Cyprus is an amazing destination for a lot of travelers. Incredible views, a warm climate, and clean sandy beaches are a small part of the things that attract foreigners. If, by chance you have not been to Cyprus before here are some things you need to know.
Location
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located about 80km (50 mi) south of the coast of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, north of Egypt, and east of Greece. The island is shared by the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus (a country recognized only by Turkey).
Square: 9.251 km²
Population: 1.22 million
The capital city: Nicosia (Lefkosia).
The largest cities: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos, Morphou, and Kyrenia.
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Greek and Turkish (official), the most popular foreign languages: English, Russian, French, and German
Climate
Summer: Long dry (from mid-May to mid-Oct)
High temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas.
Temp: range between 38° C and 27° C.
Sea Temperatures: range between 27° C and 22° C.
Winter: mild (from Dec to Feb)
Winters are mild with rain, and snow in the Troodos Mountains.
Temp: range between 5° C and 0° C.
Cypriot cuisine
Cypriot cuisine is influenced by the Mediterranean diet. There are a few key factors that determine the unique combination of tastes and ingredients.
For one, the climate is a factor that helps many fruits and vegetables grow, as well as the olive oil which has many health benefits. Cypriots use fresh, local ingredients for the food they serve.
You can find also different kinds of Cuisines that come from the East and give you the chance of trying different flavors that you may haven’t before.
Generally, Cypriots prefer to have long-lasting lunches and late dinners. Due to this fact, some restaurants are not opened until 7 p.m.
A shortlist of the most popular Cypriot traditional meals: Halloumi, Tarhana, Sheftalies, Koupepia, Souvlakia.
Winter and Summer Tourism
The quality of your time spent in Cyprus doesn`t depend on the time of the year, as the weather is usually always good. Cyprus offers loads of excursions, extreme activities, and wandering places.
Winter
Winter vacation in Cyprus offers you a big variety of events, excursions, and activities. Here are some activities, about what to do in winter:
- Hiking ( the high time, due to the temperature);
- Excursions (for example in Paphos, Nicosia, rural villages…)
- Boat Trips;
- Wandering;
- Skiing (the best place is in Troodos)
Summer
The best time to visit Cyprus in Summer is mid-June or mid-August due to the extremely high temperature and humidity. You can do such types of activities as:
- Scuba diving in Larnaca;
- Exploring the Akamas Peninsula;
- Swimming in the Adonis baths and waterfalls;
- Excursions (in Kurion, Paphos..).
Find more about the most entertaining and gripping vocation in Cyprus on our blog.
The best resorts (2022)
Grecian Bay Hotel
(Ayia Napa)
Nissiblu Beach Resort
(Ayia Napa)
Constantinou Bros Asimina
Suites Hotel (Paphos)
Alexander The Great
Beach Hotel (Paphos)
Almyra
(Paphos)
GrandResort
(Agios Tychon)
Elysium Hotel
(Paphos)
Capo Bay Hotel
(Protaras)
Elexus Hotel & Resort
& Spa (Kyrenia)
Grecian Park Hotel
(Protaras)
5 interesting facts about Cyprus
- Cyprus is one the oldest wine producing countries in the world.
- Cyprus officially has the cleanest and safest cities in Europe.
- Cyprus is the only place, where the cheese “Halloumi” can be legally be produced.
- The oldest perfumes were found in Cyprus.
- According to legend, the Goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born near Paphos, Cyprus.
Airports
Larnaca international airport (the biggest)
Less than 5km outside of the coastal city Larnaca
Paphos International Airport
6.5 km southeast of the city of Paphos, Cyprus
Available Transport
Public transport compared to using both options: buses and taxis.
Taxi: Base fare – €3.42, Price per km – €0.73
Bus: 1 Euro- one way, 2 Euro- daily
(Children under 12, Cypriot soldiers, students for free)
You can also rent a car. The cheapest rental fee is €5 per day. Nevertheless, be careful due to the left-sighted traffic.
Friendly tips: Even if buses are the cheapest option, the most convenient way to travel is by car. But you can not get used to the particular traffic system. We highly recommend you choose a transfer. It will save you time, help you avoid stress and unexpected situations. You can easily plan your vacation with AtoB Transfer and choose the most suitable option from a wide variety of cars and facilities. Book our transfer service and leave your worries at home!
You can also find more about the historical attractions, top places to visit, and other interesting facts about Cyprus in our blog!
