Is it worth going to Cyprus? Everything about holidays in Cyprus: reviews, tips, guide What is good about holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus attracts travelers with its mild climate, warm and clean sea, long tourist season, pleasant service and delicious food. Russians also like it because they can apply for a pro-visa in southern part countries can be visited for free right from home, and to visit Turkish Northern Cyprus you do not need a visa at all.

On a relatively small island, not only two warring states fit, but also two dissimilar ones mountain range Kyrenia and Troodos, capital Nicosia, also divided between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, And a large number of ancient monuments lying at the intersection of European and Eastern cultures.

Many city names still have three variants - Greek, Turkish and colonial. For example, Nicosia can be Lefkosia and Lefkosa depending on who is talking about it.

When to go

The tourist season in Cyprus is very long. You can swim from May to October, and sunbathe even longer. Best time for a trip: late spring and early autumn, when the air is not too hot and the sea has already warmed up. At the height of summer, the air temperature can rise to +40 ° C, the water is so warm that it is not even refreshing.

Travelers who go to Cyprus in the spring can enjoy the greenery and flowering trees, but by autumn all the vegetation burns out in the sun, the island looks dry and deserted.

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Beach holiday

Most travelers come to Cyprus to sunbathe and swim. The beaches on the island are covered with yellow or white sand, sometimes interspersed with small pebbles, many of them are awarded the Blue Flag. The entrance to the water is flat almost everywhere, and the sea is clean and pleasant.

In the Republic of Cyprus, all beaches are municipal, entry is free, you only have to pay for sunbeds with umbrellas, but you can sunbathe on a towel. Northern Cyprus has both free and private stretches of coastline.

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Excursion holidays

Almost all interesting places Cyprus is located along the coast, so you can combine beach holiday with sightseeing. It’s amazing how so many ancient ruins, museums, monasteries, religious sites and uniquely beautiful corners of nature fit into such a small area.

By the way, on “Subtleties” experienced guides offer a lot of exciting excursions around Cyprus.

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The sights of Nicosia deserve special attention - the magnificent Old Town, divided between two states and surrounded by an almost perfectly round fortress wall, the Archaeological Museum, which is worth a few hours to explore, and the modern, but well-stylized Archbishop's Palace.

Many travelers study with interest the ghost town of Varosha, which does not belong to any of the countries that divided the island in 1974. Local residents left the city, and gradually, over the past almost 50 years, it fell into disrepair. It is impossible to get into Varosha; it is examined through a telescope with observation deck near the village of Derynia, located 10 km from Ayia Napa.

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Active recreation and entertainment

In addition to visiting the sights and spending lazy time on seashore, tourists can enjoy active recreation, for example, hiking along the Camel Trail in the Troodos Mountains or taking a boat trip from Larnaca or Paphos to Lara Bay with a hatchery station where endangered loggerhead turtles are helped to survive. On the island you can practice almost all kinds of sports - from windsurfing to cycling, from diving to golf (the only thing you shouldn’t forget is diving or yachting, for example).

Those interested in wines go on trips to the wine regions of Cyprus - to the Krosochoria region in the southwestern part of Troodos.

Particularly lucky will be those whose trip coincides with local holidays - the Apokreo carnival, which takes place in Limassol and lasts two weeks until Lent, the May flower festival Antestiria, music festivals at Bellapais Abbey and Larnaca.

Who will like it in Cyprus

Holidays in Cyprus are suitable for everyone, because it amazes with the variety of opportunities, activities and entertainment. The main thing is to choose the right resort.

Many beaches are designed for families with children - fine soft sand, a gentle entrance to the water and the absence of waves, and in the cities all kinds of entertainment await children - from water parks to playgrounds. Young and active travelers can go to hiking to the mountains, go diving, golf, hang gliding, windsurfing, tennis and even ride alpine skiing in the Olympus area. Those who like sightseeing will also not be bored - ancient ruins, ancient cities, there are modern museums and aquariums in almost every resort. Elderly tourists will appreciate the hospitality local residents, quiet evenings in restaurants by the sea, amazingly beautiful nature and a pleasant climate.

With the start of the holiday season, many Russians begin to think about vacation, and a lot of questions arise about which country to choose - Cyprus, Greece or Turkey. Traveling abroad is now very easy. It must be said right away that many consider Turkey not a very good choice for a holiday, but this is not the case and now we will try to figure out what the advantages and disadvantages of the above countries are.

How long does it take to fly from Moscow?

There are regular and regular flights to all three countries. charter flights. You can fly to Turkey in 2.5–4 hours, depending on the resort destination. For example, in the summer during the high season, daily charter flights fly from Moscow to Antalya and Istanbul, and to Dalaman - 3 times a week.

What climate prevails?

In Cyprus The climate is moderate and beach holidays here last from mid-May to the end of October. Winter on the island is short and on average the air temperature does not drop below +17°C ... +19°C. But winter is only suitable for excursion holidays.

And here in Turkey you can have a great rest both in summer and winter, as there are several beautiful ski resorts such as: Kartalkaya, Palandoken, Uludag and Sarykamysh. You can also enjoy excellent health benefits here, as there are many thermal hot springs and mineral waters. These are resorts such as: Kangal, Pamukkale and Yalova.

In Greece The climate is Mediterranean and here, just like in Cyprus, you can relax almost all year round. But the best time to come here for a beach holiday is from May to October. At the beginning of spring and at the end of autumn, the heat will not tire you and the weather is excellent. For a holiday with children in Greece, it is best to choose the island of Crete or Rhodes, which are located in the south of the country and washed by Mediterranean Sea, where the water is much warmer than in the Aegean and the beaches are cleaner and more comfortable.

Types of beaches and hotel service

If you love white and sandy beaches, then you should choose Cyprus or Greece as your holiday destination. The best beaches in Cyprus are located in Ayia Napa and Protaras, and one of the most picturesque beaches is Nissi Beach. Holidays with children on such beaches will be very comfortable. All conditions have been created here for a child. Young people prefer to relax, sunbathe, swim and do the most various types sports on Makronissos beach.

In Greece, too, the beaches are mostly sandy, but they are all municipal and therefore you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas every day. You should also take into account that on the mainland resorts of Greece the beaches are noisier and more crowded than on the islands.

Hotels in Cyprus are of all categories - from inexpensive budget to fashionable five-star ones, and the level of service is much higher than in the same hotels in Greece. Moreover, even two-star hotels in Cyprus have air conditioning in their rooms and have recently increasingly offered an all-inclusive system. It should also be noted that, unlike Turkey, hotels in Cyprus or Greece do not have animation everywhere. Children will have to be entertained on their own.

But Turkey can offer you much more - comfortable rooms, an all-inclusive system, 24-hour animation, babysitting services, a children's menu, as well as many other entertainments for children and adults. And all this is on the territory of the hotel.

Cyprus, Greece or Türkiye, which is better?

Summarizing all of the above we can say with confidence that in all three directions the holiday will be unforgettable. But for those who love a good beach holiday and a lot of entertainment, it’s better to stop your choice in Turkey and buy inexpensive tour or a voucher. Cyprus still presupposes a more calm and measured type of relaxation, and Greece is a beach holiday combined with numerous excursions.

Mediterranean resorts are popular among both the elite and ordinary middle-income tourists. But like everyone else tourist destination There are 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 peak summer season. For tourists who prefer leisure It will be more interesting on the Antalya coast, and for families with small children in Cyprus 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 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 clean white sand. The most popular among them are located in Ayia Napa and Protoras.

Cypriot hotels can only have separate sites, since all local beaches– 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 own beaches, sometimes with additional fees 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 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 famous for its animation programs, including for little guests. But most hotels offer incendiary noisy discos until early morning, which is not suitable for families with children.

On the other hand, if we consider Belek, famous for its five star hotels and an excellent option for family vacation. 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 resort area not cheap either. Alcoholic drinks are especially expensive (a 0.5 liter bottle of raki costs $20) and water (up to $3 per 0.5 liter). Lunch in a cafe will cost up to 20 dollars or more. But it is 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 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 - perfect 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 - May holidays 2019 then summer months and finally the Velvet 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. Rule early booking always works, but you still have to run for “last minute deals”.

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 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 their 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 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. Geographical position the resort is of great importance.

Therefore, if your vacation falls at the beginning of 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, Türkiye 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 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 implies that you feed on " buffet", that is, you have at your disposal an unlimited amount of food, 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 about entertainment. In most hotels, even three-star ones, provided entertainment for 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. You can’t find it even on many excursions 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.

Enough pebbles and sandy beaches and 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. Sunbeds and additional amenities 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 big amount architectural and historical monuments. In Turkey, you can go on an educational excursion to the capital Istanbul, visit and improve your health at 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 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 great option for a big 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, Türkiye 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.