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As we have already said, the advantages of a vacation in Cyprus are obvious: to get from Ukraine is not far, the climate is perfect for a beach vacation (from May to November), and the rich cultural heritage and developed infrastructure make the island an ideal option for a vacation.
Although Cyprus does not belong to the Schengen zone, it is included in the list of countries to which Ukrainians from June 11, 2017 can enter with biometric passports without visas. Lack of a biometric passport is not a problem either: a Cyprus visa is very easy to obtain and it's free. All you need is to send a completed electronic application and wait for a reply letter with a special code (sent within 24 hours), which is presented together with the passport on arrival. One nuance: such a visa is issued only if you arrive on the island through the airport of Larnaca or Paphos - and no other way. In all other cases, you will have to apply for a visa through the embassy.
Cyprus is suitable for many different types of vacations - from a solo trip to a family trip. Thus, for lovers of the vibrant nightlife and beaches will be suitable for Limassol, Ayia Napa and Protaras, where discos, clubs and parties abound. For a taste of the island's history, head to Larnaca, Limassol and Kyrenia, which is located in Northern Cyprus.
You can book a hotel in Cyprus with a discount of up to -65% on the website.
But if you decide to go to Cyprus with the whole family, it is worth looking at such resorts as Ayia Napa, (from the obvious advantages - beaches with a smooth entrance to the sea, developed infrastructure, professional animators and the largest water park in Europe), Protaras and Paphos (the most peaceful resort in Cyprus).
You can get from Ukraine to Cyprus by air. The fastest way is to fly from Kyiv: flights are either direct or with one connection. The cheapest flights are from Kyiv to Larnaca.
Most of the flights from Ukraine to Cyprus are operated by Wizz Air, and less frequently by Aegean Airlines. It is better to look for tickets in advance, as this direction is very popular from April to November. If in advance you manage to find tickets for about 100 euros round trip, then closer to the dates of travel they can cost 300-400 euros for one person in both directions.
Having stepped on Cypriot soil, it is worth taking care of where, in fact, you will live during your stay on the island (if you have not done it in advance). Fortunately, Cyprus is very comfortable in this respect: even in the "high" season from July to September it is quite realistic to find inexpensive and comfortable accommodation here.
The island offers its guests different accommodation options - from hotels/hotels to mini-hotels and apartments. Prices are very affordable: for example, in August 2017 a double room in a hotel costs from €70, and a family room can be rented for €200 per night. In the fall, prices are higher - from €65 for a single room. A studio room starts from €50 per night for one person, while apartment prices start from €45.
Having sorted out the organizational aspects, it's time to try everything that this sunny Mediterranean island has to offer. And here it starts to seem that Cyprus has a lot, if not everything. It is worth starting with tasting the local delicious cuisine - it is a must for a vacation in Cyprus. In the culinary tradition of Cypriots surprisingly (and most importantly - very organically) coexist features of Greek, Arabic, Lebanese, Turkish and even English (!) cuisine. The basics are meat and fish, as well as fresh vegetables, herbs and spices. Gourmets will be pleased by the abundance of all kinds of appetizers and sauces (for example, tzatziki sauce - unsweetened, thick, like yogurt, with cucumbers, mint and garlic).
When going to any tavern in Cyprus, be sure to order, for example, grilled halloumi cheese, pickled vegetables or feta baked with vegetables and olives. From the main meat dishes we advise you to pay attention to kleftiko (young lamb, which is stewed in the oven for several hours, thanks to which it acquires fabulous taste and aroma) and souvlaki (analog of kebab from lamb, pork or chicken). Krasato is another favorite of the locals, it is pork marinated in wine and coriander. Stifado (beef first roasted and then stewed in red wine and spices) and aphelia (pork marinated in wine and spices and baked in a pot) are also worth trying. And, of course, do not forget meze - a complex dish of ten or even more dishes, which are served one after another in small portions: first appetizers and vegetables, then hot appetizers and then only the main course. Keep in mind that the portions here are quite large (meze, for example, is ordered for at least two people), so when going for lunch, it is worth calculating your strength in advance.
If you want to try truly authentic Cypriot cuisine, go to the taverns in the Troodos Mountains.
To appreciate the skills of Cypriot chefs, you should look at the small cafes and family-run taverns, where you will find the most delicious dishes, prepared according to old home recipes and using only fresh local produce.
There are plenty of great places to eat in Cyprus, where you can enjoy a delicious and inexpensive meal. For example, in Paphos is Rosatello Pub & Restaurant (address: Danaes Avenue 6, Byreva Complex 8, Paphos). Here you will taste amazing moussaka and lamb, and for dessert order homemade apple pie. Akis Tavern (Acheleia village, on the old road to Paphos airport) serves authentic Cypriot meze, while in Nicosia you should visit Piatsa Gourounaki, Cook Shop and Souvlaki Bar, and if you're in Limassol, check out Meze Taverna (we think you can see why!) and Nama Tavern - you'll taste all the traditional Cypriot dishes here.
But Cyprus will please the traveler not only with gastronomic delights: the island can offer a lot of entertainment for a relaxing vacation. When you (and suddenly!) get tired of lounging on the beach, go to the birthplace of Aphrodite - in the city of Paphos to see with your own eyes the bay of Petra-tu-Romiu, where, according to legend, and emerge from the foam of the sea goddess. They say that if you swim here, you can get eternal youth and beauty. Who knows, what if the waters of the Mediterranean Sea still retain the magic power of the past?
Want to experience the real atmosphere of Cyprus without the glamor and tourist gloss? Take a day trip to the village of Agros. The round trip will cost you less than €10, but you'll walk the ancient streets and see the sights. You will visit the church of Panagia Eleusa, built on the ruins of an ancient monastery, and of course, admire the local roses. There are hundreds of them, of all different shades and varieties, so it seems as if the whole village is drowned in pink foam. And as a souvenir of your trip, you can buy local glico jam - made of watermelon, melon, nuts or even carrots!
But if you're lucky enough to be in Cyprus in September don't miss the festival in Limassol. It lasts for 10 days, during which local producers - both famous wineries and private wineries - offer guests to taste the best wines on the island, and all this with music, dancing and tasting of Cypriot cuisine. Entrance to the festival costs about €6.
Cyprus is rich in historical heritage. Fans of antiquity on the island should see such places as the castle of St. Hilarion (Kyrenia) and the ruins of the city of Kourion near Limassol (ticket price € 4.5) St. Lazarus Church in Larnaca, the Archaeological Park near the harbor of Kato Paphos, where you can explore ancient ruins, frescoes and mosaics (entrance €4.5), and Kyrenia Castle (ticket costs €4.5), where you will be told about the glorious history of Cyprus and the castle-fortress itself.
Those who are not used to sleeping at night will be delighted to discover that Cyprus has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a huge selection of bars, nightclubs and discos to confuse even the most seasoned party-goer! Some of the places you should never miss out on are Heaven Rock Garden, Bedrock Inn and the famous Castle Club, one of the top 100 clubs in the world, in Ayia Napa. In Larnaca, check out Ammos Beach Bar, where the best guest DJs from around the world regularly play, as well as XS Night & Day Club, Deep Nightclub and Koo Beach Bar.
If your choice is Limassol, you can have a blast at Guaba Beach Bar, where the world's best DJs play on Sundays, or visit Breeze Summer Club for some great dance music.
Enjoy your trip!
