Mysterious among the islands of the Mediterranean Cyprus takes 3rd place, its area is 9,250 square meters. kilometers. Cyprus is rightfully considered one of the most popular holiday destinations. The ethnic composition is diverse, but its main inhabitants were Greeks - 78% and Turks - 18%. The island is divided into 2 territories, the southern part belongs to the Greek nation, the northern - respectively, to the Turkish people. According to the latest data, in total about 840,000 people live in Cyprus.
Traditionally, Turkish and Greek are spoken in the republic, but most people also speak English. Until the beginning of 2008, the Cypriot pound was considered the national monetary currency, however, by decision of the European Commission, the euro was converted. According to religious views, Greek Cypriots are Orthodox Christians, while Turks profess Islam.
Cyprus - the capital and major cities
In the Mesaoria Valley, in the very outback of Cyprus, its capital is located - the city of Nicosia - the most populous and largest on the whole island. There are about 180,000 inhabitants. Like the whole state, Nicosia is divided into two parts: Greek and Turkish. The Green Line dividing the republic is proof of this. Today, the capital is the largest financial and cultural center on the island with developed infrastructure. The main authorities and major religious centers are concentrated in the city.
Nicosia will open important historical moments for you; the old city, where there are famous historical monuments, architectural structures, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is surrounded by stone walls, built during the time of the Venetians.
Major cities and preferred vacation spots in Cyprus are: Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras, Ayia Napa.
Cyprus - recreation and attractions
Cyprus is a truly unique place, so beckoning tourists with its mystery and extraordinary beauty. Golden beaches, the azure sea, a magnificent landscape, the ability to touch the most ancient civilization, wonderful cuisine will not leave anyone indifferent. The island is a real pearl of the Mediterranean, shrouded in the mystery of ancient legends!
Beach vacations and sightseeing opportunities most fascinate vacationers. The beaches here are famous for their environmental friendliness, most of them are marked with the Blue Flag. All conditions have been created both for adherents of an active pastime, and for people who prefer to quietly and carefree relax away from the hustle and bustle, plunge into the paradise world of pleasure and peace.
The range of entertainment in Cyprus is wide: active water recreation (diving, surfing, water skiing), unforgettable horseback riding, biking in the mountainous surroundings. There are places where young people gather to have fun from the heart in the rhythm of incendiary music and flickering lights. Or do you prefer to enjoy hiking in local attractions? Everything is in your hands, fantasize and choose.
There are many wonderful places on the island that everyone should visit: ancient monuments, pilgrimage sites, various museums and much more.
The capital offers its tourists a huge list of places of interest: Faneromeni - the Greek library, Hagia Sophia, the Archbishop's Palace, Omeriye Mosque, Famagusta Gate - one of the most visited places, Tripiotis church, built in the 17th century by Archbishop Germanos II.
Paphos Resort is a rich cultural heritage. According to legend, lonely hearts converge here. Paphos is without a doubt a place where you can relax your body and soul, enjoy the magical silence through which the soothing sounds of nature erupt. A fortress is located in the center of the resort, and not far from it are the Troodos Mountains, covered with fresh pine forests and vineyards. And on the beach, ideal conditions for a vacation with children are created. In addition, your child will be delighted with a visit to the Paphos Aquarium, which conceals the beauty of the deep sea.
In Larnaca, visitors are given the opportunity to visit the church of St. Lazarus. It was his great Messiah Jesus Christ who resurrected 3 days after death.
Cyprus - weather (climate)
The island is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with rainy, wet winters and hot cloudless summers. The summer period begins in late spring and ends in October. Even in autumn, you can splash around in the warm sea and sunbathe.
Daytime temperatures on hot summer days will rise to high numbers, in the shade of up to 30 degrees, but a light breeze softens the atmosphere. At night, the air usually cools down to 16-18 degrees.
In the winter months, the temperature in Cyprus is positive +10, +18 gr., And only in remote mountainous areas can it drop to +5.0 degrees. Weather in winter is very capricious and changeable - a bright cloudless sky at any moment is filled with clouds, bringing with it long rains.
Weather in Cyrus now:
Cyprus - national cuisine
The respectful attitude of Cypriots to their culture and traditions is also expressed in the culinary field. The kitchen is a part of history and culture, it is a matter in which people put a particle of themselves, their souls. Cypriot cuisine is famous for its abundance, diversity. The aromas of the dishes will haunt you at every step. No one can resist the alluring smell.
Mese - a traditional food - consists of 30 types of different dishes, starting from seemingly simple appetizers, salads and ending with more complex dishes, which include meat and fish. Not sure what to order? Order meze, and they will bring you many different plates with dishes. Let you not be afraid of a large number of goodies - they will be served in small portions. Variety is a bold plus for the cuisine.
Musaki stuffed with grape leaves, halloumi - sheep’s cheese, dolmades - stuffed cabbage from grape leaves, colocasia - a dish of sweet potatoes, olives with sauce, octopus in red wine, meat and fish meatballs and much more is included in the meze assortment. From abundance, my head is spinning sweetly, isn't it?
A large selection of dishes prepared according to Greek recipes will pleasantly surprise you: taramosalata - caviar seasoning, whipped with potatoes, herbs and lemon juice; talaturi - original yogurt with cucumbers; Croatian vegetables, cheese, olives and spices.
For dessert, Cypriot culinary specialists will offer you the best fruits, famous donuts in honey syrup, dactyl, galactobureko (layer cake), as well as an orange cake made on the basis of semolina.
Cyprus - interesting facts
Cyprus is shrouded in secrets and legends of ancient civilizations, harmoniously interwoven with the modernity, and some facts about the island will seem quite interesting to you.
1. For several hundred years, residents of large cities have organized an annual carnival in honor of Dionysus, the God of winemaking.
2. Cypriots believe that the Five Fingers ridge appeared after a giant named Digenis put his hand on the ground. There is even a legend dedicated to the evil giant.
3. Wine in Cyprus carnivals is bottled for free.
4. Cypriot taxis do not pass change. Even if the trip costs $ 10, and you gave all $ 100, keep in mind that you can’t count on $ 90. Although some "generous" taxi drivers for tourists make exceptions.
Cyprus - visa application
A Russian citizen can apply for an island visa in a simplified way, that is, online. Guest, tourist and transit visas are available. Holders of a Schengen type C visa have the right to enter the country without problems, with the only condition - it must be valid.
To obtain an online visa, you must send an application form on the embassy website. The request is considered within 3 working days, a competently and correctly executed application is approved, and a Pro-visa with a number that must be shown at the airport to receive a stamp is sent to the future tourist. The "expiration date" of such a visa is 3 months from the date of receipt and entitles you to only one trip. The cost of a visa is 3,000 rubles.
Embassy of Cyprus in Moscow
Address: st. Povarskaya, 9
Phone: (495) 744-2944, 744-2934, fax: (495) 744-2945, 744-2935
Cyprus map
