The history of the legendary Mediterranean island is as rich and varied as its nature. Cyprus is an attractive place for a great holiday for tourists from many countries. Here, almost all year round, you can have a wonderful rest on the sea coast, eat plenty of various fruits, and see many interesting objects. Everything on the island is subordinated to the creation of favorable conditions for a complete vacation: comfortable hotel rooms, running water with environmentally friendly water, a strict ban on smoking in public places, ensuring thorough cleaning of the beaches, using the latest health technologies. So, we will tell you where today you can have an inexpensive vacation in Cyprus and which resorts are the best.
Limassol
A popular resort city, where Russian tourists who travel by rented cars love to relax. This is probably why you can listen to the Russian Avtoradio here. The resort attracts with its wonderful beaches with clean sand, free sunbeds and excellent infrastructure that provides a high level of civilized recreation. To the west is the longest beach in Cyprus, Lady's Mile, which is loved by both tourists and locals.
The territory of the beach allows you to avoid crowds even in the midst of the swimming season. Comfortable sun loungers, sun umbrellas, tiled sidewalks, an abundance of all kinds of cafes and eateries with low prices make this beach very popular. The azure waters of the sea are in harmony with the lush Mediterranean vegetation, creating beautiful landscapes that you can admire endlessly. To the east is the Gubernatorsky beach, famous for organizing interesting entertainment parties. Despite the rather large distance from Limassol (30 km.), The beach is always full of people.
Extraordinarily beautiful white rocks surround a cozy strip of beach, with orange fungus awnings and blue sun loungers. The beach is named after one of the British governors who adored this place. It is very convenient to relax here with children: warm shallow water allows the smallest vacationers to swim safely. On this beach, lovers of diving, boat trips, fishing and snorkeling find activities for themselves. Many fish cafes and restaurants offer a variety of menus of delicious dishes, comfortable hotels provide inexpensive rooms.
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Pathos
A small resort town, located in the southwest of the island, is known for being, according to mythology, the birthplace of the beautiful goddess Aphrodite, who emerged from the sea foam. Now this place is considered the beach “Romayskaya rock”, located 15 km. from Paphos, so many attractions in the city are associated with the name of the goddess of love: the Temple of Aphrodite, the Rock of Aphrodite, the Baths of Aphrodite. There are many attractions, monuments of the ancient history of Cyprus, so the rest in Paphos is full of interesting excursions. A fascinating sight is the ancient Greek catacombs dug by the first Christians who hid in them from the Roman governors.
Tourists are visiting the chapel where Saint Solomon, the mother of the seven Maccabee martyrs, is buried. Here, in the cave of St. Agios, lovers come with the belief that visiting the cave, as the legend says, will bind them with strong love until the end of their lives. The Paphos Byzantine castle is the main attraction of the city – a symbol of several eras of power: it was built by the Byzantines, completed and rebuilt by the Venetians, Turks and Greeks. There are several museums in the city with interesting expositions representing the centuries-old history of the development of Paphos.
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Larnaca
Like all resort cities in Cyprus, it has a long history of its existence. Some archaeologists consider it the oldest city, which has many ancient sights, confirming the venerable age of the beautiful seaside resort. A large number of sarcophagi were found here, which sounds like “larnakes” in Greek, from which the name of the city was formed. Larnaca today is a wonderful place for a quiet, comfortable stay for families with children, elderly couples and people who love provincial peace and quiet.
The shallow sea, sandy beaches, cozy hotels, colorful exotics of the tropics, a complex of medical procedures create the preconditions for a wonderful pastime, unforgettable impressions and the opportunity to effectively improve your health. Divers come here who are attracted by the Zenobia ferry lying at the bottom, which sank at a depth of 42 m in 1980 near the coast. Larnaca also has the most interesting tourist sites related to the ancient history of the city: the Church of St. Lazarus, built in the 9th century by the Byzantines; Larnaca castle; Archaeological Museum; the holy place of Muslims is the Hala Sultan Teke Mosque.
A breathtakingly beautiful sight has been waiting for tourists in the area since October, when pink flamingos fly to the Salt Lake for the winter. During the hot months, the lake dries up, covered with a white salt layer, and when the autumn rains begin, it fills with water, attracting these magnificent birds.
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Ayia Napa
Another popular place to spend a short vacation in splendid isolation or in the company of your family in Cyprus is Ayia Napa. Let's start listing all the charms of this place with an excursion into history. It is not difficult to guess that the city received its interesting and rather unusual name in honor of a certain historical event. The fact is that the history of this place is rooted in ancient times, when the island became one of the territories on which a real struggle unfolded between adherents of various religions.
Travelers are happy to come to this resort place with amazing beaches and a huge range of water activities. Today this place is considered one of the best places on the island for both active recreation and a relaxing holiday on a snow-white beach. Well, for the opportunity to spend several sleepless nights in pursuit of club adventures, Ayia Napa even received the unofficial name of the “second Ibiza”.
Incendiary discos are held here all night long, the best DJs from all over the world come, and alcoholic drinks and low-alcohol cocktails flow like water. Ayia Napa is also attractive for Russian tourists who can get to the resort by direct flight of one of the domestic or European airlines.
There are beautiful beaches that have deservedly been awarded the highest mark of the European Union – the “blue flag” for cleanliness and landscaping. Looking ahead, we note that the local coast is rightfully considered one of the safest and most prone to swimming beaches on the planet. There is a rich choice of entertainment for tourists.
You can learn exciting diving techniques, take water skiing lessons, try to master watercraft and become a real conqueror of the crests of the wave. Fishing enthusiasts will also find something to their liking, who will be happy to spend several hours doing their favorite activity and will certainly please their family and friends with a rich catch. Well, for the smallest, the beaches offer exciting rides on breathtaking water rides and slides.
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Protaras
Once this place was popular with those who preferred silence and unity with nature. And now in Protaras, despite the growing number of hotels, restaurants and bars, it is much calmer and more deserted compared to noisy Larnaca or Ayia Napa. Tourists come here for beach holidays and natural beauties. All the beaches around the city are equipped and famous for their clean fine sand, clear water and convenient access to the sea, which attract families with small children. You can rent umbrellas and sun loungers, sports equipment.
Flamingo Beach is great for families because of the calm sea and long strip of shallow water. A line of luxury hotels stretches along Sunrise Beach. The rest of the city beaches are not so popular with tourists because of the not very convenient entry into the water, but there are much fewer vacationers.
In Protaras, you can choose any accommodation option. The most budgetary way is to rent an apartment from 30 euros per night. The city has many hotels of any level, guest houses, apartments and villas. Due to good visibility, the absence of strong currents and the rich underwater world, diving enthusiasts come here.
Most of the attractions of Protaras are connected with nature. This is primarily Cape Greco, which is part of the National Park. The authentic fishing village of Liopetri is located not far from the city. The life of its inhabitants has not changed much over the past century. Lovers of antiquity will be interested in the Historical Museum and the Church of Elijah the Prophet with ancient frescoes inside. Kids will love the water park at the Anastasia Beach Hotel and the aquarium. In Protaras, you should not only enjoy a beach holiday and nature, but also eat deliciously. The traditional taverns on the coast serve incredibly delicious classic Cypriot dishes.
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Pissuri
The village of Pissouri is located between Paphos and Limassol, almost in the middle of the road. For a very long time, the beaches next to it were popular only among the local population. And today it is quiet and calm here, even in the hot season, the cleanest beach of Pissouri Bay, marked with the Blue Flag, is not crowded and calm. The sand and pebble beach stretches for 1.5 km in length. The most convenient part for swimming is the central one. Most tourists prefer to rest here. There is a walking path along the coast, and a little higher there are numerous restaurants and cafes.
In the western part of the beach there are two five-star hotels. Closer to the rocks, in the western part of the beach, nudists like to relax. The village itself is located 5 m from the beach. It stands on a high hill and is very interesting in itself. It is pleasant to walk along the narrow streets, relax in cafes and taverns overlooking the sea. There are several ancient churches in the village – Elijah the Prophet, the Apostle Andrew and St. Mauritius. The surroundings of the village are very picturesque, there are many options for hiking and cycling. The taverns serve both the usual Mediterranean cuisine and national dishes.
Local varieties of cheese and wine are very popular with tourists. Respectable Western tourists and those who are interested in resting in a picturesque village by the sea prefer to rest in Pissouri. Accommodation in the high season is better to book in advance, there are many hotels and apartments. There are hotels and apartments near the beach or in the village itself.
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Peya
Peyia is a small town with narrow streets and traditional Cypriot white houses. There are many cozy restaurants and excellent hotels, guest houses and one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus – Coral Bay. The level of service in local hotels is in no way inferior to the service of Paphos hotels, and prices are much lower. In addition to hotels and guest houses, there are options for accommodation in apartments, a group of friends can rent a villa with a pool.
In the vicinity of Peyia, the coast is mostly rocky, but there are bays with a convenient entrance to the water. In the village itself there is a beach named after the nearest church, Saint George. In the cafe located on it, you can rent a sunbed, here you can also take lessons in sailing a yacht or other vessel. However, the most famous beach in the area is Coral Bay. The sea here is calm and clear, the entrance to the water is gentle, the coastline stretches for 600 m. It is great for a family vacation.
There are a lot of bars, cafes and restaurants in Peyia that serve national dishes. Due to the large number of British people living here, pubs and the traditional “fish and chips” are very common. The symbol of the city and its calling card is the fountain on the main square on the site of an ancient spring. Another architectural landmark is the church of St. George, standing on the very edge of the mountain, with an incredible view of the sea from its bell tower.
Kyrenia
A small port town in Northern Cyprus is one of the most sought after resorts in the Mediterranean. People go to Kyrenia for a serene, calm beach holiday. Here are the cleanest beaches with warm fine sand and clear water. In the vicinity – orange and olive groves and mountains covered with forests. The city has many cafes and restaurants serving Greek and Turkish cuisine. The beaches of Kyrenia are famous for their cleanliness and convenience. The most popular is Escape Beach with a developed infrastructure of beach activities.
In summer, right on the beach at night, discos are organized, the finale of which are colorful fireworks. Turtle Beach is open until 8 pm. But people come here not only to swim, but also to look at the turtles. Acapulco beach is great for windsurfers: this part of the sea almost always has great waves. For living in Kyrenia, there are a lot of options from the most budgetary to luxury hotels. In addition, prices in this part are lower than in the south. Five-star hotels are mostly located on the beach. But for those who want to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing, it is better to settle in the city.
Moreover, there is something to see here. The main attraction of Kyrenia is the castle, built in 1540. Now it houses the Shipwreck Museum and houses an antique ship that is over 2500 years old. The Museum of Icons and the Kyrenia Museum of Folk Art will also be of interest to lovers of antiquity. Lots of attractions around the city. From here you can go to the abbey of Bellapais, to the ancient temple of Antifonides, standing high in the mountains, or to the mountain castle of St. Hilarion.
Policy
A small town in the north-west of Cyprus – Polis is famous for its fish markets and yachting competitions. Residents of the city and nearby villages live not only by tourism, but also by fishing and farming. Around the city are almond groves, tobacco plantations and numerous sights from ancient times. It is good to relax here with children, because you can walk from the city center to the sea in a very short time.
The sandy beaches of Polis are clean, sparsely populated, calm with a developed infrastructure; Cypriots themselves like to come here in the summer. A chain of numerous fish restaurants stretches along the coast. History buffs should go to the Marion-Arsinoe Museum to get to know the past of these places better. Interesting exhibits are stored in the local archaeological museum. Excavations in the city continue to this day. Not so long ago, the ruins of the Georgian monastery Galia were discovered in the vicinity of the city. And in the city itself, you can admire the ancient frescoes in the basilica of Agos Andronikos.
Not far from Polis is the Akamas nature reserve. On its territory are the famous Baths of Aphrodite. In addition to beach holidays and sightseeing, Polis has great opportunities for lovers of yachting and other water sports. Horse trails through the surrounding villages, valleys and foothills are also very popular here.
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Lathi
Not far from Polis is a small fishing village. This is an ideal vacation spot for those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city and feel the measured, centuries-old way of village life near the blue sea. Tourists come here all year round, however, unlike popular resorts, nothing here will disturb your privacy and a relaxing holiday. There are many places where you can be alone with your thoughts and enjoy nature and silence.
Sand and pebble beaches stretch for 1.5 km to Polis itself. They are equipped with toilets, showers, changing cabins. All beaches are municipal, for a sun lounger and an umbrella you need to pay from 3 to 5 euros. The water in the sea is always warm during the season, and the entrance to the water is smooth, the depth starts about 7 m from the entrance, so this place is also suitable for families with very young children.
In the taverns on the beach and in the village itself, you can taste the freshest seafood dishes. Cypriots from all over the island come to the fishing taverns. On the Akamas peninsula, located near the village, you can see the rarest plant species, relax in picturesque bays, watch sea turtles and, of course, visit the famous grotto with waterfalls, known as the Baths of Aphrodite.
Voroklini
A small but atmospheric village located near Larnaca. People settled here in ancient times, but often due to natural disasters or the invasion of invaders, they left this place. Only in the 18th century these places began to revive. This place is ideal for family holidays. The beaches in Oroklini are clean, long with a gentle entry into the water. The sea is calm here, there are almost no waves. The beaches are mostly sandy. But the sand is dark due to its volcanic origin, and the high content of silicon in it has a very beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Many beaches are marked with the Blue Flag.
Here you can choose any accommodation option. Most hotels, guest houses, apartments and villas are located on the coast, on the beach, but you can also find accommodation in the old part of the village.
In addition to architectural sights in the vicinity, you should pay attention to the lake of the same name. It has become home to 190 species of birds. Endangered species of birds live here, as well as many exotic birds. Pink flamingos come here for the winter.
The best time to relax
The climate is moderate. Tourists come here almost all year round. Summer starts from mid-May and lasts almost until the end of October. The air warms up to 35 degrees, and sometimes even higher, but the heat on the coast is easily tolerated. The average water temperature in summer is about 23 degrees. Officially, the beach season begins in April and lasts until the end of October. Its peak is the middle of summer. In September-October, the tourist flow is on the wane, and you can take advantage of all the delights of the velvet season. The sea is still warm and the air too, the resorts are deserted. It is not so hot anymore, and you can devote more time to walking in the picturesque surroundings and sightseeing.
November to April is the rainy season. But the rains are not long, the sun shines quite often, and the winter is very short and very mild. Frosts and snow are only in the mountains. The average temperature is 17-19 degrees. In January, orchids begin to bloom, in February the meadows turn green and spring comes. The water temperature in the sea is from 14 to 17 degrees, and the most desperate even swim. With young children or the elderly, it is better to go on vacation in May-June or September. At this time it is not hot, but warm and there is not a large flow of tourists.
How to choose a hotel
In Cyprus, there are hotels of any category from 2 to luxury villas. The service in most of them is quite decent, even in two-star ones. Many hotels are all inclusive, but 2 hotels most often offer continental breakfasts, most hotels have the option to choose half board. The most common type of catering is a buffet. When choosing a hotel, pay attention not only to the star rating, but also the distance from the sea.
Most hotels are located on the 1st or 2nd coastline, but there are also those that are quite far from the beach. Higher category hotels often have their own area on the beach, and the higher the star rating, the wider the private area. When choosing, pay attention to the reviews of tourists, and to specific objective examples – how long does it take to get to the beach, is there a transfer, the quality of cleaning, additional services. It is better to book hotels in advance, especially if your holiday falls on the high season.
Travel Tips
When going to Cyprus, do not forget to prepare all the documents. If you are traveling on your own, then issue a visa and be sure to have a medical policy. Many independent travelers refuse it, trying to save on it. However, the lack of insurance can result in even greater expenses if you suddenly need medical assistance abroad. And be sure to make a policy if you go on vacation with children.
If you are going to rent a car, then you can do it in advance directly from home via the Internet. Russian rights are also suitable for rent. It is important that the driving experience is at least 3 years, and the age of the driver is at least 25 years. The steering wheel on Cypriot cars is on the right side, there are other features in the traffic rules that are better to know in advance, as well as information about parking and fines. Pedestrians should remember that the traffic is left-handed, respectively, you need to cross the road, looking first to the right and then to the left.
Almost everywhere you can pay with plastic cards, and it is more convenient, as elsewhere in Europe, to use MasterCard. It is also better to exchange cash in advance at home, since ATMs do not have the most favorable exchange rate, and besides, you will have to pay a commission. This is a fairly safe place, there are no dangerous exotic insects and the ecological situation is very favorable, the Cypriots are friendly and hospitable, but basic security measures should be observed – do not leave documents and money unattended, do not walk alone in deserted places, especially in the evening, do not swim and do not relax on wild, not equipped beaches.