Welcome to Cyprus!
The island of Cyprus is a hospitable and safe country, charming with its picturesque nature, pristine beaches and magnificent architectural monuments. If you bought a tour to Cyprus to spend your long-awaited vacation, then you need to arm yourself with basic knowledge regarding this island of myths to make the most of your vacation time.
POLITICAL MOMENT
The first and important thing you need to know about Cyprus is the coexistence of two states in a political confrontation on one island at once. This is a republic of the same name – the so-called Greek Cyprus (the majority of its population are Greeks). In the north of the island, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was formed – this is Turkish Cyprus, which is inhabited mainly by Turks. Be careful if you are offered an excursion to northern Cyprus – the presence of a “northern” stamp in your passport guarantees you problems in further visits to Southern Cyprus, up to the refusal of tour operators.
VISA
To travel to Cyprus, citizens of Russia and the CIS countries need a visa, and the validity of the passport must be at least 3 months.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Greek. To communicate with tourists, mainly English is used.
CURRENCY
On the island of Cyprus, the euro is used. However, if you did not manage to exchange Russian rubles, you can contact the guide of your tour operator. The course at the hotel itself is always overpriced.
TIMEZONE
Cypriot time is one hour behind Moscow time. Flight time is 3-4 hours.
CLIMATE
In Cyprus, it is best to relax from June to September, because the temperature varies between + 26 … marks. and +30 ° C. It is cool in the early spring and late fall at night. Heat peaks from mid-July and lasts until mid-August. The air temperature keeps around + 35 … +38 ° C. At this time, the water off the coast warms up to +30 ° C.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The Mediterranean Sea in Cyprus is very clean and warm, like fresh milk. The beaches are mostly sandy. The most beautiful beaches in Cyprus are considered to be Ayia Napa, in particular the beach called Nissi Beach.
HOTELS
If the “star” of the hotel is not so important to you, a 2 star hotel is quite suitable for you. Everything that is necessary for life is there. You must have an adapter adapter for sockets with you. Check-out time at the hotel: 12h. of the day
FOOD
In addition to food in hotels, your choice has a huge number of cafes and restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine. By the way, it is believed that Greek cuisine is one of the best in the world. The greatest influence on the Cypriot cuisine was made, respectively, by Greek and Turkish cuisines, the distinctive features of which are the use of hot seasonings, cooking on the grill, as well as replenishing the menu with various kinds of thick stews.
Despite the fact that Cyprus is an island, there are not as many fish delicacies as expected. Hospitable Cyprus will always treat you to its main course called Meze. Mese is a comprehensive lunch consisting of 15-20 appetizers, which may well replace the main course. There are three types of meze: meat, fish or vegetable. A variety of appetizers and sauces will pleasantly surprise lo
ISLAND STANDARDS
Cyprus is a country of fairly free morals, and even here there are rules of conduct that are best followed. We list some of them:
Going to a church or monastery, you need to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and legs;
It is undesirable to sunbathe topless.
It is important to remember that in the period from 11:00 to 15:00 the sun very hot;
It is not welcome if a man, even a tourist, enters a public institution with a naked torso. The same applies to girls in swimsuits wrapped in pareos;
Girls! a tall heel and tight-fitting clothing are a sign of bad taste! Attention and obscene suggestions on the part of the Cypriots is provided to you.
It must be remembered that when renting a car it is forbidden to carry a canister with gasoline;
An unfinished meal at the table can offend the hosts;
Dogs are not allowed in Cyprus;
If something was stolen from you, then the police must be contacted within 48 hours;
In state museums, photography and video shooting are prohibited (only with written permission);
In relations between Greek Cyprus and the occupied northern territories – constant tension. Therefore, you cannot take pictures of soldiers, military bases, military facilities, etc.
To continue the previous paragraph, we add that in connection with this political conflict, it is forbidden to wear Turkish symbols and express sympathy for the Turks in southern Cyprus (for example, order “Turkish coffee” in a cafe);
Car and ATV rental. Motor traffic is left-hand. The maximum speed is 100 km / h, in the city – 50 km / h. Safety belts must be used!
Cyprus is a beautiful country, with magnificent nature, rich culture and cheerful residents. Great for you to relax on the expanses of the island of myths!
vers of seafood, as well as meat-eaters, as the main idea of this dish is to present meat or fish in various cooking variations: steamed, grilled, dried, salted, boiled and even somewhere raw, as well as in various breadings and with the addition of various sauces. First served light snacks – olives, mushrooms, then several different salads, and then main dishes. It makes no sense to take two meze for two, one is enough.
The average bill in a cafe for a plentiful dinner is 12-15 euros. For a set lunch – about 20-25 euros.
On the island you will be treated to excellent wines: dessert (liqueur) wine Commandaria, Othello and other delicious wines of different strengths and aromas. The most delicious beer in Cyprus is Keo.
