Pros and cons of holidays in Cyprus. Cyprus or Türkiye - which is better for a holiday? Friendliness of the locals

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, and 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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Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, which is ideal for a beach holiday in the summer season.

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 cultures 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 good, 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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Good afternoon.

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!

Who doesn’t know about the beautiful island of Cyprus with its gentle turquoise sea, warm climate and tourist season all three hundred and sixty-five days a year. Despite the fact that the tourist boom around this island occurred in the 90s of the last century, holidays in Cyprus and to this day has not lost its attractiveness, but tours to Cyprus are still popular today.

Thanks to a very simple (compared to other developed EU countries) procedure for obtaining a residence permit, many of our compatriots live in Cyprus. Some come to the island to work and then stay forever: immigrating to Cyprus with a business idea, or opening your own business here, is quite easy and does not require significant expenses.

The island's authorities are interested in Cyprus maintaining and developing its reputation as an entertainment and recreation center, so significant funds are invested in the tourism industry, and local residents, whose main income is highly dependent on the island's guests, are very welcoming to foreigners. You can come here all year round and take with you pleasant impressions and bright memories. Of course, there are not only pros and cons to a holiday in Cyprus. Before you purchase, tours to Cyprus let's try to look at both the positive and negative sides and start with the negative.

Minus the first one. Be prepared for the fact that food (especially wine and meat and fish dishes) and transport (taxi) are very expensive in Cyprus. In addition, taxi drivers do not give change if it is small. You can also travel around the island by bus, but they run extremely rarely.

Minus the second one. Photographers accustomed to bringing back gigabytes of images from vacation should submit a written request before photographing local government attractions. Naturally, sending a request and receiving a response will take some time. The border zone between the two parts of the island, military installations and military personnel, as well as the decoration of some churches, are prohibited from photographing at all.

Minus the third. Those who like to splash around in the sea for fun should be aware that in winter, swimming in open water can be quite cold. In addition, a lot of algae can be brought to the coast of the island - this phenomenon is unpredictable and can happen in any season.
Minus the fourth. Medicine on the island is paid and not cheap. Emergency assistance to tourists is free, but inpatient and outpatient treatment can cost a pretty penny.
Minus the fifth. Many tourists complain about more than mediocre hotel service and unkempt beaches.

But what about the positive aspects?
Plus the first one. Since the island is actually divided into two conventional parts: Greek (Greeks are the main indigenous population of the island) and Turkish (since Cyprus was part of the Ottoman Empire for more than 300 years, Turks make up almost the majority of the island’s population), you have the opportunity to get acquainted with culture and cuisine of both countries at once.
Plus the second one. Since Cyprus is part of the European Union and does not have land borders with any countries, you can easily visit, for example, Egypt or Jerusalem without a visa or flight: sea cruises are organized there.

Plus a third. Since Cyprus is a mixture of different cultures, you can get acquainted with the historical monuments of many civilizations: Byzantium, Greece, Turkey, Britain.

Plus a fourth. The nature of the island has prepared the same variety for you: here you can swim in the sea and ride through the snowy mountains - and all this in one day.
Plus a fifth. The very way of life on the island is very leisurely and measured - what else is needed for a complete, quiet holiday? But at the same time, Cypriots love holidays very much and know how to celebrate them on a grand scale.

When preparing for a long-awaited vacation, you want to spend it perfectly, and of course doubts and contradictions arise about where it is best to spend it. Schemes and tables with pros and cons begin to form in my head, but I can’t decide because I want to do everything, everywhere. Does this sound familiar to you?

Personally, yes.

If this year you have a choice between Cyprus and Turkey, then I will try to help as much as possible to dispel your doubts and make your choice.

Pros and cons of holidays in Turkey

pros

• Relatively low price for tours
• famous "all inclusive"
• no language barrier (many locals here speak Russian)
• good sandy and pebble beaches (most beaches have been awarded the blue flag for environmental cleanliness)
• low prices for clothing, leather and fur products, etc.
• short flight
• no significant time difference with Russia (same time zone as Moscow)
• safety on the streets and in hotels
• large selection of excursions
• Most hotels have free beaches with sun loungers and umbrellas.
• free internet in hotels and transfers
• low prices in most restaurants and cafes and large portions, sometimes even very large.

Minuses

• By choosing all inclusive, you become tied to the hotel (after all, if you go for a walk in the city, you might miss lunch)
• The second disadvantage follows from the first - excess weight at the end of the vacation
• Turkey is still a Muslim country (modern Turks are very liberal towards tourists, but when coming to a foreign country you need to respect their customs and religion. Be prepared for the morning singing of the Mullah, meeting with locals in closed clothes and reserved behavior outside the hotel.
• Expensive alcohol
• Gasoline is also not cheap (about 76 rubles per 1 liter)

Pros and cons of holidays in Cyprus

pros

• Provisions are provided free of charge for entry
• Beautiful sandy beaches
• A large amount of seafood (delicious fish meze)
• No dangerous insects or poisonous snakes
• Beautiful nature and clean sea air
• Everyone speaks English, which is a big plus
• Loyal attitude of law enforcement agencies towards tourists, of course, if you don’t get into trouble yourself

Minuses

• High price for the tour
• You need to buy adapters for sockets
• Most tours do not include all inclusive (and if they do, the price is simply fabulous)
• High prices in restaurants and cafes (on par with the center of Moscow)
• Expensive souvenirs
• Paid Internet in most hotels, and poor quality
• Driving on the left (although you quickly adapt to this)
• Expensive products in supermarkets and alcohol
• High gasoline prices (if you decide to rent a car)
• very hot sun in July/August

Which country to choose for a holiday with a child (with children)

It all depends on your budget. In Turkey, organizing a holiday with children at a high level will be much easier and cheaper than in Cyprus. Sandy beaches with a gentle entrance, small waves, playgrounds and parks, water parks, animations are all at a good level in both countries. But Turkey's pricing policy is more loyal. So, it all depends on your wallet.

Is it possible to go to Cyprus directly from Turkey?

If you are tired of Turkish hotels, you can independently visit northern Cyprus, which is considered Turkish territory. There are several ways to get to Cyprus:

• by plane;
• on a ferryboat.

By plane, flights from Turkey are operated by local airlines such as Pegasus Airlines, the travel time is approximately 1 hour without transfers, and the price starts from 290 liras per person. Departures are carried out from Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and other large cities in Turkey; in Northern Cyprus, the operating airport is called Ercan. After arriving from the airport, you still need time to get to the nearest city.

The most common way is ferry from Turkey to Cyprus. The ferry departs from Alanya, Mersin and Tasucu. Of course, it takes longer to get there (from Alanya 3.5 hours, from Tasucu 2), but the views are mesmerizing. You can even drive your car or van from Tashucu to Girne.

The cost of a ferry ticket depends on age and social status (schoolchildren, pensioners, and workers purchase tickets at different prices), and children under 2 years old are carried free of charge.

The ferry starts running from Alanya in May; in winter, the ferry goes to Northern Cyprus from Tasucu and Mersin.

Intercity comfortable buses run from Alanya to Tashicu and Mersin from the bus station.

Ferry schedule Tashucu-Girne-Tashucu

Ferry schedule Girne-Alanya-Girne

If you pay for car transportation, you do not need to buy a separate ticket for the passenger. You can purchase a ticket online on the website of the transport company Akgünler Denizcilik, which provides transportation.

Where is the warmest weather?

The weather in the warmest place in Turkey - Alanya is practically no different from the climate in Cyprus. The Mediterranean climate prevails here, the season begins equally in May and ends in October. Although the hottest months of July and August are more difficult to endure in Cyprus, due to the terrain (fewer trees, mountains, flatness). Although this may be my purely subjective opinion.

Where is the best sea? Compare the beaches of Turkey and Cyprus

Cyprus is washed only by the Mediterranean Sea, and Turkey is washed by 4 seas - the Mediterranean, Marmara, Aegean and Black. Each of them is remarkable and unique in its own way.

But the Mediterranean coast is most popular among tourists. There are more resort towns with comfortable hotels here, and the sea is cleaner and warmer.

In both countries, all beaches are municipal, which means they are free, but sunbeds and umbrellas are private property, so you have to pay to use them.

Comparison of Cleopatra Beach (Türkiye) and Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa)

Entrance flat flatBeach type sandy sandyLength 7 km about 2 kmBeach infrastructure developed developedShower yes yesChanging cabins available yesCafes and restaurants are thereThere is a toiletBlue flag assigned assignedEquipped for families with childrenChildren's playgrounds, volleyball field, etc. yes yes

Cleopatra Beach	Nissi Beach

Read tourist reviews about Larnaca: what do they write about the weather, hotels, sea, beaches and excursions in the popular resort of Cyprus? Pros and cons of holidays in Larnaca in 2019. Travel tips.

Weather reviews in Larnaca

The low season in Cyprus lasts from November to May, but this does not mean that Larnaca is empty. Mediterranean winters are mild and sunny, so lovers of promenades, excursions and health tourism come to the island.

The resort has luxury 4-5* hotels, but the bulk of accommodation for tourists are budget hotels and apartments. According to reviews, 3* hotels in Larnaca are very good.

Families with children prefer to rent apartments. They are larger in area than regular hotel rooms. In addition, the apartments have kitchens and washing machines, which is very convenient for families.

To make your vacation in Larnaca a success in 2019, read tourist reviews of hotels and make your choice:

Olga-0711: “Almost all the rooms in Flamingo Beach 3* have a balcony and a side view of the sea, at least a piece of the sea is visible, but I think that living on higher floors is more comfortable. Rooms for three are normal.”

"In the Cactus 2* hotel, the wardrobe, bedside tables, drawers - everything was in good order. Towels and bed linen are changed every 3 days, basic cleaning every day."

Guests did not like some hotels in Larnaca, and they left negative reviews.

Nika2302: “In the Vergi City 2* hotel, the furniture and plumbing left much to be desired. There was only a window in the toilet. In the mornings, around six o’clock, parrots began singing serenades outside the window, it was a little annoying.”

Hotel Cactus in Larnaca (Photo © booking.com / Cactus)

Reviews about beaches and sea in Larnaca

All beach recreation areas in Larnaca are equipped with changing rooms, toilets, and showers. Lifeguards are on duty on the shore. Vacationers write about the clean sea, small waves and convenient entry into the water. Ideal conditions for a holiday with small children! The four main beaches of the resort are awarded the Blue Flag.

The best beaches in Larnaca, according to tourists:

• Finikoudes
• Mackenzie
• Pharos
• Castella
• Janates
• Dhekelia.

: “In the very center of Larnaca there is Finikoudes beach, a wide strip of sand, many sunbeds. Sunbeds and umbrellas are paid, but the beach is well looked after, there is no garbage. The entrance is smooth sandy, the water is clear.”

Phinikoudes beach in Larnaca, Cyprus (Photo © sandaodiatiu / flickr.com)

Reviews from tourists about excursions in Larnaca

Look for excursions Online . Individual and group, without crowds of tourists and in Russian.

During a holiday in Cyprus, tourists get acquainted with the cultures of the Greeks and Turks. According to reviews, excursions to natural attractions, mountain villages and shrines of the island, as well as tours to the northern part of Cyprus, are popular from Larnaca. If you come with a child, go to the Hobos amusement park.

Read tourist reviews about excursions in Larnaca in 2018 and 2019 and choose the attractions you liked.

Dmitriy: “On the excursion” “the guide is intelligent, punctual, knows the material very well, has high communication skills, feels safe behind the wheel on difficult roads. She has a well-thought-out route that you won’t get tired of.”

Anna: "The excursion" "went without haste and fuss. We entered souvenir shops solely at our request."

Pros and cons of holidays in Larnaca

The Cyprus resort is a comfortable city for a relaxing holiday by the sea. Larnaca is popular with families with children, elderly tourists, and lovers of diving and excursions.

pros holidays in Larnaca in 2019, according to tourists’ reviews:

• Affordable prices for tours.
• No visa required.
• It has its own international airport.
• Many large hotels, apartments and villas.
• Great beaches.
• Developed infrastructure for recreation.
• Many restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars and nightclubs.
• Excellent conditions for diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• Delicious local cuisine.
• It is convenient to go on excursions around the island.

: “Walking into the sea is ideal, an absolutely smooth and soft surface. And even though the sand is not white, but grey, volcanic, it is very pleasant to walk and lie on it.”

Minuses:

• There is little entertainment for young people and children.
• At the height of the beach season, there is no crowd on the shore.
• Too hot in summer.
• Shallow sea.

: “You can easily walk to the buoys, and the water there will be up to your neck. It’s basically impossible to swim near the shore - the water is ankle-deep even a few meters from the sand.”

Yacht mooring in Larnaca (Photo © unsplash.com / @krssts)

It is convenient to travel around the resort and to neighboring cities by bus. Stops are located near all major hotel complexes. Any route can reach the center of Larnaca.

For purchases, use the local currency - euros. Dollars are accepted at an unfavorable rate.

On weekends, free concerts are held on the resort's Palm Promenade. The program is especially bright and interesting during the summer season.

Along the central beach of Larnaca there are multi-storey buildings. In the afternoon, their shadows cover the shore. According to tourists, at the end of the season, especially in October, it is not very pleasant, because it becomes cold in the shade.

: “When you take a place on the beach, choose an area that will not be in the shade. There will be no problems with your own bedding; if you want, you can go.”

In Larnaca, tourists wear whatever they like, but they may not be allowed into some fashionable restaurants if they wear beachwear. When visiting religious shrines, we advise you to choose soft, closed outfits.

In winter, the seaside resorts of Cyprus have warm weather, but it often rains. Bring an umbrella, waterproof jacket and shoes.

The picturesque slopes of the Troodos mountain range are located 1.5-2 hours drive from Larnaca. From January to the end of March, Mount Olymbos (1952 m) is covered with snow and turns into a ski resort. Skis, boards and all necessary equipment can be rented. Ride Zeus, Aphrodite, Hermes and Hera from the mountain!

Introductory image source: © Sergey Yeliseev / flickr.com.

Since then, this service system has become firmly associated with holidays on the Mediterranean, most often in the resort regions of Turkey, although the French hotel chain Club Med is considered to be the pioneer of AI, which was the first to include three meals a day and drinks in the price of a stay.

The all-inclusive system itself appeared in the Caribbean islands, since there were no good cafes and restaurants outside the hotels. It is for this same reason that hotels that were located on the outskirts or did not have the opportunity to create conditions for preparing a variety of dishes were the first to introduce AI in Turkey. As a result, in 1998, about half of Turkish hotels were operating on an all-inclusive basis, and by 1999, almost all resorts switched to ALL. Only hotels on the Aegean coast resisted the innovation for a long time, but in the end, almost all of them began to offer this recreation system to tourists.

Turkish All Inclusive (AI) usually includes not only three main meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), but also additional intermediate meals in bars and restaurants with local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Along with accommodation, the price includes the services of animators, access to beaches, swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers, use of beach equipment, playrooms for children and various clubs.

In addition, there is Ultra All Inclusive (UAI), when a free minibar, round-the-clock meals, imported alcohol, ice cream and desserts are added to the “all inclusive”. Each hotel independently determines which additional services will be included in the “ultra” package.

In European countries, not too many hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis. In Italy, Spain or France, there is no point in constantly being on the hotel premises; inexpensive cafes, restaurants, bars and discos operate around tourist centers. In the evening, most vacationers tend to leave the hotel for a walk along the equipped embankments. The same hotel offers a choice of breakfast, half board, full board or All Inclusive. In fact, drinks, entertainment, visits to the sauna, gym and general animation are added to the full board. The AI ​​system is best presented in European club hotels.

You have to pay separately for renting sun loungers and umbrellas at European resorts, unlike Turkish ones, since coastal areas are almost always municipally owned.

According to tour operators, about half of Russian tourists are looking for tours to Cyprus in hotels with the All Inclusive system. The most popular hotels among our travelers from May to September are in Paphos, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca and Limassol. It is at these resorts that most of the hotels in Cyprus offering all-inclusive holidays are located. Every year, an increasing number of 4* and 5* hotels add this type of service to the list of services provided.

Cyprus all-inclusive: is it worth taking?

Cypriot All Inclusive differs from Turkish in that the range of services included in the service system is determined by the star rating of the hotel and varies from hotel to hotel. In each specific accommodation facility, the range of services is individual and combined with the usual paid additional services. There are no standards as such; each hotel develops its own system, focusing on the experience of competitors and its own idea of ​​the number of services.

In the same Cyprus hotel you can book accommodation without meals (RO), accommodation with breakfast (BB), half board (HB), full board (FB), or an all-inclusive holiday. With full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and half board (breakfast and dinner or breakfast and lunch), tea, coffee, juice and water at breakfast are free, but at lunch and dinner all drinks, including water, must be ordered through a waiter and served at additional fee. With AI, drinks and ice cream are usually included in the price. Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are most often served.

Almost all hotels in Cyprus charge a separate fee for the use of a refrigerator, safe, air conditioning and fast wi-fi. With all-inclusive and ultra-all-inclusive systems, many of these additional services are already included in the price of your stay.

Beaches throughout Cyprus are municipal and free, so you don’t need to pay money for sun loungers by the hotel pool, but in almost all cases you will have to pay out of your own pocket for a sun lounger and umbrella on a public beach.

In Cyprus hotels, 3-star all-inclusive means three buffet meals a day with hot and cold drinks. Alcohol is usually locally produced. The choice of dishes is more modest than in 4 and 5 star hotels.

In 4-star hotels in Cyprus, with an all-inclusive system, along with three meals a day, free SPA services, access to a fitness center and a variety of entertainment are often offered. A classic example of a four-star hotel on the 1st line with its own beach is the Vrissiana Beach Hotel 4* in Protaras. You can buy a tour to the hotel with accommodation and half board, or with all inclusive. During the day, guests with AI are served breakfast, lunch, dinner and fast food (between meals), local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as ice cream, coffee and tea. Sun loungers are free at the pool; on the municipal beach, sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for 2.5 euros. Internet and safe are paid for for all hotel guests. If necessary, on site at the hotel you can pay an additional 35 euros/day per person and switch from half board to All Inclusive. Animation (water aerobics and children's disco), a gym and an indoor swimming pool are provided in the neighboring hotel of the Tsokkos chain - the five-star Constantinos 5*.

Five-star hotels in Cyprus offer free local alcoholic drinks, entertainment services and performances, sauna, spa treatments, gym, tennis court, as well as separate children's pools, playgrounds and entertainment clubs. For example, in the Paphos Coral Beach Hotel & Resort 5*, for those tourists who vacation on an all-inclusive basis (Club Coral Gold), use of the sauna, hammam, indoor heated pool and jacuzzi is free, and the rest of the guests will have to pay 6 euros per day.

The Ultra All Inclusive (UAI) system in Cyprus is available at the St Raphael 5* Resort in Limassol. Along with luxurious meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), evening snacks, a variety of soft drinks, exotic cocktails and classic spirits from famous world brands (Ginon Gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Johnnie Walker Red Label, Pol Remy sparkling wine and many others) are served until midnight. . During the summer season, during the daytime, entertainment programs are organized for children and adults, a children's club and a children's disco operate. In winter and summer there are live music concerts, evening programs and shows.

For sports lovers, the UAI program at the St Raphael 5* hotel includes table tennis, darts, archery, petanque, beach volleyball, badminton, an artificial turf tennis court, 1 diving lesson, canoeing and windsurfing. Umbrellas, sun loungers and beach towels are provided free of charge on one of Limassol's best sandy beaches.

Summary

“All inclusive” is not only a system of service and food, but also a way of life and a style of relaxation during vacation. If you are a beach lover and are not going to go far from the hotel, then all inclusive would be a reasonable choice. In Cyprus, there are a huge number of taverns, bars, cafes and restaurants near the hotels with a variety of inexpensive dishes and drinks, but if you don’t want or are just too lazy to wander around in the heat in search of a suitable establishment, it is better to agree to eat at the hotel.

Having paid in advance for three meals and drinks, animation services, saunas, spa centers and much more, you will not have to worry about anything and worry about how much money you should take with you or how much money is left on your card and wallet. The predictability of upcoming expenses is undoubtedly a plus of all-inclusive. On the other hand, when choosing all inclusive, you will not be able to fully enjoy the excellent and inexpensive national Cypriot cuisine.

If you are planning an active vacation with car trips around the island, then it is better to give preference to breakfast or half board. Self-catering may be more expensive (on average, a hot dish in a tavern costs 10-20 euros), but you will have a lot of new impressions and memories of kleftiko, meze and octopus dishes. Almost all cafes on the island offer a children's menu, and many taverns and restaurants have children's playgrounds next to them. Before entering a tavern or restaurant, you can always familiarize yourself with the menu, understand the price level and choose an acceptable option for yourself. It is worth remembering that in a tourist area, food and groceries in stores will be slightly more expensive than in the nearest town.

If there are children on the trip, willy-nilly you will have to constantly think about where to buy drinks and ice cream, how to organize a regular breakfast-lunch-dinner with hot dishes. In this case, to be on the safe side, it would be useful to have an all-inclusive package, when the child can choose one of the dishes that suits him, and the local cuisine can be familiarized with on excursions or short trips. Although, many parents in such cases prefer to book apartments with a kitchen or a kitchenette. It all depends on the child’s age, his habits, character and mobility.

The all-inclusive system is usually best presented in countries where the holidaymaker has nowhere to go outside the hotel premises. In Cyprus, almost all tourist centers are surrounded by taverns, restaurants, various bars and discos. Without any problems, you can always rent a car next to the hotel and go to any part of the island - it’s safe, interesting and exciting, since the island of Aphrodite is full of attractions and museums.

Cyprus is rather closer to European resorts, where guests are offered any food system - from breakfast to full board and all inclusive. Those who have paid for All Inclusive are given bracelets or other insignia, but the quantity and quality of services are absolutely the same for all available service systems. If you have any doubts about the advisability of any services, you can always purchase what you need at the hotel, but in terms of cost, paying in full for services in advance will in most cases be more profitable and cheaper.

Since the range of services in an all-inclusive package (except for meals) in hotels in Cyprus depends not only on the star rating, but also varies from hotel to hotel, it makes sense to check with the hotel or tour operator what services are included in the price before purchasing a tour or voucher. and for which you will have to pay extra out of your own pocket. Reviews from travelers who have stayed at the hotel will also be useful.

In 2019, prices for an all-inclusive holiday in Cyprus range from 4,000 rubles per person per day for a 2* hotel and from 9,000 rubles per day in 4-5 star hotels.

And finally, it is worth considering that Protaras is more suitable for families with children, Ayia Napa is more suitable for night trips to clubs and entertainment, and for lovers of educational recreation, Paphos will be most interesting.