Perhaps the most adequate assessment of Cyprus tourist will sound like this: "a strong Mediterranean horoshist." That is, it is quite a typical line of beach recreation, without any bright or unique "chips", but without serious drawbacks (unless, of course, we consider high prices to be such). The island has a mild climate, service in hotels is quite adequate to their level, and the beaches are very clean, with a lot of "blue flags" - so that tours to Cyprus are more than deserved popularity with travelers.

The prevailing character of rest is respectable and decent in all respects, without drunken parties for the whole night and a disco frenzy.

Capital - Nicosia (Nicosia).

The main cities (the same resorts) are Limassol, Larnaca, , Paphos, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Polis.

Ski resort reserve) - Troodos mountains.

For a complete list of interesting places to visit, visit the city's pages and the resorts of Cyprus.

Cyprus. Individual tours

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How to get to Cyprus?

In the summer season, tourists from Moscow to Larnaca will be provided with charter flights. They fly, as a rule, on Sundays (more often), Fridays and Wednesdays (less often). Most of the charter flights depart from Domodedovo. Regular flights Moscow - Larnaca are carried out by Aeroflot and Cyprus Airlines, and the regular flight Moscow - Paphos is performed by Transaero. The duration of the flight by "Cyprus Airlines" is about 4, 5 hours, other airlines eligible for flights through Turkey's airspace spend about 3 hours 15 minutes on the flight.

"Belavia" flies to Minsk from Cyprus, and Ukrainian citizens will reach Larnaka on the sides of "Aerosvit" "Donbassaero" from Donetsk.

The sea to Cyprus can be reached by numerous regular flights, as well as by private vessels from the ports of Greece, Rhodes, Egypt and Israel. From the Greek port of Piraeus, several transport companies carry out regular ferry services to Limassol and back.

Visa to Cyprus is

Citizens of Russia and other CIS countries need a visa to Cyprus for the trip.

Customs

Restrictions on import and export of currency, traveler's checks, credit cards and other payment documents are not available. Cash amounts over 10 000 EUR must be declared. Allowed duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, a liter of spirits or 2 liters of alcoholic beverages up to 22 °, 250 grams of perfume. It is forbidden to import parrots, fruits and flowers, as well as any weapons (including gas), drugs and dangerous chemicals.

It is prohibited to lift archaeological treasures from the seabed or export them from the territory of Cyprus without the prior permission of the director of the Department of Antiquities.

Useful phone numbers are

Embassy of Cyprus in Moscow: st. Cook, 9; tel .: (499) 575-03-10, 575-03-00 (consular department), fax: (499) 575-03-11, 575-03-01 (consular department); website

Embassy of Russia in Nicosia: Ag. Prokopiou street, Engomi; tel .: (22) 774-622; website

Police, fire department, ambulance: 112, 199 (clock)

Information reference service: 191, 192 (round the clock)

Transport

In the northern part of Cyprus, intercity buses run daily, and there are a lot of them. The fare is also encouraging: just 1, 5 EUR for 50 km of the way. But on the Greek part of the island in this plan is far from so well: between cities there are only about 5 buses a day, and in small villages - only 1-2 cars. On Sundays, buses do not go at all. The fare at the same time - 6 EUR for 50 km.

In large cities there are municipal buses and minibuses. The time of movement is from 6:00 to midnight, in off-season - until 19:00, on the Greek part - until 17:00. On Saturdays, buses go to lunch, on Sundays, their drivers have a legal day off. Local analogues of minibuses will cost twice as much as travel by bus. In airports (and, of course, from there), minibuses do not go - this piece of the market is entirely given to individual taxi drivers.

You can stop the taxi on the street, call through the hotel administrator, or by phone from any store or restaurant. There are two tariffs: daily (valid from 6:00 to 20:30) and night (from 20:30 to 6:00, more expensive by 15%), the rate for the transportation of baggage from the time of day does not depend. If a taxi is hired for sightseeing, it is necessary to agree in advance with the driver about the amount of payment.

Rent a car in Cyprus.

To rent a car, you must be at least 25 and not older than 70 years and have a driving experience of at least three years (in private rental offices, these requirements are often reduced to 18 - 70 years and two years of experience). When renting a car for a week, unlimited mileage is provided, but the payment does not include insurance, VAT (15%) and the cost of a full tank of gasoline. But the car can be returned without problems with an empty tank. The average rental price is 35 EUR, the Turkish part of the island is cheaper.

Movement in the country is left-sided. The use of seat belts is mandatory for both the driver and passengers in all seats. The maximum speed on the motorway is 100 km / h, in the city - 50 km / h.

Rental in Cyprus with Best Price Guarantee

Safety of tourists

It's safe in the country. If desired, you can even without far-reaching gastrointestinal effects drink tap water in hotels, restaurants and public places. And smokers should bear in mind that in Cyprus there are some of the most stringent smoking rules in the public places in the EU.

• What to bring to Cyprus?
• Where can I smoke in Cyprus?
• Is it possible to drink water in Cyprus?

The climate of Cyprus is

The climate of Cyprus is temperate, with lots of sunny days throughout the year. Winter is very short and mild, the average temperature is from +17 to +19 ° C, and in the highlands in winter the thermometer's column drops several degrees below zero and snow falls. Summer is hot, lasts from mid-May to mid-October. During this period, the temperature can rise to +35 ° C in the shade, but because of the low humidity the heat is easily transferred.

The average temperature of the water near the coast of Cyprus in July is +23 ° C, in February (the coldest month) +14 ° C, the swimming season is open almost all year round.

Actual information: the analysis of the weather in Cyprus by months and the weather forecast for the main resorts of Cyprus for the coming days.

• What is the weather in Cyprus in the winter?
• What is the weather in Cyprus in October?

Beaches

The best beaches in Cyprus are in Ayia Napa and Protaras. One of the most picturesque is Nissi Beach, with an islet near the shore and white sand. Also known and popular are the Gulf of Sand and the "namesake" of the Bulgarian resort of Golden Sands. Somewhat apart is a beautiful pebble beach in Petra tu Romiu. And Makronisos beach is considered the main place for partying "golden youth."

The Lady's Mile, the longest beach on the island, is to the west of Limassol and is very popular with locals. In the east of Limassol there is the second popular beach, "Governor's", where all the beach parties are usually held. And between Limassol and Paphos is the famous beach of Aphrodite - the birthplace of the goddess of love. The beach is small, pebble. In the season it is regularly filled with a large number of tourists, as it enters the excursion route.

The most popular beaches in Larnaca are Mackenzie, Finikoudes and the recently opened beach of the Cyprus Tourism Organization.

Many hotels in Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos provide beach equipment for their guests free of charge, but in Protaras and Ayia Napa this option is the rare exception. All beaches are municipal, beach equipment (sun loungers, umbrellas) is usually paid (2, 5 EUR per item).

• What is the sea in Cyprus?

Cyprus hotels - $

In the country there are hotels of all categories: from apartments to "five", and even 2 * will be decent level and with air conditioning (however in the apartments air conditioning is usually paid extra). At the "reception desk" there are often Russian-speaking employees.

As a rule, food in the hotels - breakfast. In 2 * - continental, and in institutions 3 * -5 * - "buffet". More and more hotels offer accommodation on a half-board basis with the option to choose lunch or dinner. Many hotels 2 * -4 * began to offer the system "all inclusive", also at the moment there are 3 hotels 5 * working on the "all inclusive" system. Almost all the hotels of the island are on the first coastline.

Animation as such in hotels there, not including themed evenings, children's animation and live music in the evening in hotels 3-5 *.

Electricity: 240 V, 50 Hz. Sockets are three-phase, adapters are needed. In most hotels, the adapter can be taken to the reception desk, leaving a deposit - or just buy it at the nearest store.

• What are the good 3 * hotels in Cyprus?
• Can I rent an apartment in Cyprus?

Treatment in Cyprus is

In recent years, Thalassotherapy has been intensively developing in Cyprus, and several SPA hotels in Limassol and Paphos have opened SPA centers.

The main programs of the thalasso centers at hotels: "anti-stress", restoring the tone, treating the heaviness of the legs, weight control, programs for men and women, programs for young mothers, "anti-cellulite", beauty programs, treatment of arthrosis and rheumatism, etc. $

The most complete packages of services are provided by hotels: Le Meridien SPA & Resort 5 *, Four Seasons 5 *, Amathus Beach 5 * in Limassol, and Elysium 5 * in Paphos.

The Anassa 5 * in Paphos offers more extraordinary face and body treatments such as algae and mud wraps, massages, reflexology, shiatsu and aromatherapy.

St. Raphael 5 *, Miramare 4 * in Limassol, Adams Beach 5 * in Ayia Napa, Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort 5 * and Annabelle 5 * in Paphos have small but well-equipped wellness centers with thalassotherapy elements.

Shopping and shopping

From October to April, the shops are open from 8:00 to 18:00 (break from 13:00 to 15:00), and on Wednesdays and Saturdays after lunch and close at all. On Sundays, stores usually do not work.

From Cyprus are brought wines and liqueurs, sweet dessert wine "Commandaria" (or "Namas wine"), which is better to buy in the monastery of Kykkos on Troodos, lace and silver handmade, paintings, leather goods, expensive jewelry of original design, fur coats. "Commandaria" is of several types, but the best is Commandaria St. John with a black label.

Popular souvenirs: a statuette of Aphrodite, mock-ups of ships and dolls in national costumes. Still Cyprus is famous for its lace and silver handmade, as well as leather goods, expensive jewelry ornaments of original design.

Fans of culinary delights can be brought from Cyprus goat cheese "halloumi" (convenient for transportation), Cypriot sweets (lukum, halva, "suzukos" - almond grains in grape treacle, etc.).

• What are the prices in Cyprus?
• What currency can I pay in Cyprus?
• What to buy in Cyprus?
• What to bring from Cyprus?

Cuisine and restaurants in Cyprus.

The island is mostly "ruled by a ball" Greek cuisine, which differs from its mainland option by more active use of seafood. In addition, the basis of Cypriot cuisine - meat and vegetable dishes, and the main "culinary attraction" of the island serves meze: a complex dinner, which includes 20-30 dishes. Serving of meze dishes begins with snacks, salads and vegetables and ends with meat and fish dishes, and in each tavern the set of these dishes is different.

Special attention should be paid to dishes from the famous Cypriot cheeses "feta" and "halloumi", as well as green walnuts in syrup. Do not forget about the Cypriot wines, strong spirits and liquors, of which on the island - in abundance. Beer lovers can recommend a foamy drink of two local brands - "Keo" and "Carlsberg."

In hotels and restaurants, an account usually includes a 10% service charge. Therefore, gratuities in Cyprus are optional, but small things are always accepted with gratitude.

Dinner at the cafe of Nicosia

Cyprus shish kebab

Sea delicacies

Entertainment, Excursions and Attractions in Cyprus

It is worth visiting the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, all major attractions which are collected in the old quarter of the city. This is the Byzantine Church of Chrysalino and the Tripiotis Church with the famous iconostasis, the Archbishop's Palace, St. John's Cathedral, the Famagusta Gate and the Venetian Wall. Among the museums are interesting Leventis, Museum of Jewelry Art, Byzantine Museum, Museum of National Resistance, Museum of Folk Art and Art Gallery.

In the village of Ahera there is a farm called Ostrich Park. On the Akamas peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient cities of Morion and Avagos, the monastery of Ayios Georgios, and the territory of the south of the Gulf of Lara Beach was chosen by green and big tortoises. It is also worth visiting the "Bath of Aphrodite", which is near the bay of Lachi.

In the Turkish part of the island is worth visiting Kyrenia, as well as Famagusta, where the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and, again, the Venetian walls.

Amathus is one of the oldest cities in Cyprus, the ruins of which are located on the beach 5 km east of Limassol. Modern archaeologists have found here the basilica of the early Christian era, the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the ruins of baths and the waterworks system - of course, they did not spare their time, as they say, but even in that form they make an impression.

No less ancient Kurion was one of the largest city-states of the island. To this day, there are preserved Roman baths and rich houses, the sanctuary of Apollo of Hilat, an ancient theater and numerous mosaics. The Troodos Mountains are a nature reserve and a ski resort. There are also numerous churches and monasteries, some of them are included in the UNESCO list of world cultural values ​​and are protected by the state.

For more information about what to see in Cyprus, see the Cyprus Attractions page.

In the afternoon on the beach - paragliding, speed skis, motor boats, water skiing, pleasure boats, windsurfing, pedal boats, canoeing, banana riding, mini-cruises on a boat with a transparent bottom, cruises around the island. Good news for fans of scuba diving: the island is full of diving centers.

Fun for children and adults - water parks, dolphinarium, aquarium, "show of dancing fountains". And the Pafos golf courses are highly appreciated even by professionals of this sport. In addition to golf, in Cyprus, another aristocratic variant of pastime is popular - horseback riding. Riding clubs can be found in any part of the island.

At night, you can visit discos and nightclubs. In the resort areas of Cyprus there are many bars for every taste: from lively, with deafening music, to cozy, with a romantic atmosphere.

• What to see in Cyprus?
• What excursions in Cyprus are the most popular?
• Can I order a photographer's service in Cyprus?

Events in Cyprus

In April, the country celebrates the National Holiday of Cyprus. In May-June, seaside cities celebrate the "cataclysmos" - a festival of water and a worldwide flood, and in Limassol there is a folk dance festival. In July-August there is a festival of ancient Greek drama: performances are given in the ancient amphitheater of Kourion, in the Paphos Odeon, Fort Larnaca and on the Monastery Square in Ayia Napa. The beginning of September is overshadowed by the invigorating breath of the popular wine festival in Limassol, dedicated to the god of winemaking Dionysus.

Golf

All three Cyprus golf courses are located in Paphos. In these clubs players with a handicap are allowed not worse than 28 (men) or 36 (women), and also beginners - under additional conditions. For the latter there are training courses.

Tsada Golf Club is the first golf club open on the island, an 18-hole course (9 + 9) and a total length of 6060 meters. Secret Valley Golf Club 18 holes (9 + 9) has a total length of 6120 meters and is quite difficult even for experienced players.

Aphrodite Hills is a large center combining not only an 18-hole course, but also a tennis academy, a health and beauty center, a tourist village with luxury villas, shops and restaurants, and the InterContinental Resort.

Photos of Cyprus (252)