Is it possible in Cyprus. Cheat sheet for a tourist: what you need to know about holidays in Cyprus? Active rest and entertainment

In first-class hotels, nightclubs and restaurants, it is customary to appear well-dressed - for example, in evening dress.

Cypriots tend to have a negative attitude towards sunbathing on public beaches naked or topless. Such liberties are appropriate only in secluded bays.

It is forbidden to lift archaeological values ​​from the bottom of the sea or export them from the territory of Cyprus without special permission from the authorities.

It is imperative that you keep your bank receipt for the currency exchange, as without it, a return exchange of only 100 pounds is possible. Credit and debit cards of all major systems are accepted for payment in Cyprus. It is more profitable to use cards specifically to pay for purchases. When withdrawing cash through ATMs, a decent amount is lost.

The conditions for renting a car are the presence of an international driver's license and a passport. The driver's age must be at least 21 years, the driving experience must be at least 3 years. The minimum rental period for a car is 2 days.

Cyprus in the past five years has become a fairly popular tourist destination among Russians. This is a good alternative to other Mediterranean resorts in terms of price-quality ratio. The price level in Cyprus, of course, is overstated, and many may even seem high, but how can you count money and save on a good rest, on the seashore, surrounded by beautiful nature, the cleanest beaches and pink flamingos strolling away from people.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The island of Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea in its eastern part. Despite its small area, the state has been a member of the EU for eleven years. According to official documents, most of the island's territory (98%) belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, two percent to British military bases. But speaking unofficially, the territory of Cyprus has been divided into three parts for more than forty years. The largest piece of the Mediterranean Cypriot "pie" is under the rule of the Republic of Cyprus (population - Greeks), about forty percent - under the control of the Turks (officially the territory is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), it is clear that this territory is predominantly inhabited by Turks. But two percent belong officially and unofficially to the British military. To put it simply, Turkish Cypriots live in the north of the island, and Greek Cypriots in the south. There is practically no internecine feud between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean island, so you should not worry about safety during your holidays.

CLIMATE

Due to the huge number of sunny and warm days, you can relax in Cyprus at least all year round. This is one of the few tourist destinations in the Mediterranean where you can go even in the middle of the Russian winter. Cypriot winter is seventeen degrees Celsius! The water temperature in winter does not drop below plus fourteen degrees.
Summer with temperatures from 30 degrees Celsius begins in May and lasts until the end of October. Low humidity and a pleasant sea breeze make it possible to react normally even to forty-degree heat. In July, the water temperature reaches twenty-five degrees Celsius.

RESORTS IN CYPRUS

Major Cypriot resorts:
- Larnaca;
- Limassol;
- Paphos;
- Protaras;
- Ayia Napa.
By the way, all these resorts are simultaneously the largest Cypriot cities.
As mentioned above, Cyprus is informally divided into three parts. This division affected not only the general territory of the island, but even the territory of the capital of Cyprus - the city of Nicosia. By the way, Nicosia has the greatest concentration of attractions. Therefore, while vacationing in Cyprus, you should definitely visit its capital and explore all the beauties that are in it. Most of all interesting things can be seen in the so-called Old Town of the capital. Nicosia has an interesting archaeological museum as well as the Archbishop's Palace. The Venetian Wall looks beautiful and majestic, Cathedral St. John, as well as churches, which are few in the capital, but they are all gorgeous.
The capital is located in the very center of the island and is divided into two parts by the so-called buffer zone ("green line"). This zone fences off the north and south of Cyprus and passes exactly through the capital of the country. The southern part of the city belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, the northern part of the city belongs to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Ayia Napa is the most youthful resort in Cyprus with numerous discos, bars and clubs. This is something like Ibiza only on the European continent.
The resorts of Protaras and Paphos are designed for a quiet family vacation, without loud music and young people scurrying back and forth.
The quality and color of the sand on the beaches varies. For example, the same Protaras and Ayia Napa - white sand, beaches of Limassol with dark sand. The coastal area of ​​Paphos is predominantly rocky. But this city, included in the List, is not famous for its beach holidays. world heritage UNESCO. In the immediate vicinity of Paphos is the bay of Aphrodite. An ancient Greek legend says that it was in this bay that the beautiful Aphrodite was born from sea foam.

HOW TO GET TO CYPRUS

During the season, from Domodedovo every Sunday (less often on weekdays) there are charter flights to Larnaca. Flights are operated by both domestic Aeroflot and Cyprus Airlines. approximate time on the way - 4 hours 40 minutes. If the company will fly via Turkish air space, travel time will be reduced by more than an hour.
Fans of exotic and romantic travel can get to Cyprus by sea - from Greece, Israel, Egypt they regularly go sea ​​vessels and ferries.

VISA

For Russian tourists you need a visa - Cyprus is part of the European Union, so you will have to apply for a Schengen visa. There are no restrictions on the export and import of currency. The only "but": if the amount of cash exceeds 10,000 euros, you will have to declare it.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The division of the country into Greek and Turkish parts is evident in many things. Take for example public transport... On the Turkish territory of intercity buses - a dime a dozen. But on the Greek part of the island with transportation, everything is really very difficult and problematic. There are a couple of buses a day between the cities. It is impossible to get to remote settlements except by a rented car. Sunday in the Greek side of the island intercity buses do not go at all.
In large settlements In principle, there are no problems with city buses. The beginning of the movement is at six in the morning, the end is at twelve at night. As soon as the tourist season ends, the shutdown time for city buses is seven in the evening in Turkish territory, at five in the evening in Greek territory.
On Saturday, the movement of buses is organized only until lunchtime, on Sunday - generally a day off.
You can ride around the city on route taxis, but their cost will be exactly twice as expensive as on municipal buses. Minibuses and municipal buses do not go to the airport; this share of the business is entirely devoted to taxi drivers. Taxi fare depends on the time of day: from half past nine in the evening to six in the morning, it is fifteen percent more expensive than during the day. You can call a taxi from a hotel, shop or any other place. You can even stop an empty car right on the street with a wave of your hand.

OUR EXCHANGE OPERATIONS

Since 2008, the euro has been operating on the territory of Cyprus (its Greek part). Exchange offices work for a limited time and only in large cities and settlements. Given the lack of people and the minimum number of local residents banks also do not please tourists with their opening hours. Usually, the bank starts functioning from eight to ten in the morning, and ends at one in the afternoon. Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
In many catering establishments, as well as in shops and hotels, plastic cards are accepted for payment. However, you should always carry cash with you. The crime rate in the country is very low, so you don't have to worry about the safety of your personal savings.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Round-the-clock information service in Cyprus - 191, 192.
The fire service, police or ambulance can be called on one of the numbers - 112, 199. Services work around the clock.

REST IN CYPRUS

Tourism is the most important source of income for most Cypriots. In this industry are busy, such a feeling, all and sundry. The tourist destination is practically the only source of replenishment of the state budget of the country. Therefore, there is nothing surprising in the fact that tourists on the island are welcome, they take care of and cherish vacationers in every possible way. True, at the level of service in hotels it is not always possible to say this, but in general, the sensations from the rest and the impressions from the stay are always the most positive.
Interesting facts about Cyprus that every tourist should know:
- the capital of Cyprus is divided into two parts - Turkish and Greek with its own border crossing;
- two percent of the island's territory is still under British control;
- the anthem of Cyprus is the anthem of Greece;
- Forty thousand Russians are permanently residing on the territory of Cyprus;
- Most of the Cypriot beaches have the European Union quality mark. This is the same as Michelin stars at restaurants;
- in Cyprus only 60 days a year the sun does not shine;
- the "OK" sign, which we used to use to say that everything is fine with us, in Cyprus it is used to indicate non-traditional sexual orientation;
- Ayia Napa resort is considered the best and popular place recreation of European youth, who considers the city to be a kind of big club;
- Cyprus is considered the most safe place for permanent residence - there are practically no crimes on the island;
- a huge number of fish live right off the coast of Cyprus, but it is impossible to catch them due to the strong currents;
- taxi drivers do not always give change, even if the tourist gave out 20 euros for a trip that costs 10 euros;
- there are cafes in Cyprus, which can only be entered by representatives of the strong half of humanity;
- 80% of the population of Cyprus is Orthodox;
- Cyprus is famous for its grape vodka, the strength of which can reach eighty percent;
- Cypriots never rush anywhere - everything is done slowly, calmly, measuredly;
- the police do not take bribes, it is almost impossible to negotiate with them - the salaries of law enforcement officers are so high that they simply do not want to lose their jobs because of a bribe or a present.

SECURITY

Cyprus is considered a safe country for recreation. You can safely move in cities and small towns and not be afraid for the safety of personal property and your own safety.
To avoid problems with the law, you should remember about some rules of stay in the country:
- photographing the border crossing between the Turkish and Greek parts of the island, military personnel and law enforcement officers is prohibited;
- smoking in public places is strictly prohibited - an impressive fine is guaranteed. There are special places for smoking. The ban in Cyprus is considered one of the most severe in the entire European Union. It was introduced on January 1, 2010.
About smoking in Cyprus
There are designated smoking areas in restaurants. Most often they are on the street. It is forbidden to smoke indoors almost everywhere in Cyprus, with the exception of your own apartments or rented apartments. The ban on smoking even applies to vehicles if there are children under the age of fourteen in them!
If you decide to smoke in a public place, be prepared to pay a fine of 85 euros. In general, smoking in Cyprus is not a cheap pleasure. A pack of cigarettes costs between four and five euros! Only ten packs can be brought from duty-free, no more. By the way, locals prefer to smoke hand-rolled cigarettes, buying separately tobacco and special paper.
Drinking water
Many will be interested in the question of the quality of drinking and tap water in Cyprus. Opinions were divided on this score. Some believe that the water that flows in the taps is no worse, or maybe even better, than in Moscow and other large Russian cities, while others believe that the water is dirty and drinking it fresh is dangerous to health. In any case, it is worth saying the following: water must be boiled before drinking. It tastes like nothing. That is, it is difficult to call it tasty and tasteless. Interruptions in the supply of tap water are frequent, but this applies mainly to those who live in rented apartments. There are no problems with the supply of tap water in hotels. At the beginning tourist season it is recommended to immediately drain the water from the tap for a minute, and only then use it. This is a forced measure - no one can guarantee that the accumulation of pathogens did not occur in the water pipes while the apartment was idle without vacationers. Practically all drinking water is imported from the mainland of Greece.

CAR RENTAL IN CYPRUS

Rental cars are marked with red registration plates. The license plate for such vehicles begins with the letter "Z". Only a person over twenty-five years old can rent a car. The maximum age limit for car rental is seventy years. The minimum driving experience must be at least three years in public companies, at least two years in private companies.
Features of traffic rules in Cyprus
Movement on the island is left-hand (inherited from England). There are few traffic lights, but there are many roundabouts. The driver and everyone in the vehicle must wear seat belts. Pedestrians at the crossings must be allowed through without fail. The maximum permissible speed in cities is 50 km / h, on highways - 100 km / h. Free parking there is, but in large cities there is a real tension with them, you should be ready for this.
It is most profitable to rent a car for a week or longer - the renter gets unlimited mileage as a "bonus". The insurance will have to be paid separately. The car is provided with a full tank of gasoline, the cost of which is included in the rental. You can return the car with an empty tank, and no one will say a word. The average rental price is 35 euros per day. Driving a rented car from the Greek part of Cyprus to the Turkish is prohibited by law.

CYPRUS HOTELS

The level of service in Cypriot hotels is quite high. Just the fact that even in two-star hotels it will be very good in terms of furnishing and equipment of the rooms, to say nothing of five-star hotels. Most of the service personnel speak Russian. Therefore, there should be no problems with communication.
Most of the hotels are located on the first coastline... Today, all-inclusive accommodation options are increasingly seen as a welcome offer. But in any case, breakfast will be guaranteed, and tourists can choose, if they wish, lunch or dinner (the so-called half board). But even two-star hotels strive to provide full board for their holidaymakers. By the way, most hotels of 3-5 stars have own beaches that are constantly cleaned of debris and kept in perfect condition. If you're lucky, you can get sun loungers and umbrellas for free, but such a nice bonus most often applies to accommodation in five-star hotels. Otherwise, you will have to pay - the rent of each unit will cost from two to four euros. However, as statistics show, most often European tourists rent, Russians prefer to bask on bedspreads or towels laid directly on the sand.
Hotels do not work all year round, and this is worth remembering when going on vacation in the off-season, especially on your own without the mediation of a travel agency. It is best to clarify information about the possibility of booking a room in advance and find out what bonuses are offered to tourists directly on the territory of the hotel.
3-5 star hotels have indoor pools with warm water, jacuzzi, saunas, spa complexes and other amenities for vacationers. You can also play on your own tennis court or get a full range of medical, health and beauty services.
Many tourists prefer to rent apartments and small studio apartments instead of hotels. tourist cities... Mostly these are good living conditions with a kitchenette and all the necessary kitchen utensils, furniture and household appliances. If you have a desire to cook, then why not save on housing and food, delighting yourself with self-prepared delicacies, which you can buy either at the grocery market or in the supermarket.
It is worth considering one feature in Cyprus - three-phase sockets, which require an adapter. You can buy it at any store or take it at the reception area if you are staying at a hotel.

ATTRACTION

Cyprus cannot boast of numerous attractions that can be counted on the fingers of one hand. But, even choosing Cyprus as a beach holiday, you can have a good rest, enjoying the aesthetic and spiritual beauty of these places. For example, you should definitely visit the church where the wedding of Richard the Lionheart took place, a fortress from the Venetian era.
Cyprus is an excellent starting point for sea ​​travel on cruise ships equivalent to 3-5 star hotels. Regularly from the Cypriot ports of Limassol and Larnaca liners leave in the direction of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the island of Rhodes.
Holidays in Cyprus are also an opportunity to organize a mini-cruise to other countries. Cruise ships depart daily from the port of Limassol, delivering tourists to Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other countries. You can even get to Syria if you wish!
An excursion to Israel will be especially interesting, during which you will get acquainted with Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The cost of the excursion includes transfer from the hotel to the port and back, accommodation in a cabin, entertainment, meals, visas and excursions.

BEACHES OF CYPRUS

Unlike Thailand, where you still have to try to find a good and clean beach, in Cyprus each beach has its own unique flora and fauna and is distinguished by its majestic beauty and impeccable cleanliness.
Many Cypriot beaches have been awarded with a special distinctive emblem, awarded the title of the best in the European Union due to their impeccable cleanliness and excellent infrastructure. By the way, most of the beaches are municipal, rent of beach "ammunition" is paid. In Paphos or Larnaca, most hotels provide their guests with umbrellas and sun loungers for free.
Ayia Napa
Youth rest. The beaches are clean and well maintained. Hotels and hotel complexes sun loungers, umbrellas and other ammunition for vacationers are provided for a fee. Average cost from four euros and more. Ayia Napa's beaches are considered some of the best on the entire island.
Protaras
The beaches are gorgeous, the coastal area is clean and cleaned regularly. The sand is snow-white, the sea is warm. Sun beds, umbrellas are given for a fee, even to guests of hotels to which the coastal zone is attached. Holidays in Protaras will cost tourists less than in Larnaca, where absolutely everything is expensive, especially food. Protarnas is famous for its quiet streets, the possibility of a secluded, relaxing family holiday. Some tourists note that Protaras is so quiet and uncrowded that often walking half the street for 10-15 minutes you will not meet anyone. But the resort of Ayia Napa is a paradise for those who are thirsty for constant trash and entertainment, where music plays from all sides, a lot of entertainment and continuous crowds of people.
Nissi Beach
It is considered the most beautiful and picturesque beach in all of Cyprus. The whitest fine sand, an island not far from the coastline - romance, in a word.
Makronisos
It is considered a youth beach. It is on it that parties most often gather and various gatherings are arranged among young vacationers.
Petra tou Romiu
The beach is isolated from the rest, but that makes it no less beautiful. There are pebbles under your feet, the sea is clean and pleasant, and rest can become very secluded, hidden from prying eyes.
Larnaca
The most popular and the best beaches the resort is considered Mackenzie, the territory of the Cyprus Tourism Organization and the beach of Finikoudes.
"Lady's Mile"
This beach is unmatched in length, located west of Limassol, and is very popular with the locals.
If you look to the east of Limassol, there is a beach with the original name "Governor's" - a meeting place for young people, local residents and almost daily parties.
Exactly in the middle between Paphos and Limassol - a compact, cozy pebble beach of Aphrodite.

HEALTH AND HEALTH PROCEDURES

In the past few years, people have been sent to Cyprus not only for the sake of beach holidays and attractions, but also in order to receive extraordinary treatment for a number of diseases. Cyprus today actively promotes and develops thalassotherapy.
In Paphos and Limassol, most five-star hotels offer a range of medical procedures aimed at restoring tone, fighting stress, depression, obesity, joint problems, etc. There are programs for men and women, for pregnant women and young mothers, for the elderly.
While resting at the hotel, you can get a full range of medical and cosmetic services. There are extraordinary offers, for example, beauty and body care programs, facial skin care, anti-cellulite programs, massage complexes, reflexology, aromatherapy and much more. Almost all hotels have Russian-speaking staff, so there shouldn't be any problems with getting the necessary treatment and wellness procedures - tourists are understood perfectly. Since thalassotherapy is very popular not only among Russians, but also tourists from Europe and Asia, it is advisable to book spa treatments in advance long before arriving in Cyprus.

CYPRUS KITCHEN

Considering that most of the island belongs to the Greeks, it is easy to guess what emphasis is placed in the restaurants and cafes of any resort town in Cyprus. The only modification and addition to mainland Greek cuisine is the predominance of seafood in Cyprus.
What interesting things can you try in restaurants and cafes in Cyprus?
Meze is the most important "feature" of Cyprus. The so-called complex lunch, which includes a huge number of dishes (from twenty to thirty) and is served alternately, starting with snacks, vegetables and salads and ending with meat and fish dishes. The most interesting thing is that in the restaurants of Cyprus there is no single meze menu - each institution offers its own complex.
You can try real Greek feta cheese only in Greece or Cyprus, where dozens of dishes are prepared from this cheese and each dish is incredibly tasty and aromatic.
You should definitely taste the Cypriot wines and green walnuts filled with a special sweet syrup. Halloumi cheese is considered very tasty, prepared only in Cyprus and only from high-quality goat's milk, which every self-respecting tourist should try.
Tips can be skipped in principle, since 10% of the service order value is already included in the invoice.
The portions in Cypriot restaurants and cafes are huge and sometimes gigantic. Locals love to eat a lot and often and try to feed all tourists as well.
In every second restaurant the tourist will be offered a menu in Russian and a Russian-speaking waiter.

HOLIDAYS IN CYPRUS

Going on vacation to Cyprus, you can inadvertently look at one of the many holidays celebrated by locals with the same flavor characteristic of Latin American countries.
April: Cyprus Day is a national holiday celebrated in literally every corner of the country, gathering crowds of locals and tourists, luring with its music, entertainment, many bright colors and festive events.
May June: The Water Festival - "Kataklysmos" - is celebrated in cities bordering the sea. During the same time period, a Cypriot folk dance festival is held in Limassol.
July August: Drama festival. Performances are held literally in every city, but the brightest of them are in the Larnaca Fort, in Ayia Napa right on the Monastery Square, on the territory of the ancient Kourion amphitheater, as well as in the Odeon (Paphos).
September: Wine festival in honor of the god Dionysus, held in Limassol.

Cyprus is soft climatic conditions, almost year-round summer, swimming season nine out of twelve months, clean beaches with white sand and incredibly delicious Greek cuisine. Going to Cyprus, you should not expect carbon monoxide drunken discos, partying and dancing until the morning - this is a more respectable vacation, with an aesthetic component, decent and calm. Ideal for couples looking to spend their holidays in peace and quiet, as well as for couples with children who just want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the island.

1. The country is actually divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Turkey northern Cyprus... The latter is not officially recognized in the world.

2. Nicosia is the only capital in the world divided between two states.

3. 2% of Cypriot territory is occupied by British military bases.

4. Cyprus is a small island. From Paphos to Ayia Napa, some of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations located in different parts of the state, can be reached by car in 3 hours.

• Do not miss:

Only in Cyprus you can taste real cheese Halloumi made from goat milk. It does not melt when fried and is crispy.

On the island, especially in tourist spots, a lot of various cafes and restaurants for every taste. You can dine together for 20-30 euros. The portions are usually very large. The closer the restaurant is to the sea, the higher the prices.

Cyprus is one of the leaders in wine export. They are held here every year. Entrance fee is 1 euro, wine is free.

Fishing on the island is poorly developed.

Some of the most expensive groceries in stores are beef and fresh fish (about € 10 per kg).