about the Greek part of the island, where English is the official language along with Greek itself, so the local population often speaks English better than the visitors themselves. Greek Cypriots are very proud of their culture, which dates back thousands of years and is based on Orthodox Christianity. As in Greece, Orthodoxy in Cyprus plays a very important role in society, but at the same time it is very organically inscribed in it, unlike our country, which causes only sympathy.
Due to the long presence of the British on the island, some traditions of Foggy Albion have taken root here, in particular, the English education system and the English business attitude to everything. Actually, it is this attitude that distinguishes the Greek Cypriots from the Greeks on the continent, who are famous for their somewhat disorganized nature, which cannot be said about the Cypriots. Perhaps that is why the Greek part of the island maintains a very high standard of living and material prosperity.
If we return to the problem of communication, then in the resort areas you can often meet people who speak Russian. This is due both to the massive flow of Russian tourists to Cyprus, which began in the 90s, and to the rather large representation of Russians themselves on the island, especially in Limassol. So sometimes domestic tourists will not even have to strain their knowledge of English.
Kitchen
Cypriot cuisine is an excellent example of Mediterranean culinary traditions, in which the influences of many other cuisines are intertwined, primarily Greek and Turkish. This happened, of course, thanks to the numerous twists and turns in the history of the island, where many cultures coexisted. From Greek and Turkish cuisines, the tradition of cooking on the grill or in the form of thick soups and stews came to Cyprus. Also, thanks to the Greeks and Turks, yogurt, parsley and garlic spread. But, unlike Turkish cuisine, Cypriot food is less spicy. The Italian presence on the island did not go unnoticed, after which they began to use mint, cinnamon, basil, coriander, arugula and other ingredients in cooking. Also in Cyprus, the use of curry and ginger has become established. Although in general we can say that the oriental influence prevails - sweet dishes, an abundance of spices and oils.
Most often, fresh vegetables and fruits are used in cooking, which grow in abundance on the island. These are potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, and eggplants, as well as many fruits, primarily citrus fruits - oranges, grapefruits, lemons. Meat dishes in Cyprus are especially loved by the locals and are prepared mainly from pork, lamb, poultry and even rabbit meat. Due to the small number of cattle on the island, beef is not very common. It may seem surprising, but seafood dishes noticeably lose in popularity to meat dishes, since there is no bite near the Cypriot coast, and the fish comes mainly from other regions of the Mediterranean. Egg and yogurt dishes are also popular, as are halloumi cheese, for example.
The most common dish is meze, which can be ordered at any restaurant. This is a set of various cold and hot snacks, the number of which can reach 20, although in practice it most often includes 8-10 dishes. However, there is simply no better way to get to know Cypriot cuisine than meze. The meze usually includes tsakistes (olives seasoned with coriander, oil, garlic and lemon), tallaturi (this is a salad of yogurt, cucumbers and mint), taramosalata (this salad includes fish caviar, lemon juice, onion vegetable oil), melinzanosalata ( eggplant salad), hummi kopanisti (parsley nut mousse dressed with olive oil) and various meat and sometimes fish snacks. Examples of meat dishes are souvlaki (barbecue of lamb or pork), sheftalia (small pork cutlets), aphelia (pork stewed in red wine) and many others. As a side dish in Cyprus, rice, pasta and legumes are usually used.
All sorts of soups are also very popular - egg, chicken, lentil, nightshade and others. For dessert, they usually eat baklava and lokum (this is a fruit jelly with nuts, sprinkled with powdered sugar). The most popular drink in Cyprus is, of course, wine of various varieties. Commandaria wine is a sweet dessert wine that has long been a symbol of the island and one of the main Cypriot brands. There are several types of "Commandaria", but the most delicious is often called "Commandaria St. John." Other popular wines are Othello (dry red), Aphrodite (dry white), Keo Hawk (white semi-dry) and some others. For those who want something a little stronger, there is Zivania, a rustic grape vodka that has been illegal on the island for a long time. Also in Cyprus, coffee is common, which is called "elinikos cafes" - "Greek coffee", not very different from Turkish, but the word "Turkish" in the Greek part should not be used unnecessarily.
Purchases
What Cyprus is clearly not famous for is its shopping traditions. Although in the past the island was the focus of rich trading ports, today's Cyprus is, first of all, a tourist Mecca. Of course, there is nowhere without shopping at all, and the main objects of consumer interest in Cyprus are usually things that are traditionally part of the very culture of this island.
These are, first of all, very high-quality jewelry, famous Cypriot wines, olive oils and folk crafts products, in particular, Lefkara lace. Also, do not neglect the purchase of leather goods - all kinds of handbags, purses, wallets, shoes and outerwear, as leather items in Cyprus are sold of high enough quality and at affordable prices.
You can read more about shopping on the island of Aphrodite in the article "Shopping in Cyprus".
Connection
Throughout the island there are many different Internet cafes with high-quality and high-speed connections, so sending an e-mail weighing several megabytes or downloading the necessary files is not a problem. An hour in such cafes costs around 3 euros in the Greek part of the island and about 1 euro in Turkish. In addition, as elsewhere in the world, in Cyprus you can find many cafes with free wi-fi, which is very useful for owners of laptops.
As for cellular communication, the GSM 900/1800 standard operates on the island, and roaming is provided without problems by the main Russian cellular operators - MTS, Megafon and Beeline. True, the prices in all cases are quite high, you should learn more about them on the websites or in the offices of cellular companies.
The services of local cellular operators Areeba and Vodafone will cost significantly less than roaming by Russian cellular companies, although the quality of communication may be worse. An outgoing call to Russia will cost about 5-6 rubles.
Another option for cheap cellular communication is travel SIM cards with more than human rates - free incoming calls and outgoing calls to Russia costing $0.29 per minute.
The international code of Cyprus is 357. Mobile phone numbers start with 99. As for regular telephone communication, there are payphones in almost all localities in Cyprus, which are also equipped with the function of receiving calls. In the absence of street payphones, you can use phones in cafes, shops and newsstands. In the same kiosks, as well as in supermarkets and post offices, you can buy phone cards worth 3, 5 and 10 euros. One minute of conversation with Moscow on this card will cost about 60 cents. Tariffs within the country are several times cheaper - about 7-8 cents.
To call from Russia to Cyprus, you need to dial: 8-10-357-city code-subscriber number (when calling from a mobile "8-10" changes to "+7").
To call from Cyprus to Russia, you need to dial: 0-07-city code-subscriber number.
Cypriot city codes
Economy
Safety
Security in Cyprus can be said not to be a problem, as the crime rate on the island is extremely low, even lower than in Western European countries. The number of crimes is about 1,000 per 100,000 people, which is a very low figure. The disclosure rate is at the traditionally high level - about 70%. But in any case, in resort areas you should be more careful and keep an eye on your things, and leave documents and large sums of money in a safe at the hotel, taking photocopies of your passport and small amounts with you.
The order on the Cypriot streets is ensured by the National Police - another fruit of the British presence on the island, since the police in Cyprus are organized according to English rules. In rural areas, the functions of the police are carried out by the gendarmerie.
In Ayia Napa, four and five star hotels mostly meet European quality standards and are distinguished by both excellent service and beautiful and clean beaches. As for lower-level hotels, it often happens that a 3-star hotel located close to the sea is equipped as a 2-star hotel, and the service is lower than in standard 3-star hotels.
In Larnaca, there are a lot of accommodation options - these are expensive hotels of five and four stars, and cheaper and simple hotels, and simple apartments that are not classified in any way. The most luxurious hotels are not located in the city itself, but on the coast at a distance from it. In the center of the city, there are many mid-level hotels - three and two stars, as well as various apartments. In these places, those who prefer a more independent and active holiday to simple lying on the beach and hotel show programs usually stop.
Many hotels in Limassol belong to well-known global and European chains, for example, Le Meridien or Atlantica Hotels, which are in other Cypriot and Greek cities. In hotels of this level, there are many options for recreation, including small clubs and entertainment centers. In 5 and 4-star hotels, there are often several restaurants specializing in one or another cuisine at once.
More modest hotels are located in the city center, where the bulk of clubs and bars are also located, so you won’t have to go far for entertainment. The beaches of Limassol are usually of very good quality, and many hotels are located directly on the first line. True, the service in Limassol hotels can be a little worse than in similar hotels in Larnaca.
Nicosia has its own hotels of the famous world chains Hilton, Intercontinental and Holiday Inn, which, of course, are aimed at the wealthy public, in particular businessmen, because the situation with tourists in Nicosia is much worse than in coastal cities. These hotels have their own conference rooms, secretarial services, constant Internet access, and fitness centers, gyms, beauty salons and spas to keep the guests in shape. The old town is filled with cheap 2- and 3-star hotels, in whose small rooms Europeans traveling around Cyprus usually settle.
Paphos, true to its name, is rich in pretentious luxury hotels - there are many hotels of 5 and 4 stars, filled with all sorts of delights - from extravagant design solutions to chic restaurants with expensive dishes. Examples include the Alexander the Great, Amalthia Beach, Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort or the medieval castle-like Elysium.
Protaras also has its own peculiarities. This quiet and not the most popular resort is perfect for a relaxing family holiday, so the hotels here are appropriate - mostly middle class, 3 or 4 stars, with quality service and good rooms.
HGI AMO
Geography
Relief of Cyprus
The island stretches for 240 km from east to west, and reaches a width of 100 km from north to south. Area - 9251 km².
Relief
Most of the island is occupied by mountains. 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 range 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, cut by longitudinal river valleys. Its northern part is the highest, here is also the highest point of Cyprus - Mount Olymbos (1952 m).
Climate
Subtropical Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures in Cyprus:
Flora and fauna
The fauna of Cyprus is not distinguished by its richness and diversity of species. Of the rare animals of the island, the endemic Cypriot mountain sheep, the mouflon, living in the Troodos mountains and in the wooded area of Paphos, is especially interesting. In recent years, hunting for it has been banned by the government. Foxes and hares are found in the forest zone of the mountains. 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 forest thickets near the coast. There are many amphibians in Cyprus, especially tree frogs.
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The first traces of civilization in Cyprus date back to the Neolithic period, around 8000 BC. e., and are over 9,000 years old. There are traces of the Stone Age, the Copper Age, the Bronze Age up to the end of the second millennium BC on the island. 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 after the end of the period of the Trojan Wars.
This is what determined the cultural face of the island. The Greek language, art, religion and traditions were introduced during this period. In addition, cities were founded that exist to this day.
In ancient times, Cyprus was famous for its copper ore deposits and forests. This is what made it the object of aspirations of the powerful states of the Mediterranean.
The Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians alternately captured the island and owned it, until it was destroyed in 333 BC. e. not conquered by Alexander the Great.
Since 1964, a contingent of UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus has been stationed on the island, which currently numbers 1,216 troops. UN peacekeeping forces arrived after inter-communal armed clashes broke out in December 1963, and Turkey threatened to intervene. 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 has a population of 265,100.
Transport
There are three international airports in Cyprus, two are located on the Greek part of the island in Paphos (16 km from the city) and Larnaca (2 km from the city). There is also a full-fledged operating airport in Nicosia - Ercan (Ercan), All flights to Northern Cyprus pass through the territory of Turkey. The main airline serving the Greek part 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, Paphos and Protaras serve mainly. 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 dark volcanic sand beaches. The beaches of Protaras are mixed, mostly of yellow sand. The most popular beaches of Ayia Napa: Nissi, Makronissos, Sandy Bay, Napa (Grishn).
The city of Paphos is included in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list, and is also known for being close to Aphrodite's bay. According to legend, in this place the goddess of love and beauty was born from sea foam.
The sights of Cyprus are a mixture of different eras - the Byzantine castle of Kolossi, in which Isaac Komnenos took refuge from the crusaders, the church in which Richard I the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria of Navarre, Venetian fortresses, British left-hand traffic.
The main attraction in the north of the island is Famagusta with the medieval Othello Tower and the "ghost town" (Varosha quarter).
Geographical proximity to a number of Mediterranean countries allows for sea cruises for tourists to Egypt, Israel, the island of Rhodes or Jordan. Cruise liners depart from the seaports of Larnaca and Limassol, and correspond to 3-5 star hotels. Cruise time usually lasts about two days.
Cars rented to tourists have red numbers that begin with the letter Z. Car rentals may have an age limit, depending on the car rental company.
In addition to left-hand traffic, the power supply standard belongs to the British heritage - three-pin sockets (one of them is grounding, an analogue of the side contact of the euro plug), but not 230 V, as in the UK, but 240 V.
Among the attractions of Cyprus are Orthodox shrines, such as the tomb of St. Lazarus in Larnaca.
Many shops and banks on the island are closed on Wednesday 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.
There is some tension 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" Varosha - a quarter in the city of Famagusta.
Among the ethnic Greeks in Cyprus, one can meet a certain number of immigrants from the former
The cities and villages of Cyprus are focused on various categories of tourists - families with children, elderly couples, young people. In some of them, life is in full swing even in the low season, others prefer to take a break from guests in the winter. But even in the smallest villages there are enough sights from different eras to satisfy the strictest 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 13th century BC. e. Mycenaean Greeks, who built the city-state of Kition here, then it passed to the Phoenicians. The Turks left the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca, one of the shrines of Islam, which is now not operational. The building, perfectly visible from Lake Larnaca, is designed in classical forms with a semicircular dome and a pointed minaret. Today's city is solid beaches with dark sand and Finikoudes promenade 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 in the low season, until 7.30 pm in 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 massively adopted Christianity. From the Roman period there were villas of the II-III centuries. with well-preserved mosaics.
The church of Saint Paraskeva in Paphos, a squat building with parasol domes and frescoes of the 9th-15th centuries, was built during the time of iconoclasm no later than 843. Another interesting monument of religious architecture is the church of Panagia Hodegetria of the 13th century 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 the main staircase, but the rough stones of the natural foundation are perfectly visible from behind.
By the 19th century, the city was virtually empty. To revive it, they resorted to simple measures - they put the harbor in order, built a lighthouse 20 meters high in 1888, and already in the 20th century they began to reap the benefits of a 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 3rd century BC necropolis was discovered 2 km northwest of the harbor. e. "Royal Tombs" True, ordinary aristocrats were buried in them, and not monarchs - “royal” burials with colonnades were nicknamed for luxury. The necropolis is accessible to tourists, the cost of its inspection is 2.5 euros.
20 km northwest of Paphos are the man-made caves of Cape Drepano, former tombs, and the ruins of the port city. The Church of St. George the Victorious was built here about 100 years ago. This elegant church building made of local stone, with patterned glass and a red-tiled roof is a typical modern Christian building of the island.
In the village of Lempa near Paphos, Scottish archaeologists have restored a 5,000-year-old Eneolithic settlement using the same materials and techniques. In the village of Empe near Paphos, tourists often visit the church of Panagia Chryseleousa of the 12th century with an annex of the 18th century and unique frescoes of the 12th-16th centuries. In the same places, a 20-minute drive northeast of Paphos, there is a monastery of the Holy Cross Mint with a single resident. The name of the monastery was due to the thickets of mint on the nearby hills. The main shrine of the monastery - a crucifix with particles of a genuine cross from which Christ was removed - was stolen by the Turks during one of the raids and, as unnecessary, was thrown into the bushes immediately 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, lively in summer and sleeping peacefully in winter, is an ancient monastic area, covered with dense forests back in the 14th century. According to legend, the monastery was built next to the cave, where an ancient Byzantine icon was found. Historians tend to believe this explanation, since during the iconoclasm in the 7th-8th centuries. in Cyprus, the owners of images could easily be executed, so 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 advance booking during the season. Night entertainment is concentrated on Club Street, attractions are located in the amusement park, including the Catapult, which flies up to 10 meters. The Dinosaur Park was built for children. Ayia Napa offers guests the best white sand beaches in Cyprus, boat and yacht rentals. At one of them, the 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 tens of kilometers from Limassol. As elsewhere on the island, there are many archaeological sites in the vicinity of the city: the sanctuary of Apollo of the 5th century BC. BC e., the ruins of Kourion, partially destroyed in the IV century by an earthquake, and then finally destroyed by the Arabs. Now here you can see the theater, the Roman forum, mosaics, the early Christian basilica, baths, the house of gladiators found by archaeologists. 6 km from Limassol - the ruins of the ancient Amathus. The nunnery of St. George Alamanu stands 10 km from the city in the direction of Larnaca. In the XII century, it was founded as a men's one, 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. It was finally settled by women in 1949 and the community has flourished ever since.
In the city itself, elements of ancient and modern architecture of different peoples coexist. 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 married in the castle. The Jami Mosque of the 16th century has been preserved from the Turks. The coastal promenade of Molos is decorated with modern sculptures. The kilometer-long embankment ends with the Old Port with a statue of a mermaid and a marina with dozens of expensive yachts. The city park, to the delight of Russian tourists, 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 the youthful Ayia Napa. Native 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 show "Singing Fountains". In winter, the resort falls asleep, the white sand beaches are empty.
Turkish Cyprus
Kyrenia is the main tourist attraction of the Turkish part of the island. The city is famous for the Byzantine fortress of the 7th century with the Maritime Museum inside. Its most important exhibit is a ship raised from the bottom of the sea and restored. Around Kyrenia, three fortresses of the Crusaders have been preserved; 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, they are mostly awarded the Blue Flag. The local sand is golden or dark, white sand is usually imported, as in Ayia Napa, where there is no crowding during the season. In Limassol, the beaches are sandy and pebbly. Part of the coast of Cyprus is rocky, with a dangerous descent to the water. Petra tou Romiou, where Aphrodite came ashore from the sea foam, is not a beach at all, contrary to popular belief, but a steep cliff near the coast, which is best photographed from afar. Surprises are hidden by the seabed of Paphos - the sand on the shore here is loose in places, and the shallow water has remained rocky, so many people prefer to swim right in beach shoes. The beaches in Cyprus are public, umbrellas and sun loungers are rented out.
Museums
The main museums of the island are archaeological, as a rule, they are open right at the excavation sites. The largest non-ancient Cypriot archaeological collection on the island is located at 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 09:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Thursday, on Friday and Saturday it closes at 13:00, the ticket price is 2 euros. In addition, the local history museum of Cyprus in Nicosia deserves attention. In Limassol, an unusual Carob Museum has been opened - a source for food additives 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 thrive along the entire coast of Cyprus, and excellent fishing near Cape Greco. Golf courses are laid out in the Mint Hills in the vicinity of Paphos. Ski slopes are laid on the Troodos ridge, the skiing season is from December to March. Tourists have chosen Mount Olympus with a height of 1951 m 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 beginner 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 in Limassol, in other parts of the island, private apartments and small family hotels are more widely represented. 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. In Cyprus, there are no beaches owned by hotels, but guests are offered free rest at the hotel pools. The cost of a room starts from 1500 rubles and reaches astronomical sums in elite hotels. A low price does not mean poor service or poor quality of rooms, most often it is a discount for inconvenience: 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 the department stores of Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia - they are sold mixed with inexpensive Asian-made items. Independence Street is the main trading platform 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 cheaper and more diverse. Tourists prefer to bring home souvenirs and local products: olives and olive oil, wines, carob syrups, honey and sweets, pickled Halloumi cheese. Silver, lace, hand embroidery and jewelry from Lefkara, natural cosmetics, religious souvenirs from monasteries and temples are in demand.
Restaurants and cafes
Finding a place to eat in Cyprus is not a problem: there are always cafes near the beaches, as a rule, in museums too. On the island, they prefer to treat visitors with Mediterranean dishes of meat, fish and vegetables; the sweet table in Cyprus was formed under the clear influence of Turkey. Among the expensive but popular restaurants is Epsilon in Limassol, the best examples of fish cuisine in season can be found in Protaras, right on the beach in the Kalamies tavern. The most popular restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol is Vivaldi. In Nicosia, European cuisine and homemade pastries are cooked in an inexpensive Cookshop, here in 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 independently to the mountains and crossing the border between the two Cypriot states. Mountain paths are usually equipped with railings, but this does not prevent stones from falling on their heads; some routes associated with forcing mountain rivers are difficult for children. When driving through the checkpoint on the Turkish side, it is mandatory to present passports and car insurance. Its cost is 20 euros for 3 days, 35 euros for a month. Turkish lira is officially accepted for payment in Northern Cyprus and euro - unofficially, but at a predatory rate. Bank cards are freely accepted in shops, sightseeing is cash only.
How to get there
In order not to have trouble 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 Russian cities. A visa is issued without a tourist tax, is issued in just 1 day. Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area, however, if the guest has an open Schengen visa and an entry mark for one of the Schengen countries, then you can freely enter Cyprus. Tourists travel around the island by public buses, taxis, rented cars, bicycles and motorcycles.
Useful data for tourists about Cyprus, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Cyprus, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Cyprus.
Geography of Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus is a state located on the island of the same name in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
The coastline of the island in the north is indented and rocky, in the south it is flat, with long sandy beaches. In the center and south-west is the vast old Troodos volcanic massif (the highest point is Olympos, 1951 m.).
State
State structure
An independent sovereign republic with a presidential form of government, the legislative body is a unicameral parliament (House of Representatives). Since 1974, the northern part of the island (3,354 sq. km.) has been occupied by Turkish troops with the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, unrecognized by the world community.
Language
Official language: Greek, Turkish
English is widely used, less frequently French and German. Many hotels have Russian-speaking staff.
Religion
Orthodoxy - 77%, Islam - 18%.
Currency
International name: EUR
It is better to exchange currency in banks and at the airport.
History of Cyprus
The oldest history of the island dates back to the 7th millennium BC. From the first settlers of Cyprus, mysterious inscriptions remained on the stone blocks, which have not yet been deciphered.
At the beginning of the II millennium BC, the Greeks appeared on the island. They founded rich city-kingdoms in Cyprus on the model of the ancient Greek city of Mycenae, bringing with them the Greek religion and the Greek way of life. The Greek state form of government existed in Cyprus until the era of the Romans.
The name of the island comes from the Latin root "cuprum" - copper. Countless natural wealth - copper and iron deposits, emerald reserves, cypress and cedar forests, olive groves and sugar cane plantations, outlandish fruits and vegetables have always made Cyprus a tasty morsel for foreigners. Before our era, the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Assyrians and Persians in turn established their dominance in Cyprus, poetically calling it "the land of the setting sun." Alexander the Great finally liberated the island from the invaders, but after the collapse of his empire, Cyprus became a province of the empire of Ptolemaic Egypt, and later, from 58 BC, passed to the Romans.
In 330 AD, after the collapse of the Roman Empire, the island became part of Byzantium. Since then, Cyprus has shared the fate of the Greek Orthodox world.
During the period of the Crusades, Cyprus was conquered by Richard the Lionheart on his way to the Holy Land. Richard handed it over to the Knights Templar, who, in turn, gave it to the Lusignans from France, who founded a kingdom on the island according to the western feudal model (1192-1489). The last queen of this kingdom transferred ownership of the island to the Venetian Republic. In 1571, the island was captured by the Turks and passed into the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Cyprus was under the rule of the Turks for more than three centuries.
In 1878, Turkey granted Cyprus to Great Britain in exchange for the promised help in case of war with Russia. Until 1959, Cyprus was a British colony. On August 16, 1960, after the liberation struggle of the Greek Cypriots, Cyprus was proclaimed an independent state - the Republic. The first president of the island republic was Archbishop Makarios.
In July 1974, the Greek military junta launched an armed rebellion against the government of Makarios. Turkey seized the moment. Under the pretext of protecting the Turkish Cypriots, it occupied 37% of the territory of Cyprus, which it illegally holds to this day.
Since April 1, 2004, when southern Cyprus (Greek) joined the EU, the borders between the two parts of the island have been open to the free movement of tourists and local residents.
The oldest history of the island dates back to the 7th millennium BC. From the first settlers of Cyprus, mysterious inscriptions remained on the stone blocks, which have not yet been deciphered....
Popular Attractions
Cyprus Tourism
Where to stay
Cyprus at all times has attracted thousands of tourists from all over the world with its crystal clear seas, hot sun, historical monuments and good service. Hotels in Cyprus are divided into several categories - these are hotels that have been assigned stars, hotels in the national style, hotels without stars and guest houses. In addition, in Cyprus you can stay in one of the tourist villages, rent an apartment or rent a tent at a campsite. These types of housing also have a gradation - they are divided into class A, B, C and luxury.
Hotels have a standard classification from one to five stars. Since Cyprus has a strict standard for assigning stars, you can be sure that by choosing one of them you will receive the appropriate service. However, the cost of living will depend not only on the star rating, but also on how close the hotel is to the sea, whether the hotel has its own beach and how equipped it is. At the same time, it is worth considering that if the hotel is located on the coast, you will have to get to the city center on your own and quite far. As a rule, in hotels you will be offered only breakfast, full board can be ordered for an additional fee. Among the advantages it can be noted that in most hotels you can find Russian-speaking staff. If we talk about entertainment, then four and five star hotels provide animation programs not only for children, but also for adults. Water slides can be arranged on the beach.
There are many official campsites in Cyprus. Here you will find toilets, showers, small cafes and shops. You can also rent a private apartment, villas on the beach or houses that will be located in close proximity to the sea. The cost of living here is relatively inexpensive, and the service is high-class.
Cypriots carefully treat their traditions, including culinary ones. Cuisine is part of culture, it is history, it is the soul of the people. Cypriot cuisine does not tolerate fuss. It is appetizing, varied and plentiful. Her fragrances follow you at every turn. It will satisfy both gourmets and lovers of a lot of delicious food, and vegetarians. Cypriot dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients with plenty of vegetables, seasoned with local herbs and olive oil, making them not only delicious, but also healthy. ...
Tips
A 10% service charge is usually added to the bill at most restaurants. Tipping is usually given to taxi drivers as well. In the hotel it is customary to leave a few coins for the maids.
Visa
Office Hours
Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 12.30, some banks in tourist areas are open in the afternoon.
Shops are open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5.30 pm in winter, from 4 pm to 7 pm in summer. Shops are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
Purchases
When buying, you can get a Global Refund - a VAT refund (8.3% of the purchase amount), for this you need to take a Global Refund receipt when buying and, having assured it at the customs of Larnaca or Paphos airports, lower it into a bright yellow box. Compensation must be sent by bank transfer.
Souvenirs
Most often, tourists buy: napkins from Lefkarian lace; beer KEO; Soundzouko (suzuko) - a Cypriot delicacy made from grape molasses and almonds; Halloumi is a type of cheese made only in Cyprus; Cypriot dessert wine Kommandaria; recordings of traditional Cypriot music; traditional pottery - jugs, vases, candlesticks.
Emergency Phones
A single number for calling the police, firefighters or ambulance is 199 or 112.
Questions and opinions about Cyprus
Larnaca - Q&A
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Paphos - Question-Answer
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Limassol - Question-Answer