Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist centers, attracting Russian tourists for more than 20 years. For our compatriots, it has long become an image of an ideal summer holiday, and stories about how wonderful the sea in Cyprus is is an object of envy among those who have not yet visited there. This island is divided into two parts - the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is a partially recognized state entity under the jurisdiction of Turkey. But the center of Russian tourism in this case is the Republic of Cyprus.
First of all, this attracts our tourists fairy island, of course, beaches. Which sea washes Cyprus? Very warm - Mediterranean. The island is located in its eastern part. But this answer to this question is not entirely accurate from a geographical point of view. So what kind of sea is it? It is distinguished as an integral part of the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, its northeastern part (the one that washes the shores of Cyprus and is called the Cilician Sea. The eastern part, which lies between the island and the Middle Eastern shores, is called the Levantine Sea.
And what will an ordinary tourist answer if you ask him about what kind of sea is in Cyprus? The first answer you hear is: “Clean.” At the same time, a person’s face will be illuminated by a dreamy smile - such a sea will not be forgotten for a long time.
The sea in Cyprus is truly clean; it is not for nothing that many beaches on this island have been awarded the “blue flag” of the European Union for environmental cleanliness and developed infrastructure. All beaches in Cyprus are city property and visiting them is absolutely free. But you will have to pay about 1-2 euros for renting beach equipment: awnings, umbrellas, sun loungers.
In addition, the Cyprus Sea is one of the warmest and saltiest parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the high salt content, almost all marine life is concentrated in coastal waters, which provides scope for diving. The Cyprus Sea is also rich in coral reefs, seeing which is the dream of every lover. But it should be remembered that the Cypriot authorities meticulously monitor the rise of archaeological treasures from the bottom of the sea by tourists. Therefore, despite the fact that finding them in the surrounding waters is a simple matter, you should not try to take away the historical heritage as souvenirs.
Cyprus. What kind of sea is there? Not only crystal clear, but also warm. The average sea water temperature off the coast of the island is about 15-17 degrees in the winter months, or more precisely from November to May. In summer, the water warms up to 22-27 degrees.
What are the main places in Cyprus for beach holiday? Of course, the main resort is Larnaca. Also great beaches can boast of Limassol, Ayia Napa - the capital of the island's club life, the city of Paphos, where the famous Aphrodite Bay is located. If you haven't made a decision yet on where to spend your holiday, consider visiting these cities. Then, upon returning home, you will enthusiastically begin to tell your friends and acquaintances: “Oh, what a sea in Cyprus!”
Republic of Cyprus.
Country Summary
The capital Nicosia is the capital of both the Greek and Turkish parts of the island. Founded 7000-3000 BC. Politic systemSince 1960, Cyprus has had a Presidential form of government, with Presidential elections every five years. The political system is built on the model of Western democracies, in which the individual rights of citizens are respected, and private enterprise is given every opportunity for development. The executive power of the Government is exercised by the Council of Ministers, whose members are appointed by the President. Ministers are responsible for managing all affairs within their ministries and for implementing laws. Legislative power belongs to the House of Representatives, consisting of 56 elected members who have powers for 5 years. The multi-party system operates in Cyprus in such a way that there is a proportional representation of candidates for elections from each party.
Location Cyprus is located at the crossroads of the air and water routes of Europe, Asia and Africa, in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is located 75 km south of Turkey, 105 km from Syria, 380 km from the Greek island of Rhodes. Its maximum length from east to west is 240 kilometers, from north to south - about 100 kilometers. The largest cities in Cyprus are the capital Nicosia, as well as the coastal cities of Limassol, Paphos and Larnaca. Time zone UTC+2. Flight time from Moscow Flight time to Cyprus from Moscow (Moscow - Larnaca and Moscow - Paphos) is 3 hours 30 minutes. - 4 hours. Territory Area 9251 square kilometers. Population According to the Social Statistics of Cyprus, the population of Cyprus in 2002 was 802,500 people. Language State language Cyprus is a Cypriot dialect of the Greek language. In addition, Turkish is widely spoken as a native language. About 90% of the population knows English language, which actually performs the functions of the second state language.
Main religions The majority of the population of Cyprus is made up of ethnic Greeks who practice Orthodox Christianity and ethnic Turks who practice Islam.
Official currency The currency of Cyprus has been the euro since January 1, 2008. Before the country joined the European Unionmonetary unit
Cyprus was the Cypriot pound.
Mains voltage Mains voltage in Cyprus is 240 volts, 50 hertz, three-phase sockets.
Climate The climate on the island of Cyprus is Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters and dry, hot summers. Most of the year the weather is clear and sunny - quantity
More than 15,000 shops, restaurants and hotels accept at least one of the above credit cards. Where an automatic clearing system (P.O.S.) is installed, visa Electron and maestro cards are also accepted. Typically, the logo of credit cards that are accepted at a particular establishment is placed on the display window or at the reception desk.
All banks, shops, restaurants, etc. Euro checks and traveler's checks are accepted.
Shopping In Cyprus, any buyer's dreams can be turned into reality. In every, even the most remote town of the island, shopping streets with rich shops stretch one after another, boasting a wide variety of goods.
In the resort shops and souvenir shops you can always find something unusual and reminiscent of your trip to the island. Among stores of this type, the Center for Cypriot Handicrafts is of particular interest - this is a chain of stores focused not so much on making a profit, but on promoting the goods of local handicrafts and for educational purposes for the visitor. The Center has branches in every big city Cyprus. There you can buy interesting local ceramics, wickerwork, silver jewelry and souvenirs, copper products and other original goods.
The mountain village of Lefkara is famous for its lace and embroidery self made. They are very expensive, but they have exquisite taste. Peasant women in all villages sew cute tablecloths, napkins and linen. From goods locally produced Products made of leather, gold, and silver deserve special attention; painted ceramics, national embroidery, Lefkaritika lace. Local legend says that women here learned needle weaving in the 15th century, when the Venetians ruled the island. In Cyprus, Lefkara is also known as a place of amazingly fine work of silver jewelers.
In Fiti, near Paphos, women take pride in their unusual colorful aprons, traditional clothing, furniture and floor runners, and in Leopetri near Agia Nala they still weave and use utensils and baskets. Another interesting craft that flourishes in villages to this day is wooden wicker chairs. In fact, many local taverns and cafeterias prefer to receive their customers on such chairs, especially if they were made by a close relative of the tavern owner.
Jewelry stores in Cyprus are always full of tourists, which is not surprising, because there. As a rule, there is a wide range of high-quality products made from precious metals and stones at very modest prices. In Cyprus, jewelry products are not subject to taxes, making their prices significantly lower than in most European countries. The main material of Cypriot jewelers is 18-karat gold (which means 18 parts of pure metal plus 6 parts of impurities). There is also a wide selection of products made from silver (925 and higher), diamonds of various sizes, equipped with international certificates, as well as products from other precious and semi-precious stones.
One of the most ancient crafts - ceramics - is not becoming a thing of the past in Cyprus. Traditional production methods are perfectly combined with modern design and pattern of products. Ceramic dishes - vases or plates - are mainly made from red clay. High quality pottery is produced in Kornos, on the route between Nicosia and Limassol, and in Fiti, in the Troodos Mountains north-east of Paphos.
Silver products are widely offered, in particular miniature copies of pre-Christian statues, cups, cases, chains and other jewelry, filigree, etc. Of course, on the “copper” island you can also buy wonderful souvenirs and copper dishes.
Traditionally popular among tourists are leather goods, Egyptian porcelain and, of course, the famous Egyptian wines. It is best to buy wines directly from the factories that produce them (by the way, visits to such enterprises are often included in excursion programs). Cypriot brandy, which locals usually call cognac, also has a good reputation.
Handbags, briefcases, leather clothing, as well as well-made shoes and leather-trimmed household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Clothes - jackets, shirts, trousers, dresses and men's suits - can be ordered for a reasonable fee from numerous tailoring workshops big cities. The order will be completed quickly and efficiently.
Bargaining is not customary in Cyprus, but when purchasing large items it is permissible to inquire about a possible discount.
In summer, stores are open from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. From 8.00 to 13.00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
A 10% service tip is usually included in the bill in most restaurants in the Greek part of Cyprus (south). In Northern Cyprus, a percentage for service is included in the bill only in the most expensive restaurants, so it is customary to leave a tip for the waiters. Taxi drivers are also usually given tips. In hotels, it is customary to leave a few coins for the maids.
Taxi services The most popular type of transport is a taxi. City taxis can be ordered by phone, through the reception or at the base taxi stand. City taxis are equipped with meters. The total fare consists of the starting fare, mileage fee and fee for each piece of baggage weighing more than 12 kg.
Additional fees apply on Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays. Taxis in rural areas - can only be hired at the base station. They are not equipped with meters, payment is made by mileage, and the payment also depends on whether you are traveling “there” or “there and back”.
In addition to regular taxis, communication between cities is also carried out by the so-called “service taxi”, which can be ordered at the reception. It will cost twice as much as a bus, but much cheaper than a regular taxi, because... carries up to 10 people. There are also minibuses
. They operate between cities in Cyprus daily from 5.45 am to 6.30 pm. Please note: minibuses do not operate to and from Cyprus airports; in such cases you will have to resort to the services of a regular taxi.
A minibus taxi on holiday in Cyprus can be called through the hotel administrator or independently by phone. A regular taxi, unlike a fixed-route taxi, will take you on vacation to any point in Cyprus you name, except, of course, Turkish Northern Cyprus.
Public transport Public transport is represented by buses and minibuses. The cheapest form of transport is buses. They connect both the center of any resort with the tourist area, and all the main cities of Cyprus. Intercity buses run quite rarely, usually making two trips a day: one in the morning, the second in the evening. Rural buses run between villages once or twice a day. There are no flights on Sundays.
A fairly cheap and convenient method of traveling around Cyprus is minibuses, but they operate until 18.30 - 19.30. At the same time, for every resident of the island there is at least one car. Regular taxis are the most common type of public transport, so price increases will primarily affect tourists.
Currently in Cyprus, only 1.7% of the population uses public transport– an insignificant figure compared to the European average of 15%.
The Department of Transport is committed to creating a new, modern and more efficient system that will make better use of public funds and provide better services to people. One of the Ministry’s goals is to increase the share of people using public transport to 10% within 8–10 years.
After the introduction of the new system, buses will travel more often, and the total operating time of routes will be increased. The fare, on the contrary, will decrease. In addition, it is planned to create “transit parking” – places on the outskirts of cities where you can leave your car and transfer to a bus. This will be especially convenient for residents of the suburbs and will help relieve traffic in cities.
As a result, six large companies, each of which will operate in one of the regions of the island - Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta, and another one will be engaged in intercity transportation.
Car rental Car rental - The best way get to know Cyprus for real.
A car rental can be ordered in Cyprus through a representative of the host party or in Moscow when purchasing a tour (cars are divided into groups, and the provision of a specific model of any group is not guaranteed).
You must be extremely careful on the roads, because... In Cyprus, traffic is on the left, the steering wheel is located on the right, gear shifting is done with the left hand and you need to control the movement from an unusual side. All rental cars have special red license plates, which allows Cypriots to treat tourists driving with leniency and understanding.
Car rental conditions:
- driver’s age from 25 to 70 years (in private offices from 18 years);
- a driver's license with at least 3 years of driving experience (in private offices from 2 years).
Payment for rental is charged in advance (cash or known credit cards). Fuel is paid in advance; the cost of remaining fuel is not refundable. The price includes:
- taxes;
- incomplete compulsory insurance. Full or personal insurance - optional (a driver who commits an accident while drunk is deprived of the right to insurance);
- unlimited mileage;
- road maps (optional);
- child seat (optional);
- maintenance, oil, lubrication.
Rental conditions may vary from company to company. The approximate cost is from 35 euros per day for renting the simplest car (Daewoo-Matiz, Hyundai-Getz). Car rental in the northern (Turkish) part of the island is about a third cheaper. But it should be remembered that traveling between the two parts of Cyprus in a rented car is not allowed. The traffic fine is paid by the person who rented the car.
On Sunday service stations are open in shifts. Most gas stations are open 24 hours a day.
customs control
Russian customs allows you to transport:
Amounts up to $3,000 inclusive without a written declaration and without a bank certificate;
- amounts from $3,000 to $10,000 inclusive - with mandatory written declaration;
- amounts over $10,000 - with the written permission of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CERTIFICATES FROM THE BANK - the certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of issue)
The import and export of foreign currency to Cyprus is unlimited. Declaration of rubles is carried out when exporting them in an amount exceeding the equivalent of 3 thousand dollars. You need to declare the entire amount, and not just what exceeds 3 thousand dollars. Walkthrough customs control is carried out in the wing where check-in for the flight takes place. You need to keep the customs declaration until your return to Russia. On board the plane you will have to fill out a migration card.
Each passenger has the right to bring duty-free to Cyprus:
200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of smoking tobacco;
- 1 liter of alcoholic drinks with a strength of more than 22 degrees, or 2 liters of fortified wines, sparkling wines, aperitifs with a strength below 22 degrees plus 2 liters of other wines.
- one bottle of perfume (with a capacity of no more than 60 ml) and eau de toilette(250 ml).
Children under 17 years of age are not allowed to bring alcohol or tobacco products. The value of goods you bring with you (except for jewelry) should not exceed 100 pounds. Naturally, this does not apply to personal belongings that the tourist intends to use during his visit to Cyprus - that is, jewelry and costume jewelry, cameras and video cameras, portable radio and television receivers, binoculars, musical instruments, personal computers, sports equipment. By the way, Cypriot customs legislation also includes yachts, windsurfing and other watercraft used for recreation as the latter - all of this can be imported duty-free. Without paying duties, you can also bring your personal car or plane to this paradise for use during your vacation. But in this case it is necessary to use the temporary import procedure.
Prohibited import into the country:
Narcotic, psychotropic drugs;
- video and printed materials of obscene content;
- automatically opening knives and knives with a double-sided blade.
In Cyprus, as elsewhere in Europe, there is an active fight against counterfeiting and counterfeiting. Therefore, customs officers will carefully monitor whether your luggage contains counterfeit or pirated products that violate copyrights and intellectual property rights.
Fireworks, firecrackers and all similar explosives, clips for hunting rifles, and sports pistols are subject to restrictions (that is, import is possible, but with the presentation of the appropriate licenses and permits). In addition - flowers and plants, gold and silver coins and medals, gold bars, products made of precious metals intended for sale. From food products - honey and all bee products, meat, fish, cheeses.
As for export, it is prohibited to export everything that is imported. In addition, the export of items containing more than 25 percent by weight of silver, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones and pearls is not permitted (these restrictions do not apply to tourists’ personal belongings).
In Cyprus, you need to go through passport control and customs yourself.
To speed up customs formalities, a system of red and green corridors has been created at the main points of arrival of passengers from abroad - the airports of Larnaca and Paphos, as well as the port of Limassol. If the passenger does not have prohibited items with him, and the norms for duty-free import of excisable goods do not exceed the established ones, then he passes through the green corridor. If these quantities are exceeded, it is necessary to fill out a customs declaration and hand it over to the customs officer. The same applies to goods intended for commercial use.
Transport
The transport network is very well developed.
Not in Cyprus railways; Due to the small size of Cyprus, there is also no internal air service, so the only means of transportation is road transport.
Cyprus has a developed road infrastructure. According to statistics from 2002, Cyprus has 7,200 km of paved motorways and 4,300 km of unpaved roads.
Good roads with detailed signs, disciplined and leisurely drivers, short distances (the longest route is 220 km) - all this makes car trips around Cyprus quite a pleasant and interesting way to explore the island on your own, just keep in mind that “inherited” from the British colonists on Cyprus is left with left-hand traffic, which is unusual for Russians.
The maximum permissible speed on motorways is 100 km/h, on highways - 80 km/h; inside populated areas you cannot drive at a speed of more than 50 km/h. A modern two-lane highway connects Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca, which greatly reduces travel time to the seaport of Limassol and to Larnaca airport. Travel time from Nicosia to Larnaca is 30 minutes, and from Nicosia to Limassol - 50 minutes. Work is currently underway to build a two-lane road between the cities of Limassol and Paphos, which will reduce the travel time from one city to another (currently it is one hour).
Air lines linking Middle Eastern, North African and European countries run through the airports in Larnaca and Paphos. Larnaca Airport is a 2-hour drive from Paphos and is an important transport hub in the Middle East. More than 230 flights per week are operated by 33 airlines. In addition to this, a significant number of passenger and cargo charter flights are operated. Paphos Airport, just 20 minutes' drive from the city, became operational in 1983 and has grown in importance with flights to many European centres.
Cyprus being small island state, has sea shipping for communication with other countries. The island position predetermined the leading role navy(2,753 ships flying the Cypriot flag in 1998). Cyprus is an open registration country. The island is an important center of maritime shipping and currently ranks sixth in the world ranking of maritime powers. Basic sea ports: Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos. There are 15 airports, 7 of which are large. The two largest sea ports in Limassol and Larnaca, located on south coast islands. These are modern multi-purpose ports, providing transportation of both container and bulk trade cargo for Cyprus and in transit. Cyprus ports also play an important role in passenger transport, mainly cruises.
Cyprus popular center cruise tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean. The port of Limassol is the main port of Cyprus. It is a leading port for cruise tours.
Convenient geographical position and minimal customs formalities for shipments at both ports contribute to Cyprus becoming an increasingly important transit hub. Cyprus actively participates in international maritime transport: More than 1,200 ships fly the Cypriot flag, mainly from Greece, Germany, Russia and Latvia.
Telecommunications
Telephone communications Telephone communications in Cyprus, provided by CYTA, are quite reliable and of high quality. The easiest way to make calls in Cyprus is through street payphones. In the majority settlements There are payphones from which you can both make and answer phone calls. Payphones exist in two forms - card and coin. Cards are sold everywhere - in shops, kiosks, banks, post offices, etc. The cost of the card varies from 3 to 10 pounds depending on the number of units. Coin-operated payphones accept coins in denominations of 2, 5, 10 and 20 cents. Pay phones that accept coins are rare.If you don't have a payphone, you can use phones at most cafes, newsstands and grocery stores. By the way, all telephone numbers in Cyprus are six-digit. Calling from a hotel room is three times more expensive than using a payphone. Calls within Cyprus are more than cheap - only 1.3 cents per call, without a time limit. A minute of conversation with Moscow costs about 60 cents, long-distance calls on the island - 7-8 cents. From 20.00 to 7.00 there is a reduced rate.
Calls to Russia To call to Russia you need to dial: 007-095-phone number in Moscow. Calls from Russia To call from Russia, you need to dial the following combination of numbers: 8 +10+ 357 + city code in Cyprus + subscriber number. Long distance calls
International code
Cyprus 357. For international calls from a holiday in Cyprus, dial: 00 + country code + city code + phone number.
City codes Main city codes: Akrotiri - 05, Larnaca - 24, Limassol - 25, Nicosia - 22, Ormidia - 04, Palaichori - 22, Paralimni - 23, Paphos - 26, Pelendri - 05, Pomos - 06, Famagusta - 23. The island's telephone network is undergoing intensive modernization, so codes may change.
Useful telephone numbers Useful telephone numbers in Cyprus:
Telephones in Cyprus (inquiry) - 192
International and intercity codes, numbers of foreign subscribers - 194
Information about faxes from foreign subscribers - 134
Information about mobile communication services - 132
Police: in the south - 199 or 112, in the north - 155
Fire service - 199
Cyprus Tourism Organization - 357-2-315-715
State Hospital in Nicosia - 228-54-41
An important place, as in any Mediterranean cuisine, is occupied by local fresh vegetables, seasonings and olive oil. The main secret of Cypriot cuisine is fresh ingredients; “Mezé” is her other secret.
Meze is not just a separate dish, but a special gastronomic ritual. Each chef has his own opinion about which dishes should be included in the meze, but the “mandatory” set and the order in which the dishes are served are strictly observed. The meze consists of approximately 20 dishes. First, the table will be filled with salads, cheeses, cold and hot appetizers from vegetables, meat, and seafood, then “real” meat dishes will appear, and at the end of the meal, sweet dishes and fruits await you. In addition to meat, some taverns serve fish meze. Before you start eating meze, you need to “work up” your appetite, and then eat in small quantities and at a slow pace, otherwise you will not be able to withstand the load. “Siga, sigah” - as the Cypriots say. The cost of one set of meze is from 8.5? (5 CY).Sometimes the minimum order should be two mezes. This is due to the difficult process of its preparation.
The cuisine of Cyprus is based on meat and vegetable dishes. It’s hard to think of a place for meat connoisseurs better than Cyprus. There are dozens of names of meat dishes alone! Most often, Greek Cypriots use lamb and pork for cooking. The food is healthy, light, and fats of vegetable rather than animal origin are consumed more often.
Since the island is surrounded on all sides by the sea, fish dishes occupy an important place on the menu. There are many bars and restaurants along the coast where you can try fresh seafood. Dishes of squid and octopus - grilled or stewed in pots - are especially popular.
A notable feature of Cypriot cuisine is the special attention paid to soups. A very typical example of Cypriot soups is a dish made from egg yolks, lemon juice, herbs and seasonings. In addition to it, chicken, lentil and nightshade soup, as well as noodle soup, are popular.
Classic Greek dishes are a must: taramosalata, a pink, creamy condiment made from fish roe whipped with potatoes, parsley, lemon juice and onion; talaturi - cold yogurt with finely chopped cucumbers, mint and garlic, Greek salad (horiatiki salata) of tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, feta cheese, green olives and local seasonings, moussac (casserole of minced meat and eggplant, topped with bechamel sauce) and souflak (kebabs made from pork, lamb or chicken).
Sweets in the cuisine of Cyprus are mainly of oriental origin. There are some things we know well from the Eastern Sweets stores. Honey in Cyprus is very tasty. Almost all year round in Cyprus there are fresh fruits and vegetables.
Cyprus is famous for its citrus fruits, the local varieties of oranges, tangerines and grapefruits are juicy and make excellent juices. Coffee is a very popular addition to every meal.
You should definitely try the local cheese. It has been made here since ancient times, and local cheese makers have extensive experience. In Cyprus you can buy a large number of varieties of cheese. The most popular variety is halloumi, a white sheep cheese made with salt and mint. Cheese is usually served with a glass of red wine. The most famous wine in Cyprus, Commandaria, is made from sun-dried grapes, due to which it has a sweet and rich taste.
Cypriot wines were famous back in ancient times. Among the high-grade wines, we can name “Aphrodite” - a dry white wine, “Keo Hok” - a semi-dry white wine, “Othel-lo” - a light red wine similar to Burgundy and “Domaine d'Achera” - a dry red wine. Only on In Cyprus you can try dry white wine “Alkeon”, white wine “Nefeli”, sweet red “Kparet-62” and, finally, sweet dessert nutmeg “Limassol”.
Work of institutions
Government office hours:
Winter period (September 1 - June 30)
Thursday: 07:30 - 14:30, 15:00 - 18:00
Summer period (July 1 - August 31)
Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 14:30
Office opening hours:
September 15 - May 31
Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00
June 1 - September 14
Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 13:00, 16:00 - 19:00
Holidays and non-working days
Holidays and non-working days:
1st of January - New Year, St. Vasily
January 6 - Epiphany Day
March 25 - Greek Independence Day
April 1 - National holiday Greek Cypriots
May 1 - Labor Day
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary
October 1 - Cyprus Independence Day
October 28 - Greek national holiday
December 25 - Christmas.
Good Friday, Easter, Trinity are celebrated according to the old style (Julian calendar of the Orthodox Church).
In addition to the main ones, Cypriots celebrate about 40 more holidays a year, among them:
February: Carnival, begins 50 days before Orthodox Easter. The processions of mummers in Limassol are especially colorful.
May: Antestiria. Flower Festival on one of May Sundays.
May/June: Cataclysmos. The holiday falls on Trinity Sunday. It is associated with the memory of the global flood and the salvation of Noah. In coastal cities, in particular Larnaca, naval parades and a large fair are held on this day.
July: festival in Limassol. Folklore festival, as well as a film and theater festival, an art fair.
The second half of August is the lemon festival in Karavas.
September: Grape Festival in Limassol. For two weeks, the city park has seen a constant stream of visitors wanting to taste Cypriot wine for free.
Customs and orders
The people of Cyprus are very proud of their cultural heritage, which dates back more than 9,000 years. There are a lot of traditions and customs on the island.
However, Cyprus today is more interested in the events of 20 years ago than those that took place several thousand years ago. Residents of the northern part of the island adhere to the traditions and culture of their neighbor - Turkey: they have Turkish names, prefer Turkish cuisine and are adherents of Islam. Since northern Cyprus is annexed by Turkey, tourist entry is prohibited. In another part of the island they prefer Greek traditions, Greek cuisine and practice the Orthodox religion.
Over the centuries, the culture of Cyprus has been shaped by cultural exchanges between Europe, Asia and Africa. This was due to its geographical location. However, Cypriot traditions and customs have their own charm. They are best reflected in ceremonies and other special events in a person's life. For Turkish Cypriots, such events include weddings, Ramadan celebrations, the birth of a child, etc.
A distinctive feature of the inhabitants of this part of the island is hospitality. In earlier times, the importance of a guest was determined according to his social status and age. Each guest was sure to be treated to coffee, sherbet and fruit marshmallows.
One of the most sacred customs is the wedding. The bride's father provides a "prika", or dowry, in the form of a fully furnished house. At a wedding there are something like 500, or even 1000 guests, who are invited by the parents of the bride and groom. No gifts are usually given, but each guest gives an envelope containing money to ensure the young couple gets off to a good start.
At a traditional village wedding, several pre-wedding ceremonies take place in which the entire village takes part. The groom is shaving in his home, to the accompaniment of a local violinist. When the bride and groom are ready, they walk through the village streets to the church, accompanied by their fellow villagers. During a church ceremony, the priest gives a "stephan", a kind of tiara, to the bride and groom to confirm their sacred union. At the entrance to either a hotel or a village tavern, a couple of newlyweds begin to dance, while the guests pin up money for their outfits. If you are ever invited to a Cypriot wedding, this is an event not to be missed!
When traveling around Cyprus, you will notice that metal rods often protrude from the roofs of houses. These are the foundations for the construction of the next floor - a family “prize” for the daughter’s wedding. In the past, one could feel sorry for a man who had five daughters - after all, he had to provide a dowry for all of them! Nowadays, the groom does not always expect to receive a house from his father-in-law, but this practice is still widespread on the island.
Each child receives the name of a saint so that it is accepted by the church. In Cyprus there is still a tradition in which the first-born child receives the name of the paternal grandfather, the first daughter receives the name of the father's mother, and then all other children in the order of their birth receive the name of the mother's parents, etc. Hence the fact that so many members of a large family can have the same name!
Many traditional folk festivals, such as Carnival or the Flood Festival, have their roots in ancient times. Every September the town of Limassos hosts the Wine Festival. For 10 days, local wines “flow like a river.” Through this, residents pay tribute to the god of wine, Dionysus. Every week in Cyprus an event is celebrated: a festival or the name day of one of the many saints. Undoubtedly, the main Greek Orthodox religious holiday is Easter, which is always celebrated solemnly and joyfully.
The music and dance of Cyprus are very diverse and exciting. Their appearance on the island is determined by shamanic ceremonies and religious worship. Musical instruments, which accompany folk dances, are the violin and the "laouto" (a lute with four double strings, played with the feather of an eagle or hawk). Cypriots consider dancing to be an expression of feelings and thoughts. Men danced during any events, holidays and ceremonies, while women's dances were encouraged only at weddings. A special feature of Cypriot dances is improvisation, which often manifests itself in the process of two dancers or ensembles competing with each other.
Precautionary measures
The crime rate in Cyprus is low, but it is still wiser to store documents and valuables in a hotel safe. If you have lost something or been robbed, you should report it to the local police within 48 hours.
The gentle sun of Cyprus can be treacherous: you can get a skin burn or heatstroke very quickly, especially between 11:00 and 15:00. Apply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming, wear a hat, preferably with a brim, and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day. If you do decide to go to the beach during the day, protect your back and shoulders with a T-shirt. If you're going on a long walk, pack twice as many drinks as you expect to drink.
There are a lot of mosquitoes in Cyprus, especially at night. Stock up on fumigator or repellent. Both can be purchased at local pharmacies and supermarkets.
In August, many jellyfish appear off the coast of Cyprus. Some of them can cause skin burns, so try not to touch them. If you fail to protect yourself, ammonia, baking soda or standard anti-burn agents will help. Also dangerous sea urchins, which are found in rocks and near stones. After injecting a hedgehog, the affected area should be wiped with olive oil or lemon juice and salt and immediately contact a specialist. An encounter with a hedgehog is unpleasant, but, as a rule, not dangerous.
When the main tasks have already been completed, and there is very little left before departure, it’s time to talk about what kind of sea will greet you in smiling Cyprus, and what its main advantages are.
Pick up the atlas and find Cyprus on the world map. Having done this, you will see not only the geographical position of the island relative to other countries, but also find out what kind of crystal sea washes its shores.
What is it called, that mighty sea that greets all travelers arriving in Cyprus? Of course, the Mediterranean! From year to year it delights millions of tourists and warms them with its gentle surf. But why is the Mediterranean Sea so loved by vacationers?
In which sea do tourists swim in Cyprus?
- Firstly, only its water can be called truly clean. It is so transparent that every grain of sand lying at the bottom is easily visible through its surface! What other sea can boast of such impeccability? And these are not just observations of tourists, but official fact. After all, many beaches located on the coasts of Cyprus are awarded Blue Flags precisely for the purity of the water;
- Secondly, the Mediterranean Sea has the richest undersea world, which you can admire while diving to the bottom with scuba gear. There you can see rare species of fish, sea turtles, mollusks, observe the life of strict octopuses and crabs, and touch dense thickets of coral. Isn't this the dream of every connoisseur of sea pleasures?
- And finally, the Mediterranean Sea is the most picturesque body of water in the world! Its shores, surfs, tides, storms - all this is so beautiful and impressive that every creative person, as well as simply lovers of beauty, strive to see these delights with their own eyes at least once. You can see how artistic and photogenic the sea can be when you fly to the island of Cyprus and stroll along its discreet embankments and neat coastlines.
The beach holiday season in Cyprus begins closer to mid-May, when the sea warms up to +22ºС and becomes comfortable for swimming. In the summer months, the water becomes even warmer: so, in mid-July its temperature is already +26-28ºС. With the arrival of autumn, the Mediterranean Sea begins to gradually cool down and by October swimming season ends. In winter, the sea waves are no longer warm: their temperature is only +15-18ºС.
Which of the three seas in Cyprus is more beautiful?
But is it only the Mediterranean Sea that caresses the coast of the island, or is there some other small sea that is not visible on the map, but rejoices at the guests of Cyprus no less than its larger brother?
Eat! And there are three such seas in Cyprus. They all have their own name, although in fact they are only small parts of the great Mediterranean Sea:
- Its warmest and saltiest side splashes at southern shores islands and is called the Sea of Cyprus. Geographically, it is located between two continents: Asia and Africa;
- The north-eastern coast of Cyprus is shrouded in a modest sea called the Cilician Sea, which connects the island to Asia;
- The eastern shores are washed by the small Levantine Sea.
It turns out that Cyprus can safely be called island of four seas!
Come here, to this Asian corner of Europe, relax on the best beaches of Cyprus and appreciate how indescribably beautiful the sea can be, how the sun can please you and how the gentle surf caresses your ears...
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The island's climate is conducive have a wonderful holiday, and it is not surprising that the life expectancy of Cypriots is much higher than that of residents of other European countries. In summer, the island is dry and hot - from +25C to +40C, while winter is mild and warm with rain and temperatures from +10C to +20C. In the winter months, snow appears in the mountains, and you can go snowboarding and skiing, so resorts the Olympos area actively welcomes outdoor enthusiasts.
The best time to relax on the island is, of course, summer, as well as September, when it is no longer so hot, but the sea is very warm. It is most comfortable in coastal areas, while in places far from the sea it is still hot, up to +40C.
Where to stay in Cyprus
The most expensive hotels in Cyprus are located in Paphos and Limassol. This is five star resort complexes on the seashore, where tourists will be offered not only comfortable rooms and all-inclusive meals, but also additional services - from fitness centers and spas to boutiques and even own beaches. The most famous are Alion Beach Hotel 5* in Napa, Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol 5* in Limassol, Elysium Hotel 5* in Paphos.
Four-star hotels are mainly located in the resorts of Protaras and Paphos. All-inclusive and half-board options are available. The rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, telephone, and TV. On the territory there are swimming pools, water slides, shops, beauty salons. Most popular hotels - Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel 4* in Paphos, Crystal Springs 4* in Protaras, Mediterranean Beach Hotel 4* in Limassol.
Three-star hotels can be found in any Cypriot resort. They are located on the second and third coastlines. Due to the distance from the sea, tourists are offered more low prices per room, while the atmosphere in such hotels is usually calm, the rooms are also equipped with air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, and telephone. Transfer to the beach can be arranged. Meals mainly include breakfast or breakfast with dinner. If you decide to stay in a three-star hotel, pay attention to Dionysos Central 3* in Paphos, Estella Hotel & Apartments 3*, Faros 3* in Ayia Napa.
Popular resorts in Cyprus
Kolossi Castle - a medieval symbol of Cyprus
Stone walls soaring to the heavens, solemn silence and a feeling of medieval power - this is how Kolossi Castle appears to tourists. Despite earthquakes and wars, which caused significant damage to the architectural complex, the fortress itself still makes a strong impression!
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 cleanest 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.
Apply for a visa to Cyprus online
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. It's too much here salty water, because of which Marine life prefer to be in coastal waters. Coral reefs 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. Attracts attention ancient city Kourion, which is the largest. 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 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 find not only family holiday. Beach parties are popular here. Cyprus is also of interest to amateurs ancient architecture and attractions. You will have a lot of new impressions about this trip.
