Tatyana Solomatina

What should active tourists do in Cyprus?

Good afternoon friends! I continue the theme of holidays in Cyprus.

Not all tourists prefer to spend time on the beach, many like leisure.

Active recreation in Cyprus is a different concept for everyone, for someone it is visiting attractions, someone prefers to play sports, some people like to travel around the country by car and look for Beautiful places, and for some it is enough to visit entertainment venues several times.

In this article I will tell you literally about all the opportunities that are on the island. I hope after reading, you will not have any questions about what to do in Cyprus.

It is not difficult to see the sights of Cyprus. The resorts offer various excursions. However, this pleasure comes at a cost. It is cheaper for tourists who come to the island with a large company to rent a car. I wrote a little about the roads of Cyprus and the features of renting a car.

Below are the most popular attractions in Cyprus, they are really worth seeing.

• Archaeological Park of the city of Paphos - a museum under open sky, the main exhibit of which are the ruins ancient city Nea Paphos. There are beautifully preserved mosaics, the remains of a fortress from the Middle Ages and ancient temple dated to the 2nd century AD.
• The Tombs of the Kings is the oldest necropolis, preserved near the city of Paphos. Most of the underground tombs in the necropolis were built in the 3rd century BC. Many centuries ago, representatives of the aristocracy and people who had a high position in society were buried here.
• Buyuk Khan is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Cyprus - this is a caravanserai. The building was built in the middle of the 16th century and was used as the first local prison, and later there was a shelter for the poor. Today, Buyuk Khan is a thriving art gallery.
• The sunken ferry Zinobia is a favorite Cypriot attraction among divers. The ferry is called the Titanic mediterranean sea”, because he also had an impressive size and drowned on his first flight, it was in 1980.
• The Kykkos Monastery is called the richest monastery in Cyprus. The monastery belongs to Orthodox Church island, it was founded in the 11th century on a peak 1140 meters high, and today there is a functioning temple and a museum for tourists.
• The medieval castle of Kolossi is located on south coast islands, it was founded in the 13th century. Initially, the castle belonged to the Knights of the Jerusalem Order of St. John, later it was owned by the Templars.
• One of the main temples on the island is the medieval Cathedral of St. Nicholas in the city of Famagusta. Decorated in the Gothic style, the temple was built by the Cypriot kings of Lusignan. During its history, the cathedral has undergone many enemy attacks and natural disasters.
• Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque is one of the main Islamic shrines. Here, on a large territory, there is an ancient mosque, and next to it are a minaret, a female and male monasteries and mausoleum. The ancient complex was built during the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Medieval Hagia Sophia in Nicosia, this Roman Catholic temple is decorated in a mature Gothic style. Cypriot kings were crowned here, and later the cathedral was converted into a mosque - today it is the main mosque of Northern Cyprus.
• Petra tou Romiou is a rock on the coast of Paphos. A feature of the attraction is the picturesqueness of the area and many legends composed in its honor.

What to do in Cyprus?

The island offers a wide range of leisure activities; a tourist will easily find something to do in Cyprus. The main thing is to correctly determine the direction, at each resort in Cyprus, its own opportunities for outdoor activities.

Windsurfing

Cyprus has a huge number of specialized windsurfing schools and courses. High category instructors, fun, exciting lessons and a good company of like-minded people are waiting for you in all major cities.

The best schools in Larnaca and Nicosia offer not only windsurfing classes, but also exciting excursions around the area, noisy parties, yoga classes, skiing water skiing and yacht trips.

Windsurfing stations are not just schools, but entire communities where you can meet interesting and extraordinary people. Here you will spend the perfect sports holiday and will definitely want to come back!

Yachting

If you are tired of the monotonous beach holiday, yachting is exactly what you should try in Cyprus!

Yachting is an exciting team sport, it provides an opportunity to show companionship qualities and test your character for strength.

One of the best yachting centers of the island is located in Paphos, where you can rent an excellent boat, take a training course from professionals, and get an international certificate.

Yacht races and competitions are held all year round off the coast of Paphos - this place is adored by youth companies and just active, energetic tourists.

The cost of yachting courses depends on the intensity and duration of training - prices start from 300 euros.

Skiing

Two mountain ranges parallel to each other, Troodos and Kyrenia, annually invite fans of skiing to their slopes. The mountain villages in this area are very picturesque, and ski resorts appeared here several centuries ago. The air in the mountainous areas is clean, fresh and smells amazing of pine, and the magnificent landscape around is breathtaking.

The mountains are the only place on the island where it snows in winter. lifts and cable cars built near Mount Olympus at an altitude of 1951 meters - tourists do not have access to its top, since the radar of the British military is located there.

Moufflons live in the Cypriot mountains, which are protected by government organizations. These animals are depicted on the emblems of Cyprus Airlines.

The average cost of a ski pass in Cyprus is 13 euros.

Hiking and mountaineering

Two large mountain ranges gather thousands of athletes and active tourists. AT summer period on the slopes of the Troodos and Kyrenia ranges interesting excursions and long walks.

Paphos is considered the center of Cypriot mountaineering - it is here that the largest number climbers, and unforgettable mountain walks begin. Near the city there are three comfortable areas for mountaineering at once, and the picturesqueness of the slopes only fuels the interest of travelers in these places.

Except mountain ranges there are rich natural reserves, as well as well-equipped camping sites.

Safari

Through fabulous hills and gorges mountain range Troodos, in small villages and coniferous forests, for inquisitive tourists who prefer outdoor activities, conduct a jeep safari - an interesting off-road trip through the best protected areas of Cyprus. Embark on it an amusing trip and enjoy the stunning scenery!

On the way, you will drive to the top of Mount Olympus, which offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings, you will also be taken through ancient villages, and one of the stops will be the Kykkos Monastery, where the unique icon of the Virgin Mary, written by St. Luke, is kept.

Religious tourism

Religious tourism is rapidly becoming one of the popular species vacation on the island. More than a hundred thousand Orthodox Christians from all over the world make pilgrimages here every year to walk through ancient holy places and pray in ancient churches.

The Cyprus Tourism Association attributes the growing interest in religious tours to the release of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. An increasing number of believers and even people who are skeptical of religion want to see the unique temples of the Middle Ages with ancient wall paintings, which are located in the Troodos mountains.

Extreme tourism

Cyprus offers a wide range extreme entertainment for active tourists for every taste. First of all, it is full of surprises and surprises. mountain routes. Having made a walk along the mountain slopes of the island, you will get a lot of pleasant and vivid impressions!

For the brave ones, there is bungee jumping on the island. Such entertainment is popular in Ayia Napa - on the beach of Nisia there is the only Cypriot bungee club. Here, wearing special equipment, you will jump from a high cliff at Cape Greco and cool off in the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Kite surfing is another fun activity in Cyprus for energetic and daring active tourists. You can find a kite surfing school in Larnaca, where they give excellent lessons and equip with the best equipment so that you can enjoy the sea, speed and be sure of your own safety.

Retreats

Retreats, yoga tours, all kinds of detox and healthy lifestyle seminars - all this is also in Cyprus. Retreat tours gather here a large number of tourists, mostly women, who want to dedicate their vacation to their health. This type of tourism provides an excellent opportunity to relax, put your body and mind in order.

Retreat tours take place on picturesque resorts islands, on the coast of Larnaca, Paphos, Limassol. Guests are offered health mountain routes, meditation, a balanced diet and beneficial beauty treatments.

cultural tourism

In order to get to know Cyprus better and learn everything about the life of its citizens, you just have to go beyond a comfortable hotel, go to the city, or even better, visit a couple of beautiful Cypriot villages and talk with the Cypriots, join their traditions and culture, find out how they live and how their life is arranged. The inhabitants of the island are very hospitable and friendly people, they will gladly open the doors to their daily world and tell you a lot of interesting and unusual things.

Cultural tourism is gaining momentum around the world, because most sophisticated travelers are tired of the same type of hotel complexes and all-inclusive tours - now they want to feel what it is like to be a resident of a particular country, get acquainted with the customs and culture of different peoples.

In Cyprus, you will enjoy exciting trips to residential areas, meeting extraordinary people and delicious Cypriot cuisine. Go to the winery, where you will be shown how fragrant wine is made, go to the pottery workshop to see the talented work of skilled potters, rent a village house and try to live like a real Cypriot, enjoying the gentle sun and juicy fruits.

What must be done in Cyprus?

1. Swim on the beaches in Ayia Napa - this is a small resort town in the southeastern part of Cyprus. The white sandy beach and clear water allowed the beach to enter the TOP of the best in the Mediterranean. And for diving fans, there are amazing Coral reefs and excellent conditions for diving - high-quality equipment, experienced instructors and good company.
2. In the city, cross the "Green Line", which separates the two parts of the island - warring peoples, representatives of Christianity and Islam, once close people separated by an ideological war, coexist here.
3. Try Cypriot Commandaria wine - grapes for the drink are grown in the Troodos mountains, on whose slopes there are 50 wineries. And in September, a grandiose wine festival takes place here with colorful parades and traditional ceremonies.
4. Take a look at the Shipwreck Museum, where the wreckage of a food ship from the era of Alexander the Great, which sank after a collision with pirates, is kept.
5. Walk through the park on horseback on Zeus and Napoleon. In Ayia Napa there is a donkey farm "Dipotamo", where vacationers are offered a ride on donkeys with unusual nicknames: Schumacher, Rasputin, Othello.
6. Get to know the ghost town of Varosh - once a wonderful resort, but after the armed conflict in 1974, the buildings of a modern and developing city turned into deserted ruins.
7. Swim in the bay of Aphrodite in Petra tou Romiou, from where, according to legend, the goddess of beauty and love came out - dipping, tradition promises good health, courage and eternal love.
8. At Aliki Lake in Larnaca, watch the thousands of beautiful flamingos that come here for the winter.
9. Head to the "Tower of Othello" - the place where the Venetian governor Moro strangled his wife Desdemona. The sad story became the basis for Shakespeare's tragedy.
10. Go to the "Turtle Beach" in Alagadi, where sea turtles lay their eggs - by the end of summer, tourists have a chance to see the birth of turtles.

Cyprus is one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. Every year, thousands of travelers go to Cyprus, where there is everything for a comfortable stay - a mild climate, excellent service and a variety of tourist resources. There are many entertainments for youth companies and families with children.

Read more about the island in the article or. She told about the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. Perhaps you are thinking where it is better to go, to Cyprus or Greece, a comparison of these countries from the point of view of a tourist who doesn’t care where to relax, if only in the summer at sea, read on.

My experience of active movement around the country can be seen in the article. I recently wrote a review of a good hotel in Paphos, maybe this accommodation option on the island will suit you.

If you are going on a trip, but find it difficult to draw up a route, you are busy, and organizing a vacation takes a lot of time and effort, write to me, I will definitely help. All information on services and consultations is on the page.

Almost all tourists before a new trip to rest read useful information. Many in their decisions rely on reviews and reviews. ordinary people. I'm sure you do the same.

So why not do the same on my resource?

Now I say goodbye to you. Leave comments and share information in social networks. Subscribe to blog updates, there are many more useful articles ahead.

Tatyana Solomatina

Cyprus is very clean beaches, hotels with good service and an easy "excursion". From entertainment - mini-cruises, thalassotherapy and delicious Greek cuisine. The capital Nicosia, Paphos and Ayia Napa, Limassol and Protaras - all about Cyprus: weather, tours, reviews, maps and prices.

• Tours for the New Year to Cyprus
• Hot tours to Cyprus

Perhaps the most adequate assessment of Cyprus as a tourist would sound like this: “strong Mediterranean goodness”. That is, this is a quite typical direction of a beach holiday, without any bright or unique "chips", but without big drawbacks (unless, of course, rather high prices are included as such). The island has a mild climate, service in hotels is quite adequate for their level, and the beaches are very clean, with many Blue Flags - so tours to Cyprus are more than deservedly popular with travelers.

Regions and resorts of Cyprus

The island of Cyprus has several excellent beach resorts and one ski resort.

Time difference with Moscow

no in winter −1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

A daily flight to Larnaca from Moscow is operated by Aeroflot, and since 2016, also by the Pobeda low-cost airline. Three times a week, S7 Airlines flies from Moscow to Larnaca and Paphos. On the way - about 4 hours.

From St. Petersburg, direct flights to Larnaca on Thursdays and Sundays are operated by Rossiya Airlines. In the summer season, charters fly additionally, and the rest of the time it is easier to fly with a transfer in Moscow.

Also in the summer there charter flights from Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Rostov-on-Don, Moscow, Samara and other cities.

By sea

By sea, Cyprus can be reached with the help of regular flights and private boats from the ports of Greece, Egypt and Israel. From the Greek port of Piraeus, several transport companies operate regular ferry flights to and from Limassol.

In particular, flights from Greece (including the islands), Egypt and other ports are operated by Cruise Cyprus (site in English). Prices for cruises start from 250 EUR per person one way. Prices on the page are for September 2018.

Search flights to Cyprus

Transport

You can travel around the island on intercity buses. Buses depart from each major city, as a rule, twice a day (morning and evening), except Sundays.

Fare: approximately 3 EUR per 50 km. There are one-time, daily, weekly, monthly and annual travel tickets. All but one-time trips involve an unlimited number of trips. A ticket for one trip from Limassol to Larnaca costs 4 EUR, daily - 7 EUR, weekly - 33 EUR, and monthly - 70 EUR. You can buy them at stops or from the driver.

There are also single travel tickets valid on all intercity routes: for one day - 15 EUR, for a week - 75 EUR. More detailed information about tariffs, routes and stops - on the carrier's website.

Public transport in cities

In major cities there are municipal buses and minibuses. Travel time - from 4:00 (in some cities - from 6:00) to midnight. In large tourist cities there are 24-hour buses, but they have special nightly rates (but it's cheaper than a taxi anyway). On Sundays and holidays, many drivers have a legal day off, but there are rare buses in tourist centers.

The ticket system is the same as in intercity buses. There are single, daily, weekly, monthly and annual travel cards. A single day ticket (from 4:00 to 21:00) costs 1.50 EUR, a night ticket (from 21:00 to 4:00) - 2.50 EUR. A daily weekly pass (there are no night passes) will cost 20 EUR, and a daily intercity ticket (one-day ticket that gives the right to travel by both intercity and city transport) - 15 EUR.

Taxis can be stopped on the street, called through the hotel administrator, as well as by phone from any store or restaurant. There are two tariffs: daytime (from 6:00 to 20:30) and night (from 20:30 to 6:00, 15% more expensive); The baggage allowance does not depend on the time of day. It is better to agree on the price with the driver in advance, and a few words in Greek can reduce the price a little. The average cost of a taxi ride is 5-10 EUR for a 10-15 minute journey, depending on the city.

Car rental in Cyprus

Police, fire department, ambulance: 112, 199 (24 hours a day).

Informational help desk: 191, 192 (around the clock).

Beaches

All beaches in Cyprus are municipal and free, you only have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas (3-7 EUR per day). Some hotels provide beach equipment for their guests for free, but this is more likely to apply to the most expensive hotels. In city centers, hotels are separated from the beach by a highway.

Diving in Cyprus is not as spectacular as in Red or Caribbean Seas, but also offers good opportunities for beginners and experienced divers. The flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is not particularly diverse, but there are many sunken ships, caves and other interesting objects in it. Best Places for diving are located around Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa.

One of the most interesting dive sites in the world is located in Larnaca - the sunken Swedish ferry Zenobia, which was wrecked in 1980. None of the crew members were injured, only the ferry itself and trucks, which lie on the seabed at a depth of about 40 m. at a depth of 33 m in the same region rests the cruiser HMS Cricket of the Second World War, which sank in 1947. A little deeper - 50 m - is a rock in the form of a mushroom Mushrooms Rock, and 10 m deep - Octopus Reef, where they live octopuses.

Sunken in the waters near Larnaca, the Swedish ferry Zenobia is one of the ten most interesting dive sites in the world.

In Paphos, divers will be interested to see the Greek ship Achilleas, wrecked in 1975 under unclear circumstances (depth 12 m), and a unique natural monument, similar to an amphitheater (12 m). And just 5-10 m in these waters you can observe Amphorae Reef - amphoras and other ancient pottery sunk along with Greek galleys.

There are also many ships in the waters near Limassol at different depths, from 7 to 23 m. There are caves that look like ancient tombs where you can watch cute fish living there (for example, Tombs caves at a depth of 12 m).

In Ayia Napa there is a very picturesque canyon (25 m deep) with corals, caves and the remains of ancient Phoenician wooden ships.

Dive centers are located throughout the island. Beginners will first be offered diving in the pool, and then they will be released into open water. Almost every major dive center has Russian-speaking instructors, so there will be no problems with communication.

Beginning divers undergo mandatory training, which includes instructions, a swimming pool and diving in open water at a depth of no more than 10 m. The cost of one dive is from 50 EUR. The Open Water Diving program involves a training course lasting 4-5 days, from 5 dives in open water, and as a result an international diver certificate is issued. Cost - from 250 EUR.

What to bring

Popular souvenirs: a figurine of Aphrodite, models of ships and dolls in national costumes. Fans of culinary delights can bring halloumi goat cheese from Cyprus (convenient for transportation), Cypriot sweets: Turkish delight, halva, suzukos - almond grains in grape molasses, and more.

From October to April, shops are open from 8:00 to 18:00 (break from 13:00 to 15:00), and on Wednesdays and Saturdays they are completely closed in the afternoon. Shops are usually closed on Sundays.

Cuisine and restaurants in Cyprus

The island mainly serves Greek cuisine, differing from its mainland variant in that it has more seafood. Cypriot cuisine is based on meat, fish and vegetable dishes, and the main “culinary attraction” of the island is “meze”: a set lunch that includes 20-30 dishes. Serving "meze" begins with appetizers, salads and vegetables and ends with meat and fish dishes, and each tavern has its own menu. Another popular Cypriot dish is souvlaki, a shish kebab wrapped in a flatbread. It is traditionally served without sauce so as not to overpower the flavor of the meat. Also noteworthy are "moussaka" - minced meat baked with vegetables and a sauce of sour cream and beaten eggs, and "kupelka" - cabbage rolls in grape leaves.

You should definitely try Cypriot feta and halloumi cheeses, as well as green walnuts in syrup. We should not forget about Cypriot wines, spirits and liquors, which are in abundance on the island. The most famous wine is Commandaria. This is a variety of Cahors, and it is best to buy it in the Kykkos monastery on the Troodos. Beer lovers can recommend a foamy drink of two local brands - Keo and Carlsberg.

Those who like it stronger will appreciate Zivania grape moonshine, the alcohol content of which can reach up to 80 °. True, only memories of tasting it can be brought home: the export of drinks with a strength above 50 ° from Cyprus is prohibited.

You can have a cheap snack in eateries or "kebabs", which are in abundance on the island. Lunch will cost an average of 5-8 EUR excluding alcohol. The most popular establishments are traditional Cypriot taverns. These are small family restaurants that are inherited from father to son, and the owner and his relatives usually work there. The menu is rarely extensive, but all the traditional local dishes are usually there. Portions are large, you can safely order one for two, and in taverns they are often treated to dessert or liquor. Lunch in such a restaurant will cost 12-20 EUR with wine, dinner can be more expensive.

Hotels and restaurants usually include a 10% service charge on the bill. Therefore, tipping in Cyprus is optional, but a trifle is always accepted with gratitude.

There are also classic restaurants on the island, and the most interesting of them are located at the wineries. They offer Cypriot cuisine and local wine. The average check will be more than in taverns: from 25 EUR per person.

Halloumi is a divinely delicious Cypriot goat cheese that everyone should try.

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Guides in Cyprus

Entertainment and attractions

Cyprus is a relatively small island, but it surprisingly fits a huge number of monuments of nature, culture, history and art different eras. The ruins of settlements of the Stone Age, temples of the times Ancient Greece, Roman theaters, ancient Byzantine monasteries, Venetian fortresses and gothic cathedrals. And due to the compactness of the island, many of these attractions can easily be visited within one trip.

It is worth visiting the capital of Cyprus Nicosia, all the main attractions of which are collected in the old quarter of the city. These are the Byzantine church of Chrysalinotissa and the church of Tripiotis with the famous iconostasis, the Archbishop's Palace, Cathedral St. John, Famagusta Gate and Venetian Wall.

On the Akamas Peninsula, the ruins of the ancient cities of Morion and Avagos, the monastery of Agios Georgios, and the territory of the located south of the bay Lara Beach was chosen by green and big-headed turtles. It is also worth visiting the baths of Aphrodite, which is not far from Latchi Bay. Amathus is one of ancient cities Cyprus, the ruins of which are located on the seashore, 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 systems of water conduits - of course, their time, as they say, did not spare them, but even in this form they make an impression.

No less ancient Kourion was one of the largest city-states of the island. Roman baths and rich houses, the sanctuary of Apollo Khilatsky, an ancient theater and numerous mosaics have survived to this day. Troodos mountains - nature reserve and ski resort. There are also numerous churches and monasteries, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and are under state protection.

Cruises from Cyprus

Mini-cruises from Cyprus is an opportunity to travel to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Greece, or Lebanon while relaxing on the island. For example, a two-day cruise to Egypt includes a full-day trip to Cairo (with a visit to the Cairo National Museum) and a tour of the pyramids and papyrus factory on the second day.

During the cruise to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, tourists will see the Church of the Nativity and the Grotto, built over the birthplace of Jesus Christ. After lunch at local restaurant the tour will continue in the Holy City of Jerusalem with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Golgotha ​​and the Wailing Wall.

The cost of a two-day cruise starts from 300 EUR per person, this amount usually includes transfers from the hotel to the port of Limassol and back, necessary visas (not always), excursions with a Russian-speaking guide, full board, all entertainment on board the ships and accommodation in a cabin of the selected category.

10 things to do in Cyprus

1. Swim in the bay of Petra tou Romiou, from where, according to legend, the sea goddess Aphrodite emerged from the foam, and gain eternal youth and beauty.
2. Go to a small winery for a tasting of Commandaria and other wines.
3. Travel back to the Middle Ages in Kyrenia and visit the local Shipwreck Museum.
4. Dine in an authentic Cypriot tavern and drink a glass of liquor with the owner.
5. Buy a hand-embroidered tablecloth in the village of Lefkara.
6. Dance all night long in the discos of Ayia Napa until dawn.
7. Climb the tower of the jealous Moor in Famagusta, where the alleged prototype of Othello, the governor of Cyprus, Christopher Moreau, lived in the 12th century.
8. Watch the flamingos on the Aliki salt lake near Larnaca.
9. Ride a donkey named Hitler or Schumacher at the Dipotamos donkey farm in Ayia Napa.
10. View from afar the ghost town of Varosh in Famagusta (you can go inside, but very expensive - a fine of 500 EUR).

Holidays and events

A separate reason for traveling to Cyprus is endless holidays and festivals. In April, the country celebrates National holiday Cyprus. In May-June, coastal cities celebrate "kataklysmos" - the holiday of water and the Flood, and the Folk Dance Festival is held in Limassol. In July-August, the Festival of Ancient Greek Drama takes place: performances are given in the ancient amphitheater of Kourion, in the Paphos Odeon, Larnaca Fort and on the Monastery Square in Ayia Napa. The beginning of September overshadows with its invigorating breath the popular Wine Festival in Limassol, dedicated to the god of winemaking Dionysus.

Most sunny island Mediterranean - the sun shines here 320 out of 365 days. Island-holiday, where once a week there is a carnival or festival. The island, on the coast of which, according to legend, the goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite emerged from the depths of the sea. It's all about Cyprus - a country that falls in love with stunning beaches, the Finikoudes promenade and a special local meze snack from the first time. For the sake of what tourists go there and what the summer season 2017 is preparing, read in our material prepared jointly with the specialists of the travel operator Mouzenidis Travel .

bathing season in Cyprus lasts 8 months - no other maritime country in Europe can boast such a long beach holiday season. And this is not surprising, because Cyprus is the southernmost point of the European Union. If already in April you suddenly yearn for turquoise sea water, warm surf, fresh fruits and fish dishes, then you will find all this in Cyprus. As well as in early November, the sea on the island will still be warm, and the fruits will be sweet and juicy.

The best time to visit Cyprus for the first time is May, when the resorts are filled with the scent of blossoming greenery, and poppies and wild flowers bloom outside the cities.

The beauty of the island was at one time captivated by Prince Harry, youth life - the British singer James Blunt. And this is the special charm of Cyprus - for each guest he will prepare his own discovery: for party lovers - his own Ibiza, gastronomy - wine and amazing cuisine, beach holidays - the most beautiful beaches of Coral Bay, Nissi Beach and 54 more beaches with EU Blue Flags. But first things first.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU TRIP

Cyprus is an island with a very deep history. What kind of peoples have walked this earth, what kind of religions have ruled. And each period of history left its signs and reminders here in the form of ancient temples and theaters, English fortresses, medieval castles, Byzantine churches and Venetian monasteries. Even the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque near Larnaca has survived. And in this unique feature Cyprus - respect and love for its history, respect for monuments, regardless of nationalities and religions. Today, the vast majority of Cypriots are Orthodox Christians, people who are very close to us in terms of worldview and mentality. Today, you can go to Cyprus without the slightest fear, because, in addition, the problem of migrants bypassed this country.

HOW TO GET TO CYPRUS

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, but from Minsk you can conveniently get a direct flight to Larnaca, right on the coast. Flights are now carried out once a week, from May the frequency of flights increases and by June the flight flies 4 times a week, so you can plan a convenient rest period. Travel time is 3 hours 25 minutes. Belarus and Cyprus are in the same time zone, thanks to which you quickly adapt upon arrival on the island - you don’t have to change the clock and adjust to other rhythms.

VISA TO CYPRUS

Another nice feature of a holiday in Cyprus is the easy process of obtaining a visa.

For a holiday in Cyprus, three visa options are suitable for you:

• a multiple-entry Schengen visa, on which you have already managed to visit one of the countries of the Schengen agreement at least once,
• national cypriot visa
• multiple entry Bulgarian or Croatian visa

To obtain a Cyprus visa you need:

• passport,
• salary statement,
• Photo,
• consular fee of 30 EUR.

It is not necessary to submit biometric data (fingerprints) to obtain a Cypriot visa, documents are submitted without personal submission.

HOTELS CYPRUS

Have you heard about the special Cypriot hospitality? You will definitely feel it when you check into a hotel, go to a restaurant, and in any other place on the island - everywhere they will try to serve you and provide the best service they can. The fact is that Cyprus is a very small island, where just over a million people live. Every second Cypriot owns a small business related to tourists. And every first Cypriot values ​​his reputation. And negative reviews on such a small island scatter very quickly. That is why the owner of a hotel, restaurant, car or yacht rental will make every effort to ensure that you are satisfied with the quality of services. And, of course, it's not just about reputation, no doubt - he will do it sincerely.

Many hotels have their own orchards - orange, pomegranate, banana. Every morning, freshly picked fruits, fresh juices and jams will be on your tables.

A feature of the hotel base of Cyprus is that hotels on the island offer a little more than the stars promise. And this is not an exaggeration: there are a lot of 2 * hotels in Cyprus, the quality of service in which corresponds to 3 *, in the same way, 3 * hotels provide 4 * level service, and 4 * hotels - 5 *. There are hotels "16+" - only for adults. One of the popular ones is Pambos Napa Rocks Hotel 2*+ in Ayia Napa, which in the evening turns into an indoor club for 2500 guests with foam parties and performances by world-famous DJs. Hotel guests receive a card for free access to all nearby clubs.

Important! Adapters are required for our chargers in Cyprus. They can be bought on the spot or taken on bail at your hotel.

When choosing a hotel, Mouzenidis Travel specialists will tell you which hotel to choose in a particular resort.

BEACHES OF CYPRUS

Perhaps the main advantage of Cyprus, for which the island is loved by most tourists, is its beaches. With yellow sand, gray - with an admixture of black volcanic sand, beaches in tiny picturesque bays, with a gentle entrance to the sea and rocky slopes - very different, but always beautiful. The most picturesque beaches are Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Coral Bay in Paphos and, of course, the famous Kourion beach, where Aphrodite herself came out of the water a long time ago. 56 beaches of Cyprus have been awarded the Blue Flags of the EU for cleanliness and environmental friendliness - this is a lot for such a small island. And, of course, the islanders are very proud of this fact.

Most of the beaches in Cyprus are municipal, which means that the entrance to them is free. You only need to pay for the rental of beach equipment - 2.5 EUR per item and from 7 EUR per set (2 sun loungers and an umbrella).

7 things to do in Cyprus:

• To visit the rock of Aphrodite and find a pebble in the shape of a heart there is a sign of great love awaiting you.
• Visit the Kykksky monastery, bow to the icon of the Mother of God, which, according to legend, was painted by the holy Apostle Luke.
• See the "ghost town" of Famagusta in Northern Cyprus.
• Watch the show of singing fountains in Protaras, which is comparable in beauty to similar ones in the UAE.
• Go on a boat cruise along the coast, wave to dolphins and catch fresh fish during sea fishing.
• Ride donkeys and even get a license to drive them.
• Bring a souvenir to remember the island: lace tablecloths and napkins woven by Cypriot craftswomen in the village of Lefkora using the technique of the 16th century, healing cosmetics based on olive oil, carob syrup - an elixir of youth and beauty, Cypriot Commandaria wine or a bottle of Zivania grape vodka ”, sweets from candied nuts, halva, silver jewelry.

SHOPPING AND EXCHANGE IN CYPRUS

The currency of Cyprus is the euro. You can exchange money at the reception of your hotel, at exchange offices in the city and at banks. Banks in Cyprus are open on Mondays until 17.00, on other days - until 13.30. Commercial banks operate a little longer. Most establishments in Cyprus are open from 8.00 to 19.00 with a siesta from 13.00 to 16.00.

Shopping in Cyprus can be called interesting, varied, exciting, but hardly very profitable. Prices in the shopping centers of the island can be compared with the average European, sales are held in sync with Europe. Amount required to issue checks Tax Free in Cyprus - 50 EUR. One of the most popular shopping centers– Kings Avenue Mall in Paphos, where you can find all the popular European brands.

CUISINE OF CYPRUS

Fresh, light, not spicy at all, and therefore very useful. Cypriot cuisine is based on fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Ideal for families flying on holidays with small children. You should definitely try the Cypriot appetizer meze, fish or meat, - assorted 12-18 dishes. One portion is able to saturate two people, and it costs from 12 to 21 EUR. Mouzenidis Travel specialists tried the best meze in the Ocean Basket restaurant chain and highly recommend visiting one of them - there are restaurants in every resort in Cyprus. From street food, be sure to take the Cypriot pita, which will be stuffed for you with any ingredients of your choice. The Cypriot pita is so satisfying that it is worth a whole meal. And the price is only 4 EUR. As a souvenir from Cyprus, you can take sesame sauce with you.

In addition, it is worth trying halloumi - fried Cypriot cheese. Everything from sweets is delicious - try sweet nuts, halva, candied fruits, jam from local fruits.

The best wine in Cyprus is Commandaria, the local grape vodka Zivania is also famous.

Important! In Cyprus, indoor smoking is prohibited. The hotel has balconies for this, and special areas in the bars. The fine for violating the ban will be 299 EUR.

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN IN CYPRUS

Cyprus is very friendly to children - there are practically no hotels where there would not be at least a sea slide. Each hotel has children's animation, children's pools, the menu always has dishes suitable for small tourists. There are many sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea. If the beach is located in a rocky bay, there will definitely be an artificial path to the sea.

• Hylatio Tourist Village Apart. 3* (Pissouri), all inclusive – 649 EUR

CYPRUS RESORT GUIDE

Larnaca

The resort closest to the airport, which, thanks to a fast transfer, is good for families with small children and tourists of elegant age. Larnaca - relatively quiet city from the stunning beauty of the Finikoudes promenade and sandy beaches, overlooking Larnaca Fort, a 14th century castle. But the main attraction of the resort is the Byzantine Church of St. Lazarus - a place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the world. In Larnaca, it’s worth taking a ride on the “kissing buses” - this is how the Cypriots call small double-decker sightseeing buses. Near Larnaca there is a sunken ship - a note to divers.

Best deal May from Mouzenidis Travel: Costantiana Beach Apartments without meals – 497 EUR, breakfasts – 529 EUR
Cactus Hotel 2 * (Larnaca), no meals - 453 EUR, breakfasts - 469 EUR, breakfasts + dinners - 531 EUR

Protaras

Small calm resort 10 km from Larnaca. The Cypriots themselves like to come to the sandy bays of the resort for a tan and the purest turquoise water. Capo Bay beach is famous for its special beauty. And the Singing Fountain Show deserved a huge portion of fame, which may well compete with its famous counterparts in the UAE. Protaras is more like family holiday than parties. It is good to walk along the beautiful promenade that runs through the entire resort. If you want bars and discos, you can always go to neighboring Larnaca.

Aya- Napa

The city is located 30 minutes east of Larnaca. Ayia Napa is called the "Cypriot Las Vegas" or "the second Ibiza". There is a whole street of clubs here, the most popular of which are Castle and Soho. Of the bars, Crazy Frog and Bedrock Cafe are loved by tourists. The water park based on the myths of Ancient Greece Water World is visited with pleasure not only by children, but also by adults. Luna Park is located in the very center of the resort - it divides the city into Upper, party, youth, and Lower, where respectable hotels for families are located. Thanks to this, Ayia Napa is a universal resort, where both young people and older tourists have a great rest, without interfering with each other. The beaches in Ayia Napa are sandy, with a gentle entrance to the sea.

Featured hotels: Okeanos Beach 3* , Makronisos Village 3* , Petrosana Hotel 3* , Pierre Anne Beach Hotel 3+* , Nestor Hotel 4*

Limassol

To the west of Larnaca is Limassol - a resort and a business center rolled into one. Most of the offices of large companies and corporations are located here. The representative office of the tour operator Mouzenidis Travel is also located in this city. If foreign languages ​​are not easy for you, you will feel comfortable here - in Limassol, many people speak Russian, signs of many institutions are translated into Russian. This fact is especially important if you want to give your parents a tour to Cyprus - in Limassol they will not feel the language barrier. The advantage of Limassol is its versatility, the resort will appeal to both your parents and you. This is the most Big City islands after Nicosia - thanks to this, it can offer a wide variety of entertainment, hotels, establishments for all ages and incomes. Zoos, water parks, amusement parks, clubs, festivals and carnivals are held here almost every week - this is the life of Limassol. The most popular clubs in Limassol are Dolce Club, Guaba Beach Bar, Breeze.

Mouzenidis Travel hotels are located in the green area of ​​the parks - a great option for families with children. The beaches in Limassol are gray - due to a mixture of white and black volcanic sand. Mouzenidis Travel experts recommend the Yacht Club Restaurant in Limassol Marina. In addition, you can try local craft beer at Carob Mill establishments.

Featured hotels: Navarria Hotel 3* , Park Beach Hotel 3*

Pathos

An hour and a half transfer from Larnaca - and you are in the historical and cultural center Cyprus. In 2017 Paphos will become cultural capital Europe and you will see for yourself how responsibly the resort is preparing for this honorable mission. Paphos was the first capital of the island in the Roman era, Cicero acted as procurator here. Since that time in Paphos preserved old port. Near Paphos is the famous beach of Aphrodite, and in general beautiful beaches the islands are sandy, with a rocky entrance to the water.

The best Ocean Basket taverns are located in Paphos - there is always the freshest seafood due to the proximity of the port. Be sure to drop by the Pelican restaurant with your children - real pelicans live on its territory.

ENTERTAINMENT IN CYPRUS

When you leave your hotel in Cyprus, regardless of the resort, your eyes will run wide with a choice of all kinds of entertainment and interesting places to stay. Water parks, zoos, clubs, discos, sea safaris and jeep safaris, donkey rides, excursions to monasteries and historical monuments islands - what Mouzenidis Travel guides will offer you. When the most interesting places your resort will be studied, rent a car and drive to a neighboring city - a car rental in Cyprus costs approximately 40 EUR per day. And if you want to change the situation and expand the boundaries of the world for yourself, you can go on an excursion to Jerusalem - by plane or ferry. Such an excursion will cost about 350 EUR.

Important! In Cyprus, left-hand traffic, respectively, in a car, the steering wheel is on the right side.

The island has a well-developed bus service. A bus ride from Protaras to Ayia Napa will cost 1.5 EUR. Taxi costs 1 EUR per kilometer.

If you have any questions about holidays in Cyprus or you plan to purchase a tour at a special price with a departure from Minsk, call directly the specialists in the direction:

Valentina Biryukova

375 17 392-88-88
office on st. Kalvariyskaya, 17
[email protected]

Margarita Shakhlovich

37517 306-05-05
office on st. Romanovskaya Sloboda, 3a
[email protected]

* Prices for tours in euros are indicated for non-residents of the Republic of Belarus.

The website www.mzt.by also has an online consultant.

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Where to rest

Summer is coming, which means that many of us are thinking about where in Cyprus it is better to relax with children, where to go for fun and great views, and in general, when is the best time to go on vacation.

Cyprus is a small island located between Egypt and Turkey, but one part of it is called "Turkish" - tourism is practically not developed here, and the other, by a strange coincidence - "Greek", it is here that the entire tourist flow is concentrated.

Cyprus regularly receives its blue flags"- special distinctions that are awarded to reservoirs and beaches with the cleanest water. Accordingly, the beaches of Cyprus for families with children are the best fit. But where exactly should you look? Where is the best place to relax in Cyprus?

So, it is conditionally possible to divide all Cypriot resorts into two parts - active and calm. First, about the active ones.

A universal resort where it will be interesting and good for people of any generation. From entertainment there are several water parks, a menagerie and an amusement park. A big plus is the fact that there is a large number of Russian-speaking people in Limassol - no communication problems will arise even without knowledge in English.

However, it should be borne in mind that Limassol is very popular among tourists, and it is natural that a large number of tourists come here for the summer.

The tourism sector in Larnaca is very active. By the way, it is from here that it is most convenient to go on a trip around the island, and here is international Airport, but here it is still less noisy than in Limassol and Ayia Napa.

Ayia Napa

This place is often called the new Ibiza - it's noisy and fun all the time, and the owners of various bars and clubs are constantly coming up with new methods for fun. Young people and those who like a positive, fun-filled holiday flock here.

At the same time, it is Ayia Napa that can boast of its perfect beaches with golden sand. The descent into the water is gentle, and there are no typical winds for Cyprus. Children will love the excellent water park, made in antique style.

And where to relax in Cyprus without noisy companies nearby? And there are such resorts here.

Amazing place which will appeal to all lovers of history and architecture. There is a kind of division into the old and New Year. In the old one there are ancient architectural complexes, ancient monuments, and in the new one there are restaurants, shops, boutiques and many offices.

Icosia can also please tourists great beaches that are well equipped.

Pathos

If there is a place in the world that best demonstrates the atmosphere of the Mediterranean Sea, it is Paphos. Previously, this city was the capital, and now it is popular resort. By the way, not only popular, but also quite expensive.

But relaxing with kids here is not very convenient - hotels and beaches practically do not provide for children's recreation. But here you can enjoy a romantic vacation or even Honeymoon- there is a belief that nearby Aphrodite herself emerged from the sea foam.

This is a great resort for a quiet family vacation. If you do not need a large number of animators and children's entertainment, and are ready to simply enjoy unity with nature and communication with the closest people, then it is best to go here.

Fishing fairs are slowly held here, a large number of sunny days and many yachts. By the way, Cypriots love to relax in Polis (and, in my opinion, this is saying something).

A good city where it is pleasant to have a rest with all family. It is located not far from the noisy Ayia Napa, and is not inferior to it in terms of infrastructure and equipment, but at the same time it is much quieter and calmer here, and if you wish, you can always rush for entertainment in Ayia Napa.

A multi-visa is issued according to the standard scenario:

• a copy of the first spread of the passport;
• color photo;
• certificate of employment or bank statement.

If you are planning a vacation with a child, and one of his parents or guardians remains in his home country, then it is better to obtain permission to leave in advance.

Cypriots rarely refuse visas to Russian citizens.

Peculiarities

Naturally, a beach holiday in Cyprus is in the order of things, but what else can you do? If you are planning a family vacation in Cyprus, then you should pay attention to the following activities:

1. sightseeing and educational rest - visiting all kinds of excursions great opportunity get to know the history and culture of the island;
2. all kinds of entertainment - water parks, amusement parks and other entertainment;
3. menageries, zoos, turtle and fish reserves, a donkey or camel farm;
4. visiting waterfalls and natural attractions;
5. acquaintance with local cuisine and winemaking, as well as with various crafts - for example, basket weaving.

The features of holidays in Cyprus are such that you should not wait for a green island, immersed in flowers and plants - the local climate allows an abundance of greenery only in spring, and in summer it is quite dry.

If you are planning independent travel, then pay attention to chain hotels located on the outskirts - as a rule, their prices are much more pleasant.

Price

Since we are talking about prices, how much does a holiday in Cyprus cost? More recently, Cyprus was an excellent alternative to Turkey, and even Black Sea coast but now everything has changed.

If you go on vacation on a tourist package, the cost will vary depending on the season. In the high season, a trip for two in a four-star hotel will cost about 90-95 thousand rubles.

Hotels with a slightly lower rank will cost around 70-80 thousand rubles (for a stay of two weeks).

If you want to save money, then it makes sense to consider either early booking(the price may be 20% lower), or plan a vacation in September - this is the most budget month, when prices are already falling, and the sea is still warm.

Independent travelers can save on accommodation - for example, rent a house or villa for several families, the prices will be very pleasant.

If you plan to get acquainted with the island, then you can travel by taxi or bus, but driving a rented car can be quite difficult - the traffic here is left-handed. The cost of a bus ticket is about 1.5-3 euros. If you plan to travel with the whole family, then a taxi will cost about the same price as tickets for all family members.

Food in Cyprus is inexpensive, and the portions are very large - you can dine together for 30-35 euros.

Useful information

And how to fly away on vacation in Cyprus literally tomorrow? To do this, it makes sense to look for last-minute tours - their cost is several times lower than usual, and the hotels are very, very decent.

What else do you need to know about Cyprus, vacation 2018? The local population is very friendly and has a very positive attitude towards tourists, so no difficulties will arise. If you are traveling with a child, keep in mind that Cypriots are very fond of children.

When a trip to Cyprus is planned, many ladies are interested not only in something simple, like how much it costs to relax and where to go on vacation, but also which resorts in Cyprus should be chosen with an eye on shopping. It is best to give preference to Limassol and Nicosia - it is absolutely safe to buy things of any European brands here, and in general these cities are well suited for recreation - here best beaches, and the Cypriot climate in the summer will please absolutely everyone.

Where is the best place to go to enjoy nature? In my opinion, no prettier than the city than Paphos - we see numerous photos and videos of this city very, very often. Speaking of photos - if you don't trust the advertising photos posted by the tour operator or the hotel, you can always go for a little trick and look at the photos on Instagram - a rare vacationer does not show his vacation.

If your family plans to relax without frills, but not deny themselves anything (for example, do not queue for lunch at an inexpensive cafe, but dine in restaurants), then you should have at least a thousand euros with you for expenses.

The required budget can be calculated in the following way - take your usual budget and multiply it by at least 1.5 (do not forget, Cyprus is still Europe), and preferably by 2 - so as not to deny yourself the purchase of souvenirs.

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