Holidays in Cyprus. Everything about holidays in Cyprus: reviews, tips, guide Holidays in Cyprus beaches
Read this material and find out where to go on holiday in Cyprus in the summer, choose a place you like so that you can quickly book the tour of your dreams and fly away to relax on this magical island.
general information
Cyprus has always been full of mysterious legends and mysteries. Since ancient times, this wonderful Mediterranean island has been known as the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, who emerged from the foam of the sea near Mount Petra tou Romiou. Today, this state is incredibly popular among travelers from around the world thanks to its golden beaches, azure sea and beautiful weather almost all year round.
Many natural and historical monuments from different times adorn the surface of this unique island. Picturesque landscapes, small villages and ancient ruins coexist here with modern five-star hotels. And the capital of Cyprus - the ancient city of Nicosia - is surrounded on both sides by the majestic mountains of Troodos and Kyrenia.
Despite the small size of Cyprus (100 kilometers wide and 240 kilometers long), there really is something to do and see. Connoisseurs of excursion leisure will be able to go on a cruise to Israel, Lebanon or Egypt, or take a tour of the main attractions of the island.
Food lovers will certainly want to visit the many taverns and coastal restaurants to sample local cuisine and taste delicious Cypriot wine while snacking on the freshest fruit.
Families with children will enjoy shows in dolphinariums and water parks in Cyprus. There are horse riding courses, safari tours, air excursions around the island, diving, yachting, fishing and sea octopus hunting.
Tours to Cyprus
A summer holiday in Cyprus could be the perfect holiday for you and your family. Having decided to purchase a tour to the island of your dreams, you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of resorts and hotels.
Travel agency specialists will not only tell you how to book air tickets for a flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg, but will also make a good selection of hotels. They will help you choose convenient check-in dates, decide on the number of nights and organize your trip, taking into account all your wishes.
Cyprus is a paradise for tourists, there are calm towns for families like Paphos, as well as more youthful resorts with vibrant nightlife - Protaras, Limassol and Ayia Napa. Those who want privacy can rent an apartment or rent a villa on this amazing island. To choose a tour to Cyprus, located just above. After entering the data and clicking the “Search” button, you can ask any questions you are interested in on our partner’s website.
All inclusive
Most Russians already know how to have an inexpensive holiday in Cyprus on an all-inclusive basis. However, we advise those who want to feel this comfort for themselves to fly to this paradise island in the near future. Moreover, Cyprus is full of hotels operating in the All Inclusive format.
The advantages of such tours are 24-hour service of drinks and food throughout the hotel, free access to the spa center, as well as an almost round-the-clock entertainment program and other pleasant bonuses. Each hotel has its own operating rules, so when choosing a hotel, it is best to clarify all the items that are included in your package.
Minimum package
For those who want to save money, we can recommend, which includes a minimum of services: with breakfast or half board, and. By purchasing such a tour, you can spend the money saved on visiting museums, excursions and exploring the surrounding areas of Cyprus. This option is ideal for those who are not used to spending a lot of time in the room.
For those who want to have a budget vacation in Cyprus in the summer, we can recommend special offers, as well as early booking of a trip in order to save money, since today the situation with exchange rates remains unclear, and the future of the ruble is quite vague.
Best places
Leisure
Young people who enjoy quality seaside parties will definitely want to visit Ayia Napa or Limassol, as they have the best bars and nightclubs in Cyprus. The popular Nissi Beach is especially famous among clubbers for its discos. We recommend visiting Car Wash, Castle Club, ICE, Insomnia and other nightlife spots on the island. In each of them you will find a special program, as well as unique special effects such as foam fountains, sweets flying out of pipes and much more.
Also in these places, sports recreation with water skiing or motor boats, as well as canoes or catamarans is very popular. In Ayia Napa you can go windsurfing and paragliding. And 10 kilometers west of Limassol is the largest water park in Cyprus, Water Mania.
Calm holiday
Those who want to retire and spend time away from crowds of tourists can go to Peyia, a quiet place near Paphos. An alternative would be Latchi or Pissouri, where you can also relax your soul by walking along the sea and tasting local cuisine in one of the many taverns. The most popular cities in Cyprus for family holidays are Larnaca and Paphos.
When you are completely bored with your leisurely holiday, you can take a yacht ride to the royal caves and swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Then it’s worth visiting the Akamas Peninsula, known for its marvelous pristine nature. You will definitely love its wild beaches, ideal for a honeymoon or just a vacation for two, and picturesque cliffs covered with greenery.
Beach resorts for families with children
Cyprus has a fairly long swimming season - from May to November, here you can bask on the sand and swim to your heart’s content. In particular, September and October are a good time for a family holiday with children in Cyprus.
For a relaxing holiday during the velvet season, the resort of Larnaca, which is famous for its golden shores framed by mountain ranges and quality hotels for every taste, is well suited. It is best to relax with children on the local beaches of Finikoudes or Mackenzie: the sea here is quite shallow and entry into it is the safest.
Most beaches in Cyprus have a Blue Flag, a special distinction confirming their cleanliness and well-developed infrastructure. Besides Larnaca, Protaras is a good holiday destination. Some of the most famous beaches with a decent level of service are Golden Sands in Ayia Napa, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, Ladies Mile in Limassol and Coral Bay in Paphos (more detailed information about the beaches of Paphos is in the article on our website).
A summer holiday in Cyprus with a sandy beach is an excellent alternative to the already boring resorts of Turkey and Thailand.
Ski holiday
Incredibly, even in such a hot place as Cyprus, you can have excellent skiing in winter. Temperatures in the winter months never drop below 15 degrees, and snowfall is quite rare. But not far from Nicosia and Limassol, surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, at an altitude of 2 kilometers, lie the Troodos and Platres nature reserves, where from January to March you can meet crowds of ski lovers from the mountain slopes.
These places are somewhat similar to alpine villages, where there is everything you need for an active winter holiday: cozy wooden houses, taverns with hot tea and food, as well as shops with essential goods. A holiday in Cyprus in winter will be no worse than a summer pastime.
Cyprus has a myriad of attractions and museums that lovers of antiquity will definitely appreciate.
However, the largest selection of museums, cathedrals and excavations are in Nicosia and Paphos. Many of the "places of power" of Paphos are associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, since, according to local legend, she was born in these lands.
Also here are the District Museum and the House of Dionysus with its mosaics, the Byzantine Museum, the Villa of Theseus and other significant places. Not far from Paphos, the Baths of Adonis are located among waterfalls that are a must see. According to Greek mythology, the beautiful young man Adonis was one of the most famous lovers of the goddess of beauty Aphrodite.
In a village not far from the capital of Cyprus there is an ostrich farm. Here you can explore the surroundings of Nicosia by taking a ride on a mini-train.
One of the famous places on the island is the ruins of Ancient Kourion. This ancient city, destroyed by an earthquake in the fourth century, perches on majestic cliffs from which travelers can enjoy magnificent coastal panoramas. The ancient town also has a sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, an amphitheater and ancient Roman baths.
An inexpensive holiday in Cyprus in the fall goes well with visiting temples and monasteries. Here are the Cathedral of St. John, Theoskepasti Church, Hagia Sophia, Stavrovouni Monastery and the Church of St. Lazarus.
Gastronomic joys
A trip to Cyprus cannot be complete without enjoying the masterpieces of the local chefs. One of the places suitable for tasting local dishes is the promenade in Paphos, with its coastal cafes and taverns. Here you should try the mezedhes appetizers, as well as suvlaki, which resembles a shish kebab, and gyros, a peculiar mixture of döner and shawarma.
When visiting a fish restaurant, do not deny yourself a dish called barbounia. The following dishes are worth trying in Cypriot establishments: salad with sheep cheese, vegetables and choriatiki olives, baked halloumi cheese, lamb Keftiko, vegetables with rice and dolmades meat, as well as taramosalata (cod caviar with mashed potatoes) and other delicacies. As for alcoholic drinks, be sure to try Zivania – “fire water” made from grape juice – and white wine “St. Panteleimon”.
Climate
This paradise island is ready to receive tourists from all over the world almost all year round, because its Mediterranean climate is incredibly healthy and comfortable for life. The hottest period in Cyprus is from May to September.
In spring, there are many Europeans and those who do not like extreme heat in Cyprus. Winter on the island is quite mild, and from January to March there is snow in the mountains and you can go snowboarding or skiing. Cyprus is famous for its long-livers, which is not surprising given its favorable climatic conditions.
Visa
It has now become much easier for citizens of the Russian Federation to enter Cyprus: it is enough to obtain provisions that allow you to stay on the island for up to 90 days inclusive. The foreign passport must be valid for at least 6 months after submitting the documents.
- Be prepared to spend extra, as you will probably want to try local wine or buy a gift for your family. In addition, prices for holidays in Cyprus near the sea are quite close to European prices.
- In Cyprus, you cannot photograph military people in uniform, as well as the border between the Turkish and Greek parts. To take photographs and videos on the territory of state museums, you must have written permission from the country's municipality. It is allowed to film at archaeological sites.
- Museums here operate under special operating hours, without fixed opening hours, so before visiting, be sure to check the closing time online or by phone. The same applies to the private sector - shops and stores set their own hours, but in the summer they mostly work with rare breaks, until the last customer.
- When visiting local temples and mosques, women need to dress so that there are no exposed parts of the body. Men should also wear decent length trousers. When leaving the church, do not turn your back to the iconostasis.
- The cheapest place to buy food, souvenirs and other goods is in city stores and supermarkets; it is better not to do this in hotels. Prices in shops are fixed, but you can bargain at street markets.
- The pricing policy of cafes, bars and restaurants in Cyprus is controlled by the local tourism organization. As for tips, it is customary to leave 5 to 10% of the bill or 3-5 euros to the hotel staff.
- Cyprus has a very low crime rate. But, in the event of loss of personal belongings or another incident, it is better to report to the police as soon as possible. This must be done no later than 2 days from the date of theft.
- We recommend taking a look at the island from the sea by taking a sea cruise. You can buy tickets on one of the beaches, but tours from local agencies will be cheaper.
- If you're planning on shopping, Cyprus is a good place to buy copper, silver and ceramics, as well as leather clothing, shoes and accessories. In the mountain village of Lefkara they sell handmade lace of incredible beauty, which can be brought as an expensive gift to your family.
- While passing through Paphos, find a wishing tree (the locals will definitely show you the way) and tie a knot on it. And then make your cherished wish, and it will definitely come true. At least that's what the Cypriots say.
A trip to Cyprus will leave indelible impressions in your heart and hundreds of photographs in your memory card. You will remember this journey for a long time, because here you will see traces of different cultures and time periods. This wonderful island has surprises in store for everyone: both for those who prefer a quiet relaxation holiday and for ardent adventurers.
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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.
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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 include fairly 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.
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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 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 fares, 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 inherited from father to son, and usually the owner himself and his relatives 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.
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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
- Swim in Petra tou Romiou Bay, where, according to legend, the sea goddess Aphrodite emerged from the foam, and find eternal youth and beauty.
- Go to a small winery to taste Commandaria and other wines.
- Travel back to the Middle Ages in Kyrenia and visit the local Shipwreck Museum.
- Have dinner in an authentic Cypriot tavern and drink a glass of liqueur with the owner.
- Buy a hand-embroidered tablecloth in the village of Lefkara.
- Dance all night until dawn in the discos of Ayia Napa.
- 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.
- Watch flamingos on the Aliki salt lake near Larnaca.
- Ride a donkey named Hitler or Schumacher at the Dipotamos donkey farm in Ayia Napa.
- 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.
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, especially infants, can fly to Cyprus quite 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
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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 holiday 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.
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-groomedness 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 at all 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 beaches of Cyprus with white sand 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 alley of 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 country's main airport, 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 lies between the mountains of Cape Akamas and the foothills of Troodos, 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.