Cyprus today is one of the most beautiful and most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. The mild climate and charming nature make the rest here a special attraction. The main beauties of the island of Cyprus are the sea, blue skies, golden beaches and centuries-old sights. What else could be needed for a perfect pastime?!
General information
Belonging to the continent of Asia, Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It does not have a very calm atmosphere. This is due to the fact that Cyprus, since 1974, due to the Turkish invasion, has been divided into 2 parts - the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Each part of the island is separated by a buffer zone under the control of the UN. The capital of both Republics is located in the city of Nicosia.
Cyprus: Population
The total population of Cyprus is just over one million people, of which 80% live in the Republic of Cyprus and 20% in Northern Cyprus.
On the island of Cyprus, the population is mixed. This is due to the division of the island and the attractiveness of moving here. The population of Cyprus (nationalities): over 90% of the locals are Greek Cypriots, the rest of the population is English, Russian andArmenians. In the northern part of the island of Cyprus, the population was divided into Turkish Cypriots, Turks and some others. The official languages on the island are Greek and Turkish. In the Republic of Cyprus, the people speak excellent English.
How to get there
Most tourists and visitors arrive on the island by plane. Cyprus has two international airports located in the cities of Larnaca and Paphos.
The airport in the Turkish part of Cyprus is called Ercan. It is not internationally recognized. Despite this, it accepts some flights from abroad.
You can also sail to Cyprus by ferry. In particular, the island has ferry connections with the Greek port city of Piraeus, with the islands of Crete and Rhodes, with the Egyptian Port Said, Israeli Haifa and Ankokna in Italy. The main port of the Republic of Cyprus is located in the city of Limassol, from where ferries, merchant ships and cruise ships depart.
Climatic and weather conditions
The climate here is subtropical with rather hot and dry summers and warm and mild winters. Even in winter, snow can only be found here in the mountains.
Cyprus is best visited during the high season - in summer or in September, when the strong summer heat has passed, but the sea is still warm. The most pleasant summer weather is in the coastal areas of the island.
Cities
Ayia Napa is a young and cheerful resort with a vibrant nightlife. The best sandy beaches of Cyprus, the gentle sea and the local water park provide a wonderful holiday here.
Larnaca is the 3rd largest city on the island. It's quite famous and popularMediterranean resort.
Limassol is the business capital of Cyprus with the main commercial port and many offices of major global companies.
Paphos is one of the oldest cities in Cyprus. It has many attractions.
Protaras is a young and developing resort located in the southeastern part of the island. The city is calm and sparsely populated.
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, located in the center of the island.
Kyrenia is an old city in the north of the island, part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The city is popular with tourists for its many beaches and interesting sights.
The absence of a language barrier on the island of Cyprus makes life easier for tourists. The island's inhabitants speak Greek and Turkish, but many speak English fluently.
Attractions
At one time, Cyprus was the center of many historical achievements, and the territory of the island was developed by more than one civilization, which gave rise to thousands of archaeological traces on the map of the island. We are talking about a great variety of architectural buildings of various times and other historical artifacts located in Cypriot museums or churches.
Across the island, a considerable number of historical monuments have been preserved, attracting the attention of many tourists.
In Cyprus, you can find the remains of settlements from the Stone Age - these are ancient Roman theaters, and Byzantine temples, and monasteries, and castles of the Crusaders, and much, much more. All this we alth determines the unique atmosphere of the island, whereunited beauty and peace, ancient culture and modernity.
Move around the country
Cyprus is a rather small island, so some modes of transport are not present here. So, the railway communication was stopped in the last century.
Bus service is not well developed here.
It is replaced by a fairly developed taxi system. In Cyprus, there are 3 types of taxis: intercity, intracity and rural.
Cars can be rented by persons with an international driving license, aged 25 to 70 years, with a driving experience of 3 years. In some private firms, you can find less serious rental conditions.
Kitchen
Local cuisine is a perfect example of the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. From Greek and Turkish cuisines, the custom of cooking food on the grill or in the form of thick soups and stews came here. But, unlike Turkish cuisine, local food is less spicy. Cyprus was also influenced by Italian cuisine, from which came such cooking ingredients as mint, cinnamon, basil, coriander, and arugula. Also in Cyprus they use curry and ginger. In general, one can distinguish the dominant oriental influence, this is the presence of sweet dishes with many spices and oils in them.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are often eaten here. Meat dishes in Cyprus are very popular with locals.
The most common dish here is meze, which can be found in every restaurant on the island. Meze is an assortment of different cold andhot snacks. There is no better way to get acquainted with Cypriot cuisine than meze. As a side dish in Cyprus, rice, pasta and legumes are usually eaten.
Dessert here is usually baklava or Turkish delight. The most popular drink in Cyprus is wine. For those who like stronger drinks, there is "Zivania" - rustic grape vodka. Cypriots are also very fond of coffee.
Prices in Cyprus in restaurants are slightly lower than European ones. The cost of breakfast per person from 5 euros, lunch or dinner from 10 euros.
Shopping
The main purchases and souvenirs from Cyprus are usually items and products that are traditionally part of the unique culture of this island. These include jewelry, local wines, olive oils and handicrafts. It is also worth buying local leather goods - bags, purses, wallets, shoes and outerwear. Prices in Cyprus for high quality leather items can be called democratic. For example, the cost of a leather belt is from 10 euros, bags from 35 euros.
Well, the absence of a language barrier on the island of Cyprus (we already mentioned the language of the inhabitants) will help to make an excellent purchase.
Holidays
In small villages, many ancient customs and rituals have been preserved, especially observed on Christmas days, New Year, Easter. For the Greek Orthodox Church, Easter is the most important holiday of the year.
Cyprus residents also celebrate many national holidays, local or seasonal. The Wine Festival in Limassol is very popular here,held annually in September. It runs for several days and includes local wine tasting, concert and theater performances, singing and dancing competitions.
Local customs and customs
The population of the island for many centuries includes Cypriots from Greece and Turkey. The cultures of these peoples differ and still retain their own characteristics in their way of life and religious views. Cypriots of Greek origin are the heirs of Greek culture, but because of the long stay under English patronage, they adopted some of the features of life characteristic of Europeans. There is left-hand traffic on the island, and English is practically the second language for the country and the first in professional and business relations. Cypriots of Greek origin profess Orthodoxy (in the north, in the Turkish part of the island, Islam dominates).
There are no strong restrictions for tourists in the country. When visiting active places of worship, churches and monasteries, you should pay attention to the dress code. Women in such places are advised to wear long skirts, clothes that cover their shoulders, and men to wear trousers.
In the summer, locals go to "siesta" - an afternoon rest from 13:00 to 16:00. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, all shops are open only until lunchtime.
Conclusion
This island is truly one of the best places for the most unforgettable vacation. Sun, Cyprus, sea, golden beaches - these words will forever be associated with memories of a paradise vacation on thiswonderful island.
