Year-round travelers come to the easternmost island of the Mediterranean to see the most beautiful places of Cyprus and the sights that are several hundred years old. There is something to see nature lovers, as well as beach lovers.
Description of the island of Cyprus
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Cyprus is located next to Turkey, Lebanon and Syria, covering 5.895 thousand km². Its capital – the city of Nicosia with a population of 250 thousand people. It is the only major city of a European country divided between 2 states. The metropolis belongs to both the Turkish and Greek diasporas.
What is remarkable about Cyprus
The island is divided into two unequal parts. The Republic of Cyprus covers 2/3 of the area and is a member of the European Union. The Greeks call their city Lefkosia. The main government offices and authorities are located here. Greek-Cypriot is recognized as the official language. The main currency since 2004 is the euro.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by the Turkish government. The local Turks speak their own language and call the capital Lefkosha. The Turkish lira is used as a means of payment.
Cyprus is divided into six provinces:
The Greek territory of the island is further divided into 33 communities.
What is the climate on the island of Cyprus?
It is not difficult to see tourists in Cyprus at any time of the year. There are interesting places to go, regardless of the weather conditions.
In winter
The average winter daytime temperature does not fall below +16 … +18°C. Locals and visitors alike walk around in sweatshirts. In October and November it often rains. In December there is less rain but the wind increases. You must wear a jacket for coastal walks. January is the slushiest and most unpleasant month. And in February in Cyprus, spring begins.
Summer
From the middle of May, summer begins in Cyprus. The water warms up to +22 ° C. The daytime outside is warm: +28 … +30°C. In June there is still no heat, so this is the best time to visit the local resorts.
The hottest months are July and August. However, because of the moderate maritime climate the heat is easily tolerated. Nevertheless, because of the increased sun exposure need to use protective creams to avoid getting burned.
On the coast the coolest place is Pafos. But the water here is colder than on other beaches.
Island geography
Cyprus has the following geographical indicators:
- The coordinates are 34.9930992 (35°10′) north latitude and 33.137558 (33°21′) east longitude;
- the length from east to west is 240 km;
- the width from south to north is 100 km.
Distance to neighboring coasts:
- 69 km from M. Kormakitis to Anamur in Turkish Karamaniya;
- 103 km from Agios Andreas to Ras Ibn Hani in Latakia, Syria;
- 352 km. from the m. Asprokavos to the mouth of the Egyptian port Da;
- 398 km from M. Arnaoutis to M. Kavolardos in the Greek province of Lindos.
Ways to get around Cyprus
The most convenient way to get around the island is by cab.
Local fleets take orders around the clock just before departure or book a car for the desired time.
The peculiarities of traveling by taxi in Cyprus are as follows:
- city companies do not serve passengers in townships and suburbs, because they have their own carriers;
- The daily rate is €3.42 per call and €0.72 per kilometer;
- After 20:00 to 06:00 prices increase to €4.36 and €0.85 respectively;
- each vehicle is equipped with air conditioning;
- dispatchers work around the clock.
It is cheaper to travel by bus. A trip around the city costs on average about €1.5.
Passes are available for sale:
- unlimited daily for €5;
- weekly for €20;
- monthly for €40.
Intercity and suburban trips cost an average of €15.
Most buses are owned by private carriers. The fare is taken by the driver. City flights stop at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It takes a long time to wait for evening and night flights.
If a tourist has an international driver’s license, he/she can rent a car from a Cypriot or international car rental company. Most of them take requests via the Internet and provide transportation to a specified place and time.
The cost of the service depends on several factors:
- the make and class of the car;
- his condition;
- of the selected firm.
Attractions and interesting places to visit
In Cyprus, travelers visit historical sites, natural and man-made, as well as examine the architectural monuments.
Blue Lagoon and Manolis Bay
Blue Lagoon is located in the north of Paphos and is a bay surrounded by cliffs. Territorially, the lagoon belongs to the Akamas National Park and occupies the northeastern part of the coast.
The descent to the water here is gentle. The beach is wild, rocky. Uplands on the shore and clear water attract fans of diving, snorkeling, scuba diving.
Located near the Bay of Manolis differs from the Blue Bay high reefs, sharp cliff of the seabed. Tourists are interesting to explore the caves of natural origin, walk along the coast on a yacht.
Limnatis Village
In the Troodos Mountains, 20 km northwest of Limassol, lies the village of Limnatis. It is 480 m above sea level. Its second name was given to almond planting.
Before the invasion of the Ottomans, there were two settlements here. But after the victory of the Turks they were united. There are now 350 people living in the village. Their main occupation is the cultivation and harvesting of almond nuts.
They are made of:
- chocolate paste;
- jam;
- wine;
- soft drinks.
Of the sights of the settlement to be seen:
- the temple of Agios Epiphanios built into the rocks;
- Timiou Prodromou and Metamorfosis chapels;
- Tremithos Park with a 600-year-old oak tree;
- the bank of the river.
It’s a must to take part in the almond festival. It is held in the last week of February. Residents cook local delicacies and serve them for free to all comers.
Buffavento Castle
Despite the Italian name, the exact translation of the name of the structure is still unknown. The most romantic version is “The Castle of the 7 Winds. Indeed, the castle in the mountains at an altitude of more than 900 m above sea level is constantly blown around by sharp gusts of air.
The original purpose of the fortress was to protect the Byzantine settlements from Arab raids. From the highest tower you can clearly see the whole island. A special alarm system was invented to warn of the approach of the enemy.
It was later used as a prison. The most famous prisoner was Baron P. de Montalife, who escaped imprisonment in 1384.
Now tourists come to Buffavento Castle to enjoy the beautiful views of Cyprus, see the ruins and imagine what happened behind the fortress walls centuries ago.
Artemis Hiking Trail
The Artemis Trail offers hikers black and Cypress pine forests, rocky areas, and gentle slopes. Junipers, of which there are more than 40 species on the island, are often found. There are almost no animals here. Mouflons are occasionally encountered.
On the way tourists can see the surroundings from several observation decks. The trail crosses the only ski trail in Cyprus.
The path lies along the mountainous terrain, so you need to bring special equipment. Before you go out, be sure to listen to the weather forecast and wear the appropriate equipment.
Hermasoya Reservoir
In 1968, a dam was built 8 km. from Limassol in order to supply the surrounding villages with water. It blocked the Amatos River and formed a reservoir. It was named after the nearby community of Germasoya.
Tourists are interested in boat rides, watermill tours and watching the international canoeing regatta.
Hantara Falls
If you leave Limassol for Trimiklini and then turn in the direction of Pera Pedi, there is a small forest near the village of Fini. It contains the Hantara Falls, which means “noise of water.” Indeed, the water passing over the 3 steps makes a strong rumbling sound. But it does not irritate, does not ring in the ears, and has a calming effect on the person.
Along the way, tourists see giant plane trees, golden oaks, and a man-made landmark – the face of the Savior. It was carved into the rock by a local artist.
Prodromos Reservoir
Not far from Kikkos Monastery in the Troodos Mountains there is a small picnic area. You can find it by the signs. This place is located on the shore of the reservoir, which was created in 1962, man-made lake is located above sea level at 1600 m.
On the hottest day, it’s always cool. The air temperature is 10-15°C higher than in the valley. The weather changes several times a day. In winter, everything is covered with ice and snow.
Fishermen like to come to Prodromos. There are roach, carp and trout. There are special places for fishing. You can choose any one along the coast.
Beaches on the island of Cyprus
The calling card of Cyprus are the beaches. More than 50 of them have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
Zapalo Beach
Near the sanctuary of Apollo near Limassol is the most unusual coast of the island. Previously there were mines of a Western mining company, then a British military base. Formally, the territory still belongs to her.
However, instead of heavy equipment in the rocks now nesting birds, on the embankment are not marching soldiers, and resting tourists. There are boats moored at the fishing pier that you can take a ride on.
Golden Beach
On the east side of the island in the Karpas National Park is a beautiful Golden Beach. The name was given to it by the color of the sand that makes up the shore.
It is 4 km long, so you can always find a deserted place and swim in solitude. For vacationers are several restaurants, ample parking. In the water, you have to be careful: there is no lifeguard station on the beach. Another drawback is the lack of active water activities.
Courion Beach
To relax on the beach Kurion, you need to drive to the peninsula Akrotiri, 19 km from Limassol. The coast of Episkopi Bay consists of sections of fine pebbles and sand. The entrance to the sea here is flat, breaking off at 30 meters from the shore.
Surfing fans congregate on the unimproved strip of beach in windy weather.
Landa Beach
Landa Beach is located in the popular resort of Ayia Napa.
There are several reasons to come here with children:
- a smooth descent into the water;
- sandy coastline;
- remote location from the center;
- equipment rental for every taste;
- free showers and toilets.
Despite its small size, it is not difficult to find a free bench. The beach belongs to the municipality, and the price is low. Free internet access is available for 3 hours.
Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach has become the calling card of Ayia Napa. All day tourists sunbathe on the white sand, and in the evening moving to the coastal bars and restaurants. Nightlife attracts young people from many European countries.
But on the two-kilometer stretch of land along the coast of the sea was a place for family vacations. In quiet corners, children frolic and older people socialize.
You can only be alone here in the early morning. At this time hotel guests sleep or prepare for breakfast. By lunchtime to find a free sun lounger is problematic.
Water activities are available to guests:
- paragliding;
- jet skis;
- windsurfing;
- Riding on boats, bananas, pellets.
Legends of Cyprus
Over the centuries of Cypriot history, different religions, traditions, and languages have intertwined here. The result was the emergence of many legends and myths.
The most famous heroes of the legends:
- Pygmalion, one of the Cypriot kings. As a talented sculptor, he fell in love with his creation, Galatea. Of all the gods he had asked to bring his beloved to life, only Aphrodite had mercy. They had a daughter, Paphos. One of the cities on the island is named after her.
- Beautiful Aphrodite. She had the misfortune to fall in love with the handsome Dionysus. But her consort, Aris, god of war, found out about it. Then he turned into a boar and torn the young man to pieces. Where the drops of his blood fell, Cyprus emerged.
- The brave giant warrior Digenis. Defending his native land from his enemies, he plucked a rock from the Troodos Mountains and threw it at the enemy ships. Having learned of the formidable protector, the enemies no longer attempted the independence of the Cypriots.
Prices for tours and excursions to the island of Cyprus
Tourists from Russia are frequent guests in Cyprus, so it is not difficult to find a Russian-speaking guide. Believers are interested in a trip to holy places.
It includes sightseeing at such sites:
- of the monasteries of St. Neophytes the Hermit and the Virgin of Kykkos;
- Church of the Martyr Paraskeva;
- Museum of Folk Art.
The cost of the trip is €90.
An introduction to ancient myths with a departure from Paphos takes the following route:
- Aphrodite’s font;
- the temple of the goddess of beauty in the village of Kuklia;
- The spring, given by Aphrodite to the inhabitants of Cyprus;
- the place of her meeting with Adonis;
- Petra tu Romiu;
- Latchi beach.
For the tour you have to pay €100 for an individual escort, €50 for a trip for two people, €35 for a group of 3-5 people.
The journey through the wilderness passes through the Akamas Reserve and the Avakas Gorge. People are rarely seen here, and of the animals the most notable are the Mediterranean turtles. The tour ends on an empty beach, where you can swim in solitude with the unique nature.
The trip costs €90 per person. Two guests will pay €45 each, and a larger tour will cost €30 each.
