Where is Cyprus located on the world map? In what country is the island? Cyprus - what country is it? History of Cyprus. Flag of Cyprus What is Cyprus and where is it located

I love the sea and Europe! I’ve been to Cyprus 10 times, delighted with Mallorca and the islands.

The resort island state is located in the warm Mediterranean Sea (its eastern part). Millions of guests from different parts of the world flock here. Many inquisitive guests of legendary places will be interested to know where Cyprus is located and in which country?

Cyprus owes its popularity among tourists to its favorable geographical location and wonderful climate.

But these advantages were responsible for many events that influenced the geopolitical situation in the country.

A tasty piece of the Mediterranean

Cyprus is located at the crossroads of the sea routes of three major continents. It has always been an object of attention, a strategic target for Europe, Asia, and Africa. The conquerors of the island quickly succeeded each other. What kind of country was Cyprus? Cypriots managed to be ruled by the Assyrians, Turks, Romans, Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, and British. Cyprus was part of:

• Byzantium (IV century BC).
• Venice (XII century).
• Ottoman Empire (1571-1879).

The island has been a British possession since 1879. Cyprus was the last British colony (1925-1960). The modern republic has preserved a lot from the times of British colonization: driving on the left, legislation, and the English language has become extremely popular.

You can find the island on the map here.

Cyprus modern

In 1959 the country gained sovereignty. This decision was made at negotiations between three countries: Turkey, Great Britain and Greece. In 1960, the island adopted a Constitution and became a presidential republic.

The Constitution of the 60th year states that Cyprus is a state with guaranteed compliance with the principle of equality of power between the two Cypriot national communities (Greek and Turkish).

The president of the republic must be a representative of Greek Cypriots, and the vice-president must be a Turkish Cypriot. Deputies were also required to be elected from two national groups. But since 1963, the Turks stopped taking part in the Legislative Assembly.

According to legendary legend, Cyprus is an island of happiness, because it was here that the goddess of tenderness and love, Aphrodite, appeared to people from the sea foam. But, unfortunately, modern Cypriot history is far from perfect. There is irreconcilable hostility between the two national clans here.

Military coups

Intensified armed clashes led to the deployment of UN troops to the island (1964). 10 years later, Greek Cypriot extremists, with the support of the Athenian government, carried out a coup d'etat. The legally elected President Makarios was overthrown, and Cyprus was reunited with Greece. During these turbulent years, the country is under the influence of the junta.

A week later, the Turkish authorities sent a military contingent to the island, under the guise of the need to protect Turkish Cypriots. As a result of the armed clashes, more than 7,000 people died, and about 300,000 fled the island with refugee status. Soon the Turkish community occupied almost half of the entire territory.

At this time, Cyprus irretrievably lost many valuable relics - cultural values ​​were taken away from their historical homeland.

Soon the creation of the Cyprus Federative State of Turkey was announced to the world community. And on November 1, 1983, the world learned about the emergence of the Northern Turkish Republic of Cyprus.

The problem of dividing the island territory also applies to modern times; it is of acute concern to all Cypriots.

Who owns the republic

What country is Cyprus today? Now the island is split into two independent parts - Turkish (located in the north) and Greek (southern parts) ethnic communities.

Greek South Cyprus

Greek Cypriots make up about 77% of the entire island population. This is where tourists come to enjoy an excellent holiday. The southern territory has the status of an independent state. Officially it is called the “Republic of Cyprus”. The Greek community professes Orthodoxy.

• Christianity originated in this country more than 2,000 years ago. According to the conclusions of historians, it was here that the world’s first state of Christians appeared.

The south of the island part was admitted to the European Union (May 2004). Southern Cypriots call the northern regions “occupied territory.”

Turkish Northern Cyprus

Officially, the island (its northern part), developed by the Turks, is called the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC). The Turkish Cypriots living here profess Islam. Many mosques were built in the northern regions (most of them were converted from Christian churches).

Despite numerous claims that lawlessness reigns in the TRNC, these places are safe and open to tourists. What person doesn't like to relax! Northern resorts are no different from southern ones and even surpass them.

Advice. If you decide to relax in the north of Cyprus, pay attention to the best resorts in these places. These are the cities of Dipkarpas, Famagusta and Kyrenia. Turkish Cypriots are distinguished by their warm hospitality.

Buffer zone

So, the island is officially divided into two parts. Between them there is an artificially created buffer zone. It is also called the “Green Line”. The UN contingent is patrolling the dividing area. The line runs across the island through the Cypriot capital of Nicosia from Morphou to Famagusta (Gazimagusta). Both cities belong to Northern Cyprus.

Is the island part of Greece?

The Republic has always had close ties with neighboring Greece. But Cypriot territory is not under Greek jurisdiction and has no control by the Greek government. During the major financial crisis in Greece, its echoes also affected this country, but no stronger than other regions and Europe itself.

• Although Cypriot banks are closely interconnected with Greece, all other sectors of the Cypriot economy are separate from and do not belong to the Hellenic country.

British possessions

The country has a small area, occupying about 3% of the total territory, belonging to Great Britain. England includes two Cypriot cities: Dhekelia, Akrotiri and the nearby islands: Kiedes, Mazaki, Agios Georgios, Cordylia, Geronissos, Glyukiotis and Kila.

Will Cyprus reunite?

What problem currently worries Cypriots the most? The question of the unification of the two communities. The natives of the island (Greek and Turkish) are waiting and hoping for the merger of territories.

In 2004, the country held a referendum for reunification. As a result, almost all Greek Cypriots said “Yes” to the merger of disparate parts, while Turkish Cypriots spoke out against it.

The Turkish government has an impact on its displaced people (and about 150,000 people arrived in the Cypriot north during the unrest). TRNC leader Rauf Denktash stated that the developed plan was unacceptable. But there is hope that this problem in this beautiful country will still be resolved through negotiations between Turkey and the European Union.

Let's sum it up

So, what country does Cyprus belong to? This island is an independent state recognized throughout the world. Legally, the Republic of Cyprus has sovereignty over its entire island territory (with the exception of 3% belonging to England) and the adjacent sea waters.

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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.

• Tours for May to Cyprus
• Last minute tours Worldwide

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.

Time difference from Moscow

− 1 hour not in summer

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

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 for December 2019.

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 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 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.

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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

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.

Have you been to Cyprus yet? We will help you make the right first impression of Cyprus in just 10 minutes! It's exciting and useful!

What kind of state is Cyprus?

Republic of Cyprus ( Greek Kipros, tour. Kibris, English Cyprus) is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea, a member of the European Union since 2004.

Political structure: The Republic of Cyprus is a presidential republic, has been a member of the European Union since May 1, 2004, and since January 1, 2008 has been part of the euro zone (the national currency, the Cypriot pound, was fixed at the rate of 0.585 pounds per euro).
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an unrecognized republic by the world community (recognized only by Turkey).

Territorial structure: After the 1974 conflict, the once united state of Cyprus was divided into two parts: the southern, the Republic of Cyprus (57.6%), and the northern, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (36%). To prevent conflict, UN peacekeeping troops were sent to the island. To date, they occupy a buffer zone separating hostile territories (about 3.7% of the island’s territory). Another 2.7% of the territory was retained by Great Britain after Cyprus gained independence in 1960, and now there are two British military bases there.

Official languages: Greek (ROK) and Turkish (TRNC).

National currency: euro (ROK) and Turkish lira (TRNC).

Population: 839 thousand people (RoK, census from 2011) + 265 thousand people (TRNC, census from 2006).

Population

The population of the island is more than a million people, of which 839 thousand people live in the Republic of Cyprus: about 90% of the population of the republic are Greek Cypriots, the rest of the population are British, Russians and Armenians.

There are 265 thousand people in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, of which 1/3 are ethnic Turkish Cypriots, and 2/3 are immigrants from mainland Turkey.

Religion

The Republic of Cyprus is an Orthodox state. The Cypriot Orthodox Church is an autocephalous apostolic church. Religious traditions are very strong here, church holidays are public holidays, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus after the declaration of its independence was Archbishop Makarius III. There are more than 700 temples and monasteries in Cyprus. The most famous is the Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos Mountains. Also interesting are the small ancient churches of Troodos with wall frescoes (listed as a UNESCO world cultural heritage).

The majority of the population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus preaches Islam.

Language

Official language of the Republic of Cyprus: Greek. As a legacy of British colonization, Cyprus inherited the ubiquitous English language, and thanks to the popularity of the resort among Russian-speaking tourists, you will be understood in Russian.

The official language of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkish; in tourist areas they will speak to you in English and German.

Climate of Cyprus

The island's climate, combined with clean air and gentle warm sea, is ideal for relaxation at any time of the year. It is not for nothing that Cyprus ranks 31st in the world in terms of life expectancy.

The climate on the island is subtropical Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers (temperatures up to +45°, humidity 40-60%) and warm winters (temperature +12°... +20°, humidity 60 - 80%). In the Troodos Mountains, the temperature is much lower than on the coast, which allows local residents to take a break from the heat in the summer, and even go skiing and snowboarding in the winter! The wettest months are December and January; precipitation in the form of rain is possible on the coast.

The summer months are the best time for a beach holiday on the coast. Don't forget your sunscreen and your holiday will be perfect.

In almost any hotel, cafe or restaurant in the Republic of Cyprus, visitors are provided with free Wi-Fi; the password can be obtained from the staff. A free network has appeared on many beaches in Cyprus.
But some hotels have begun to charge for Wi-Fi in their rooms (you can connect to the network for free only at the reception desk). IN Over the past few years, the practice has spread in many low- and mid-budget hotels to provide paid access to Wi-fi (about 15-20 euros per day). Please check this point when booking to correctly calculate the cost of your vacation.

How much is Cyprus actually worth?

There is an opinion that Cyprus is an expensive resort. However, this is not at all true - there are plenty of opportunities to organize a holiday for every taste and budget!

The most expensive months for a holiday in Cyprus are July and August; prices traditionally increase during the May and New Year holidays.
But during the most comfortable time for a vacation - the second half of September, October, early November - you can find excellent discounts on package tours and hotel accommodations. The most expensive hotels are in Limassol and Ayia Napa, followed by Paphos and Protaras. The most budget holiday on the coast is in Larnaca.

The cost of a week's holiday in Cyprus during the season will range from 650 to 1000 euros for two (and higher, depending on the level of the hotel). In the off-season you can go to the sea for a week for 500 euros for two. Package tours include flights and hotel accommodation. Cheap tours, as a rule, do not include meals - please specify meals and airport transfers when booking.

If you are planning an independent holiday, you must provide for the following expenses:

Flight: depending on the season and airline, the cost of the flight will be from 200 to 600 euros per person round trip. Keep an eye out for special offers from airlines - with promotions from airlines you can fly to Cyprus for only 100 euros per person.

Accommodation: choose the conditions and price to suit your taste: a stay in an apart-hotel will cost you 30-50 euros for two (usually meals are not included), 4* hotels will cost from 100-120 euros for two per day (usually breakfast is included at default). Hotels on the first line, as a rule, offer their clients free sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach. But if you are vacationing in another hotel or apartment, prepare to pay from 6 to 7.5 euros per day for an umbrella and 2 sun loungers.

Nutrition: breakfast (English or continental) will cost you 4-6 euros per person; dinner in a restaurant - from 15-20 euros per person. An excellent option for an inexpensive lunch - traditional souvlaki (kebabs) in pita bread with vegetables will cost you 8-10 euros. If you are planning to stay in an apart-hotel and cook your own food (the best option for a holiday with small children), count from 5-10 euros per person per day (depending on your menu).

Trips: In Cyprus, you definitely need to travel, this is the only way you will get the most complete pleasure from your vacation! Excursion around the island will cost from 40-45 euros per person (depending on the route and size of the group), the cost of an individual excursion for a group of up to 4 people - from 120 euros (4.5 - 5 hours) to 180 euros (8-9 hours) and 240 euros (10-12 hours), lunch is paid separately. You can rent a car(20-40 euros per day depending on the class of car and season, at least 3 days; gasoline in Cyprus costs 1.25 euros per liter 95). The island has developed bus service— the fare is 1.5 euros on a city route and from 7 euros on an intercity route (buses run quite rarely, keep an eye on the schedule).

Entertainment: visiting the water park will cost 29-38 euros per adult and 16-25 euros per child; the cost for boat trips varies from 10-12 euros (1-1.5 hour walk) to 50 euros (5 hour trip with lunch and drinks), individual yacht rental from 200 euros for two (it is advisable to check in advance); the cost of entrance tickets to state museums is from 2.5 to 4.5 euros per adult; sea ​​attractions - from 7 euros (banana ride) to 40 euros (parachute flight).

Taxi (transfer): from Larnaca airport: to Larnaca hotel from 20 euros; to Ayia Napa from 40 euros; to Protaras and Limassol from 50 euros; to Paphos from 90 euros.

You can read more about how much food costs in stores and restaurant prices in the article Prices in Cyprus.

Transport in Cyprus

AIR TRAVEL

There are two airports in the Republic of Cyprus: in Larnaca (Hermes Larnaca International Airport LCA ) And in Paphos (Paphos International Airport PFO), which receive daily regular flights from Russia and Ukraine. You can get from Moscow to Cyprus by direct flights of Aeroflot (from Sheremetyevo SVO airport) and S7 (Domodedovo DME).

In addition, regular flights depart from Cyprus to Belarus, England, Germany, France, Greece, Israel, Syria, Libya, and Egypt.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also has an airport near Nicosia (Ercan Uluslararasi Havalimani ECN). Since this airport is located on the territory of an unrecognized state, it cannot accept international flights; planes fly here only from Turkey. Tourists arriving at the airport of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus cannot enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

Larnaca Airport offers direct transfers to Limassol and Nicosia. More information about the schedule of transfers to Limassol and Nicosia, respectively, can be found on the websites www.cyprusbybus.com and www.kapnosairportshuttle.com.

TAXI

A taxi will cost more than a bus, but it will take the passenger to the right place and at a convenient time. In the Republic of Cyprus, both taxi drivers and their cars undergo a fairly strict certification procedure, so you can use these services without fear. It is not customary for passing cars to “vote” here.

BUSES

Bus services connect the main cities of the Republic of Cyprus, in addition there are both urban and rural routes. This is an inexpensive and comfortable means of transportation (all buses are equipped with air conditioning), and although they run quite rarely (1 flight every 1-2 hours), they are on schedule (the current schedule can be obtained at the nearest bus station or on the website http://www.cyprusbybus. com/). Please note: the last flights depart quite early, and flights may be canceled on weekends and holidays! Payment is made in the bus upon boarding.

Airport transfers are usually included in the package tour price and are often provided by the hotel when booking independently (check when booking).
If you are staying in the cities of Paphos and Larnaca, you can use regular buses (cost 1.5 euros per adult, 0.75 euros for a child over 6 years old).

FERRY SERVICE

Ferries and cruise ships depart from the Republic of Cyprus from the port of Limassol and travel to the ports of Greece (Rhodes, Crete and mainland Piraeus), Bulgaria (Varna), Egypt (Port Said), Israel (Haifa), Syria (Latakia) and Italy (Ancocna). Also, liners cruising the Mediterranean Sea make a stop in Limassol.

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, two ports are connected by ferry to Turkey: the port of Kyrenia and the port of Famagusta. Please note that when arriving from Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, you cannot enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

Entertainment

Cyprus offers all types of water activities. Large water parks (the largest in Europe) have become very popular among tourists - WaterWorld In Ayia Napa and Fassouri Watermania in Limassol. There are smaller water parks in Paphos and Protaras that are perfect for visiting with children. Expect a full day at the water park - there are attractions for all family members and, believe me, you will want to come back!

The beaches offer a variety of water attractions - here you can ride a banana boat and water ski, rent a scooter or catamaran, and also take an unforgettable trip in a hot air balloon! In the sea harbors of resort towns you will be offered various programs of boat trips - fishing, a full-fledged trip with stops for swimming, watching the sunset.

The largest amusement park on the island - Paliasto Park- located in Ayia Napa. Every resort town in Cyprus has small amusement parks and slot machines. And in Protaras you can admire the unique Show of Dancing Fountains - Magic Dancing Waters- with a laser show and a real volcanic eruption!

Cuisine and traditions

The cuisine of Cyprus is quite simple - fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh meat and fish, the freshest bread and the inevitable olives) The national cuisine is Mediterranean.

Please note that in the mountainous regions meat cuisine is traditional, and in the coastal regions it is fish cuisine.
Cyprus has fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round.

National regulations guarantee no additives or chemicals, so you can forget about the nitrate horror stories and enjoy your fresh fruit!

About half of the land in Cyprus is occupied by agriculture - there are fresh vegetables and fruits here all year round! Main crops: olives, grapes, citrus fruits, melons, wheat, potatoes, almonds, walnuts, pomegranates, beans, cherries, apricots and peaches.

The wines of Cyprus are known far beyond the island - many wineries produce red and white wines, the famous knightly wine Commandaria, as well as strong drinks - brandy and zivania.

Dairy products, in particular Cypriot cheeses, will delight the most sophisticated gourmet.

Cypriot cuisine is one of the pillars of Mediterranean cuisine, and one of the most interesting attractions of the island!

Emergency numbers:

• Single number 112
• Fire Department 199 Sea air has a very beneficial effect on our body, because it’s not for nothing that the sea is considered the best healer! The beach season lasts from May to early November, but even in winter the water temperature does not drop below +17..+18 degrees! The beaches of Cyprus are considered one of the best in Europe; in 2018, 63 Cypriot beaches were awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and amenities (the unrecognized republic of Northern Cyprus does not participate in the rating, otherwise there would be much more awards!).
  There is no heavy industry in Cyprus, therefore there are no harmful particles and compounds that poison us in large cities
  We can talk endlessly about the benefits of mountain air; when vacationing in Cyprus, be sure to go to the Troodos Mountains. The highest point of the island is Mount Olympus (1951 m).

  Convenience for tourists— Cyprus is simply created for relaxation! Moreover, for completely different holidays - each tourist can choose his own format.
  All cities and villages of Cyprus are equipped with the necessary infrastructure - shops and pharmacies, restaurants and cafes, banks.
  One of the legacies of British colonization is excellent roads connecting all settlements. The traffic is on the left, but you get used to it quickly. All signs are maximally adapted for the convenience of foreign tourists.
  An important aspect of a holiday in Cyprus is the absence of language barriers. Even if you don’t speak English (about 90% of Cypriots speak English), you will not be lost - many Cypriots speak Russian, in addition, many Russian-speaking citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic countries live and work in Cyprus. Coupled with traditional hospitality, this greatly simplifies your vacation and completely eliminates communication problems!

  Simplified visa regime— Cyprus is a member of the Schengen Agreement (you can come to Cyprus with an open Schengen visa issued by a third country), but issues a national visa. For citizens of Russia and Ukraine, the visa is free, you can get it using a simplified scheme - without leaving your home, in one day!

  Safety— Cyprus is one of the safest countries in the world.

  Cuisine of Cyprus- the cuisine of Cyprus is quite simple - fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh meat and fish, the freshest bread and the inevitable olives) The national cuisine is Mediterranean. Please note that in the mountainous regions meat cuisine is traditional, and in the coastal regions it is fish cuisine.
  Cyprus has fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round. National regulations guarantee no additives or chemicals, so you can forget about the nitrate horror stories and enjoy your fresh fruit!
  I would also like to say something about Cypriot wine, because winemaking has existed on the island for more than 5 thousand years!

  Travel and attractions— Cyprus provides a lot of opportunities for curious tourists: exciting individual excursions on a variety of topics, simplicity and accessibility of independent road trips around the island. In addition, all cities of Cyprus are connected by regular bus routes - you can travel around Cyprus on your own without even renting a car!
  The variety of landscapes and attractions makes Cyprus very attractive to tourists. The main tourism destinations in Cyprus:
  - Troodos mountains. In addition to traditional villages, small waterfalls and stunning views, there are many naturalistic walking routes of low difficulty;
  - pilgrimage routes. The Orthodox churches of Cyprus attract pilgrims from all over the world. The ancient churches of Troodos deserve special mention; thanks to the preserved Byzantine frescoes, they are included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage.
  — archaeological parks, Neolithic and antiquity. Cyprus has preserved unique ancient cities and settlements, and the ancient mosaics of Paphos are also noted by UNESCO.
  - Northern Cyprus. Unique castles and fortresses of the Middle Ages, combined with a unique oriental flavor, attract a consistently high number of tourists.

  What is Cyprus famous for?

  The main attraction of Cyprus is clean and equipped beaches Mediterranean Sea, some of the best in Europe. In 2018, 62 beaches and one promenade in Cyprus were awarded the international Blue Flag award.

  Troodos Mountains- the mountain system of Cyprus with the highest point of 1952 meters (Mount Olmpus). In winter, snow falls in the mountains, and there is one ski resort. The Troodos Mountains are a national conservation park. Local forests are interesting for a large number of endemic plants, the most famous are the Cyprus cyclamen, golden oak, strawberry tree and Cypriot cedar. The most famous endemic - the inhabitant of Troodos - mouflon, is included in the international Red Book.

  Heritage of ancient civilizations. Archaeologists believe that the first people settled in Cyprus 10 thousand years ago - the most interesting archaeological parks of the Neolithic period (Khirokitia and Tenta, included in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list) and the ancient period (Kourion, Salamis, Paphos archaeological park, Kition) are open to visitors , Amathus, Tamassos, Soli). In the cities of Cyprus, archaeological museums are open all year round, presenting archaeological finds and ancient artifacts.

  Homeland of the goddess Aphrodite. It is believed that it was here, in Petra Tou Romiou Bay (between Limassol and Paphos), that the goddess of love emerged from the sea foam to then settle in Paphos. The cult of Aphrodite reigned on the island; the largest temples in Europe were built here. Currently, the ruins of temples can be seen in archaeological parks - the ancient city-states of Cyprus.

  Orthodox heritage and monuments from the period of the birth and formation of Christianity. The Republic of Cyprus is an Orthodox state. The Cypriot Orthodox Church is an autocephalous apostolic church. Religious traditions are very strong here, church holidays are public holidays, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus after the declaration of its independence was Archbishop Makarius III. There are more than 700 temples and monasteries in Cyprus. The most famous is the Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos Mountains. Also interesting are the small ancient churches of Troodos with wall frescoes (listed as a UNESCO world cultural heritage).

  Products, winemaking, agritourism. About half of the land in Cyprus is occupied by agriculture - there are fresh vegetables and fruits here all year round! Main crops: olives, grapes, citrus fruits, melons, wheat, potatoes, almonds, walnuts, pomegranates, beans, cherries, apricots and peaches. The wines of Cyprus are known far beyond the island - many wineries produce red and white wines, the famous knightly wine Commandaria, as well as strong drinks - brandy and zivania. Dairy products, in particular Cypriot cheeses, will delight the most sophisticated gourmet. Cypriot cuisine is one of the pillars of Mediterranean cuisine, and one of the most interesting attractions of the island!

Most of the island's residents work in the tourism sector. Tourism here is the main resource for replenishing the country's budget with foreign currency.

The island and its inhabitants enable tourists to explore Cyprus according to their needs, making it easier to obtain. If you want to have an active holiday, cycling routes are at your disposal. There are 52 nature trails to get acquainted with the unique flora and fauna of the island.

There is always something interesting going on here, but you need to know the mentality of the Cypriots, their rituals, habits, norms of behavior in order to be aware of that. In any season, tourists can go to a holiday or sporting event. Connoisseurs or simply lovers of the “nectar of the gods” will be pleased with the wine routes that will introduce you to. You can find out how grapes are grown, how wine is produced, and, finally, taste the drink by choosing one of the excursions to the famous wineries of the island.

A huge number of sacred places, among which, will provide an opportunity, having become acquainted with them, to learn about the path of Cypriots to Christianity, about the roots of the blessed land, about the shrines that have found shelter in Cyprus. The variety of museums will simply keep you on the island for several days.

No matter what part of the country you come to, you will always find a beach nearby. 57 beaches of the island (among them) are marked with the Blue Flag of the European Union for the level of infrastructure facilities on them and environmental cleanliness. The beaches on and on are popular among vacationers.

Island resorts: Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta, Kyrenia are popular among tourists.

Nicosia surprises not only with its historical and architectural buildings, but also with an interesting combination of antiquity and modernity. The Limassol region is full of legends about kingdoms and kings. You will learn everything about winemaking here. The Troodos mountain range will impress lovers of outdoor activities. The Ammochostos region will captivate you with its sparkling waters and golden sand. The ancient city of Larnaca (about 4 thousand years old) offers tourists everything they need to relax and get acquainted with the history of the island.

The fact that the entire Kato Paphos area is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List speaks volumes about the abundance of cultural wealth it contains. There is a lot of entertainment on the island for children: in Ayia Napa, in Limassol. You can rest assured that it is possible, and it will be memorable.

In 2015, about 2.65 million people visited the island. The largest number of people come from the UK and Russia (38% and 23% respectively). Guests from Germany are joining them. During January - October 2016, up to 2,974,412 people visited the island (87% of tourists came to relax, 7% to visit relatives, 5% to work).