I wonder what the sea is like in Cyprus? What is the sea like in Cyprus? Cyprus Limassol which sea washes

On political and geographical maps, Cyprus occupies a place in the east of the Mediterranean Sea. It washes the shores of the island along their entire length and is called here the Cyprus Sea. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most popular resorts among European residents, and therefore the best answer to the question of which sea Cyprus washes is answered by tourists who have been there during vacation or holidays.

Blue flags of cleanliness

For advanced travelers, the concept of “Blue Flag Certificate” means that you can sunbathe and swim on the beach without worrying about the cleanliness of both sand and water. A special environmental commission assigns the highest scores to such places on the coast, and it is in Cyprus that most beaches are awarded Blue Flags. The best of them compete for the right to be called favorites among hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the island every year:

• Nissi Beach is famous for its perfectly white and clean sand.
• Petra tou Romiou is appreciated by fans of small pebbles and clear water.
• Makronisos is preferred by those for whom a beach holiday is also a fashionable get-together.
• Governor's Beach in Limassol is a place for parties and celebrations.
• Aphrodite Beach is famous for the “rejuvenating” effect of sea water, from which the goddess of love herself emerged.

The beaches on the island are mainly municipal property, and therefore entry to them is free and open.
The water temperature in the Cyprus Sea is pleasantly warm in the summer season. Already at the end of May the water warms up to +22 degrees, by July the thermometer rises to +26 and until mid-autumn the waves remain very comfortable for swimming. In the winter months, the sea water of Cyprus becomes noticeably cooler - about +15 degrees.

For gourmets and just lovers

What is the sea in Cyprus without its coastal restaurants, which serve the best seafood dishes! Here you can taste signature meze snacks and treat yourself to a glass of local wine. The Mediterranean Sea gave its name to a whole area of ​​cooking and the concept of “Mediterranean cuisine” has long become international. It is based on products grown on the seashore under the generous southern sun. The main ones are olive oil, fish and seafood, spicy herbs, fresh vegetables and fruits, aromatic cheeses and specially prepared meats.
It is the Mediterranean Sea that has a significant influence on the climate of Cyprus, thanks to which excellent grapes ripen on the island, from which high-quality wines are produced.

is an amazing island with a comfortable climate and developed infrastructure, thanks to which the number of people wishing to relax here is growing every year. But the main attraction of this Island of Love is the sea - clean, safe and incredibly beautiful. Let's consider this particular water component of a wonderful holiday.

Geographical features of the sea in Cyprus

Cleanliness of the Cyprus Sea

The purity of the sea in Cyprus cannot be described - it must be seen. At the same time, the ideal azure of sea water boasts not only environmental purity, but also extraordinary transparency. So, on the coast of the island there are places where even at a depth of 40 to 100 m you will see all the beauty of the seabed in the smallest detail. This is why Cyprus is so attractive for diving enthusiasts. The ecological cleanliness of many Cypriot beaches is not just an advertising slogan. It is marked with a special certificate of beach quality - the EU Blue Flag.

Flora and fauna of the Cyprus Sea

The part of the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus is quite rich in inhabitants, which, given the high concentration of salt in sea water, prefer the coastal area. Therefore, diving is the best way to see with your own eyes all the splendor of the flora and fauna of the Cyprus Sea. Having gone down to the bottom, you can observe rare fish, shellfish, crabs and turtles, and on the southern coast you can also appreciate the beauty of the coral reefs. Staying out of the water will bring you no less aesthetic pleasure, since the seascapes when walking along the coasts look impressive and very picturesque.

Maritime safety in Cyprus

Another advantage of the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus is safety, but not only in environmental terms. Here you can safely swim without fear of such biological “threats” as sharks, sea urchins or jellyfish. If you choose the wild beaches of the island for relaxation, there is a risk of getting burned by some types of algae. Although they pose no more danger than nettles. And, of course, there are storms on the Cyprus Sea, so swimming at this time is not recommended.

The best beaches in Cyprus

If the purpose of your stay in Cyprus is to go to the beach, pay attention to the beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras. Here you will find white sandy coastlines and perfectly clear water. The EU blue flag beaches here are Nissi Beach, Ayia Thekla, Kermia, Makronissos, Konnos Bay, Kapparis Beach. If you prefer active recreation and diving, choose the beaches of Paphos with cooler water but a rich underwater world. In this part of Cyprus, the beaches of Coral Bay, Faros, and City Beach are awarded a certificate of quality. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the famous Aphrodite beach, located near Limassol and Paphos, on the shores of which, according to legend, the sea goddess emerged from the foam.

The sea in Cyprus provides a lot of opportunities to have a great time on vacation - swimming and sunbathing, diving and windsurfing, fishing and enjoying the sea views on board a snow-white yacht.

The island of Cyprus is a colorful kaleidoscope of cultural traditions and historical events of different peoples. Having selected the brightest and most interesting of them, he managed to preserve his character and create a special culture, while becoming even more attractive to tourists from all over the world. In the rays of the Cypriot sun, every detail of the landscape, making up one whole and very picturesque picture, looks extraordinary and truly perfect. These are sandy beaches, washed by the waters of the azure sea, and mountains covered with pine trees, and orange groves, and grape valleys, and beautiful Cypriots, like the gods of Olympus.

Sea and climate of Cyprus

To understand what the sea and climate are like in Cyprus, just look at the map. Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the subtropics. The bright Mediterranean sun shines here more than 320 days a year. Summers are usually dry and warm, and winters are mild, without snow or frost.

Summer begins on the island in mid-May and lasts until October. During this period, average daily temperatures vary from +22ºС to +38ºС, sometimes reaching +40ºС. The water temperature ranges from +22ºС to +28ºС. The peak tourism season in Cyprus falls on the last summer month - August. At this time, not only tourists from all over the world, but also Cypriots themselves relax on the Cypriot beaches. Therefore, August is also the time of the highest prices.

Every year, the beaches and sea water off the coast of Cyprus receive the highest awards for cleanliness, environmental friendliness and safety. Sea urchins and jellyfish are practically not found in coastal waters. Sharks, which are dangerous to humans, also do not swim to the island. Therefore, Cyprus is an ideal place for a safe holiday with children. Only rare storm warnings can interfere with a carefree vacation, since the mostly calm weather sometimes brings unpleasant surprises.

In winter, the air temperature ranges from +5ºС to +18ºС, in the mountains it can drop below 0ºС, and the sea water does not cool below +15ºС and can reach +18ºС. Therefore, some daredevils even decide to swim in the sea. The weather at this time is not very favorable, it often rains. But this is not a reason to refuse to travel to Cyprus in the winter months.

You can celebrate New Year or Christmas in a warm and welcoming stopover in Cyprus. In winter, there is snow high in the mountains, which opens up this Mediterranean island to tourists in a new way. Ski tourism is actively developing here, so it doesn’t matter what the weather is like in Cyprus now. An alternative to a beach holiday would be ski tourism. The best Cypriot resorts are ready to welcome a huge number of tourists all year round, who will always find something exciting to do here.

What tourists need to know about Cyprus

Since the entry of the Republic of Cyprus into the European Union, the question of what kind of money is in use in Cyprus has disappeared by itself. Until January 1, 2008, the national currency was the Cypriot pound, which was equal to almost 2 US dollars. Today the main currency of Cyprus is the euro. In the northern part of the island, in addition to the euro, the Turkish lira is used in monetary circulation. Large stores, hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, euro checks and many types of foreign currencies for payment.

Tourists from countries outside the European Union have the right to demand a refund of value added tax for goods that they purchased in one store in the amount of 100 to 17 thousand euros and take out in hand luggage. To do this, when making a purchase, you must take a special receipt, which is registered at customs upon departure. Compensation will be sent to you by transfer.

Medicine in Cyprus is of a very high level, but for visitors all services are paid and expensive. Therefore, taking out health insurance is mandatory. This can help avoid unnecessary expenses and hassles while traveling. Bargaining in stores is not accepted, and is even considered a sign of bad taste, and for tips in restaurants and taxis they usually leave 10% of the amount indicated on the bill. Smoking is prohibited in public places in Cyprus. The fine for such a violation can be 2 thousand euros.

In Cyprus, drinking water is quite clean and you can drink it without fear. And you need to start getting acquainted with the local cuisine by ordering a national snack - meze - at a restaurant. It is a set of various mini dishes and is served as a set lunch. What you will be served is a surprise from the chef, but in a certain order you will definitely try various salads, sauces, appetizers, hot dishes and dessert.

When in Cyprus, be sure to try halloumi (cheese made from cow's and sheep's milk) and tawa (meat stewed with onions and herbs). And don’t forget to try the best varieties of wine while staying in this country, famous for its winemaking art.

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.

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. Here, you won’t even find 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.