My guide to Cyprus. Everything about holidays in Cyprus: reviews, tips, guide Guide to Cyprus with detailed descriptions of attractions

Where better go to May ( Southern Europe, with the exception of Greece and Cyprus)? So that it would be warm enough to sunbathe and maybe swim (probably in the pool, since the ocean sea is probably still cold everywhere). The flight will be from Helsinki, so you can fantasize. :) It is advisable that there be at least some kind of party (for the daughter) and that there are attractions in the vicinity (we won’t take a car). For some reason I want to go to Madeira, but the apartments won’t have a pool, and as I understand, the beaches are a problem there, and it will probably be cool. Who will advise what?

Satin Quote: Doesn't knowing Portuguese bother you too much? Not annoying 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: some guide read C guidebooks in Madeira it’s tense... At least in Russian. IN the best In some cases, I came across ones where there were literally a couple of pages about the island. Better read the reviews here and some websites (there are websites for Madeira too), you can also get information from there.

Many will remember how several years ago Channel One regularly aired the “Cyprus in your heart” advertisement. Shots of a beautiful girl in an airy dress on the seashore abruptly gave way to the ruins of ancient Greek buildings, then to a luxurious spa area and again to the beach. How not to pay attention to such attractive views? The ad worked. And now Cyprus is one of the most popular destinations among Russian tourists. This year alone, the country took fourth place in the ranking of the online travel agency OZON.travel.

The territory of the island is historically divided into two parts. In the south is the Republic of Cyprus, and in the north is Turkey. The Turkish part does not attract tourists as much due to the turbulent situation and the lack of such a rich history as in the south. Therefore, our guide will be dedicated specifically to the Republic of Cyprus.

What to visit

Like Cyprus, it is full of various myths and wonders. If you want to experience the culture Ancient world, go to ancient churches or the remains of cities.

Archaeological Park Kato Paphos

Museum under open air, the main part of which is excavations ancient city Nea Paphos receives hundreds of interested tourists every day. In addition to the excavations, on the territory there is a House of Mosaics, where images of Theseus, Achilles and other heroes of the Iliad are displayed. Here you can ride charming donkeys, which are the symbol of Cyprus. Local residents offer this service in almost all places where tourists appear, and, by the way, they earn quite a bit of money from those for whom this is truly exotic.

Kato Pafo is on the list World Heritage UNESCO.

Petra tou Romiou

The second name of this place is Aphrodite's Rock. It was here, according to legend, that the goddess of love emerged from the sea foam. You are unlikely to be able to swim, since the sea in the vicinity of the rock is quite dangerous, but tourists appreciate this place for the abundance of traditional taverns overlooking the birthplace of Aphrodite.

Lefkara village

Almost every travel company invites you to visit a traditional Cypriot village. This is quite interesting, because despite the fact that there are few real locals left in this village, and everything has long been converted for tourists, here you can see how the life and life of those who still run their own households and are a little isolated from tourist cities work.

The excursion program usually includes a visit to shrines, namely: the Church of the Holy Cross, where a piece of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord is kept, the Museum of Folk Crafts, lunch or dinner and a walk through the charming streets of the village. Believe me, sometimes you can learn more interesting things while walking around the city than while visiting museums.

Lefkara, like Kato Pafo, belongs to UNESCO.

Nissi Beach

As for the beaches of Cyprus, they are all beautiful, so there is no point in going to the other end of the island for one day at sea.

If you decide to stay in the city of Ayia Nana, famous throughout the world for its long bar street, where the music does not stop from early evening until late morning, then Nissi beach will be the most convenient for you. You can get there from the center in 10 minutes and for 10 euros by taxi. In addition to the azure hue of the water, which creates the illusion of being in the Maldives, vacationers highlight the island, located ten meters from the main beach. There you can lay down a towel and enjoy sunbathing at a short distance from the main stream of people. There is also a cliff here that you can jump from.

Advice: if you have never done this or are prone to panic, then it is better to refrain. There are large rocks right above the cliff that you can easily hit if you don't push enough.

How to get around the island

The island itself is quite small, its length is only 225 kilometers, so you can travel around it far and wide. To do this yourself, rent a car. But be aware that Cyprus is a former British colony, so, like in the UK, you drive on the left.

The cost of renting a car for a day is 20-30 euros.

If a car is too banal a solution for you, take a scooter, an ATV, or the most popular type of transport. Sometimes renting a buggy can cost you 100 euros, but considering that this is the average cost of a one-day excursion, it is not that expensive.

We strongly recommend renting one of the vehicles, because, as experience shows, the most interesting and fascinating places are not at all touristic, so finding them on foot will be quite difficult. Moving along the east coast of the island, you can visit Cape Greco National Forest Park, Konnos Beach and find many benches right next to the cliff, where you can take a break and enjoy the blue Mediterranean Sea.

What to eat

Make it a rule when visiting countries located by the sea to try local seafood. This is not only useful, but also interesting, because even the most banal shrimp dish, for example, in every country, and even in every city, has its own interpretation.

To try local cuisine, visit a small tavern. Just a small one, because most often such establishments are staffed by local residents who definitely know a lot about traditional Cypriot cuisine, and are not aimed at attracting tourists.

Having found such a restaurant, be sure to try the meze (sometimes meat and fish), the national kebab - souvlaki, moussaka, baklava and local vodka - zivania.

If you want delicious seafood with a modern twist, be sure to visit Ocean Basket in Ayia Napa. You definitely won't leave hungry.

Where to stay

In Cyprus, as in most European resorts, it is rare to find an all-inclusive service, especially in Ayia Napa. Small three-star hotels of the same type are more popular here. We can safely recommend one of them to you.

River Rock

The youth hotel was built in Napa exactly in the middle between bar street and the beach, which makes its location almost ideal, because you can walk no more than five to seven minutes from there to there. The hotel consists of two buildings. Each one has a swimming pool and a bar with refreshing drinks. In the main building there is a restaurant where you can try European and traditional dishes. This hotel is becoming an undoubted favorite for hookah lovers, because, despite large number young people and all kinds of clubs and restaurants, it is very difficult to find a good hookah.

The hotel rooms are similar to those in any other hotels: light design, bright accents, panoramic windows and balconies. But when booking a room in another similar hotel, you need to understand that you may not be lucky and will have to live in conditions that are not so modern. Apparently, travel agencies or hotel owners profit dishonestly from this, because they often ask to pay extra for room improvements, although this is not stated anywhere. There is no such risk at River Rock since the entire hotel is brand new. The reception desk is open 24 hours a day, which is important because, unfortunately, being in a foreign country, anything can happen.

What to bring

Olive

It's no secret that the first thing Cyprus is proud of is olives. Therefore, bring these fruits and oils from them to yourself and your loved ones. There are several types of them sold in stores: some are intended to be added to food, others solely for flavor. It’s better to check with store employees or look for ones that have a tag in Russian. And since the island has already “Russified”, there are many of them there, so you won’t get lost.

Pay attention to cosmetic products containing olive oil. Face and body creams will perfectly moisturize and restore your skin from dryness, because, whatever one may say, the sun and salt water do not have a positive effect on the condition of our skin.

Spices

Cyprus is also famous for its abundance of spices, so if you want to give your dishes a unique taste, be sure to bring yourself a couple. On store shelves you will find many different sets, including gift sets. Even if you've never used them in cooking and don't know what you can mix them with, don't be alarmed, usually each type comes with an insert with detailed information about the origin of the product and a recommendation where it can be added.

Drinks

Due to the close proximity to Greece, both territorially and culturally, Metaxa is sold on every corner in Cyprus - a strong alcoholic drink, a mixture of brandy and wine, which all tourists love so much. You can try it in any restaurant, so if you like it, be sure to bring it home. This is a wonderful gift. And if you are worried about being overweight on the flight home, you can buy it at Duty Free, they definitely have it there.

In Cyprus, many locals are involved in winemaking, so please yourself and your loved ones with a bottle of good wine. The most common varieties are: red - Mavro, Maratheftiko and Carignan and white - Xinesteri, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscat.

We hope your holiday in warm Cyprus will be a little better thanks to our tips!

If you live in Ayia Napa, you can arrange an excursion to Capo Greco for 2 euros :) Take the regular bus 101 pay 1 euro and tell the driver - Capo Greco. 10 minutes of travel and you are there :) The driver will loudly announce Capo Greco and repeat it several times if you have not gotten your bearings and have not approached the exit of the bus. At the stop there is a sign for Capo Greco, so it’s impossible to get lost there. The place itself is amazing!!! Definitely a must see :) Just don’t forget water and hats, it’s hot there, and of course your cameras should be ready) 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. Take regular bus 101, pay 1 euro and go to the final stop. In Paralimna, you can buy groceries at the Kokkinos market and clothing shops near the bus stop. The bus goes back exactly from the same place where you were dropped off the first time, don’t be alarmed, at stop 102 you won’t find the bus number, only 101 appears there. In fact, 101 arrives at the final stop, changes the number to 102 and goes back: )

In Cyprus, namely in Ayia Napa, I do not advise making 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 rob 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 is the airport where most flights land and often offers the most cheap holiday, good small beaches right within the city limits, but in itself it is of practically no interest - there are a minimum of attractions. But there are a lot of shops, again a minute’s walk from the beach, and a lot of restaurants and bars. Nightlife in the city is pleasant and vibrant. The city is convenient for families with small children (500 meters from the shore will be shallow - even a child is waist-deep, but 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 due to its geographically central position. Paphos is a special place. And the proximity of the second airport, and a lot 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 active recreation. 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”. Nightclubs, bars, restaurants, discos, shopping, amusement park and water park - all a lot of fun! Beautiful and cozy beaches complement the sunny picture. City of good mood and fun! Nearby there are beautiful natural landscapes and the old fortified city of Famagusta on the northern part of the island - for those who do not want to be left without interesting historical sites, most of which are located at the far end of the island. Protaras, Paralimni - created for quiet rest with children. 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 attractions. Not bad and sometimes luxurious hotels, but not the best clean beaches and an unfailing view of cargo ships

You should definitely bring national Cypriot drinks from Cyprus - Zivania and Commandaria, as well as Cypriot sweets, halloumi cheese, olives and olive oil. Quite an interesting “thing” is writing. It's something reminiscent of cotton candy, but not as sticky. A very interesting gift for lovers of “sweets”. This curiosity is sold in supermarkets for a very reasonable price - 5–7 liras per box. Another interesting gastronomic souvenir will be Pekmez. Syrup made from carob, which grows widely in Northern Cyprus. There are many legends about this “elixir”, the main one of which is that it is an excellent substitute for Viagra. Lovers of beauty will certainly appreciate tablecloth napkins or sundresses embroidered with unique hand embroidery - lefkaritika. You will find a wide selection of similar products in the village of Lefkare. Limassol has the largest souvenir shop. There you can buy “sea souvenirs” - items made from shells obtained from the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea by Cypriots, stuffed exotic fish and natural bath sponges made from natural sponge. Ladies should definitely go to special cosmetic departments in pharmacies. These departments have a large assortment of natural cosmetics: moisturizing creams, masks, scrubs, gels and other products of the highest quality.

Do you want your holiday in Cyprus to turn into unforgettable event? I will really help you do this: I will take you to rare and even places unknown to most guides, I will show the island as few people see it and few people can show it to you. As the author of the first guide to this country in Russian in the history of Cyprus (see my blog via the link in the left menu), I am familiar with the most hidden corners of this island.

Also pay attention to multi-day tours with accommodation - together with excursions it is incredibly cheap!

If suddenly I don’t pick up the phone, then perhaps I have an excursion, in this case please send an SMS and I will call you back as soon as I can, but the best way to contact me is by email.

Important: when traveling in Cyprus, a country with left-hand traffic, especially mountain roads, you must choose a professional driver with safe and emergency driving skills who is responsible for ensuring the health of you and your children. As an experienced driver who has driven over a million kilometers without an accident, I can guarantee that you and your children will be completely safe on Cypriot roads.

Excursions around Cyprus are possible from any city where you live: Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Paralimni, Nicosia, Polis, Kyrenia and Famagusta.

ATTENTION: FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, PAYMENT IN RUBLES, as well as in any other currency, is POSSIBLE national currency(for example, hryvnia), bank cards VISA, Mastercard, electronic money Yandex, QIWI, WM, PayPal and many other methods.

Specializations:

group excursions, individual excursions, meeting at the airport, transfer, ticket booking, car rental, written translation

Ayia Napa - popular resort on east coast Cyprus. This is simply a Mecca for tourists who love to enjoy the generous sun and clear sea water during the day, as well as active nightlife and celebrity appearances. 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. Ayia Napa's snow-white beaches, nestled between picturesque cliffs, are the perfect place for swimming, children's play, diving, boating and getting 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 in full swing all night long. For this, Ayia Napa received its second name - the Las Vegas of Cyprus. During the tourist season, the city hosts several happy holidays and carnivals.
This area is famous for its amazing beauty and mysterious history. Therefore, young couples often come here to get married and celebrate in one of the many city churches.

For most tourists, Larnaca becomes the first resort city where they get acquainted with the island of Cyprus. This is explained by the fact that many of them arrive in the country through Larnaca. At the same time, Larnaca is located closer to the middle south of Cyprus, next to Ayia Napa, which is the center of club life on the island.
Larnaca is the third largest city 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 numerous 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 here 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, this does not prevent the city from being one of best resorts Cyprus, even in winter, tourist life does not stop, does not freeze. At the same time, Limassol is the most Russian-speaking city of this island state.
Limassol is located on the shores of the Akrotirian Gulf, surrounded by the ancient cities of Kurona and Amathus, which is why the Byzantines called it the “New City”. Limassol is considered the most active and fun city in Cyprus and 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 attractions of the island have gathered in Limassol and its surroundings, and in the city itself there are museums of the ancient and ancient world. At the same time, there are still many archaeological excavations taking place here that you can see. Preserved in Limassol and medieval castle, in its original Templar guise. Excellent tourist excursions are organized here to the most vibrant tourist routes.
Limassol is divided into three main tourist areas, but all of them are 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 influence on all governance institutions. The city is located near a plain called Mesaoria.
There is only one river flowing 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. There is no divided capital anywhere else in the world. Many experts argue that this is not good for the island. The merger could provide a number of advantages for the island’s economy, and the significantly increased budget could be used to finance new projects and increase tourism
the island's potential to a new level. Cypriots have shown in practice that they can easily overcome all existing problems and adversities. They managed to competently develop textile, pottery, plastic production, food industry, built an endless series of stores, and are one of the main suppliers of copper.

Pathos is beautiful port city in the southwest of the island of Cyprus, which was its capital during Roman rule. Here the Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite emerged “from the foam onto the seashore.”
Paphos is comfortably located in a bay, which is reliably protected by mountains on the western side. This is a charming city that has a lot to offer a tourist: sea and beaches, cliffs 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, and look at the modern infrastructure of the resort. The beauty of this city is impossible not to notice, which is probably why Paphos is included in the list of World Cultural and Cultural Heritage Sites. natural heritage UNESCO.
Paphos is divided into two parts: one - Kato Paphos (lower Paphos) - lies near the coast in the resort area, and the second - Ktima ( upper city) is actually the urban area itself, which is located a few kilometers from the sea.
Paphos, in the upper part of the city, harmoniously combines quaint quarters built in classical style and trendy modern shops. Most of Paphos' administrative buildings are located here.
And in the lower part, in Kato Paphos, its own little life is seething, centered around picturesque bay, where 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 attractions, 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, no less famous cities, Paphos and Limassol. This magnificent, originally Greek village is famous for its beaches. Beaches have a special mysterious aura. There is always an atmosphere of calm and comfort there. Here on Pissouri Beach everyone will feel at home. This quiet place Suitable for those who have long been tired of endless work and routine everyday life. The area smells of antiquity. Everything is surrounded by vineyards and mountains.
In Pissouri, as in Sochi, you can tickle your nerves by climbing up the mountains along the serpentine road. Adrenaline in the blood is guaranteed to jump. Well, this will only benefit typical office workers. New experiences are useful for everyone. In addition, you will definitely not see such a landscape that Pissouri and its surroundings will present to your eyes anywhere else. Rooftops, magnificent ascents and descents, an endless series of taverns and bars, an atmosphere of comfort and warmth - this is not all that Pissouri can please you with.
Tourists are also attracted by the central city fountain. A 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, and dance until the morning. After dancing, many go to drink coffee near the same fountain. “And so day after 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 in the north-west of the island are very different from the south side; they are much calmer here. In addition, ancient monuments preserved from ancient times create favorable conditions for educational tourism, and the untouched nature will allow you to plunge into the incredible tropical world of the surrounding area.
The city's secluded beaches, separated by greenery, 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 there are wonderful plantations of almonds and tobacco. Polis cannot be called the main tourist center of Cyprus, because the life of the townspeople flows at its own leisurely pace. The main activities of the residents 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 ample opportunities for have an interesting holiday: you can ride horses, splash in clean sea ​​waters, sunbathe, rent catamarans, travel around the area and, of course, pay attention to the Akamas Nature Reserve.

Protaras is the most comfortable resort located in Cyprus. Snow-white beaches, clean sea air, a calm, relaxing environment - these are the main advantages of this place. At the same time, the tourist infrastructure of Protaras is at the highest level, and is 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 the Mediterranean nature in solitude or during a romantic date.
At the same time, Protaras is an ancient area that retains 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 above the settlement. Fans of Mediterranean cuisine will enjoy strolling through the local restaurants and cafes, which are available in sufficient quantities in the Protaras resort, as well as there are many different hotels and inns for every taste and income. And yet, the main treasure of Protaras is the amazingly white beaches located on the shores of Fig Tree Bay. And the favorable climate of the south-eastern coast of the island will allow you to enjoy the sun and 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 have visited here. Many prominent businessmen have invested huge amounts of money in the construction of real estate, because there is always a demand for it at the resort.
At all times of its existence the city was seaport, and until 1974, part of the “Greek” Cyprus was also shopping center. On at the moment the city is part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Now in one of the parts settlement Turkish troops and UN peacekeeping troops are based there. “Why did this happen? What happened,” you ask.
A conflict arose between Turkey and Greece over the territory of the island of Cyprus. It seemed that this conflict would not last long and no one thought that it would affect a city of this level, because oligarchs, bankers, and government officials bought villas here.
During one of the Turkish attacks, the city was shelled. A mass evacuation was carried out 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.