Сколько обойдется отдых на Кипре? Что смотреть и чем заняться How much will a holiday in Cyprus cost? What to see and do

There are two ways to organize a trip to Cyprus: on your own or contact a travel agency. We decided we could do it ourselves. And they did!!!

When is the best time to visit Cyprus?

We have been to the island 3 times. In May, the most comfortable air temperature, a small number of vacationers and off-season prices. But, the water is very cold, not for everybody, so to speak.

It was very hot in August. Visiting open sights is no fun. It is better to sit by the pool and soak up the sea under an umbrella.

The end of September is the best period, in my opinion. There are not so many tourists on the island anymore, the water is like fresh milk, and the air is summer, but tolerable.

What do you need to travel to Cyprus?

How much did the tickets cost?

For two 1.126 UAH

Review of the hotel where we stayed - herehttps://www.turpravda.com/cy/protaras/Coralli_Spa_Resort_Hotel-h43005-r222362.html?

What to expect from Cyprus?

To imagine the island, you can look at the photos on the Internet, but they do not always show the real picture. I divided Cyprus into several zones for myself:

I was very surprised by the difference in air temperature: near the water 28°C in the mountains - 16°C! Take note and take a sweatshirt when heading to one of the authentic mountain villages.

Are there any small representations of Cyprus? Now imagine an island on a map. . . and divide it in half. This is exactly how it exists in reality. Unfortunately, in 1974 (if I found the correct information), the island experienced a terrible thing - the occupation of part of the island by Turkey. It is very unpleasant for Cypriots when tourists visit Northern Cyprus. I think there is no need to explain the reason for the Ukrainians, the situation is quite familiar. Moreover, if your first visit to the island will be from the “Turkish side”, you will most likely never be allowed into the “Greek Cyprus”.

What to do in Cyprus? What to see?

Run into the sea - the Mediterranean will win your heart at first sight! As for the beaches: Cyprus holds the record for the "Blue Flag" (international award).

No matter how difficult it is to get out of the crystal, azure water - push yourself, because cool places and sights are waiting for you!

If you add to the list, I will be glad to read it:

Protaras city: Church of the Prophet Elijah, oceanarium, dancing fountains

You can make a wish near the church - take a string or ribbon with you.

Ayia Napa: Cape Greco (viewpoint, tree of love, blue lagoon, bridge of sinners), bridge of lovers, sea caves, sculpture park.

Charge your camera for the sculpture park! There will be many photos!

Larnaca City: Larnaca Castle, Saint Lazarus Cathedral, Phinikoudes Beach, Salt Lake, Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, Lefkara Village.

Limassol city: Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Limassol fortress, ladies' line (beach), Caledonia and Millomeris waterfalls, Mount Olympos, Troodos and Omodos villages, Kykkos monastery, winery in the mountains (there are many of them, see on your route).

In the monastery, women are given special capes during the visit. To search for waterfalls, stock up on maps and comfortable shoes.

Paphos City: Aphrodite's Stone, Adonis Baths Waterfall, Tombs of the Kings, Saint Solomon Catacombs, Paphos Castle, viewing platforms from Paphos to Limassol.

Don't forget to swim counterclockwise around Aphrodite's stone 3 times and make a wish. And near the catacombs - tie a ribbon with the desire to !

Are you an opponent of the 'all-inclusive' format? - I advise you to rent a car, it will significantly reduce the cost of your trip and give you the opportunity to see a lot. Cars in Cyprus are right-hand drive, and left-hand traffic... scary? Do not be afraid, the movement is so thought out that you will get used to the new rules very quickly.

Trying the goodies is the next thing to do! The cuisine is mostly Greek or European. Everyone recommends trying fish meze in restaurants. I say "may", but not necessarily. No matter how strange it may sound, but in Cyprus it is very difficult with fish - it is expensive in supermarkets and very scarce in establishments. The average cost of a meze for two people starts from 10 to 25 €. Yes, you will have to eat a lot, as the portions are large, but nothing special.

What to try then? I for myself noted wine and fruits. If you, like me, live in Ukraine, you will surely feel the difference in the taste of pineapples, mangoes and other things.

But wine, as it turned out, is a separate issue. Cyprus grows special varieties of grapes that do not take root in other climates. They are strictly guarded by the authorities of the island and are not allowed to be exported in any form, except in wine. The most popular grapes are called Xynisteri and Mavro.

You can buy souvenirs in Cyprus for yourself and friends in every city, but I advise you to pay attention to the villages in the mountains, for example, Lefkara and Omodos. It is here that you can choose unique lace products and silver jewelry (lefkaritika). You can and should bargain with sellers!

In coastal souvenir shops you will find standard magnets, shells, soap and cosmetics in olive oil.

Beaches and hotels in Cyprus: how to choose

We booked the hotel ourselves through booking. com. There are several types of placement:

If you want to be on the first line for the view from the window, take any. If you want to swim near the house, check if there are convenient beaches nearby. A lot of cool hotels and villas are located on the first line, but with a rocky shore. With children, it is completely contraindicated here, and adults can risk going into the water. The view is very beautiful, but not suitable for swimming.

We once found ourselves in a similar situation, since there was a wild and small sandy beach in 5 minutes.

Tip: look at all the major beaches on the map and navigate to them, or use google maps with a panorama.

All comfortable beaches are very beautiful and clean. You can rent a sun lounger (2.5 €/day) and an umbrella (2.5 €/day).

Ayia Napa and Paphos are considered the most youthful resorts, Protaras is quiet with beautiful beaches. If you plan to travel a lot, then Larnaca is the most convenient, as it is located in the middle.

A few interesting situations we've encountered

Food. The portions in Cyprus are really large and the waiters are very worried when something is undernourished. They do not understand that a thin girl cannot fit a huge portion of pasta. As a rule, coffee in establishments is instant. In the supermarket, chicken meat is significantly more expensive than pork. Pork is very different in taste from Ukrainian.

Hospital. Save you from this situation, but I had to use the services of doctors. Upon arrival at the hospital, I filled in the information about myself at the reception, paid 10 € and waited for my turn. All studies (including MRI) that were performed were included in this cost. The Russian-speaking doctor said that additional fees are needed only if you are already being taken for an operation or something similar.

Pasture. No matter how ridiculous it may sound, we stole lemons, dates and pomegranates in neighboring areas. And for meat, we picked rosemary near our villa. Probably, for the Cypriots it's like apples for us. . . =)

Indigenous people have not so beautiful houses as hotels and apartments. There are a lot of photos hanging on the wall in the hallway (apparently, relatives) and there is a TV. Every evening the hosts watch TV programs loudly with the doors wide open. Or they sit in large groups under the entrance on chairs and chat.

Cats. This is just mercy and cuteness in the highest degree. There are many of them, they are beautiful and not at all fat! Cypriot cats have an elongated muzzle and a friendly character. One struck me on the spot - he basked in the sun in a gazebo at Cape Greco... how did he get there? There are only tourists and a large territory without a single hotel and institution!

Here is a Cyprus settled in my heart and will always be there! I know for sure that someday I will definitely return here with my children. I'm sure they'll love this island of love too!