Guide to Cyprus with detailed descriptions of attractions. Useful information about Cyprus for tourists

Ayia Napa is a popular resort in east coast Cyprus. It is simply a mecca for tourists who love to enjoy generous sun and clear sea water during the day, as well as an active nightlife and celebrity performances. We especially love the resort among young people. No wonder its name is mentioned in numerous Western European song hits.
However, people of all ages have a wonderful time here. white sand beaches Ayia Napa, located between the picturesque cliffs - perfect place for swimming, children's games, diving, boating and acquiring a flawless bronze sea tan. In the central part of the city there is a quarter with bars, discos and a variety of nightclubs, where life is seething all night long. For this, Ayia Napa received its second name - the Cypriot Las Vegas. For tourist season The city hosts several fun holidays and carnivals.
This area is famous for its amazing beauty and mysterious story. Therefore, often young couples come here to get married and hang out in one of the many city churches.

Larnaca for most tourists becomes the first resort city where they get acquainted with the island of Cyprus. This is due to the fact that many of them arrive in the country just through Larnaca. At the same time, Larnaca is located closer to the middle of the south of Cyprus, next to Ayia Napa, which is the center of club life on the island.
Larnaca is the third largest settlement in terms of size among other cities in Cyprus. At the same time, here you can surprisingly observe the connection between antiquity and modernity, which is reflected in the architecture of the city: ancient buildings are located in close proximity to modern buildings.
Larnaca attracts tourists with its many historical buildings and monuments. For example, it was in Larnaca, according to the Bible, that Saint Lazarus lived for a long time. After his resurrection by Jesus, he settled in Cyprus and lived there for 30 years. Lazarus became the first bishop of Larnaca.

Limassol (Limassol) is the second largest city in Cyprus, which is located in the south of the island. A major cultural, financial and economic center of the country, while this does not prevent the city from being one of the the best resorts Cyprus, here even in winter the tourist life does not stop, does not stop. At the same time, Limassol is the most Russian-speaking city of this island state.
Limassol is located on the shores of Akrotiri Bay, surrounded by the ancient cities of Curon and Amathus, which is why the Byzantines called it the "New City". Limassol is considered the most active and cheerful city in Cyprus, it is often called the Riviera of Cyprus. The city has first-class hotels, cafes and restaurants, bars and a wide variety of nightclubs. All this attracts tourists, especially young people, like a magnet. Almost all the sights of the island have gathered in Limassol and its environs, and in the city itself there are museums of the ancient and ancient world. At the same time, many archaeological excavations are still being carried out here, which you can look at. Preserved in Limassol and medieval castle, in his original Templar form. It organizes magnificent tourist excursions to the most striking tourist routes.
Limassol is divided into three main tourist areas, but they are all located on the coast:

central area of ​​Limassol,
Potamos Yermasoyias area (5 km from the center),
Amathus area (8 km from the center).

Nicosia is the capital of the island of Cyprus. The city is divided between the Greek and Turkish parts of the island. Despite this, Nicosia is the administrative center of both parts of Cyprus (actually, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and has a significant impact on all institutions of government. The city is located near a plain called Mesaoria.
Only one river flows in Nicosia - Pedieos. Most of the population lives in the Greek part of the city - about 300 thousand people, in the Turkish part - about 90 thousand. Nowhere else in the world is there a divided capital. Many experts argue that this does not benefit the island in any way. The merger could provide a number of advantages for the island's economy, and the budget increased many times over could be used to finance new projects and increase tourism.
island's potential to a new level. Cypriots have shown in practice that they can easily overcome all existing problems and hardships. They managed to competently develop the textile, pottery, plastics, food industries, built an endless series of shops, and are one of the main suppliers of copper.

Paphos is beautiful seaport in the southwest of the island of Cyprus, which was its capital during the Roman rule. Here the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, emerged “out of the foam on the seashore”.
Paphos is comfortably located in a bay, which is reliably protected by mountains from the western side. This is charming city, which can give a tourist a lot: the sea and beaches, rocks and hills, ancient ruins and modern shops. Paphos, in addition to the desire to relax, allows you to immerse yourself in the history and former elegance of Paphos, look at the modern infrastructure of the resort. The beauty of this city is impossible not to notice, apparently, therefore Paphos is included in the list of the World Cultural and natural heritage UNESCO.
Paphos is divided into two parts: one - Kato Paphos (lower Paphos) - lies off the coast in resort area, and the second - Ktima ( upper city) - this is actually the urban area itself, which is located a few kilometers from the sea.
In Paphos, in the upper part of the city, a harmonious combination of strange quarters built in a classic style and trendy modern shops. This is where most administrative buildings Paphos.
And in the lower part, in Kato Paphos, there is a little life of its own, centered around a picturesque bay in which you can see pleasure yachts and many fishing boats that fill this bay. This part of Paphos is a small paradise for tourists, because it is here that you will find most of the sights, all kinds of souvenir shops, comfortable hotels and cozy restaurants, bars, discos, without which it is impossible to imagine any tourist center in our time.

The glorious city of Pissouri is located on the Greek part of the island of Cyprus between, at least famous cities, Paphos and Limassol. This magnificent, originally Greek village is famous for its beaches. The beaches have a special mysterious aura. There is always an atmosphere of calmness and comfort. Here, on Pissouri Beach, everyone will feel at home. This is quiet place suitable for those who have long been tired of endless work, routine everyday life. The area smells of antiquity. Everything is surrounded by vineyards and mountains.
In Pissouri, as well as in Sochi, it will be possible to tickle your nerves by climbing the mountains along the serpentine. Adrenaline in the blood is guaranteed to jump. Well, it will only benefit the typical office workers. New experiences are good for everyone. In addition, you will definitely not see such a landscape that Pissouri and its environs will give to your eyes anywhere else. The roofs of houses, magnificent ascents and descents, an endless series of taverns and bars, an atmosphere of comfort, warmth - this is not all that Pissouri can please you with.
Tourists are also attracted by the central city fountain. Morning cup of coffee near this fountain is one of the local traditions. Very often at night, Cypriots gather in the square, sing songs, drink, dance until the morning. After dancing, many go to drink coffee near the same fountain. “And so from day to day? What next?” you ask. And then they go to work, because they have long learned that time is money.

The small resort town of Polis is located on the coast, in the north-west of Cyprus. The beaches of the north-west of the island differ sharply from the south side, it is much calmer here. In addition, ancient monuments preserved from ancient times create favorable conditions for educational tourism, and untouched nature will allow you to plunge into the incredible tropical world of the surroundings.
Secluded, separated by green thickets, the beaches of the city are ideal for family vacation or for romantic evenings. From the central part of the city to the coastal strip can be easily reached on foot in just 10 minutes.
Around Polis grow wonderful plantations of almonds and tobacco. Polis is by no means the main tourist center of Cyprus, because of the life of the townspeople flows at its own leisurely pace. The main activities of the inhabitants are farming and fishing. By the way, this is where the port for fishermen from neighboring settlements is located.
Polis is famous for its fishing fairs. The resort offers a wide range of opportunities for interesting holiday: you can ride horses, splash in clear sea waters, sunbathe, rent catamarans, travel around the area and, of course, pay attention to the Akamas reserve.

Protaras is the most comfortable resort located in Cyprus. White beaches, clean sea air, calm, relaxing atmosphere - these are the main advantages of this place. At the same time, the tourist infrastructure of Protaras is at the highest level, and quite comparable with more famous resorts Cyprus. Thanks to all this, your stay here will be as comfortable as possible. Protaras attracts the attention primarily of those tourists who are looking for peace and relaxation during their holidays. There will be no noisy crowds, noise and hubbub, and no one will interfere with enjoying the beauty of Mediterranean nature in solitude or during a romantic date.
At the same time, Protaras is an ancient area that keeps traces of the rich culture of the eastern Mediterranean. An inquisitive tourist will visit with interest both the ruins of the ancient polis and the medieval Orthodox church towering over the settlement. Fans of Mediterranean cuisine will be happy to stroll along local restaurants and cafes, which are in sufficient quantity in the Protaras resort, as there are many different hotels and hotels for every taste and income. And yet the main treasure of Protaras is the beaches of amazing whiteness, located on the shores of Fig Tree Bay. And the favorable climate of the southeastern coast of the island will allow you to enjoy the sun and the sea almost continuously, without fear of possible bad weather.

Famagusta is a famous resort. A huge number of foreign tourists from all over the world managed to visit here. Many prominent businessmen have invested heavily in the construction of real estate, because there is always a demand for it in the resort.
Throughout its history, the city has been seaport, and until 1974 it was part of "Greek" Cyprus and shopping center. On the this moment the city is part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Now in one of the parts locality based Turkish troops, UN peacekeeping troops. "Why did this happen? What happened," you ask.
Between Turkey and Greece there was a conflict over the territory of the island of Cyprus. It seemed that this conflict would not last long, and in general no one thought that it would affect a city of such a level, because oligarchs, bankers, and statesmen bought villas here.
During one of the Turkish attacks, the city was shelled. There was a massive evacuation local residents. They were no longer able to return to their homes. Varosha - one of the most famous quarters, has been abandoned for about 40 years.

(archive) / Other destinations

Where it is better go to May ( Southern Europe, with the exception of Greece and Cyprus)? To be warm enough in terms of sunbathing and maybe swimming (probably in the pool, because the ocean-sea, probably still cold everywhere else). The flight will be from Helsinki, so you can fantasize. :) It is desirable that there be at least some kind of party (for the daughter) and there are places of interest in the vicinity (we will not take a car). For some reason, I want to go to Madeira, but the apartments will not have a pool, and as I understand it, there is trouble with the beaches, and it will probably be cool. Who will advise what?

satin Quote: Ignorance of Portuguese is not very annoying? Doesn't stress at all! Learn the word "obrigada" - and the whole of Portugal is at your feet :) Seriously, in Portugal, even in the outback, almost everyone speaks English, unlike, say, their Spanish neighbors. Quote: whatever guide read C guidebooks in Madeira it is stressful ... In any case, in Russian. AT the best case, I came across those where there were literally a couple of pages on the island. It is better read the reviews here and some sites (there are sites for Madeira), you can also get information from there.

If you live in Ayia Napa, then you can arrange an excursion to Capo Greco for 2 euros :) scheduled bus 101 pay 1 euro and tell the driver - Capo Greco. 10 minutes on the way and you are there :) The driver will loudly announce Capo Greco and repeat several times if you do not orient yourself and do not come to the exit of the bus. There is a Capo Greco sign at the bus stop, so getting lost there is unrealistic. The place itself is amazing!!! From the category of must see definitely :) Just don’t forget water and hats, it’s hot there, and of course cameras should be at the ready) On the way back, take bus 102, pay 1 euro and go to Napa :)

Prices in Ayia Napa are quite high, almost everything is the same, but you can buy cheaper in the city of Paralimni. Get on the regular bus 101, pay 1 euro and go to the final stop. In Paralimna, groceries can be bought at the Kokkinos market, clothing stores near the bus stop. Back the bus is coming from exactly the same place where you were dropped off for the first time, do not be alarmed, you will not find the bus number at stop 102, only 101 appears there. In fact, 101 drives up to final stop, changes the number to 102 and goes back :)

In Cyprus, namely in Ayia Napa, I do not advise you to be friends with our compatriots who permanently reside there. I mean young girls or guys who work in bars or discos. Unfortunately, very often they want to cheat or steal or drag them into something, girls are especially careful!

I am often asked which city to choose for a holiday in Cyprus? I'll tell you the basics of choice. Larnaca, the airport where most flights land, often offers the most cheap vacation, good small beaches right in the city, but in itself it is of practically no interest - at least attractions. But there are many shops, again a minute walk from the beach, a lot of restaurants and bars. Night life in the city is pleasant and rich. The city is convenient for families with small children (500 meters from the coast it will be shallow - even a child is waist-deep, and you are knee-deep), for shopping, for evening gatherings in bars, as well as the proximity of the airport (7 km from the center, 12 euros for Taxi). Larnaca is also convenient for traveling around the island, as it geographically occupies a central position. Paphos is a special place. And the proximity of the second airport, and the mass of attractions, both man-made and natural, good beaches around, a zoo, a water park - all this makes the city universal and, probably, the most interesting for inquisitive tourists aimed at leisure. You won't be bored! By the way, Paphos is the future cultural capital Europe in 2017. Ayia Napa is synonymous with the word "party". Night clubs, bars, restaurants, discos, shopping, amusement and water park - all a lot of fun! Beautiful and cozy beaches complete the sunny picture. City of good mood and fun! Nearby there are beautiful natural landscapes and old walled city Famagusta on the northern part of the island - for those who do not want to be left without interesting historical sights, most of which are located on the far end of the island. Protaras, Paralimni - created for quiet rest with kids. Apart from the beaches, there is nothing interesting, but for those who want "life" - Ayia Napa is very close! Limassol is the business capital of Cyprus. Shopping. A minimum of historical sights. Good and sometimes luxury hotels, but not the cleanest beaches and an indispensable view of cargo ships

Be sure to bring from Cyprus national Cypriot drinks - Zivania and Commandaria, as well as Cypriot sweets, halloumi cheese, olives and olive oil. Quite an interesting "thing" - writing. It's something reminiscent of cotton candy, but not as sticky. A very interesting gift for lovers of "snacks". This curiosity is sold in supermarkets for a very reasonable price - 5-7 lire per box. Another interesting gastronomic souvenir will be Pekmez. Syrup from the carob tree, which grows widely in Northern Cyprus. More than one legend has been composed about this "elixir", the main of which is an excellent substitute for Viagra. Lovers of beauty will certainly appreciate napkins, tablecloths or sundresses embroidered with unique hand embroidery - lefkaritika. You will find a rich selection of such products in the village of Lefkare. Limassol has the largest souvenir shop. There you can buy "sea souvenirs" - products made from shells, mined from the bottom mediterranean sea Cypriots, stuffed exotic fish and natural bath sponges made from natural sponges. Ladies should definitely go to special cosmetic departments in pharmacies. These departments have a large assortment of natural cosmetics: moisturizers, masks, scrubs, gels and other products of the highest quality.

Cyprus, along with Sicily and Sardinia, is the most major island Mediterranean Sea.

The island-state of Cyprus has magnificent landscapes, a comfortable climate, clean beaches, excellent service and an informative excursion program - everything that is required for a good rest.

In Cyprus, respectable tourists prefer to spend their time, preferring a peaceful holiday in the bosom of beautiful nature.

The island also has good ski resorts.

Cyprus is washed by the gentle waters of the Mediterranean Sea, has a territory of more than 9000 square meters. km, on which more than 1,000,000 people live. The capital of the island state is the city of Nicosia.

by the most popular resort Cyprus is . Families with children feel great here - there are many amusement parks and water parks in Limassol, good conditions for the stay of children. For young people - clubs, discos, bars.

More carefree vacation in Ayia Napa where the main clubs, beach discos, restaurants and bars are concentrated.

Resort Larnaca also good for families with children - there is a shallow entrance to the sea.

Pathos distinguished by luxurious hotels, picturesque bays, places for solitude.

You can plunge into the atmosphere of life of local residents in Polis. There are quite low prices for accommodation, there is a real fish market and yacht shows are held.

most popular ski resort is an national park Troodos.

How to get to Cyprus

Since Cyprus is Island state, the only way to get there is by air. The airline "Belavia" carries out regular flights in the Cypriot city of Larnaca. But since in summer period Since the number of tourists seeking to relax in Cyprus is increasing, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance.

You can pick up a flight from Moscow - even low-cost airlines fly from the Mother See to Cyprus. And you can choose the option of a flight with a connection in some European city.

Climate of Cyprus

Cyprus is good throughout the year - you can almost always swim in the sea. The great advantage of the island is a large number of sunny days, as well as summer +35 degrees, which are transferred quite easily, thanks to the low percentage of air humidity. In winter - +17 - +19, sea - +14. In summer, sea water warms up to a comfortable +28.

The beaches of Cyprus are in the department of municipalities, therefore they have free admission and paid beach equipment.

In Cyprus, a large number of beaches have been awarded the environmental quality mark - Blue Flags.

The beaches, as a rule, are sandy, have a wide coastal strip, clean clear sea and developed infrastructure. There are beaches volcanic sand dark in color, less often - pebble.

Cyprus has a wide range of accommodation options - from 2 * to 5 *. "Star rating" is determined not only by the list of services provided, but also by the proximity of the hotel to the sea. But everywhere you will find a high level of service and culture.

Breakfast is usually included in the price, but it can be "all inclusive".

Alternatively, you can rent an apartment or an apartment.

Banks, money, exchange offices

The monetary unit of Cyprus is the euro, in which there are 100 cents.

Currency exchange is carried out in banks (commission is charged) and exchange offices, you can at the airport, but at a lower rate. Banks do not work on weekends (except for airport ones).

Credit cards are accepted for payments in almost all places, but if the purchase is made for more than 10 euros.

Tourist safety

The island of Cyprus is safe to stay, but it will not be superfluous to follow the basic rules: do not carry large cash, valuables, documents with you. All this will be perfectly preserved in the hotel safe.

Do not lose vigilance in crowded places and do not lose sight of personal belongings.

It is undesirable to walk the streets at night, and even alone (especially for females).

Transport

The main means of transportation in Cyprus are buses and fixed-route taxis.

Buses running between cities can only run once a day.

City buses carry passengers from 6.00 to 19.00. Shuttle taxis travel not only within the city, but also between the main cities.

Taxi is a convenient way to get around. Please note that there is a difference between the day and night rates (night is more expensive).

You can rent a car for independent travel It's relatively inexpensive and convenient. But remember: in Cyprus, the steering wheel is on the right side.

You can also rent a scooter.

Entertainment, excursions and attractions in Cyprus

Cyprus is unique in that, having a small size, it accommodates on its territory and natural monuments, and historical, and cultural, and architectural.

Many important attractions in one place are collected in Nicosia - churches, cathedrals, architectural monuments.

Many tourists are attracted by the baths of Aphrodite, located on the Akamas Peninsula.

In every, even a small, town in Cyprus, you can find places that will interest you.

There are many wellness centers in Limassol and Paphos where you can undergo a set of rejuvenating procedures and simply improve your health.

Many people come to the country for diving - to study the underwater plant and animal world region.

Shopping and shops

Traditional Cypriot souvenirs are figurines depicting Aphrodite, national dolls, ship models.

The female half prefers quality Jewelry and fur products.

From food - wine, liqueurs, goat cheese, sweets.

Cuisine and restaurants

prevailing in Cyprus Greek cuisine- seafood, fresh vegetables, fruits, olive oil.

Meze is considered a popular dish - a mix of 20 products, including meat, fish, snacks, salads.

You should taste the local kebab wrapped in a tortilla, moussaka - minced meat casserole with vegetables and a special sauce, kleftiko - lamb baked with potatoes in foil.

From the sweet, green walnuts in sweet syrup, halva, Turkish delight, baklava, and fruit desserts are famous.

Customs

When importing foreign currency in an amount greater than 10,000 euros, it must be declared, as well as gold and silver jewelry.

There are restrictions on the import of tobacco and alcoholic products, perfume, coffee and tea.

If you didn’t find a suitable vacation option - transfer the hassle of organizing a trip to our professional managers by filling out and they will promptly contact you! We can send you anywhere in the world!

Hooray - a live circulation has arrived, smelling so deliciously of printing ink! "Cyprus Dictionary" is the first guidebook in the history of the island, originally published in Russian, in an original and unique dictionary format. 300 pages, even more articles, a lot of author's photos - all this in a high-quality colorful design.

The project of a guide to Cyprus, which has been in preparation for several years, has found a material embodiment thanks to the help of the site you are currently on - Turister.ru, whose administration gladly picked up the idea of ​​​​cooperation. Meet the first book from the Tourist Library!

In order for you to imagine what awaits you inside, I will give an example of one of the articles:

Ambelopeylya Αμπελοπούλια

A clear embodiment of the expression "forbidden fruit is sweet." In fact, in Cyprus, this is the name of pretty birds from the order of passerines - black-headed warblers migrating through the territory of the island, and at the same time, Ambelopoulia is a delicious food, strictly prohibited by law. Despite the ban, issued already in 1974, the dish is considered a traditional delicacy, comparable in significance and significance, perhaps, to frog legs for the French, and is extremely popular among the inhabitants of the island. It is a portion of several small songbirds (not necessarily the mentioned warblers, variations are possible). Every year in Cyprus, poachers kill about 2.5 million birds of various species, including rare and endangered ones. From time immemorial, birds have been caught in snares or on sticks smeared with syrup, to which paws stick, sitting on them with whole flocks of birds.


Adherence to traditions sometimes leads to political scandals. In the fall of 2015, the legislator, the one who makes laws must strictly comply with them, a member of the Cypriot parliament from the ruling party posted on Twitter a photo of a large dish with ambelopoulia. Under the photo was an optimistic caption: “Soon in our restaurants! Happy Holidays!". This message caused a storm of indignation, and associates in the political party issued a special statement, distancing themselves from the colleague's demarche and stating that "everyone is responsible for his actions." However, it is no secret to anyone that most of the righteously indignant representatives of the authorities are ready to fight this phenomenon only in words, and, most likely, they have not yet been caught eating these birds.

You will never find mention of Ambelopoulia in any menu, and the places where it can be served are known only to a certain circle of “initiates”. The probability that you (a foreigner) will be offered to try this dish somewhere is almost zero. The cost of one serving of ambelopulea can reach up to 200 €, and one bird weighing 15-20 grams on the black market costs 10 euros. So Ambelopuglia, on top of everything else, is also a serious criminal business that brings huge income. To avoid punishment, capturing is often carried out within the UK (see below). Akrotiri and Dhekelia).

Of course, this business is being fought. The police are trying to track down places where Ambelopoulia is offered, and common people the action “just say no” is addressed, recommending the rejection of the barbaric tradition.

Price guide to Cyprus with delivery by Russian post 19.95 € (1459 rubles). If you need urgent delivery, then you can pay another 999 rubles and get the book in three days. The price of the book in Cyprus is 25€, with free delivery by courier within 1 day.

How to pay from Russia:

Option 1 (the easiest):
Put money on the Megafon phone +7 925 504 85 25 (Moscow) in any way, including through the terminal. This is the simplest and most effective option. At the same time, you need to send a message to this number - from whom the money came to us (full name), so that we do not get confused, and the delivery address with index.