What are the benefits of a holiday in Cyprus? Comparative description of the most famous resorts in Cyprus

Mediterranean resorts are popular among both the elite and ordinary middle-income tourists. But like every tourist destination, it has its pros and cons, which ultimately have a decisive influence on the choice of a tourist.

Cyprus, due to its geographical location, is more suitable for holidays in early summer and autumn, while Turkey is better suited during the peak summer season. Tourists who prefer active holidays will be more interested in the Antalya coast, and families with small children in Cypriot resorts.

Tour costs

When choosing between two countries, first of all you need to focus on the budget that you are willing to spend on vacation.

In this regard, Türkiye wins. Entry into the country does not require a visa. A visa to Cyprus is free, but still requires a certain amount of time.

At the height of the season, in August, the cost of a trip for two in a 3-star Turkish hotel will cost from 38,000 to 50,000 or more rubles. Turkish hotels operate on the world-famous all-inclusive system, where tourists do not have to worry about accommodation, food and evening entertainment.

The cost of the same holiday, but in hotels in Cyprus, will be higher, from 47,000 to 60,000 rubles. High prices are compensated by an excellent level of service and developed infrastructure. A 3 star hotel in Cyprus will be equivalent to a four or five star hotel in Turkey.

If you have poor knowledge of foreign languages, vacationing in Turkey will be more comfortable, because the smart staff quickly mastered the basics of the Russian language. In Cyprus, Russian-speaking staff in hotels or cafes is a rarity. In their attitude towards clients, Cypriots are more in line with European ideas. They are friendly, smiling, helpful, but not intrusive, like the Turks, whose familiarity often shocks a tourist unaccustomed to such communication.

To summarize this section, Turkey gets 3 points for visas, the cost of travel and the Russian language, and Cyprus, in turn, will give 1 point for unobtrusiveness, because, you see, you want to relax so that no one interferes or gets into your soul.

Türkiye 3 – Cyprus 1

Weather and beaches

Beach holidays in Cyprus last from mid-May to the end of October. The water in the sea warms up quite quickly. The island is famous for its beaches with pure white sand. The most popular among them are located in Ayia Napa and Protoras.

Cypriot hotels can only have separate areas, since all local beaches are municipal. Local authorities maintain them in almost perfect condition; many of the beaches have received a special “blue flag” award.

Turkey also has many good sandy and pebble beaches. Cleopatra Beach (Alanya), Icmeler near Marmaris, Lara (Antalya) and many others are very popular. Almost all hotels located on the first line have their own beaches, sometimes with an additional fee for sun loungers and other amenities.

There are so many beaches in both countries that it is quite difficult to determine the best ones. Still, it is worth noting that the beaches in Cyprus are more well-groomed and clean.

Türkiye 3 – Cyprus 2

Photos of Cyprus beaches

Ayia Napa "Nissi"

Photos of Turkish beaches

Alanya coastline

Sunbeds in Belek

Kemer pebble beach

Beach area Kusadasi

Wide beach of Side

Attractions

Tired of spending many hours on the beach or by the pool, tourists are looking for new experiences. Both countries are rich in their historical and archaeological monuments.

Turkey, as a country with a rich historical past, offers excursions to Istanbul, the thermal resort of Pamukkale, the ancient cities of Ephesus, Side, Phaselis, Troy. The choice of attractions in Cyprus is more modest, but here you can see many beautiful temples and palaces. And here you can rent a car and just drive around the island and admire the beautiful views. Therefore, in this section it is logical if there is a draw: 1-1.

Türkiye 4 – Cyprus 3

Vacation with children

Türkiye is known for its animation programs, including for young guests. But most hotels offer fiery, noisy discos until the early morning, which is not suitable for families with children.

On the other hand, if we consider Belek, known for its five star hotels and an excellent option for family holidays. The hotel area here is very large, families are accommodated in separate bungalows, located away from the noisy party, which is an excellent option for staying with children.

Much preferable in this regard are the resorts of Cyprus. There is a calmer, more measured atmosphere here, with many playgrounds and swimming pools. Clean sandy beaches will also be a plus.

In addition, recent events in Turkey make many tourists doubt the safety of their stay in this country. It’s still better to go with children to a place where it’s calm.

Türkiye 4 – Cyprus 4

Cost of products

Prices for food in Cyprus are practically no different from the prices in resorts in France, Italy, and Spain. The cost of lunch and dinner with a drink is approximately 20-30 euros per person.

Turkish prices in the resort area are also not cheap. Alcoholic drinks are especially expensive (a 0.5 liter bottle of raki costs $20) and water (up to $3 per 0.5 liter). Lunch at a cafe will cost up to 20 dollars or more. But it’s worth considering that you will live in a hotel where everything is on site and there will be practically no additional costs. And the hotels themselves in this country are cheaper, so we give a point to this country.

Türkiye 5 – Cyprus 4

If your priority is a noisy, fun holiday, we recommend going to Turkey.

If you are attracted by a high level of service, excellent beaches, comfort and a relaxing holiday, go to Cyprus.

Where is it cheaper to vacation in 2019: Cyprus or Greece? Cheat sheet for tourists - what are the differences between the resorts of Cyprus and Greece.

Greece and Cyprus - these two countries have long been competitors in the tourism market, but it is not easy to compare them. The choice of resorts in Greece is so large that the island of Cyprus will not be able to compete with each of them. However, for those who still cannot decide on a holiday destination in 2019 and are considering both countries, we will try to sort everything out.

Tours to Greece from Level.Travel

Cost of last minute tours to Greece from the largest online service Level.Travel. Prices are indicated from the minimum for the next four months of the 2019 season.

Greece or Cyprus - visa issue

The main stumbling block for those who are planning to spend their holiday is the need to open a Schengen visa. Expensive, troublesome, and in the worst case scenario, the vacation can be canceled at the very last moment. On the other hand, if you are the happy owner of a multiple visa, then there will be no problems obtaining a trip.

There are a number of Greek islands (including the most popular - Crete And Rhodes), where a simplified procedure for obtaining Schengen is already in effect.

As for Cyprus, national visas are issued for citizens. They are done completely free of charge. Citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Georgia will have to pay a consular fee.

Entertainment and contingent

For those who are committed to a deep acquaintance with history and culture, it is advisable to buy a tour to Greece - here historical monuments and museums are found literally at every step. Cyprus is a great place for young people. Young tourists enjoy partying all night long at local discos (the main party center is the resort of Ayia Napa), and during the day they sleep off or lie down on the beaches.

The main contingent of holidaymakers in Cyprus are British. Greece in this regard is more “international” - you can meet tourists from all over the world.

Tours to Greece and Cyprus - prices 2019

Whether to choose Greece or Cyprus - it all depends on preferences!

There is an opinion that a holiday in Cyprus will cost less than in Greece. Perhaps this was the case 10 years ago, but recently hotel prices in Greece have fallen significantly (due to the consequences of the severe economic crisis). In addition, the cost of a vacation depends on the region and the popularity of the resort (you can relax in hotels on the mainland of the country much cheaper than on the islands).

Cyprus resorts offer a more modest selection of hotels. Plus, the best deals sell out very quickly. However, in general, the cost of a vacation in 2019 will be approximately the same.

To compare prices for tours to Greece and Cyprus, on the online tour search site (analogous to the Aviasales meta-search engine for air tickets), we chose the first peak of the season - the May holidays 2019, then the summer months and, finally, the high season - September-October. Here's what we got:

*The sample was made in January 2019. Such prices can last throughout March-April, and then, the closer the season gets, the higher they will rise. The early booking rule always applies, but you still have to run for last minute tours.

Cyprus VS Greece: nature

Are you planning during peak season? Then keep in mind that at this time of year the heat here reaches +40 °C. Plus, the island has not very pleasant high humidity, which, however, is compensated by the warm sea (until it is heated to the state of fresh milk). Lovers of greenery will have practically nothing to admire here, especially in August-September, when the island is already fairly scorched by the sun.

However, the same “desert” can be observed at this time in the Greek Cyclades. Although there are resorts in the country that are surrounded by lush vegetation all year round - these are the islands of Corfu, Samothrace, Zakynthos, Thassos, etc.

Reminder for tourists: in Cyprus, drive on the left side

Many of Cyprus are famous for its infrastructure and the presence of “blue flags”. The only difference is that in Cyprus there are many sandy beaches with convenient access to the sea, in Greece - it all depends on the resort.

Significant details in the choice

Those who are planning to travel independently and rent a car during their vacation should take into account that in Cyprus, traffic is on the left. This can bring some discomfort to both beginners and even experienced drivers, who may already feel tense behind the wheel in a foreign country. Cyprus is called a sincere and atmospheric holiday destination. Greece is loved because here you have the opportunity to touch ancient history and see many monuments of world significance in one trip.

Greece and Cyprus are approximately in the same price category, so the cost of the tour is unlikely to be decisive in your choice. In the end, you can visit both countries: despite the similarity of mentality, each is unique in its own way.

The best as well. Find out when it starts. Resort, village or - where is better?

Cyprus is a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea, divided into two parts, all tourism is concentrated on the Cypriot side, many call it Greek, although it has nothing to do with Greece, the second part is Turkish, there is no tourism as such, there are some offers in on the Internet, but how real this is, I can’t say for sure. Therefore, I will talk about Cyprus, which is known to many.

Is it worth going on holiday to Cyprus?

I would definitely say yes. This is a no-win destination for beach tourism. The weather here is always good, and the swimming season lasts quite a long time, so those who were unable to get to the sea in the summer can easily extend their warmth in the fall by purchasing a trip to Cyprus. And the undoubted advantage of the destination is that the flight here, if we talk about Moscow, takes 3 hours. Even those who do not tolerate the flight very well can afford to stay for such a short time for the sake of their own vacation. Mothers with small children, especially infants, can fly to Cyprus quite calmly, since during the 3-hour flight, the children will not have time to get very tired and will not torment the surrounding passengers with their whims. Of course, all children are individual, but I assume that the average child is moderately active and curious.

In addition to quality beach holidays, Cyprus has great potential as a hotel base. I can’t say that the choice is very rich, but every tourist will find something to suit his taste and budget. There are hotels of world chains, ordinary simple ones... read more

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Cyprus weather map:

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Cyprus has beaches, sea, mountains, and many interesting places to visit. Here you can’t help but feel like you’re leafing through a history textbook all over again. Cyprus is one big museum.

And yet, we came here primarily for a holiday by the sea, so we chose Ayia Napa - a resort village on the Mediterranean coast with first-class beaches. The most famous of them is Nissi Beach. It is a turquoise lagoon of extraordinary beauty, fenced off from the sea by a tiny island with a rock. More likely, it is a peninsula, because to get to it you need to wade along the shallow bottom. The brave ones dive from this cliff, the rest flounder in the warm water, where the sea is literally knee-deep. People are like sardines in a barrel, fun, lively, noisy, music to the fullest. Celebration of life.

There are several more beaches, we chose Makronissos, if only because it is not far from the hotel, there are fewer people and noise. And the bottom is deeper. All beaches are accessible to the public, payment is only for sun loungers.

August in Cyprus is not just a hot month, it is unbearably hot, so people can’t get out of the water. One thing that saves you is that the air humidity is not high, which makes the heat a little easier to bear.

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

Cyprus is a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea, divided into two parts, all tourism is concentrated on the Cypriot side, many call it Greek, although it has nothing to do with Greece, the second part is Turkish, there is no tourism as such, there are some offers in on the Internet, but how real this is, I can’t say for sure. Therefore, I will talk about Cyprus, which is known to many.

Is it worth going on holiday to Cyprus?

I would definitely say yes. This is a no-win destination for beach tourism. The weather here is always good, and the swimming season lasts quite a long time, so those who were unable to get to the sea in the summer can easily extend their warmth in the fall by purchasing a trip to Cyprus. And the undoubted advantage of the destination is that the flight here, if we talk about Moscow, takes 3 hours. Even those who do not tolerate the flight very well can afford to stay for such a short time for the sake of their own vacation. Mothers with small children, especially infants, can fly to Cyprus quite calmly, since during the 3-hour flight, the children will not have time to get very tired and will not torment the surrounding passengers with their whims. Of course, all children are individual, but I assume that the average child is moderately active and curious.

In addition to quality beach holidays, Cyprus has great potential as a hotel base. I can’t say that the choice is very rich, but every tourist will find something to suit his taste and budget. There are hotels of world chains, ordinary simple hotels and apartments. By the way, in Cyprus you don’t have to worry about star rating, the service and conditions are good everywhere, the main thing is to choose based on the location: how many meters to walk to the sea, proximity to the necessary infrastructure and how noisy or calm it is around (this is especially true for the resort of Ayia Napa).

The hospitality of the local residents is what I would like to highlight. Against the backdrop of Europe, the contrast is felt; perhaps not everyone will agree with me, but this is my personal opinion. Cypriots are very attentive to tourists, both those who are directly involved in tourism activities and ordinary local residents. They always smile, are touched by small children walking towards them, and are ready to help at any moment - without knowing the tourist language. This is very attractive to them. A similar thing happens in restaurants; often, the owners of the establishments themselves are ready to serve their guest.

Absolutely everyone will feel comfortable in Cyprus. Here you have a choice of where to relax and what you need for a successful stay on the island. Someone wants peace and tranquility, without noise and a lot of cars - please go to Paphos, Protaras or Ayia Napa. If you want proximity to the city, to life and movement, then welcome to Larnaca or Limassol. Active party-goers will also not be left out - the famous street of bars and discos in Ayia Napa is always happy to welcome new guests.

For those who like to travel, it will be great to rent a car in Cyprus and see all the places on the island; it won’t take much time, but you will be able to cover all the most interesting things in a very short period of time.

Which may upset those who are considering Cyprus as a holiday destination.

1. A very modest excursion program. In fact, only 15% of what is offered to tourists is worthy of attention; everything else can hardly be called a serious attraction. You can often hear dissatisfaction on the beach from those who wasted time and money on the excursion that the guides described so interestingly. Therefore, do not try to rush to watch everything that will be offered. It’s better to sit down before your trip and read what the tourists themselves advise - it will be much more productive, and most importantly, truthful. For example, an excursion to the Aphrodite baths sounds very beautiful, but in fact they are brought to Paphos, brought to the shore, opposite a small stone in the sea and the guide says that here the goddess Aphrodite herself once emerged from the waves of the sea and offers it to everyone who wants swim in this place, swim around this stone several times, and according to legend, such an action will give everyone youth and beauty.

2. Prices for tours. Cyprus was once worth very little money. And not only Cyprus, you say. But I think there should still be some kind of line. What can really upset and surprise you is the cost of the tour itself. In addition to the fact that prices on the island are not the lowest for everything, you will also have to pay a lot of money for your vacation. As a result, I’ll say that Cyprus has really gone up in price, even the simplest 3* hotel is expensive during the season. Just two years ago, you could fly for 10 days using the Fortuna system for 10,000 rubles per adult. And by paying another 5,000 on top, you can choose a very good hotel with breakfast and dinner. Now it’s at least 40,000 rubles, I would say that such a price still needs to be found.

3. Cyprus, due to its climatic features, does not have lush greenery, a large number of flowers, shrubs, trees, etc. The most beautiful time on the island is April and May, then hot summer comes and everything green turns into something yellow, dehydrated and very dry. On hotel grounds, of course, gardeners look after their gardens, but outside the situation is sad, especially in August, when you shouldn’t go outside from 12 to 16, as the heat is sweltering.

Aphrodite Beach in Paphos.

In general, despite the disadvantages, Cyprus is a great place to relax. In 2010, the island broke all records for the number of blue flags for the cleanliness of its beaches and sea water. In my opinion, this is a serious plus in favor of this direction, given that every year there are fewer and fewer resort places where it is pleasant to swim and sunbathe. And tourists have become more demanding about their holiday destination, and this is understandable. Prices have increased, and most destinations clearly do not correspond to the concept of price-quality.

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In my opinion, Cyprus has many advantages over other tourist destinations, so anyone interested in a beach holiday should pay attention and consider it as a possible option.

Pros of holidays in Cyprus:

As I said above, Cyprus has a number of undeniable advantages, thanks to which it has become so popular among Russian tourists. Read more about them below:

• transport accessibility

Between May and October, a large number of tourists from Russia come to the island. In this regard, many flights fly to Cyprus - most of all, of course, from St. Petersburg and Moscow, but also from other cities in our country. We flew to Cyprus from St. Petersburg, so when purchasing tickets we were able to choose from two daily flights (one of them departs at 6:30 in the morning, the second in the afternoon). The planes fly big, ours had about 500 seats, so we had tickets for the flight even a week before departure. Another advantage of the flight is the flight time - if you fly from St. Petersburg or Moscow, you will spend no more than three to four hours in the air. We flew for about three and a half hours, so we weren’t tired at all.

• relatively low prices for holidays on the island

Speaking of low prices, I compare Cyprus primarily with Europe - for example, with Spain, popular among Russians. In general, prices in Cyprus will please you. Let me give you an example - two sunbeds and an umbrella on the beach in Tenerife (Canary Islands) cost us 15 euros per day, in Cyprus 6-7.5 euros (depending on the beach), banana boat ride in Spain cost 25 euros, in Cyprus - 10. In Cyprus we lived in a four-star hotel, but in Spain for the same money we would only have gotten a three-star hotel, not located on the first line. This list can be continued, but the main message is clear - prices for food, hotels and beach activities in Cyprus are significantly lower than in Spain, Italy, and often on the Greek islands.

• a huge number of Russian speakers on the island

Of course, for those who want to take a break from their compatriots, this can be a minus, but, in my opinion, this is a huge plus for those who do not speak or speak English poorly. Firstly, many Russians live in Cyprus, and secondly, some Cypriots are studying Russian. In almost any hotel and restaurant there will be a person who speaks Russian, which makes communication much easier. Also, the vast majority of restaurants have a Russian menu. In this regard, Cyprus is very convenient for holidays for the older generation - as a rule, older people do not speak foreign languages ​​- in Cyprus they will not have to worry about this.

• some of the cleanest beaches in Europe

The beaches of Cyprus have repeatedly received the so-called “blue flags” - a quality mark awarded to beaches whose water is completely suitable for safe swimming - it is clean, does not contain dangerous bacteria and sewage, and the beach is equipped with everything necessary for relaxation - toilets, trash cans, The beach is regularly cleaned. The number of such beaches in Cyprus exceeds 50 - each resort has beaches that have received such an award.

• relatively mild climate

Even the summer temperature on the island rarely exceeds 35 degrees; the average summer temperature is 28-32 degrees, which ensures a comfortable stay. We were in Cyprus in August, which is considered one of the hottest months - the daytime temperature was around 30 degrees, so we did not suffer from terrible heat (compared, for example, with mainland Greece - the temperature remained there throughout our entire holiday 40 degrees - it was very difficult to be even on the beach, and there was no talk of excursions). Out of a two-week holiday in Cyprus, it was very hot for just a few days - the temperature was about 33-34 degrees, according to local residents, it was a “heat wave” that came from somewhere in the south.

• availability of attractions, as well as a fairly large selection of excursions

In Cyprus there are ancient monasteries, to which various excursions are organized (both for the whole day and for half a day), in addition there are a number of museums (archaeological museum, history museum, and so on). Plus, tourists are offered excursions around the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia (however, it takes quite a long time to get to it from all the resorts, since it is located in the center of the country). There are also trips for nature lovers - a tour of the Akamas Peninsula, which is a nature reserve, a donkey safari, and a yacht ride. In addition, tour operators and travel agencies organize trips to traditional villages, where you can get acquainted with the crafts that the inhabitants of the island continue to practice to this day. Thus, the choice is quite large, so everyone can find something to suit their taste.

• availability of entertainment for different ages

The Ayia Napa resort, popular among young people, can be visited by those who love bars, nightclubs and dancing until the morning - life there is in full swing, without stopping for a minute - crowds of young people walk there, get acquainted and have fun. For lovers of a more relaxing holiday, resorts such as Paphos and Protaras are intended. Children and teenagers will also find something to do in Cyprus - water parks are open for them (there is a water park in Paphos and Limassol). In addition, in resort towns there are quite a lot of equipped playgrounds that kids will love.

• friendly behavior of the locals

Despite the relatively low prices for holidays, Cyprus compares favorably with Turkey and Egypt in the behavior of local residents. In that part of the island where tourists are usually brought, Greek Cypriots live, whose behavior is very pleasing throughout the entire holiday - like Europeans, they treat tourists absolutely unobtrusively, with respect, not allowing any liberties in communicating with girls and women, but together with Moreover, they are very welcoming, friendly, and always ready to help tourists. Most restaurants have very pleasant service, the waiters are always interested in what you liked and what you didn’t, in general, they try to make your stay there as comfortable as possible. During the entire two-week vacation, we did not have a single conflict situation, and we never encountered rudeness or rudeness, which, of course, made us very happy.

• delicious food and large portions

Those who love to eat should also pay attention to Cyprus - firstly, the food there is very tasty - Greek cuisine includes both seafood and fish, as well as meat dishes. In addition, in all cafes and restaurants, the portions are simply huge - so those who like to eat a lot will be happy, and those who eat little can take one serving for two and save.*

Thus, Cyprus has a large number of undeniable advantages, which were described by me above. In my opinion, it is one of the best destinations for a summer beach holiday.

In conclusion, I would like to write a little about disadvantages of holidays in Cyprus. So, the disadvantages include:

• relatively few truly historical monuments

Most of the palaces and museums are located in the capital of the island - Nicosia, which takes a long time to get to. Resort towns have museums and archaeological parks, but they are usually small.

• quite tiring trips to monasteries

Above, I already mentioned the presence of ancient monasteries in Cyprus - it is also worth drawing your attention to the fact that they are located in the depths of the island, so it takes quite a long time to get to them, and due to the fact that most of them are located in the mountains, the road goes along serpentine roads, so the road can become very difficult for some.

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Cyprus is an island of love, a country that has absorbed and united the traditions and culture of Europe, Asia and Africa. Incredibly advantageous position

Cyprus's position in the Mediterranean has meant that it has changed hands several times throughout its history, remaining on the periphery of various empires, from Byzantium to the United Kingdom. As a result of many years of national liberation struggle, Cyprus still gained independence, but turned into an arena of clashes between the Greek and Turkish communities, which ultimately led to the division of the island into Greek and Turkish parts.

Aphrodite Island is the most common name for Cyprus. Cyprus is simply good in itself without any far-fetched attractions (may the Cypriots forgive me for such free-thinking). The mild Mediterranean climate determines relatively warm weather in winter and dry, hot weather in summer. The island is not large in size, which makes it possible to explore many beautiful secluded corners. Life in Cyprus is calm and safe. Given the high standard of living, crime is extremely rare here. Since joining the European Union in 2004, analysts unanimously predicted an economic boom for this country. Just don’t be confused, my friends, Cyprus belongs to the euro zone, but is not a Schengen country. True, that same boom led Cyprus into a complete swamp, from which it will continue to emerge for many years. I always try to stay away from politics and financial issues, and the only thing I would like in this situation is that the economic crisis does not turn into an obstacle to tourists who want to explore the country.

Cyprus is a country for every taste. Everyone will find a city to their liking. Restless and reckless Ayia Napa, calm, comfortable and measured Paphos, almost a “Russian city” Limassol...

The attitude of Cypriots towards animals, and in particular towards cats, is also touching. Once a year, a real festival of gluttony happens in the Cat Monastery of St. Nicholas. On St. Nicholas Day, November 6, Cypriot fishermen traditionally donate their entire morning (first) catch to cats in the hope that for this godly deed the good Saint will help ensure that more fish are caught in their nets. According to legend, if a fisherman was stingy or cheated and did not give all the fish or, God forbid, did not give at all, then he will not have luck next year. This is such a sweet and fair holiday, such a kind, touching tradition has developed in Cyprus!

Cyprus begins to bloom from the end of February - beginning of March. And just as Cyprus blooms, no other island blooms. The slopes of the hills and mountains are covered with incredible greenery of emerald color, flowers of absolutely fabulous shades bloom, creating magnificent, breathtaking landscapes. All nature rejoices, for her beautiful favorite Adonis returns to earth to the bright rays of the sun and golden Aphrodite.

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It’s definitely worth going on holiday to Cyprus. And there are several reasons for this. But the main flavor of the island is its vibrant cultural events. Throughout the year, the island hosts various events featuring local and international artists. A huge number of religious holidays and fairs make life on the island bright and colorful, and the characters of Cypriots - cheerful and life-loving.

Among the many cultural events, one should first of all highlight the wine festival, which is held every September in the city of Limassol on the territory of the city garden. As part of this holiday, concerts, fairs and even educational lectures are organized in Greek and English. Not a single holiday is complete without national Cypriot and Greek dances. Wine is served free of charge here. Thousands of locals and visitors to the island take part in this festival to have fun and get to know the Limassol Bacchus.

Carnivals are held in Limassol, and more recently in Paphos. During these holidays, colorful processions of masks, dances, and competitions for the best carnival costume are organized in cities. The holiday usually ends with a parade of decorated floats moving along the central streets of the cities. This action usually takes place on the last Sunday of Maslenitsa.

In May, every city on the island holds a flower exhibition, which includes parades and competitions for the best bouquet.

In addition to these holidays, the Orange Festival, which is held in Famagusta and Morphe, has long been especially popular in Cyprus.

Cypriots carefully preserve and honor the customs and traditions of their ancestors. The feast of Epiphany is celebrated with special solemnity in Cyprus. After the end of the service, all those present collect holy water in vessels that they bring from home specifically for this purpose, and also light a holy fire to bring it into their home. Therefore, this colorful holiday is called the Feast of the Holy Fire or Holy Light. In houses, a candle should be lit in every room to ward off all temptations and evil spirits with its fire. Holy water is sprinkled on vegetable gardens and vineyards. Returning home from church, the mistress of the house prepares traditional pancakes. There is a custom of throwing the first pancake on the roof of the house to drive away evil spirits.

As in Greece, one of the most solemn holidays in Cyprus is Easter and the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are celebrated with special religious feeling, solemnity and splendor. It will be interesting to watch the action.

On Good Friday the tombstone is taken out of the church. Before leaving the church, believers kneel and walk next to the tombstone, and the clergyman gives each one a flower with which the tombstone of Jesus is decorated. The iconostasis and all the icons in the church are covered with black or purple fabrics. On Saturday morning, the cloth covering the icons is removed and the church is decorated with festive ribbons. On the same day, housewives prepare the famous “flauns” - a traditional Cypriot Easter food that is sure to be present in every home. We are talking about a special type of Easter cake, the filling of which is a mixture of cheese, eggs and raisins. On Saturday evening, a fire is lit in the church yard and an effigy of Judas is burned. On Sunday afternoon the celebration and treats continue. The main traditional dish of this day is lamb roasted on a spit.

The next holiday that is worth visiting when traveling to Cyprus is the Feast of the Flood. It corresponds to the Feast of Pentecost or the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. The festival of the Flood itself has its roots in the era of the ancient ritual - Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, rising from the depths of the waters. This is a water festival during which trade fairs, poetry competitions, various exhibitions of traditional crafts, as well as boat competitions are held on the embankments of the coastal cities of the island. Once upon a time, for example, in Larnaca the Flood festival was celebrated with unique splendor and solemnity. Merchants and traders from all over Cyprus and from Syria brought their goods here, and the city embankment was filled with trade tents and small shops during the holiday. Many different games and competitions attracted local residents and guests of the island here.

In mountain villages and in villages that traditionally grow grapes, after harvesting, all residents together begin to make the famous palyuze (chuchkhel). “Hardzin” - the remains of squeezed grapes - is cooked in a large cauldron. To make the filling (sujiuko), take almond or walnut kernels and soak them in water. Then they string it on strings and attach these bundles to the two ends of a hanger, which is a large forked branch with a small knot at the end with which it is suspended. Then the strung nuts are dipped into thickened grape juice, after which they are dried. This procedure is repeated six to eight times. This joint work is a reason for communication and fun, so making a stuffed animal ends with a bright holiday.

In general, songs and dances occupy a special place in the life of Cypriots. Today in Cyprus, all kinds of excursions are organized for tourists, including watching show programs with national Cypriot dances. All Cypriot folk songs are divided into Akritian, folk couplets and epic songs. Akritan songs represent a living spiritual monument of folk art. The central idea of ​​these songs is the idea of ​​the heroic spirit and self-sacrifice, as characteristic features of the Cypriot soul. Cypriot couplets are purely folk poetry, reflecting the soul of the people themselves in every manifestation. At weddings, fairs, and holidays, poets of Cyprus enliven the atmosphere with their apt couplets.

In Cypriot folk dances, roles are very clearly distinguished - male and female. Men's dances are very dynamic, movements can sometimes be quite sharp. The clicking of heels keeps the rhythm, the bloomers flutter, the chest, dressed in a vest, proudly sticks out. The women's dance demonstrates modesty and submission. In pairs, women move in small steps, holding hands or holding scarves in their hands. In any case, Cypriot dance is always a demonstration of national flavor that will not leave you indifferent.

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Cyprus is, of course, worth going on holiday for many reasons!

• Firstly, this is the weather, 330-340 sunny days a year! The climate in Cyprus is considered one of the most favorable and moderate for health. Climatic and natural conditions contribute to maintaining good human immunity. Cyprus boasts iodine-rich sea air and clean mountain air!
• Also, this destination is ideal for families with children, because Cyprus is a very safe island, there is practically no crime here. Therefore, you can absolutely calmly come on vacation with your children and not worry that something might happen to them. As I said above, Cyprus has an amazing climate, so it will be especially useful for children to breathe in the fresh sea and mountain air. Also, hotels in Cyprus have animation groups, children's clubs, playgrounds, and swimming pools, so you can rest assured that children's holidays will be varied and interesting every day. On the island, almost every city has water parks that are open every day in the summer; children will simply be delighted!
• It is impossible not to mention separately the national cuisine of Cyprus. Restaurants and local taverns abound in seafood delicacies; here you can taste oysters, squid, octopus, salmon, shrimp, etc. The island is also famous for its love of meat products, so taverns, restaurants, and cafes offer different types of meat dishes to suit every taste. Don't forget about fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs all year round! And also delicious fresh bread, rolls with various fillings and sweet pastries are sold in local bakeries, which are located almost at every turn!
• Cyprus is also famous for its vineyards, so there are a lot of local wineries on the island that produce delicious wine. If you are a connoisseur of good and high-quality wine, then you definitely need to come to Cyprus!

Cyprus or Türkiye - what to choose? These questions are asked by everyone who plans to go on vacation. Recently, Mediterranean resorts have become very popular among Russians. Moreover, both among the elite and among ordinary tourists of average income. But it is worth recognizing that each tourist destination has its pros and cons. It is they who ultimately affect the final decision of the tourist.

When to go on vacation?

When you ask yourself the question “Cyprus or Turkey - what to choose?”, then first of all pay attention to the month in which you are going to go on vacation. The geographical location of the resort is of great importance.

Therefore, if your vacation falls in early summer or early autumn, then it is better to opt for Cyprus. Türkiye is more suitable for those who expect to relax at the height of the summer tourist season.

Also know that if you prefer active recreation, discos and parties, then it is better to go to the coast of Antalya. Cyprus resorts are more suitable for families with small children.

Cost of vouchers

Tormented by the problem of what to choose, Turkey or Cyprus for a vacation, many make the final decision when they find out about the cost of the trip. The choice depending on the budget becomes decisive for many.

If we take these two countries into account, Turkey obviously wins. Holidays in hotels will not be much cheaper, all other things being equal. In addition, a visa is not required to enter the country. Formally, you automatically receive a tourist visa at the airport.

There are no particular difficulties with either. It's free. But you still have to get it in advance, which means spending extra time.

So, Cyprus or Türkiye? What to choose? At the height of the summer tourist season, a trip to a three-star Turkish hotel will cost you from 40 to 50 thousand rubles for two. The big advantage of this holiday is that Turkish hotels operate on the famous all-inclusive system. It means that you eat at a buffet, that is, you have an unlimited amount of food at your disposal, as well as locally produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Therefore, having bought a ticket once, you no longer worry about accommodation, food, and most often, entertainment. Most hotels, even three-star ones, provide entertainment every evening.

Cyprus or Türkiye - what to choose in August?

Remember that the cost in a similar hotel in Cyprus in the same month will be significantly higher. Approximately from 50 to 60 thousand rubles per couple. Prices here are, of course, higher, but the service is corresponding. In addition, the infrastructure itself is more developed. One has only to say that a three-star hotel in Cyprus will correspond in terms of service to a four- or five-star hotel in Turkey.

Another obvious advantage of a holiday in Turkey is that here you can fully relax, even without knowing any foreign languages. The local staff have long fallen in love with Russian tourists and can freely explain any problem that concerns you.

At the same time, it is almost impossible to meet Russian-speaking waiters and administrators in Cyprus. This is very rare here. Even on many excursions you cannot find a Russian-speaking guide. But at the same time, tourists are treated more favorably in Cyprus. The level of service here is close to European. At the resorts of Cyprus you will not find the Asian obsession that irritates so many in Turkey. The entire staff is smiling, courteous and does not indulge in familiarity.

Summarizing in the debate about what to choose - Cyprus or Turkey, we can say that Turkey wins due to the virtual absence of visas, low cost of travel and Russian-speaking staff. Cyprus receives an advantage for the high level of service and unobtrusiveness of the staff.

Climate on vacation

When deciding what to choose, Turkey or Cyprus in 2017, pay attention to the weather and climate. It will be comfortable to relax on the beaches of Cyprus from about mid-May until the very end of October. At this time, the water in the sea warms up very quickly, even after a cool night. In addition, the island has many beaches with pure white sand. The most famous and beloved by guests are in Protaras and Ayia Napa.

There are practically no private beaches in Cyprus. Almost all are municipal. However, local authorities maintain them in perfect condition, so tourists have no reason to complain about anything. Many of the coastal areas have been awarded an international sign indicating the cleanliness of the beach and sea water.

There are plenty of pebble and sandy beaches in Turkey. Cleopatra Beach is especially popular in the Alanya region. All decent hotels are located on the first line, almost by the sea. Most hotels have their own beaches. Sun loungers and extra amenities are sometimes available for a fee.

So, you are going to Turkey or Cyprus in October. What to choose between these two resort countries? Remember the main thing, the climate, in particular the water temperature, is almost identical here. By the way, in October in both countries it is 25 degrees Celsius. The water temperature does not differ much in other months of the holiday season.

What to choose - Cyprus or Turkey - in September? In Turkey, the water warms up to 28 degrees, and in Cyprus up to 27. The number of beaches here is very large, and their condition is close to ideal. So choosing based on this criterion will not be easy.

What to see at the resorts?

Of course, both countries, first of all, involve a beach holiday. But sooner or later, even the most passionate lovers of soaking up the sun get tired of it. Then it's time to go on excursions. The number of attractions is another factor that will help you decide: choose Cyprus or Turkey. September 2017 is considered a very favorable time for educational trips. The air temperature during the day is not so high, so traveling and sightseeing is much easier.

It is worth recognizing that both of these countries are famous for a large number of architectural and historical monuments. In Turkey, you can go on an educational excursion to the capital Istanbul, visit and improve your health at the thermal resorts in Pamukkale, visit the ancient cities of Troy, Side or Ephesus.

At the same time, in Cyprus the choice of attractions is much more modest. But here you can also find beautiful palaces and temples. Guidebooks advise not to book an excursion, but to rent a car and enjoy the beauty of this island on your own.

If you went with children

Holidays with children require a certain level of service that you expect from your host. Türkiye is famous for its varied animation programs for both children and adults. Some hotels hold incendiary discos until the early morning. In others, on the contrary, in a small area tourists are accommodated in family bungalows isolated from each other. This is a great option for a large family vacation.

In the resorts of Cyprus, the atmosphere is much calmer and more measured. There are plenty of swimming pools and playgrounds for the little ones. In addition, the political situation on the island is much calmer than in Turkey.

Cost of food

It is worth admitting that eating at the resorts of Cyprus is not cheap. Prices are practically no different from those that can be found in French tourist cities. For lunch or dinner with drinks you will have to pay from 20 to 30 euros per guest.

In this regard, Turkey looks much more preferable, even if you do not use the famous all-inclusive system. True, alcohol in stores is expensive. After all, this is a Muslim country. For example, the price for a bottle of rakia can reach $20. Therefore, most tourists prefer to eat and drink exclusively in hotels.

Where should we go?

To sum it up, both countries are highly preferable for holidays. So you need to decide what you want to get out of your vacation.

If you are for a fun and crazy vacation, then go to Turkey. If you want to enjoy comfort and tranquility, then go to Cyprus.