I wonder what the sea is like in Cyprus? Which seas wash Cyprus Which sea is Cyprus located on?
Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist centers, attracting Russian tourists for more than 20 years. For our compatriots, it has long become an image of an ideal summer holiday, and stories about how wonderful the sea in Cyprus is is an object of envy among those who have not yet visited there. This island is divided into two parts - the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is a partially recognized state entity under the jurisdiction of Turkey. But the center of Russian tourism in this case is the Republic of Cyprus.
First of all, this fabulous island attracts our tourists, of course, with its beaches. Which sea washes Cyprus? Very warm - Mediterranean. The island is located in its eastern part. But this answer to this question is not entirely accurate from a geographical point of view. So what kind of sea is it? It is distinguished as an integral part of the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, its northeastern part (the one that washes the shores of Cyprus and is called the Cilician Sea. The eastern part, which lies between the island and the Middle Eastern shores, is called the Levantine Sea.
And what will an ordinary tourist answer if you ask him about what kind of sea is in Cyprus? The first answer you hear is: “Clean.” At the same time, a person’s face will be illuminated by a dreamy smile - such a sea will not be forgotten for a long time.
The sea in Cyprus is truly clean; it is not for nothing that many beaches on this island have been awarded the “blue flag” of the European Union for environmental cleanliness and developed infrastructure. All beaches in Cyprus are city property and visiting them is absolutely free. But you will have to pay about 1-2 euros for renting beach equipment: awnings, umbrellas, sun loungers.
In addition, the Cyprus Sea is one of the warmest and saltiest parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the high salt content, almost all marine life is concentrated in coastal waters, which provides scope for diving. The Cyprus Sea is also rich in coral reefs, seeing which is the dream of every lover. But it should be remembered that the Cypriot authorities meticulously monitor the rise of archaeological treasures from the bottom of the sea by tourists. Therefore, despite the fact that finding them in the surrounding waters is a simple matter, you should not try to take away the historical heritage as souvenirs.
Cyprus. What kind of sea is there? Not only crystal clear, but also warm. The average sea water temperature off the coast of the island is about 15-17 degrees in the winter months, or more precisely from November to May. In summer, the water warms up to 22-27 degrees.
What are the main places in Cyprus for a beach holiday? Of course, the main resort is Larnaca. Limassol, Ayia Napa - the capital of the island's club life, and the city of Paphos, where the famous Aphrodite Bay is located, also boast excellent beaches. If you haven't made a decision yet on where to spend your holiday, consider visiting these cities. Then, upon returning home, you will enthusiastically begin to tell your friends and acquaintances: “Oh, what a sea in Cyprus!”
Surrounded on all sides by the sea, the island of Cyprus attracts tourists with its mild climate, clean beaches and, of course, romance. After all, Aphrodite was born here. The sea surrounding Cyprus is called the Mediterranean.
Big or small island?
It is not easy to answer this question unequivocally. Everything is relative.
Cyprus is one of the three largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Only Sicily (25,460 sq. km) and Sardinia (23,813 sq. km) are larger than it. However, it is possible to cross the territory of Cyprus in one day in both directions, because the width of the island from north to south is only 96 kilometers, from east to west - 224 kilometers. The total area of Cyprus is 9251 square meters. km.
It can be called big for one more reason: there are not just many, but a lot of clean beaches and interesting sights. This island is simply a paradise for vacationers!
What is the sea like in Cyprus?
It turns out that an unambiguous answer to this question will not be entirely correct, or rather, not entirely complete. Because the Mediterranean Sea, which washes Cyprus, is divided into parts, and each of them has its own name.
Thus, the Cyprus Sea is the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. It extends from the Asia Minor peninsula to Africa and washes Cyprus. However, the Cyprus Sea, in turn, is further divided into the Cilician and Levantine. The first sea is the northeastern part between Asia Minor and Cyprus. The second is the eastern part between Cyprus and the Middle East coast.
So the Mediterranean Sea in Cyprus is, in fact, the Cyprus Sea.
The saltiest sea
The explanation for this phenomenon is the strong evaporation of water, while its replenishment and renewal are practically not observed. Only one major river flows into the sea - the Nile.
Perhaps these same reasons determine the rather high water temperature all year round. In summer in the coastal zone, its temperature can rise to +28 degrees, and in winter it does not drop below +15 degrees. This is the sea in Cyprus - warm and very comfortable for relaxation. And clean beaches play a significant role in this.
Blue Flag Beaches
What it is? An international award given to beaches that meet high environmental quality standards and therefore are suitable for safe recreation. This initiative came from France, and in 1987 the European Union joined it, and then other states. Currently, 60 countries are connected to the Blue Flag program.
Most of the beaches in Cyprus have received this award. To be precise, in 2013, 57 beaches on the island had a Blue Flag certificate. They fully meet the program evaluation parameters, the main of which are free access to the beach, clean water, which is tested daily, garbage collection and sand cleaning, surveillance and rescue services, and many others.
So there is another answer to the question: “What kind of sea is in Cyprus?” Clean!
The best and most popular beaches: Nissi Beach, Petra tou Romiou, Makronissos and others. But, for example, they generally say about Aphrodite’s beach, as if it was here that the goddess herself emerged from the sea waters.
Undersea world
The warm Cyprus Sea also attracts with its diversity of flora and fauna. Perhaps it is still not as rich as the Red Sea, but it is quite capable of bringing pleasure to those who are interested in diving.
Vulture and green turtles, starfish and urchins, peacock fish, octopuses, crabs... Swim in the underwater world and admire: “What a sea!” In addition, in Cyprus, on the southern coast of the island, coral reefs grow. At a depth of about 25 meters, the underwater world is transformed beyond recognition. Iridescent coral reefs and spongy growths form entire underwater cliffs, valleys and hills. But for good growth of corals, a favorable environment is necessary, otherwise they will quickly die. This means that such a situation exists in Cyprus.
In the depths of the sea there are entire thickets of algae, which can serve as both food and shelter for underwater inhabitants.
In the coastal area of the Cyprus Sea you can even meet dolphins and seals.
Climate of Cyprus
Cyprus is a fertile area for recreation. It is washed by seas that do not threaten vacationers with storms or storms. Such phenomena are rare for the island. But it is located in the subtropical zone, and the climate here is mild.
There is bright sunshine in Cyprus more than 320 days a year. Summer lasts from May to October. The temperature ranges from 22 to 38 and even 40 degrees Celsius. There is practically no precipitation at this time.
Winter in Cyprus is also warm; you can hardly expect frost or snow here. In the coldest February, the air temperature does not drop below +16 degrees. By the way, it is at this time that nature begins to bloom on the island after the summer drought. In March, anemones, irises, and poppies are already in full bloom. A little later the fruit trees begin to bloom.
So Cyprus is good at any time of the year. And you don’t have to come here in the summer.
When the main tasks have already been completed, and there is very little left before departure, it’s time to talk about what kind of sea will greet you in smiling Cyprus, and what its main advantages are.
Pick up the atlas and find Cyprus on the world map. Having done this, you will see not only the geographical position of the island relative to other countries, but also find out what kind of crystal sea washes its shores.
What is it called, that mighty sea that greets all travelers arriving in Cyprus? Of course, the Mediterranean! From year to year it delights millions of tourists and warms them with its gentle surf. But why is the Mediterranean Sea so loved by vacationers?
In which sea do tourists swim in Cyprus?
- Firstly, only its water can be called truly clean. It is so transparent that every grain of sand lying at the bottom is easily visible through its surface! What other sea can boast of such impeccability? And these are not just observations of tourists, but an official fact. After all, many beaches located on the coasts of Cyprus are awarded Blue Flags precisely for the purity of the water;
- Secondly, the Mediterranean Sea has a rich underwater world, which you can admire by diving to the bottom with scuba gear. There you can see rare species of fish, sea turtles, mollusks, observe the life of strict octopuses and crabs, and touch dense thickets of coral. Isn't this the dream of every connoisseur of sea pleasures?
- And finally, the Mediterranean Sea is the most picturesque body of water in the world! Its shores, surfs, tides, storms - all this is so beautiful and impressive that every creative person, as well as simply lovers of beauty, strive to see these delights with their own eyes at least once. You can see how artistic and photogenic the sea can be when you fly to the island of Cyprus and stroll along its discreet embankments and neat coastlines.
The beach holiday season in Cyprus begins closer to mid-May, when the sea warms up to +22ºС and becomes comfortable for swimming. In the summer months, the water becomes even warmer: so, in mid-July its temperature is already +26-28ºС. With the arrival of autumn, the Mediterranean Sea begins to gradually cool down and by October the swimming season ends. In winter, the sea waves are no longer warm: their temperature is only +15-18ºС.
Which of the three seas in Cyprus is more beautiful?
But is it only the Mediterranean Sea that caresses the coast of the island, or is there some other small sea that is not visible on the map, but rejoices at the guests of Cyprus no less than its larger brother?
Eat! And there are three such seas in Cyprus. They all have their own name, although in fact they are only small parts of the great Mediterranean Sea:
- Its warmest and saltiest side splashes along the southern shores of the island and is called the Cyprus Sea. Geographically, it is located between two continents: Asia and Africa;
- The north-eastern coast of Cyprus is shrouded in a modest sea called the Cilician Sea, which connects the island to Asia;
- The eastern shores are washed by the small Levantine Sea.
It turns out that Cyprus can safely be called the island of four seas!
Come here, to this Asian corner of Europe, relax on the best beaches of Cyprus and appreciate how indescribably beautiful the sea can be, how the sun can please you and how the gentle surf caresses your ears...
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The island's climate is conducive to a wonderful holiday, and it is not surprising that the life expectancy of Cypriots is much higher than that of residents of other European countries. In summer, the island is dry and hot - from +25C to +40C, while winter is mild and warm with rain and temperatures from +10C to +20C. In the winter months, snow appears in the mountains, and you can go snowboarding and skiing, so resorts the Olympos area actively welcomes outdoor enthusiasts.
The best time to relax on the island is, of course, summer, as well as September, when it is no longer so hot, but the sea is very warm. It is most comfortable in coastal areas, while in places far from the sea it is still hot, up to +40C.
Where to stay in Cyprus
The most expensive hotels in Cyprus are located in Paphos and Limassol. These are five-star resort complexes on the seashore, where tourists will be offered not only comfortable rooms and all-inclusive meals, but also additional services - from fitness centers and spas to boutiques and even their own beaches. The most famous are Alion Beach Hotel 5* in Napa, Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol 5* in Limassol, Elysium Hotel 5* in Paphos.
Four-star hotels are mainly located in the resorts of Protaras and Paphos. All-inclusive and half-board options are available. The rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, telephone, and TV. On the territory there are swimming pools, water slides, shops, beauty salons. Most popular hotels - Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel 4* in Paphos, Crystal Springs 4* in Protaras, Mediterranean Beach Hotel 4* in Limassol.
Three-star hotels can be found in any Cypriot resort. They are located on the second and third coastlines. Due to the distance from the sea, tourists are offered lower prices for rooms, while the atmosphere in such hotels is usually calm, the rooms are also equipped with air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, and telephone. Transfer to the beach can be arranged. Meals mainly include breakfast or breakfast with dinner. If you decide to stay in a three-star hotel, pay attention to Dionysos Central 3* in Paphos, Estella Hotel & Apartments 3*, Faros 3* in Ayia Napa.
Popular resorts in Cyprus
Kolossi Castle - a medieval symbol of Cyprus
Stone walls soaring to the skies, solemn silence and a feeling of medieval power - this is how Kolossi Castle appears to tourists. Despite earthquakes and wars, which caused significant damage to the architectural complex, the fortress itself still makes a strong impression!
Cyprus is a popular island among Russian tourists with an area of 9.25 thousand square kilometers. Within its framework there are three small states at once - Cyprus itself, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as well as the countries of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
A little about the history of the island
The first traces of civilization that were found on the territory of Cyprus date back to 8000 BC. Moreover, they are 9000 years old. These are traces of the Stone Age, the Copper Period, and then the Bronze Age.
The golden period of the development of Cyprus is its settlement by the ancient Greeks in the 12th-11th centuries BC. It was the Hellenic civilization that determined the direction of the culture that began to develop within the island - the Greek language, their art, religion and other traditions.
The Greeks also founded ancient cities in Cyprus, some of which still exist today.
Many peoples and civilizations tried to conquer Cyprus - the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians and others, but no one could master it for a long time. As a result, the army of Alexander the Great liberated the island from foreign invaders, after which the philosopher Zeno (a student of the famous Ptolemy) founded the famous philosophical school of Stoicism in Cyprus.
For many centuries, Cyprus was part of Greece and then the Roman Empire. But in 1571 it was conquered by the Ottomans, after which Cyprus was included in the Ottoman Empire, which severed the island’s connection with the rest of Europe. Then, already in 1869, after the opening of the Suez Canal, the British Empire began to show interest in the island, and Cyprus came under its control in 1878.
Already in the 20th century, many countries laid claim to ownership of Cyprus, and even now the relatively small island is often simply torn apart by conflicts between Christians and Muslims.
Mediterranean Sea
The only sea washed by Cyprus in the north-eastern part is the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, this island is the third largest in this salty basin. Cyprus is located 380 kilometers from Egypt, 105 kilometers from Syria and 75 kilometers from the Turkish border.
The geographical location of Cyprus places it in the Asian part of the continent.
The very name “Mediterranean” was first coined by the ancient writer Gaius Julius Solinus, who called it “the sea in the middle of the earth.” It was the Mediterranean Sea that connected such different European and North African civilizations.
Within this basin there are also a number of smaller and not always officially recognized seas - Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, Cretan, Libyan, Cypriot and Levantine. The same basin as the Mediterranean Sea also includes the Marmara, Black and Caspian Seas.
Cyprus is a popular resort where people go, among other things, for the clean sea and beautiful beaches. The island is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, but they are usually called the Cyprus Sea, which in turn is divided into the Chilia Sea (North-East) and the Levantine Sea (East).
Features of the Cyprus Sea
Only one major river flows into this sea - the Nile, so the concentration of salt in it is increased - this is the saltiest part of the Mediterranean Sea. The water is clear, even at great depths you can clearly see the bottom. There are no algae here, and you won’t find schools of colorful fish here. No matter how strange it may sound, the inhabitants of the island buy fish and seafood from neighboring countries: local waters are not rich in commercial species of marine life; everything that is available is grown on special farms located in the open sea. Nevertheless, tourists are always offered to go fishing as a form of entertainment - there are no illusions about the number and size of fish that can be caught.The Cyprus Sea is very warm: the tourist season on the island officially closes on November 1, but you can swim until December; the water maintains a comfortable temperature of about 20 degrees. This is one of the few resorts where you can safely go swimming in November and April. But the highest season here is from May to October, when the water temperature is 23-24 degrees.
This sea is not suitable for surfing; the water is very calm and “gentle”. One of the important characteristics of the sea in Cyprus is its cleanliness; many of the beaches here are awarded the Blue Flag, an award given to beaches with the most environmentally friendly water. In 2013, 57 beaches were awarded this honor.
The largest concentration of famous and popular beaches is in the city of Ayia Napa - the beaches here are sandy or a mixture of sand and pebbles. The most famous is the local Nissi Beach.
Legends and myths
The Cyprus Sea also attracts tourists with its rich history. According to legend, it was from its waters that the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite emerged. Now this place is called Aphrodite's Bay, it is located near the resort of Paphos. There are many signs associated with swimming in it: women, having plunged into its waters, gain youth and attractiveness, and lovers who swim together will always be together.A large layer of legends is associated with the caves that dot the coast of Cyprus, and the pirates who stored the loot in them. The image of gentlemen of fortune will accompany you on the Cyprus Sea, on which stylized ships with a black flag still sail today.
For whom
The Cyprus sea is calm, clean and warm - ideal for families with children. There are no extreme entertainments here, but you can pleasantly relax to the sound of the surf. This is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway for a couple in love. However, in many resorts, especially in Ayia Napa, the sea becomes the venue for fun parties, people dance right in the lagoons!The Cyprus Sea attracts divers: here, in addition to the underwater world, you can see sunken ships, including one of the most famous and largest, the second Titanic - the ferry Zenobia, which sank near the port of Larnaca.