Advice from personal experience for those traveling to Cyprus for the first time. What to take with you to Cyprus? Who took what, maybe Souvenirs from Russia? Packing your suitcase for Cyprus

January is the coldest month of the year in most places in the northern hemisphere. Alas, this also applies to Cyprus. Although winter on the island in the Mediterranean Sea pleases northerners with warmth. Perhaps, while vacationing in Limassol or Ayia Napa in the summer, you thought: what is Cyprus like in January? We will answer your unspoken question in this article. Yes, this is not a place for a beach holiday. The coasts are blissfully deserted. You can wander along the pebbles that are licked by the surf and not meet a single living soul. And if you are a seasoned person, you can even take a dip in the sea on the feast of the Epiphany. Still, not an ice hole, but plus sixteen. True, in January the Mediterranean Sea is often stormy. But if you are not fixated on a beach holiday, Cyprus can surprise and even amaze you.

Weather on the island in January

The Mediterranean climate has hot, dry summers and wet, warm winters. This is not the tropics, and if you are wondering whether it is worth going to Cyprus in January to swim and get a bronze tan, then we have to disappoint you. To enjoy the warm sea and heated sand of the beaches, you should go to Southeast Asia. But you won’t see snow in Cyprus either. Unless you go up the mountains. And it's worth doing at least once. Snow-covered pine trees and a view of the green coast and shining sea - you will get beautiful photos! As for the temperature at seaside resorts, in January the air warms up to eighteen degrees Celsius during the day. You can wear a light jacket. But at night the thermometer drops to eight degrees Celsius. Cyprus is famous for the fact that the sky over the island is clear 330 days a year. The only annoying thing is that the remaining 35 days fall in the winter. In January, you can expect about eleven rainy days. It should be taken into account that the eastern part of the island is drier than the western. Therefore, it is preferable to vacation in Protaras in January.

What Cyprus looks like in the off season

But don’t think that on the island in the middle of winter you can only see boarded-up stalls and closed hotels, like somewhere in Gelendzhik or Anapa. No, there are always tourists here. There are just fewer of them in winter. But January promises to be budget-friendly. After all, those hoteliers who decided not to close for the winter are desperately hunting for clients. As the reviews say, you should not book a deluxe room. Order “standard” - anyway, as a rare guest, you will be placed in a room of a higher category. Prices in hotels in Cyprus depend on the season. And in January they reach their “bottom”. As for restaurants and taverns, many of them continue to operate as usual. After all, locals also love gatherings over a glass of wine.

What to do in Cyprus in January

In the low season, the island finally begins to live its own life. Not ostentatious - for tourists, but very original. It's time to rent a car (or take a bus) and drive around small villages. Cypriots are extremely religious people. And although Orthodox Christmas is celebrated here according to the Gregorian calendar, there are also plenty of holidays in the second month of winter. On January 6th, churches christen water and hold solemn liturgies. It’s good to be in the church of Panagia tis Astinou (near the picturesque village of Kakopetria) or in the monastery of St. John Lampadist (near the capital of the country, Nicosia) on the day of Epiphany. Cyprus in January is also a wonderful shopping opportunity. There are officially no Christmas discounts in the country, but in fact many stores reduce prices on their goods. The best place for shopping is Nicosia. In the capital, the inscription: “Sales” can be found not only in large stores, but also in boutiques.

Ski holiday in Cyprus?

In January - reviews report this every year - snow falls on the island. After all, there are mountains in Cyprus. Despite the modest size of the island, there are two whole massifs. They stretch almost parallel to each other. In the north rises the Kyrenia mountain range, and at the southern tip is the Troodos range. The highest point of the island - Olympus (1951 meters above sea level) - is called by the Cypriots themselves Khionistra, that is, Snowy. The name speaks for itself - no amount of global warming can ruin the holiday for skiers. The skiing season on the island of Cyprus begins in January and ends in March. The first ski resorts appeared on the island in the Troodos Mountains during the rule of the British. Many tourists praise the base on the slopes of Olympus.

Excursions in Cyprus in January

Probably, when you vacationed on the island in the summer, you constantly faced a dilemma: lie on the beach or go to ancient and medieval attractions? And the first option often won. After all, going on an excursion in the heat, wandering through the ruins of ancient cities under the scorching sun is so tiring! And Cyprus in January is a completely different matter. Reviews from tourists claim that most excursion bureaus operate as usual in winter. It's time to go to Paphos and other interesting places on the island. By the way, some natural attractions of Cyprus open to the amazed eyes of tourists only in January. For example, the lake in Larnaca dries up in summer. And in winter, flocks of pink flamingos fly there. In January, oranges, tangerines, and lemons ripen. Citrus fruits are in bloom and the scent of orange blossom envelops the island in a breathtaking aura.

Events

Cypriots are a fun-loving people. And the lack of an influx of tourists is not an obstacle to noisy celebrations and parades. As already mentioned, Cyprus celebrates the Feast of Epiphany in January. On this occasion, mass celebrations are organized, like we have at Maslenitsa. The Cultural Winter festival starts in Ayia Napa in January. Every Thursday, the city's municipal concert hall hosts performances by dance and singing groups.

Cyprus today is a Mecca for Russian tourists. Previously, you didn’t even need a visa to get there. Now, with the entry of the island of Aphrodite into the European Union, it is no longer possible to do without an entry permit, but for our compatriots it is done in a simplified manner - online, without providing any documents. That's it, visa received! We're getting ready to fly. In order not to ruin your vacation, you need to be well prepared. What to take with you to Cyprus to get the most out of your vacation?

First of all, you need to have enough money with you. Everything here, of course, is purely individual, but there are also general concepts/ideas. If your needs are average, then an amount of 500 euros per week will be enough. This is the answer to the question of how much money to take to Cyprus. If the hotel is paid for on an all-inclusive basis, and you do not need to worry about your daily bread, then 200 euros will be enough. This money will be enough to visit a tavern a couple of times and try national cuisine, pay for a sunbed and umbrella on the municipal beach if necessary, and travel by public transport.

In the case of an excursion program, a boat trip on a yacht, diving and other similar entertainment, 500 euros per day may not be enough for you. For any vacation option, it is advisable to have a bank card with you so that you can use it if you run out of cash.

What else should you take with you to Cyprus? In no case do not forget to take a small first aid kit with you to the island, which should contain all the necessary means to treat insect bites, eating disorders, and heartburn. It is advisable to bring personal hygiene products and creams with you. It is quite possible that you will have to get used to the peculiarities of the local cuisine and water, so it is better to prepare in advance for minor troubles.

No one is saying that you won’t be able to buy anything on the island, but, firstly, some medications will require a prescription, secondly, local names may differ from their Russian counterparts, and thirdly, the cost of medications may differ significantly. Just in case, contact your insurance company or Russian-speaking doctors, of whom there are plenty here.

When thinking about what else to take with you to Cyprus, remember that you are arriving in a different climate zone, and you need to take care of appropriate clothing. Put shorts, dresses, sundresses, T-shirts, sandals, flip-flops for going to the beach and, just in case, sneakers along with a set of warm clothes in your suitcase.

Depending on the hotel, when deciding what to take to Cyprus, take care of various equipment: laptop, video camera, camera, phone, various adapters and chargers, iron and hair dryer. Of course, cigarettes and coffee (of high quality) can be bought on the island, but they are very expensive here and will make a noticeable hole in your budget. Bring a carton of cigarettes and a can of coffee with you. For comparison, try the local ones.

The last, but very important thing to take with you to Cyprus is the entire set of documents: passport, insurance, travel voucher. If you plan to rent a car, don't forget your driver's license.

Have a nice holiday!

1. Check your flight information on the information board and go to the check-in counters whose numbers are indicated on the board. When checking in, present your passport and ticket.
2. After checking in and boarding being announced, you must proceed to the appropriate areas for international flights.

Passengers on international flights undergo customs, passport and security control, after which they await departure in the sterile area of ​​the international airlines gallery. When going through security checks, you must present your passport and boarding pass.

When transporting animals or plants, it is necessary to undergo phytocontrol / veterinary control.

Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections

In accordance with Appendix No. 1 of the Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections, approved by order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104 prohibited from transporting on board the aircraft by passengers in checked baggage and in things carried by passengers, the following dangerous substances and objects:

Allowed to transport on board the aircraft by crew members and passengers, subject to the required conditions, the following items and substances:

• in checked baggage in cargo and luggage compartments of an aircraft with isolated passenger access to luggage during the flight:
  • crossbows, spearguns, checkers, sabers, cutlasses, scimitars, broadswords, swords, swords, bayonets, daggers, knives: hunting knives, knives with ejectable blades, with locking locks, simulators of any type of weapon;
  • household knives (scissors) with a blade length over 60 mm; alcoholic drinks containing more than 24%, but not more than 70% alcohol by volume in containers with a capacity of no more than 5 liters, in containers intended for retail trade - no more than 5 liters per passenger;
  • liquids and alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content by volume of no more than 24%;
  • aerosols intended for use for sports or household purposes, the release valves of the cans are protected by caps from spontaneous release of the contents in containers with a capacity of no more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml - no more than 2 kg or 2 liters per passenger;
• in things carried by passengers:
  • medical thermometer - one per passenger;
  • mercury tonometer in a standard case - one per passenger;
  • a mercury barometer or manometer, packed in a sealed container and sealed with the sender's seal;
  • disposable lighters - one per passenger;
  • dry ice for cooling perishable foods - no more than 2 kg per passenger;
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide - no more than 100 ml per passenger;
  • liquids, gels and aerosols classified as non-hazardous: in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml (or equivalent capacity in other units of volume measurement), packed in a securely closed transparent plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter - one bag per passenger.

Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml are not accepted for transportation, even if the container is only partially filled. Exceptions to transportation include medications, baby food, and special dietary needs.

Liquids purchased from duty-free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft must be packaged in a securely sealed plastic bag that allows the contents of the bag to be identified during the flight and has reliable confirmation that the purchase was made at airport duty-free shops. or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. Do not open the package either before boarding or during the flight.

The administration of the airport, airline, or operator has the right to decide to introduce additional measures to ensure aviation security on high-risk flights, and as a result prohibit the transportation of the following items in the aircraft cabin:

• corkscrews;
• hypodermic needles (unless medical justification is provided);
• knitting needles;
• scissors with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
• folding (without lock) travel, pocket knives with a blade length of less than 60 mm.

Flight time

The flight to Cyprus is about 4 hours.

Upon arrival at Larnaca, Paphos airport

Upon arrival at Larnaca, Paphos airport, go straight to passport control. Next, follow the step-by-step instructions:

Attention! Not all transfers are accompanied by guides.

Important! During the period 05.11.2018 - 20.04.2019, due to the winter season, not all transfers are accompanied by guides.
Information support for tourists is provided by phone number indicated on the information envelope that guests receive upon arrival at Larnaca airport.
In the Paphos region, prompt customer service is provided only by telephone.

In a hotel

1. Go to the reception, where you will be given a registration card.
2. Fill out the registration card in English.
3. Hand in the completed registration card, voucher (1 copy out of 3), foreign passport (the foreign passport will be returned to you after a photocopy is taken, check at the reception when you can pick up your passport).
4. Wait for check-in. Check-in at the hotel occurs at 14:00-15:00. If you want to check into a room earlier than the specified time, you must pre-book a room a day before your arrival date (for example, you arrive in Cyprus at 5 am on September 10, so as not to wait until 14:00-15:00 for check-in, you can book a room not from September 10, but from September 9. In this case, you will be checked into your room as soon as you arrive at the hotel). Upon check-in, you will be given room keys.
5. After checking into your room, review the information provided by the hotel. Pay attention to which services are paid and how much they cost (as a rule, the information is in a folder and lies on the table or bedside table).

Meeting with the hotel guide

The time of meeting with the hotel guide will be informed to you by the accompanying person (transferman) on the way to the hotel or by the TEZ TOUR representative at the airport if the transfer is carried out without a guide. At the appointed time, you must approach the hotel guide, who will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. To the meeting, take with you your passport, voucher, and return flight ticket.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact your hotel guide or the hotel reception. The guide’s coordinates (photo, name, mobile phone) and the hours when the guide is directly at the hotel are indicated on the TEZ TOUR information stand in the hotel lobby.

The day before your flight home

1. Go to the reception and check if you have any unpaid bills for additional services (use of a minibar, telephone, etc.). If you have any debts, pay them.
2. In the evening, go to the TEZ TOUR information stand or the hotel guide and check the departure and departure times from the hotel. To do this, you need to know the number of the return flight you are departing on.

Check out from the hotel

On the day of departure you must vacate your room and hand over your keys before 12:00.

You can leave your luggage in the hotel storage room.

To avoid various complications, please do not be late and arrive at the transfer at the specified time.

Arrival at Larnaca, Paphos airport for departure

1. Upon arrival at the airport, luggage is weighed and packed immediately at the entrance (if desired, for an additional fee).
2. Go to the check-in counter, where your flight number is indicated (the counter numbers will be additionally given to you by the attendant (transfer person) on the bus on the way to the airport).
3. Check in for your flight (provide your passport and ticket).
4. Drop your luggage at the front desk.
5. Get your boarding pass. Pay attention to the gate number and time for boarding the plane (on the boarding pass the gate is indicated by the word GATE, the time - TIME).
6. Go through passport control (provide your foreign passport).
7. Proceed to the departure hall, where you will wait for the boarding announcement for your flight.

Helpful information

Visa

From 05/04/2009, a simplified method of entry to Cyprus for citizens of the Russian Federation was introduced:

• tourists who have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa and have made at least one trip to the country that issued this visa can enter Cyprus;
• obtaining a pro-visa through the Cyprus consulate when applying for a tourist package (single entry for a stay of up to 90 days).

Medical service

All medical care in Cyprus is paid, but if you have an insurance policy, the service is provided free of charge or with subsequent reimbursement of expenses in accordance with the insurance policy (see the memo attached to the insurance policy). If an insured event occurs, you must contact the insurance company by phone numbers specified in the insurance policy. Only if you directly inform the insurance company and coordinate your actions with it, will free (or with subsequent reimbursement of expenses) service be provided. If you plan to engage in extreme activities in Cyprus, then take out a special insurance policy.

First aid kit

Before your trip, prepare and take with you a first aid kit, which will help you with minor ailments, save you time searching for medicines and eliminate the problems of communicating in a foreign language; in addition, many medicines may have different names in different countries.

Transport

There are 3 types of bus services in Cyprus:

• city ​​buses connecting city districts. They run from 06:00 to 19:00 with an interval of 20-30 minutes. One way fare is 1 euro;
• intercity buses run several times a day and connect cities;
• rural buses that connect villages with nearby towns.

There is also a classification Taxi. City taxis are equipped with taximeters and the price includes a landing fee. Day (06:00-20:30) and night (20:30-06:00) rates also apply. An additional fee is charged on holidays, as well as for each piece of baggage weighing more than 12 kg, waiting or being late.

Car rental

In Cyprus, traffic is on the left, Keep this in mind if you are planning to rent a car.

A car is rented to persons over 23 years of age and with at least 5 years of driving experience upon presentation of the following documents: driver's license, passport, credit card or a sufficient amount of cash for a mandatory deposit.

All cars have CASCO insurance. The minimum rental period is three days, the mileage is not limited. Make sure the car is fully insured, including headlights and glass. Gasoline is purchased independently, or the car can be provided with a full tank, in which case gasoline is paid additionally. In the event of an accident, the car must not be moved until the police arrive. The police may not speak Russian or English and you will not have the opportunity to explain your version of events, so you must immediately inform the company where you rented the car and the TEZ TOUR representative about what happened. Be sure to have your license, passport and car rental documents with you, as police checks are possible.

The shops

The shops have flexible opening hours; during the tourist season, many shops are open until late in the evening.

It is not customary to bargain in small shops and markets.

Souvenirs

The most popular purchases in Cyprus are handmade silver items, lace, icons, sweets (fruits in honey syrup, Shushuko (nuts in grape juice), Turkish delight), as well as olive oil, olives, wine, Halloumi cheese.

Time

Time in summer coincides with Moscow time, in winter it lags behind Moscow by 1 hour.

Money

The monetary unit of Cyprus is the euro. When importing another currency, it will need to be exchanged at exchange offices or banks. Bank branches are usually open on weekdays from 8:30 to 13:00.

Mains voltage

Mains voltage 220 V. Three-pin sockets with rectangular holes. To use your electrical appliances, you will need adapters, which can be purchased at any store or taken as a deposit (5-10 euros) at the hotel reception.

Religion

78% of the local population are Orthodox, 18% are Muslim.

Tips

As a rule, in restaurants and hotels in Cyprus, tips are included in the bill in the amount of 10%, so it is not necessary to leave them.

Customs

You can export up to $3,000 per person from Russia without obtaining a bank certificate. If you export up to $10,000 per person, the amount is subject to declaration and passage is carried out through the red corridor; if over USD 10,000 per person, then you must have bank documents with you.

Duty-free import is allowed: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 22% vol., 2 liters of wine with an alcohol content of less than 22% vol., no more than 0.06 liters of perfume, not more than 0.25 liters of eau de toilette.

The import of drugs, bladed weapons and firearms, fruits, fresh flowers and birds, and animal products (meat, fish, eggs, honey) weighing more than 1 kg is prohibited.

The following items are prohibited for export from Cyprus: items from archaeological excavations (including stones), items found on the shore or at the bottom of the sea, antiquities and works of art, animals and birds.

• For drinking, it is recommended to use mineral water, which can be purchased in the hotel shops and bars;
• We recommend storing jewelry, money and documents in the safe located in the room or in the safe at the reception;
• It is recommended to hand over your room key to the hotel reception. If you lose your key, please notify the hotel immediately.

Phones

January is not the beach season in Cyprus. But is it possible to relax there at this time? Experienced tourists assure that it is not only possible, but there are even good reasons for this. But so that your vacation is not overshadowed by the weather, you need to find out what it will be like in January. And if you prepare for a winter holiday in Cyprus, it will be wonderful!

What is the weather like in Cyprus in January?

Winter in Cyprus is cool. Of course, it is very different from most European countries where there is snow all winter. Temperatures in Cyprus in January usually take the following values:

• +14…15°C during the daytime,
• +9…10°C at night,
• about +16°C sea water.

It is clear that you won’t be able to sunbathe in this weather. We'll have to wait for the start of the holiday season: in April there will already be days when tourists walk around in shorts and T-shirts. And you will be able to swim from May, when the water in the sea becomes warm.


The weather in Cyprus in January is not pleasant even with sunshine. There are many cloudy days and the possibility of rain is high. However, it is necessary to make a reservation that the number of cloudy days is high specifically for Cyprus, called the sunny island. For many Europeans, especially those living in the North, January in Cyprus will seem quite bearable. The number of sunny and cloudy days is divided approximately in half at this time. And even on days when the sky is overcast, there may not be rain. In many countries, this weather is typical for summer, not winter. For all resorts in Cyprus, weather forecasters predict about seven rainy days in January.

However, you should prepare for strong winds. At a temperature of +15°C (and sometimes higher), it seems very pleasant to take a walk near the sea. But in a strong wind, such a walk will bring little pleasure. If you still want to breathe the sea air on the Cypriot beaches in January, wear waterproof windbreakers. This will protect against splashes from the sea and occasional rain.


Cyprus is ready to welcome skiers in January. It has its own ski resort, because snow falls in the Troodos Mountains in winter. The resort is quite modern, with trails of varying difficulty, equipment rental, and instructor services. Of course, it is inferior in infrastructure to the famous Austrian ski resorts. But Cyprus has another advantage: nature. The combination of snow-capped mountains and the sea coast simply fascinates tourists.

What to do in Cyprus in January?

If you are into skiing or snowboarding, you already have something to do in Cyprus. But if winter sports are far from you, you won’t be bored on the island.

Holidays in Cyprus in January can be diversified:

• getting to know Cypriot cuisine and wonderful local wines,
• excursions to historical sites,
• visiting temples,
• shopping,
• a trip to Salt Lake.

You can start getting acquainted with local cuisine and original wines, for example, Cypriot Commandaria, in January. After a walk in the fresh air, it’s so nice to find yourself in a tavern and order steaming meat, which Cypriots are experts in cooking. And of course, order a glass of local wine to go with the meat.

Excursions in January are also possible. Sometimes they will even be easier, because in the summer it can be difficult to see the sights in the heat. There are many places where excavations are being carried out in Cyprus, because the island has a long history. There are also many churches, mostly Christian. But there are also mosques in Cyprus, as a legacy after the conquest of the island by the Ottomans.


A memorable excursion in January will be a trip to Salt Lake. Pink flamingos live here only in winter. In summer, the lake dries up and becomes covered with a thick layer of salt (which is how it got its name), and the birds fly away from there. True, it is not always possible to see them well. They often live in the middle of the lake, away from people. It is best to arm yourself with binoculars in advance.

And finally, in January you can go shopping in Cyprus. What you can bring from Cyprus:

• fur coats (look for Greek manufacturers),
• coffee,
• olive oil,
• wine (only locally produced!),
• Lefkari lace (from local lacemakers),
• silver products,
• cosmetics with natural oils and herbal ingredients.

Many fashionistas believe that in Cyprus you can inexpensively buy clothes and shoes from European brands. But you need to understand this well, otherwise you risk purchasing something made by hardworking Chinese. It is still better to go to Italy for real and inexpensive Italian shoes.

What is the most important advantage of a January holiday in Cyprus? It's simple - prices. The cost of flights and accommodation will be several times cheaper than in summer. Therefore, prudent tourists go to Cyprus in January. Beautiful nature, an entertaining excursion program, profitable shopping, the absence of crowds of people on city streets - all this will happen in winter in Cyprus. And the weather... Well, if you dress warmly and sometimes warm up with a glass of wine in a tavern, you can come to terms with the weather!

Let me make it clear right away that I am not going to force my opinion on anyone. How many people - so many tastes.

But for those who have never been to Cyprus and are planning to go there, I think my information will help make their vacation enjoyable. We are talking about May-June in Limassol and Ayia Napa.

1. Flight.

There is no big difference between the quality of charter and regular flights. Moreover, the 3 - 3.5 hour flight from Sherematiego-2 to Larnaca passes quite unnoticed. Buy a magazine at the airport and read it during the flight. Food and drinks are typical; charters do not serve alcohol. All flights are non-smoking. Even in IL-86.

2. Larnaca Airport and transfer.

After leaving the plane, you will be driven to the airport entrance. You will enter the doors and see passport control booths directly in front of you. The main problem is that there can be a very long queue at passport control. If you are not traveling alone, stand in different queues for different booths. Then figure out where it goes faster. Do not queue for the booths on the far left where there is a blue EEC sign with stars. they serve only European Commonwealth countries.

While you are standing in line, pick up a tourist entry card from any booth. It must be filled out in English. Flight number, first name, last name, country of residence, date of birth, date of departure from Cyprus. When it's your turn, present your passport, card and airline ticket to the officer at the booth. He will put a stamp and give you the documents. Then you will go out into the hall, where you will pick up your luggage and then to the exit to the city.

At the very exit on the right side there are counters of various travel companies. Your meeting guide should be there. He will mark your arrival on his list and tell you the bus number. When you find the bus you need in the parking lot right in front of the airport (the airport is small and so is the parking lot), go up to the driver and name your hotel again - let him confirm that this particular bus goes to your hotel. Then the paths diverge - some to Limassol, some to Ayia Napa. The distance is approximately the same and it takes 40 - 50 minutes to get there and there. Maybe a little less. Depends on the driver. At the hotel you need to fill out a form in English (they love these cards!). First name, last name, arrival-departure, home address, profession, etc. If you really get stuck, don’t hesitate to ask the “receptionist” how to fill it out. In the best cases, guides help fill it out.

3. Hotel.

Do not choose a hotel because of its beautiful name or on the advice of a travel company. This is clear. Surf the Internet, look at hotel descriptions on different sites. Look at the maps showing the location of the hotels. If you want a restful sleep, do not choose a hotel near the road. Buses, trucks and motorcycles emit sounds that will make you feel like you're in Formula One. Or book a room with a sea view. But it costs more. The floor also matters. The higher, the quieter. Don't forget about the "folklore evenings" that will be held at your hotel. This is when a couple of singers with an electronic piano perform in a restaurant from 21.00 to 24.00. About the "star rating" of hotels. My experience has shown that this makes a big difference. The more stars, the more expensive it is, but also the better. This is true. The breakfast is better, the service, even the little things, such as soap, shower gel, napkins, etc., change of linen, room interior, serviceability and quietness of the air conditioner, availability of hot and cold (!) water. If you don’t want to look at shabby walls and sleep on stained sheets, choose 4-5*.

The location of the hotel in relation to the city center, the beach and the tourist area matters. If you want to live in a hotel on the first line from the sea, not far from the city center, but not so close to it, then in Limassol I would give preference to the hotels Apollonia Beach 5*, Four Seasons 5* Amathus Beach 5*, Mediterranean Beach 4*, Holiday Inn 4*. In Ayia Napa these are Grecian Bay 5*, Nissi Beach 4*, Adams Beach 4*.

4. Structure of cities.

Both Limassol and Ayia Napa consist of three belts. If we go from the sea, we will cross: a strip of beach, then here and there a strip of green space, then the main road, then the city itself begins - houses, shops, offices, banks, etc. Ayia Napa is such a small town that there is only one serious intersection and a single traffic light on it. Souvenir shops and cafes are located along the road and in the very center of the city. Also in the center there are several nightlife establishments - clubs, discos. There are no markets. Limassol is larger in size and has more shops, offices and traffic lights. In both cities there are a huge number of taxis that can take you from one end of the city to the other. There are also regular buses. The cities are clean, but here and there on the beaches there are cigarette butts, cocktail straws, and bags of peanuts. In cities, something is being built all the time and you can see heaps of construction waste. There are small abandoned vacant lots with elements of garbage and weeds. But all these negative aspects are insignificant.

5. Services and prices.

The currency in Cyprus is the Cypriot pound. Consists of 100 cents. In May - June, the exchange rate of the Cypriot pound to the dollar is 1:1.62. Those. for 1 dollar you will get 0.62 Cypriot pounds. Beaches are paid. Some hotels have their own free sun loungers on the beaches, but there are few of them. A sun lounger with mastras costs 1 pound, the same price for an umbrella. There are cafes on the beaches. There you can buy sandwiches, ice cream, salads, chips, hot dogs, drinks, etc. Much of what is in the cafe can be bought in shops near the beach - it’s cheaper there. There are showers on the beaches - 20 cents per shower. Shops for tourists in the tourist area and in cities sell absolutely original souvenirs and products. In the center of Limassol there are several shops selling branded goods (clothing, shoes, cosmetics), as well as a couple of department stores with European quality goods.

There are no similar stores in Ayia Napa. There are jewelry stores with exclusively 750 gold and silver. I can't say anything about the quality, but it looks very nice. In Limassol there are a couple of “fur and leather” stores that sell good things. There is no fur or leather in Ayia Napa. There are several stores with leather goods, but the quality of the products is very average. Lots of wonderful fruits and vegetables. Watermelons, cherries, strawberries, peaches, apricots, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes - all grown in Cyprus and of excellent quality.

Cafes and restaurants serve local dishes - leftiko, aphelia and other meat dishes. The quality is good and worth a try. Be sure to try fish dishes in fish restaurants. Cypriot dry white and red wines are good. The average cost of dinner for two with salad, hot food, alcohol and dessert is 20 -40 pounds. Depends on the restaurant and the amount of alcohol.

Products in stores:
mineral water 1.5 l - 0.45 lbs,
natural orange juice 1l - 1.20 pounds,
pistachios 150g - 3.15 pounds,
sliced ​​cheese 150g - 1.9 pounds,
sliced ​​ham 150g - £1.60,
yogurt - 0.60 lbs, 1kg cherries - 3 lbs.

Souvenirs:
ceramics - 2.50 - 20 pounds,
lace - 2 - 160 pounds,
small sculpture - 0.95 - 8 pounds,
T-shirts, scarves, caps - 3-15 pounds.

If you want to read something, bring literature with you. In Cyprus, popular Russian reading material is sold, but it is expensive - 6 pounds for a small book. Telephone conversation with Russia - 25 cents per minute. Any store sells telephone cards. After 23.00 and on weekends there are discounts. There are car, motorcycle and bicycle rentals in the cities. On the beaches there is jetskiing, scuba diving, parasailing.

6. Cautions.

There is practically no crime in Cyprus and you don’t have to worry about your wallet or things in your room. However, I would not recommend taking a lot of cash, mobile phone or jewelry to the beach. There is a safe in the room, which can be used for a fee. You can walk the streets all night long without fear for your life. Cypriots are Orthodox and treat Russians well. Many people in Cyprus speak Russian.

Be careful driving on the left.

There are no scary insects or reptiles to be wary of in Cyprus.

In May-June it is very hot in Cyprus and there is practically no rain. Temperature is about +35C. Be careful in the sun. Use sunscreen and after-sun lotion. This is especially dangerous for children. It's very easy to get burned.

7. Back to Russia.

When you arrive at the airport, you will go to your airline's check-in counters. After registration, you will need to take a green card from the counter and fill it out in English. The same as when entering, only a different color. Then pass passport control and you will find yourself in the departure hall, where you will see a large cafe, Duty Free and TVs hung here and there with information for departing passengers. Find your flight and find out the gate number. And then, with peace of mind, you can go to Duty Free or sit in a cafe.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you find it useful. Ask questions - I will be happy to answer them.

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40 comments

Question about luggage...
what is the best thing to do in Sh-2: stuff all the junk into a couple of small bags and take them as hand luggage, or dump everything into one large one and calmly check it in as luggage?? How long will you then have to wait for your luggage in the arrivals hall? I read here how in Sh-2 they manage to send things on the wrong flights - you don’t want to find yourself in Cyprus without things during your vacation and devote all your time to figuring out the fate of your junk :(

questions
Are there safes on the beaches so you can put away your gold and money before swimming? Do they sell our vodka or will you take it with you? Will three pieces be enough for me and my friend for a week, or should I take more? Can our mobile phones be picked up there?

Reply to Sergei
Of course, if all the junk fits into small bags, it’s better to take it with you to the salon. Moreover, if you fly on an IL-86, there are spacious shelves. I have not experienced any loss of luggage. The wait won't be long. The transfer bus will wait for you anyway.

Reply to Vitya
There are no safes on the beach. Vodka - 15 Cypriot pounds for half a liter of Stolichnaya. If a friend likes jewelry with diamonds or a dress from Dior and you want to buy something from them, then three pieces will not be enough for a week. Restaurants are cheaper compared to Moscow, an excursion to Israel-Egypt - 100-120 Cypriot pounds per person. Cell phones can be received without problems if you are connected to roaming.

Untitled
Everything is written correctly, only we vacationed in Ayia Napa in the Kermia Beach luxury apartments and used sunbeds and umbrellas for free. I completely agree with the author that you need to take 4-5 star hotels (we have never taken anything lower), then there will be no disappointments. But if you are traveling in early May, take warm clothes - we were freezing for the first week from May 8-15 - there were strong hurricane winds, rain and cool. But from 15-22 it was hot.

Ayia Napa
I bought a ticket to Ayia Napa, but judging by your story, there is nothing to do there. Is it really that bad or have you simply not given Ayia Napa the attention it deserves?

Reply to Lena
No, no, I never said that Ayia Napa is bad. There are discos and night clubs there. But there are few of them and they are concentrated in the very center. There is a small water park. Folklore evenings are held in hotels, but, to be honest, this is more suitable for those over 50. On the beaches you can scuba dive, rent a jet ski, and fly with a parachute. But Ayia Napa is a very small city. Much smaller than Limassol. If you have the means, you can always rent a car and go to Larnaca or Limassol. A taxi to Larnaca will cost you about 20 pounds. Of course, if you are a fan of luxury holidays, it is better to go to Nice or Aspen. They say you can have a lot of fun in the Canary Islands.

excursions
As far as I know, almost all the monasteries there are active. Will they be allowed in in trousers or is it necessary to go there in a skirt?

Reply Jane
They'll let you in in trousers. Shorts, swimsuits, too open T-shirts and short skirts are unacceptable.

From the author: How to relieve sunburn
After talking with many people who have been to resorts and received sunburn, I realized that this topic is relevant not only to me. My skin is very sensitive to the sun, however, I love to sunbathe and I do it quite well. My recipes are tested from my own experience and I share them with you: Sunscreen (Johnson, Nivea, Garnier) is good, but using it constantly, you will hardly get a tan. There can be no talk of any “bronze” skin. Use it for the first 2-3 days. Let your skin get used to the sun. Then, if you want to tan, use the following method: Take with you to the resort: Oil solution of vitamins E and A, sea buckthorn oil, tea tree oil, aloe tincture, brewer's yeast in tablets. Buy Nivea after sun lotion for sensitive skin (if you buy in Cyprus - after sun lotion for sensitive skin Nivea). I prefer this milk to all others. Throughout your trip, take yeast as directed on the label - it contains a full complex of B vitamins, which helps skin and hair regenerate and resist the sun. Mix the oils with milk (a little oil, more milk), add a few drops of aloe. Mix and apply sparingly to the skin of the body and face morning, afternoon and evening. After every swim and shower. The skin gets very dry in the sun, even oily skin, and you will see for yourself how your skin literally absorbs this “cream”. Take cool showers whenever possible, use only the mildest shower gels, and avoid lotions containing alcohol. If the burn is severe, take aspirin. Don't forget to fuel your body with vitamin C - fruits and vegetables. Kefir and yogurt are good, but it is better to take them internally. All this helped me a lot in Cyprus. Remember that my recipe is good for those who are not allergic to the listed components, but for children it is still better to use children's sunscreen throughout the trip.