Cyprus beach holiday at sea. Cyprus resorts. Guides in Cyprus

The best beaches in Cyprus - this list could take several pages of neat text. How can I describe all the beauty that nature has bestowed on the Cypriot coast?! It is not surprising that our compatriots have such a strong attachment to Cyprus: the cleanliness and well-groomed nature of its beaches (free, it is worth paying attention) are beyond praise. A beach holiday in Cyprus on hotel grounds will not cost anything; wild beaches enchant with their pristine, untouched beauty; on municipal beaches you can rent an umbrella or sunbed if you wish. The best beaches of Cyprus (and according to tourists, the absolute majority) have the Blue Flag as confirmation of their cleanliness and charm. In total, Cyprus has about 90 official beaches and a lot of wild ones. According to Russians who managed to travel to Cyprus and get acquainted with its beauty, the best beaches in Cyprus are, first of all, Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa). The fame of this beach resounds throughout Europe and even further, and all thanks to the azure water, wonderful sand, picturesque surroundings and well-developed infrastructure, where there is entertainment for both adults and children. Alagadi beach, 15 km from Kyrenia, in the town of Esentepe, deserves special mention. Here, green turtles lay eggs in May and baby turtles hatch in July. Beach holidays in Cyprus include: Pharos, Alykes and Pachyammos in Paphos, cozy beaches of Kastella, Phinikoudes and Mckenzie (very popular) in Larnaca, Potami and Louma in Limassol. A beautiful beach in Paphos is Coral Bay, located in a horseshoe-shaped bay. It has a gentle slope, the water is warm, and many families with children come here. Ayia Napa is simply replete with Blue Flag beaches - Lanta, Nissi Bay and Nissi Beach, Kermia, Glyki Nero, Konnos Bay, Katsarka, Agia Thekla, Pernera, Macronissos and Vathia Gonia (the list goes on and on). And the resorts of Cyprus that do not have a flag are no worse: the coastline everywhere looks neat and well-groomed. The best resorts in Cyprus are virtually identical to the best beaches of the island, because no matter what vacation spot you choose, its beach will amaze you with the beauty of the surrounding view and the purity of the water. There is not a person among our travelers who would not be impressed by the picturesque sandy beaches of Cyprus. If you want maximum privacy, then the wild sandy beaches of Cyprus will give you tranquility and the opportunity to reflect on issues that concern you and even swim naked in the gentle waves. At the same time, the municipal beaches of Cyprus with sand or pebbles are surrounded by all kinds of shops, restaurants, snack bars and entertainment venues such that you can not appear in your room until nightfall, but spend all your time here, in the soft embrace of the Mediterranean Sea. The color of the sand on the island varies, but the white sand beaches of Cyprus are especially popular - the water on them seems unusually clear and azure. The sandy beaches of Cyprus are not only pure pleasure and sunbathing, but also have health benefits, as the hot sand heals joints and warms up tired muscles.

Vibrant Ayia Napa is not for nothing the most popular resort in Cyprus. Sandy beaches, azure sea and various types of entertainment attract tourists from all over the world. Everyone will enjoy a holiday at this resort! For adventure lovers, the resort offers a range of opportunities: a wide range of sea sports, quad biking and a local amusement park. One of the largest water parks in Cyprus, Waterworld, is also located here. Its numerous attractions and decorations in the ancient Greek style will not leave both children and adults indifferent. Ayia Napa is especially popular among lovers of noisy parties. There is fun here both day and night. A huge number of clubs, bars, discos and beach parties have given Ayia Napa the second name “Cypriot Ibiza”. Cozy hotels on Nissi Beach, slightly removed from the noisy center, will give you unforgettable moments spent with your family.

Paphos is the ancient capital of the island of Cyprus, which is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Many monuments of architecture and art have been preserved here to this day, such as the House of Eustolius with magnificent mosaics, the Royal Tombs, ancient churches and much more. The city is famous for its unique coastline, in the harbor of which the Paphos Fortress is located. The embankment will also attract you with many traditional taverns where you can taste national delicacies.
Not far from the city is one of the most famous places in Greek mythology - the birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite. In the suburbs of Paphos, you can explore the paths of the goddess herself and visit the baths of Aphrodite, where her meetings with her beloved Adonis took place. Paphos can offer its guests a wide range of entertainment, and will also appeal to those who prefer a relaxing time in a cozy corner of the Mediterranean coast.

Protaras is an ideal place for lovers of natural beauty. The resort is famous for the best sandy beaches on the island, and it’s not for nothing that locals spend their weekends here. The clearest azure sea, amazing rocky bays, sea caves and breathtaking views will not leave anyone indifferent. Lively streets with numerous restaurants, taverns, bars and souvenir shops stretch along the entire resort. Evening entertainment programs, double shows and a grandiose show of dancing fountains, mesmerizing with the dance of water and light, will certainly brighten up your holiday.

Larnaca attracts tourists with a large number of interesting attractions concentrated on the coast. A wide selection of sea sports will appeal to lovers of an active lifestyle. The famous palm avenue Finikoudes, located in the heart of the city, is ideal for a promenade. There are many restaurants, bars and clubs here. For lovers of a quieter holiday, the Dhekelia resort area, far from the center, is ideal, where there are cozy hotels and taverns designed in the national style with traditional Cypriot cuisine. A huge advantage of the resort is its proximity to the main airport of the country, so the transfer to the hotel takes on average 15-20 minutes.

Limassol is not only the industrial and commercial center of Cyprus, but also one of the resorts of the island. Here is the longest embankment of 20 kilometers, where cozy cafes, elite restaurants and nightclubs are located. Limassol attracts those who like to go shopping. Here you can find everything from exquisite furs, jewelry from world brands and works of local craftsmen, to national goods such as the famous Lefkara lace and silver, unique Cypriot wine and local sweets. The ruins of the ancient cities of Amathus and Kourion, the medieval castle of Kolossi, churches of the Byzantine period will attract the attention of history buffs and excursions.

Latchi is a resort village in a picturesque bay in the north-west of Cyprus, about an hour's drive from Paphos. This serene, picturesque fishing village, nestled between the Cape Akamas mountains and the Troodos foothills, is away from the mass tourist areas. Latchi is an ideal place for a secluded holiday. There are few people here and you will spend unforgettable days in peace and quiet.
The resort is famous for its wide sandy and sand-pebble beaches, stretching for several kilometers along the sea coast. Two kilometers east of Latchi is the city of Polis. Here it is worth looking at the church of Agios Andronikos, decorated with amazing frescoes, and also visiting the ostrich farm. In addition, in the vicinity of Latchi you can walk along the “Aphrodite trail”. Here, according to legend, the goddess Aphrodite met her lover Adonis.
Another place that you should definitely visit during your holiday in Latchi is Akamas National Park. This is a unique park-reserve where nature has been preserved in its original form. At the first acquaintance, Akamas amazes the imagination: it seems that nowhere in the world there is such clean air, dazzlingly bright sun and crystal water of mountain streams. The legendary Homer once called this place “the fragrant island of flowers.” The national park is home to trees from Europe, Asia and Africa, and is home to 168 species of birds and rare animals. On the western coast of Cape Akamas, sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand. In this place, the passage of time slows down, and nature appears before man in all its power and diversity.

Cyprus is a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea, divided into two parts, all tourism is concentrated on the Cypriot side, many call it Greek, although it has nothing to do with Greece, the second part is Turkish, there is no tourism as such, there are some offers in on the Internet, but how real this is, I can’t say for sure. Therefore, I will talk about Cyprus, which is known to many.

Is it worth going on holiday to Cyprus?

I would definitely say yes. This is a no-win destination for beach tourism. The weather here is always good, and the swimming season lasts quite a long time, so those who were unable to get to the sea in the summer can easily extend their warmth in the fall by purchasing a trip to Cyprus. And the undoubted advantage of the destination is that the flight here, if we talk about Moscow, takes 3 hours. Even those who do not tolerate the flight very well can afford to stay for such a short time for the sake of their own vacation. Mothers with small children, and especially infants, can fly to Cyprus completely calmly, since during the 3-hour flight, the children will not have time to get very tired and will not torment the surrounding passengers with their whims. Of course, all children are individual, but I assume that the average child is moderately active and curious.

In addition to quality beach holidays, Cyprus has great potential as a hotel base. I can’t say that the choice is very rich, but every tourist will find something to suit his taste and budget. There are hotels of world chains, ordinary simple ones... read more

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Helpful advice?

Helpful advice?

Cyprus weather map:

Was this review helpful?

Was this review helpful?

Cyprus has beaches, sea, mountains, and many interesting places to visit. Here you can’t help but feel like you’re leafing through a history textbook all over again. Cyprus is one big museum.

And yet, we came here primarily for a vacation by the sea, so we chose Ayia Napa - a resort village on the Mediterranean coast with first-class beaches. The most famous of them is Nissi Beach. It is a turquoise lagoon of extraordinary beauty, fenced off from the sea by a tiny island with a rock. More likely, it is a peninsula, because to get to it you need to wade along the shallow bottom. The brave ones dive from this cliff, the rest flounder in the warm water, where the sea is literally knee-deep. People are like sardines in a barrel, fun, lively, noisy, music to the fullest. Celebration of life.

There are several more beaches, we chose Makronissos, if only because it is not far from the hotel, there are fewer people and noise. And the bottom is deeper. All beaches are accessible to the public, payment is only for sun loungers.

August in Cyprus is not just a hot month, it is unbearably hot, so people can’t get out of the water. One thing that saves you is that the air humidity is not high, which makes the heat a little easier to bear.

Capital: Nicosia

What could be better than a holiday in Cyprus - an island covered in legends in the Mediterranean Sea?.. There are beaches and mountains, picturesque bays and fruit plantations, luxury hotels and restaurants for every taste. Cyprus has become an almost universal resort, where parents with children, couples and restless youth come. And everyone finds something of their own here and returns home not only with traditional souvenirs and hundreds of photos in their smartphone, but also with the firm intention of returning to Cyprus again.

Climate

The island has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Already in May the air here warms up to 28-30ºС and the swimming season opens. From June to September, average daily temperatures range from 32 to 36ºC, peaking in July and August. The water temperature between June and September averages 23-26ºC degrees.

What is the weather like in Cyprus in autumn and winter? You can swim until the end of October, but some people do it in November, since the water temperature in the sea this month does not drop below 20-21ºС. From December to March, daytime temperatures on the island are 16-18ºС, and this is the best time for walks and a calm, relaxed holiday.

Tips

When arriving at the resorts of Cyprus, remember: tipping here is a sign of your appreciation for good service. If you are satisfied with the cleaning of your hotel room, you can leave 2-3 euros for the maid. You can also offer approximately 1-2 euros to a gas station attendant. If you pay for a taxi by meter, round up the amount or give the driver 1-2 euros more. In cases where the taxi fare is paid by agreement, tips are not required. As for restaurants in Cyprus, some of them include a service charge in the bill in advance - usually 10-15% of the order amount. If this does not happen, you can leave a tip to the waiter in the amount of approximately 10% of the bill.

Souvenirs and shopping

A guide to Cyprus would be incomplete without mentioning souvenirs! You can bring home as a gift Cypriot olive oil, olives and sheep cheese, sweet Cypriot Commandaria wine, healthy carob-based products, traditional desserts Suzuko, Turkish delight or baklava. On an excursion to the mountain village of Lefkara you can buy silverware and handmade lace. Well, in the shops at the resorts there is a truly limitless assortment of olive soap, natural local cosmetics, as well as traditional souvenirs - from ceramics to magnets.

In resort areas you can also purchase swimsuits, beach sundresses, lightweight shoes and leather bags. However, there are large shopping centers only in cities - for example, MY MALL in Limassol and Kings Avenue Mall in Paphos. If your purchase exceeds €50, you are entitled to a 15% VAT refund, so be sure to obtain the necessary documents from the seller.

Kitchen

A holiday in Cyprus is not complete without tasting traditional dishes! First of all, try the meat or fish meze - a set of two dozen different dishes and snacks, which is served for at least two people and costs about 20-25 euros. For appetizers, we recommend tzatziki based on thick unsweetened yogurt with cucumbers and herbs and a rustic salad of vegetables, feta cheese and olives. Souvlaki kebabs, stewed lamb kleftiko and aromatic moussaka with minced meat and eggplant - all these dishes are also worth trying on the island. And, of course, you need to do this with a glass of local wine, and after the meal, order a cup of strong coffee.

Well, for those who choose to travel with children in Cyprus, there is also good news: many restaurants in the local resorts offer inexpensive children's menus.

Beach

Most of the beaches on the island are sandy, with a convenient gentle entrance to the sea. This is why holidays with children in Cyprus are so popular - little tourists feel comfortable and safe here. Sandy beaches are located in the areas of Limassol, Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Protaras. True, the sand is different everywhere: in Protaras it is fine and almost white, in Ayia Napa it is golden, in Larnaca and Limassol it is darker. Regardless of which resort you choose, rest assured that the water is clean everywhere and the beaches are kept in order.

The Paphos area has both sandy and rocky beaches. One of the local attractions is the sandy Lara beach. It is located on the territory of a nature reserve, and every spring rare green turtles swim here. In summer the beach is open to everyone and is a great place for a relaxing holiday.

Most beaches in Cyprus are municipal, so sun loungers and umbrellas are available for a fee.

Transport

How to get to Cyprus? Flights from Russia operate to two airports located in Larnaca and Paphos. Within the country, the cheapest way to travel is by bus. They connect the country's resorts and cities with each other, and some cities also have internal routes. To travel between different resorts, it is most convenient to use Intercity Buses. On most routes their interval is 1-1.5 hours.

An alternative option is to take a taxi or rent a car. There are taxis at any resort, but before you rent a car, study the information about Cyprus, its roads and the peculiarities of driving on the left.

Currency

The official currency of the Republic of Cyprus is the euro. When going to Cyprus, it is better to exchange rubles for euros in advance or get a bank card, payments on which are made in euros. In this case, you will not depend on currency exchange rate fluctuations.

When withdrawing cash from an ATM, a commission is charged, on average, 2-4%. If you receive large bills (100, 200 euros) at an exchange office or for change in a store, it is a good idea to check their authenticity. Also keep in mind that in summer Cypriot banks operate on reduced hours: from May to September they are open only from 8.15 to 13.30.

Time

UTC+03:00 (summer) UTC+02:00 (winter)

Resorts

Almost all resorts in Cyprus are suitable for families and families with children.

Young people and lovers of active nightlife should undoubtedly go to Ayia Napa!

Limassol will also be to your liking with its variety of entertainment and cultural events on the island.

For those who prefer a more relaxing holiday, we advise you to consider the resorts of Protaras and Larnaca.

Those who love a holiday surrounded by history, covered in legends of the past, will certainly suit Paphos like no other resort, rich in architectural monuments and interesting archaeological excavations.

And you will find the best sandy beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras.

Additional resort features

We invite you to plunge into a sea of ​​romantic emotions on the seashore!

Symbolic wedding ceremony 2019– basic package for all regions.

“Newly Married” 2019

Package includes:

• renting a place for the ceremony;
• decorated place for the ceremony - an arch on the seashore near the resort of Ayia Napa (Sirena beach, next to Agia Thekla), decorated table for registration and a table for champagne (chairs for guests on request);
• the arch is decorated with silk flowers (white) and ribbons of the newlyweds’ choice: in white and pink, white and turquoise, white and lilac or white and red;
• Russian-speaking master of ceremonies;
• marriage certificate on Love Island;
• transfer for the couple to the ceremony in the photographer’s car;
• bridal bouquet of roses and seasonal flowers with satin ribbon;
• a bottle of champagne, two glasses;
• an hour photo session in the car of a Russian-speaking photographer.

Terms and conditions for receiving material: within 3-5 days after the shooting you will receive a selection of 5-10 best photographs from each hour, in the author's processing and retouching. You will receive the remaining images (at least 60+ from each hour) with color correction within a month from the date of shooting. Transferring pictures is carried out via a cloud drive (for example, Google Drive or Yandex Drive).

Package cost: 870 euros (Sirena beach (next to Agia Thekla), Ayia Napa).

On weekends, holidays, and after 17:00, an additional fee for holding a ceremony on the beach of Agia Thekla is 80 euros.

Cost of the package in Ayia Napa- 990 euros (for example, on the Bridge of Lovers).

Cavo Greco Peak Package Cost- 1270 euros.

Please note- if the venue is the top of Cavo Greco, you will need to walk about 200 meters uphill from the car to the ceremony. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes with you.

The price is valid for residents of the resorts of Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras.

For the resorts of Paphos and Limassol– ceremony venues - White Rocks (Limassol) or the Birthplace of Aphrodite – cost 1090 euros.

For Paphos resort Venue - White Rocks, cost 1200 euros.

The ceremony is held in the morning (10:00) or in the evening (16:00) - the time is discussed depending on the month and time of year.

1. Makeup and hairstyle for the bride with a Russian-speaking stylist visiting the hotel – 180 Euro;

2. Additional hour for photographer – 125 Euro;

3. Mercedes E car for rent with driver – 95 euros per hour (minimum 3 hours rental);

4. Rose petals – 40 Euro per basket;

5. Fresh flower arrangement for the table – from 70 euros (depending on the choice of flowers);

6. Arch decorated with fresh flowers – from 350 euros (depending on the choice of colors);

7. Buffet for a couple and guests (minimum 6 people) - from 25 euros per person (cheese plate, seasonal fruit, water, champagne - calculated for the number of guests).

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

• Tours for the New Year to Cyprus
• Last minute tours to Cyprus

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

Regions and resorts of Cyprus

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

Time difference from Moscow

no in winter −1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

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

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

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

By sea

Cyprus can be reached by sea using regular flights and private ships from the ports of Greece, Egypt and Israel. From the Greek port of Piraeus, several transport companies operate regular ferry services to Limassol and back.

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

Search for flights to Cyprus

Transport

You can travel around the island by intercity buses. From every major city, buses usually depart twice a day (morning and evening), except Sundays.

Travel cost: approximately 3 EUR for 50 km. There are single, daily, weekly, monthly and annual passes. All, except one-time, offer an unlimited number of trips. A single trip ticket from Limassol to Larnaca costs 4 EUR, a day ticket costs 7 EUR, a weekly ticket costs 33 EUR, and a monthly ticket costs 70 EUR. You can purchase them at bus stops or from the driver.

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

Public transport in cities

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

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

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

Car rental in Cyprus

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

Information help desk: 191, 192 (24 hours a day).

Beaches

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

Diving in Cyprus

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

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

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

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

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

Ayia Napa has a very picturesque canyon (depth 25 m) with corals, caves and the remains of ancient Phoenician wooden ships.

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

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

What to bring

Popular souvenirs: a figurine of Aphrodite, models of ships and dolls in national costumes. Fans of culinary delights can bring from Cyprus goat cheese “halloumi” (easy to transport), Cypriot sweets: Turkish delight, halva, “suzoukos” - almond grains in grape molasses, etc.

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

Cuisine and restaurants of Cyprus

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

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

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

You can have an inexpensive meal at snack bars or kebab shops, of which there are plenty on the island. Lunch will cost an average of 5-8 EUR excluding alcohol. The most popular establishments are traditional Cypriot taverns. These are small family restaurants that are passed down from father to son, and the owner and his relatives usually work there. The menu is rarely extensive, but all the traditional local dishes are usually there. The portions are large, you can safely order one for two, and taverns often offer dessert or liqueur. Lunch in such a restaurant will cost 12-20 EUR with wine, dinner may be more expensive.

In hotels and restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill. Therefore, tipping in Cyprus is optional, but small change is always gratefully accepted.

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

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

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Guides in Cyprus

Entertainment and attractions

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

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

On the Akamas Peninsula, the ruins of the ancient cities of Morion and Avagos, the monastery of Agios Georgios have been preserved, and the territory of Lara Beach Bay, located to the south, has been chosen by green and big-headed turtles. It is also worth visiting the Baths of Aphrodite, which is not far from Latchi Bay. Amathus is one of the oldest cities in Cyprus, the ruins of which are located on the seashore 5 km east of Limassol. Modern archaeologists have found here a basilica of the early Christian era, a sanctuary of Aphrodite, ruins of baths and aqueduct systems - of course, time, as they say, has not been kind to them, but even in this form they make an impression.

No less ancient, Kourion was one of the largest city-states of the island. To this day, Roman baths and rich houses, the sanctuary of Apollo of Hylates, an ancient theater and numerous mosaics have been preserved there. The Troodos Mountains are a nature reserve and ski resort. There are also numerous churches and monasteries, some of them are included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage and are under state protection.

Cruises from Cyprus

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

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

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

10 things to do in Cyprus

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

Holidays and Events

A separate reason for traveling to Cyprus is the endless holidays and festivals. In April, the country celebrates the National Day of Cyprus. In May-June, coastal cities celebrate “cataclysmos” - the festival of water and the global flood, and Limassol hosts a Folk Dance Festival. In July-August there is a Festival of Ancient Greek Drama: performances are given in the ancient amphitheater of Kourion, in the Paphos Odeon, Larnaca Fort and in the Monastery Square in Ayia Napa. The beginning of September brings an invigorating breath to the popular Wine Festival in Limassol, dedicated to the god of wine, Dionysus.