Cyprus is a standard destination for a beach holiday. There are not many unique and vibrant places here. But no serious shortcomings can be found here. Cyprus has a mild climate and a fairly high level of service.
The country is dominated by clean beaches with numerous Blue Flags. For this reason, Cyprus is a traditional holiday destination for most travelers. This is a respectable vacation in all respects.
Where is Cyprus?
The country is located in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.
This island is the third largest of those located in this sea:
Türkiye is closest to Cyprus. It is located only 75 km from it.
Syria is located 105 km from Cyprus.
And 380 km away is Egypt.
Climate and weather
Cyprus is characterized by the following weather and climatic conditions:
Interestingly, the swimming season in this country lasts throughout the whole year.
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Sea in Cyprus
The sea in this region has the following features:
- The island is located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.
- The Cyprus Sea is part of the Mediterranean Sea. Its eastern part is called the Levantine Sea, and the northeastern part is called the Cilician Sea.
- The Cyprus Sea is one of the most saline and warmest in the area. The water here is too salty, which is why marine life prefers to stay in coastal waters. Coral reefs are located in the southern part of the sea.
- The water temperature on the coast fluctuates. In the period from January to May it is 15-19 degrees. The same temperature level is typical for November and December. In summer, lasting from June to October, the water temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees.
Most beaches in Cyprus are awarded Blue Flags, which are awarded for clean water.
Sights of Cyprus
Archaeologists have made several discoveries, among which are the following:
- Basilica dating back to the early Christian era.
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite.
- Ruins of baths and water supply system.
Naturally, they were all subject to the ravages of time. But this did not at all worsen its effect. The ancient city of Kourion, which is the largest, attracts attention. The richest mansions and baths characteristic of the Roman era have survived to this day. You can see not only various mosaics and an ancient theater, but also the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates.
The Troodos Mountains will attract nature lovers. They are not only one of the most visited nature reserves, but also a ski resort. There are monasteries and churches included in the UNESCO heritage list. They are under state protection.
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Cities and resorts
Order an inexpensive transfer - taxi in Cyprus
Customs restrictions
Russians will need a visa to visit this country, but there are certain customs restrictions:
There is a ban on lifting archaeological treasures from the seabed. They are prohibited from being exported from Cyprus. If you still want to export them, you will need a special permit.
Souvenirs and shopping
Stores in Cyprus operate according to a specific schedule. In summer you can get to the shops at almost any convenient time. But from October to April they can be accessed from 8:00 to 18:00. Remember that they are open for lunch from 13:00 to 15:00. They close Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, and are closed all day on Sunday.
The following purchases can be called the best:
- fur coats and sheepskin coats;
- paintings and designer jewelry;
- silver jewelry and hand-made lace;
- leather clothing and accessories;
- wines and liqueurs.
The Commandaria wine is especially popular. This is a sweet dessert wine. There are different types of it. The best is Commandaria St. John. It is easy to recognize by its black label.
You may like models of ships of varying complexity, figurines of Aphrodite of various sizes, and dolls dressed in national clothes.
If you love culinary delights, give preference to sweets. In Cyprus, Turkish delight, halva and souzoukos are especially prized. As for the latter, these are almond grains rolled in grape molasses.
If you are planning to travel to this country, you will be looking forward to more than just a family holiday. Beach parties are popular here. Cyprus is also of interest to lovers of ancient architecture and sights. You will have a lot of new impressions about this trip.
My friend and I vacationed in Cyprus last year. We got the ticket completely by accident - an old friend from a travel agency called and offered us a last-minute tour. We gathered spontaneously in two days, without having time to really finish our work. What can we say about the fact that we didn’t even know where this place was located or what the sea was like in Cyprus.
Magic sea on the island of Cyprus
Getting to know the place where we are flying began on the plane. In the seat of the chair in front there was a magazine in which there was an article about Cyprus. So, having already arrived, we learned that Cyprus is an island, surrounded Mediterranean Sea. And besides, there is a part Greek part and Turkish.
Immediately upon arrival, we dropped our things and headed straight to the sea. To understand what the sea is like in Cyprus, you need to plunge into it! It's divine: clean (you can see your toes), salty (salt pushes the body to the surface), transparent and tenderly warm!
What other bodies of water are there in Cyprus?
While vacationing in Turkey, we went to look at waterfalls and alpine freshwater lakes. We decided that it would be interesting to go on a similar excursion here too. It turned out that there are problems with fresh lakes in Cyprus, and there are only a few salt lakes:
- Larnaca Salt Lake (the largest);
- Oroklini;
- Akrotiri.
The most interesting thing is that it is impossible to see these lakes in normal condition in the summer. They're drying up completely, turning into a white desert, instead of sand, there are grains of salt around it. Our guide told us that in the spring the lakes are filled with water, and they are home to many birds, in particular flamingo.
However, we did not see a single bird.
Also in Cyprus there is riverPedieos, flowing into the Gulf of Famagusta on the Turkish part of the island. Another river of Cyprus, a little smaller, also flows into the same bay. It's called Yalias.
Fresh water problems
Of course, if you live only in a tourist area and live in a hotel, you will not experience problems with water. No shutdowns or no restrictions for tourists. However, our guide (a native Cypriot) said that there are Withserious problems with fresh water - they have it Scheduled. This is due to the fact that Cyprus has an arid climate, and there is only one natural fresh lake. Therefore, when driving along the streets of Larnaca or Limassol, please note that on the roofs of houses there are water tanks who bask in the sun.
These are water reserves. In order to somehow solve the water problem, they built dams(reservoirs) where fresh water is collected and stored. A number of desalination stations, one of them uses new technology using solar energy.
The average cost of bottled water is 0.80 - 1 euro for one and a half liters.
Only one major river flows into this sea - the Nile, so the concentration of salt in it is increased - this is the saltiest part of the Mediterranean Sea. The water is clear, even at great depths you can clearly see the bottom. Here, you won’t even find colorful fish here. No matter how strange it may sound, the inhabitants of the island buy fish and seafood from neighboring countries: local waters are not rich in commercial species of marine life; everything that is available is grown on special farms located in the open sea. Nevertheless, tourists are always offered to go fishing as a form of entertainment - there are no illusions about the number and size of fish that can be caught.The Cyprus Sea is very warm: the tourist season on the island officially closes on November 1, but you can swim until December; the water maintains a comfortable temperature of about 20 degrees. This is one of the few resorts where you can safely go swimming in November and April. But the highest season here is from May to October, when the water temperature is 23-24 degrees.
This sea is not suitable for surfing; the water is very calm and “gentle”. One of the important characteristics of the sea in Cyprus is its cleanliness; many of the beaches here are awarded the Blue Flag, an award given to beaches with the most environmentally friendly water. In 2013, 57 beaches were awarded this honor.
The largest concentration of famous and popular beaches is in the city of Ayia Napa - the beaches here are sandy or a mixture of sand and pebbles. The most famous is the local Nissi Beach.
Legends and myths
The Cyprus Sea also attracts tourists with its rich history. According to legend, it was from its waters that the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite emerged. Now this place is called Aphrodite's Bay, it is located near the resort of Paphos. There are many signs associated with swimming in it: women, having plunged into its waters, gain youth and attractiveness, and lovers who swim together will always be together.A large layer of legends is associated with the caves that dot the coast of Cyprus, and the pirates who stored the loot in them. The image of gentlemen of fortune will accompany you on the Cyprus Sea, on which stylized ships with a black flag still sail today.
For whom
The Cyprus sea is calm, clean and warm - ideal for families with children. There are no extreme entertainments here, but you can pleasantly relax to the sound of the surf. This is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway for a couple in love. However, in many resorts, especially in Ayia Napa, the sea becomes the venue for fun parties, people dance right in the lagoons!The Cyprus Sea attracts divers: here, in addition to the underwater world, you can see sunken ships, including one of the most famous and largest, the second Titanic - the ferry Zenobia, which sank near the port of Larnaca.
is an amazing island with a comfortable climate and developed infrastructure, thanks to which the number of people wishing to relax here is growing every year. But the main attraction of this Island of Love is the sea - clean, safe and incredibly beautiful. Let's consider this particular water component of a wonderful holiday.
Geographical features of the sea in Cyprus
Cleanliness of the Cyprus Sea
The purity of the sea in Cyprus cannot be described - it must be seen. At the same time, the ideal azure of sea water boasts not only environmental purity, but also extraordinary transparency. So, on the coast of the island there are places where even at a depth of 40 to 100 m you will see all the beauty of the seabed in the smallest detail. This is why Cyprus is so attractive for diving enthusiasts. The ecological cleanliness of many Cypriot beaches is not just an advertising slogan. It is marked with a special certificate of beach quality - the EU Blue Flag.
Flora and fauna of the Cyprus Sea
The part of the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus is quite rich in inhabitants, which, given the high concentration of salt in sea water, prefer the coastal area. Therefore, diving is the best way to see with your own eyes all the splendor of the flora and fauna of the Cyprus Sea. Having gone down to the bottom, you can observe rare fish, shellfish, crabs and turtles, and on the southern coast you can also appreciate the beauty of the coral reefs. Staying out of the water will bring you no less aesthetic pleasure, since the seascapes when walking along the coasts look impressive and very picturesque.
Maritime safety in Cyprus
Another advantage of the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus is safety, but not only in environmental terms. Here you can safely swim without fear of such biological “threats” as sharks, sea urchins or jellyfish. If you choose the wild beaches of the island for relaxation, there is a risk of getting burned by some types of algae. Although they pose no more danger than nettles. And, of course, there are storms on the Cyprus Sea, so swimming at this time is not recommended.
The best beaches in Cyprus
If the purpose of your stay in Cyprus is to go to the beach, pay attention to the beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras. Here you will find white sandy coastlines and perfectly clear water. The EU blue flag beaches here are Nissi Beach, Ayia Thekla, Kermia, Makronissos, Konnos Bay, Kapparis Beach. If you prefer active recreation and diving, choose the beaches of Paphos with cooler water but a rich underwater world. In this part of Cyprus, the beaches of Coral Bay, Faros, and City Beach are awarded a certificate of quality. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the famous Aphrodite beach, located near Limassol and Paphos, on the shores of which, according to legend, the sea goddess emerged from the foam.
The sea in Cyprus provides a lot of opportunities to have a great time on vacation - swimming and sunbathing, diving and windsurfing, fishing and enjoying the sea views on board a snow-white yacht.
As you can see, the closest way to Cyprus is from Turkey if you travel by sea. The island belongs to Asia, and not Europe or Africa, as one might mistakenly assume.
The climate is mild and temperate - this is one of the reasons why many Russians seek to relax here at any time of the year.
Cyprus seas
The Mediterranean Sea has so-called small seas (like neighborhoods in a small city). Cyprus has three of them:
- Cyprus - washes the southern coast;
- Cilician - located on the northeastern coast;
- Levantine is a small sea on the east coast.
- West Coast - Mediterranean Sea, which does not have a separate name.
It is worth noting that the most favorite place for Cypriots and tourists is the Cyprus Sea. Here the water is warmest, the sea is calm, and there is very little precipitation.
Cyprus is considered safe for swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, as there are no sharks, sea urchins, or poisonous underwater plants. But you need to be attentive and careful in any case. During the swimming season, the sea is rarely stormy, so every tourist will definitely be lucky.
Now let’s look at what the water temperature is in different seasons. Let's start with summer. Of course, at this time of year the swimming season is open. The water is quite warm and warms up to +30 °C.
In September, the water temperature is about +27 °C degrees, so the swimming season is still open. It is worth noting that there are a lot of beautiful fish and other inhabitants in the sea that you can see while snorkeling.
In October, the sea becomes noticeably colder (+24 °C), but this does not interfere with swimming and diving. Until the end of the month you can safely swim, dive, and explore the underwater world.
In November, the water seems cold for most tourists. Only daredevils will want to swim.
In winter, the Cyprus Sea cools down and the temperature does not exceed +16 °C. Swimming is not recommended.
In the spring, the water warms up to +24 °C. In May, tourists open the swimming season.
Most popular resorts
Below is a list of the best resorts on the island of Cyprus, which are located both near the sea and far from the coast:
- Ayia Napa and Protaras
They are located in the eastern part of the island not far from each other. The beaches are sandy, environmentally friendly, well-groomed. The resorts are suitable for low-income families, young people and retirees.
- Limassol
The southernmost edge of the island with the port of the same name. The beaches here have gray sand or pebbles. Families with children prefer to relax at this resort.
- Pathos
Located in the southwestern part of the island of Cyprus. This resort is special - it is quiet, calm, and the nature is extraordinary. The beaches are rocky.
- Larnaca
Location – south-eastern part of Cyprus. The sea here is shallow, reminiscent of our Azov Sea. You can walk far from the shore without drowning. The resort is suitable for families with small children.
- Pissouri
Located in the southwestern part of the island. It is here that small Cypriot houses remain, which, unfortunately, cannot be seen in other resorts that have only modern multi-storey buildings.
All of the listed holiday destinations have clean beaches, calm and equally clean seas.
Sights by the sea
The island has a huge number of interesting attractions. Let's look at the most interesting places near the sea coast. Let's divide our list of attractions by resorts in Cyprus.
Protaras
A less popular resort in the eastern part of Cyprus, located just east of Ayia Napa. Here you can get acquainted with amazing places.
- Cape Greco
Amazing landscapes will open before you; the magnificent view of the sea, rocks, and caves will take your breath away! Every nature lover should definitely take a walk in the national reserve at Cape Greco and along the coast.
- Fig Tree Bay
Fig trees grow here, decorating the entire coast. Walking along the bay will bring pleasure, calm the soul, and lift your spirits.
- Aquarium
Be sure to check out the local aquarium, which features a variety of small fish, predatory creatures, turtles and other marine fauna. It will be interesting not only for adults, but also for small children.
- Church of the Prophet Elijah
On the highest cliff there is a church in honor of St. Elijah the Prophet. Near the shrine there is a breathtaking view of the sea. Orthodox Christians come here to pray and rest their souls.
Pathos
One of the most unusual places not only in Cyprus, but also on the planet. Amazing beauty awaits you here.
- Bath of Aphrodite
An amazing place that will not leave anyone indifferent: here a waterfall descends from a cliff into a clear pool. The water has a turquoise hue. An excellent place for swimming and bungee jumping.
Birthplace of Aphrodite. Beautiful scenery on the seashore. Waves splash over boulders and beach pebbles, creating an unusual picture.
Limassol
The resort of Limassol is surprising because in its vicinity the ancient city of Kourion with columns and an amphitheater has been preserved near the sea. Here you can take a trip into the distant past and feel the atmosphere of an ancient era.
The Mediterranean Sea surrounding the island is an environmentally friendly and absolutely safe place for people. Here you can fully relax, swim and get a lot of impressions.
