Cyprus: Resorts, Places, Food, and Cat Sanctuary – All You Need to Know
From April 1st, Cyprus welcomes Russian tourists! The season is just right, and although it might be too early for some to swim, the weather is perfectly comfortable for exploring the island all day long. The current temperature is 20-26 degrees Celsius. In short, we'll tell you what to do in Cyprus during your long-awaited vacation.
Entry Requirements
There's no quarantine, but a negative PCR test is still required. One 72 hours before departure, and a second upon arrival at the airport for 30 euros. You'll have to wait for the results while isolating in your hotel, but they say it only takes half a day. This will give you time to rest, nap, and choose clothes for a walk. Also, you need to fill out this form. And from May 10th, Russians vaccinated with Sputnik are allowed in without a test.
There are direct flights . You can fly in through Larnaca and Paphos. All search options are available on our website and in the app.
From the Airport to the City
From Larnaca Airport you can get to the city by taxi, transfer, rented car, or bus. The bus is the cheapest option. It costs about 1.5-3 euros, and the journey to the city takes half an hour. More than 6 different routes are at your disposal; you can even reach other cities. See the full schedule and route network of the main carrier Zinonasbuses on the website.
Buses №407, 417, 418, 419, 425, and 429 are day routes, all going to Larnaca. Routes №446 and 456 are night routes and also take you to Larnaca.
Taxis will be more expensive, so it's better to look for fellow travelers to make it cheaper. But the easiest way is to book a transfer from your hotel; there are no problems at all and a fixed price (depends on the hotel).
If you plan to rent a car, check the websites of rental companies Myrentacar, EconomyBookings, Rentalcars. To explore the island independently, a car will definitely come in handy. But note that Cyprus has left-hand traffic, so it might feel a bit unusual at first.
Paphos Airport is not as popular. It has only one terminal, and low-cost airlines often fly here. Paphos Airport is suitable if you plan to vacation on the west coast, in Paphos itself, or in Limassol.
Here, the bus is also the most popular transport to the city. Bus №612 departs once an hour, takes about half an hour, and its final stop is at the bus station near the port.
If your destination is Limassol, it's more convenient to use the Limassol Airport Express. It costs 10 euros for an adult, takes about an hour, and you can see the schedule here.
Otherwise, it's the same. Taxis, transfers, car rentals. A taxi to Paphos will cost approximately 35 euros.
What to See on the Island
As we wrote above, it's best to rent a car or some other transport to explore all the interesting corners of the accessible part of the island. Even if you just drive along the coast, you definitely won't miss any beautiful spots.
Paphos and Surroundings
There are always many attractions on the coasts of Cyprus. Be sure to see the rock, the bay… in short, the birthplace of Aphrodite. Not only is the beach amazing there, but the surroundings are also beautiful. And if you want eternal youth, visit Aphrodite's Baths. There's also Adonis's Bath – another picturesque spot. Two ponds located one below the other and connected by waterfalls. According to legend, this is where Aphrodite secretly met Adonis.
Within the city, see Paphos Castle, and nearby, the Archaeological Park with an excavation area, ancient tombs, and ancient Roman mosaics. Besides these antiquities, also pay attention to the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti.
And if you want to delve deeper into history, go to the villages of Geroskipou and Kouklia – a real open-air museum! And a walk through Paphos Forest is also interesting. If only for the name.
Limassol and Surroundings
Near Limassol, there are also interesting places. For example, the ancient city of Kourion and the ancient city of Amathus, Kolossi Castle, and the atmospheric Omodos village. The latter, by the way, is a kind of wine paradise. This is where wine is produced, and almost all residents are involved in it! Such collective wine creativity. Be sure to buy a bottle to try. And in Erimi village, there's even a Wine Museum, quite modern – it opened in 2000.
You'll also enjoy the Museum of Historic and Classic Cars, the local zoo and water park, and Limassol's embankment is a story in itself. Strolling there under the lanterns after a busy day with an ice cream cone in hand is quite a pleasure!
There's another interesting place – the Cat Monastery of Saint Nicholas. Only a few nuns and dozens of cats live there. The story goes: originally, 1000 cats were ordered to be brought to the island to exterminate venomous snakes. Since then, there's been a special attitude towards felines here. The place is located about 10 km from the city.
And if you're looking for a beautiful beach, head to Governor's Beach. 20 km from Limassol, a graceful coastline with white cliffs and incredibly blue water is hidden. For active recreation enthusiasts, we recommend trekking around Mount Olympos.
Larnaca and Surroundings
Right near the airport is the Salt Lake with an interesting history. According to a parable, Saint Lazarus was walking in the vicinity and asked the locals for a grape vine to quench his thirst. But they refused him, being greedy. Then he cursed the place and said that nothing would grow on this land. And the next day, instead of a vineyard, a salt lake formed.
In the city itself, Larnaca Castle attracts attention, as does the port with yachts of all sizes moored, ready to set off on a Mediterranean cruise. The Old Town also quietly tells its story as you walk enchanted through its narrow streets.
If you want to bring home something handmade by locals, then visit Lefkara village. There are many artisanal crafts there. And the village itself is also very beautiful.
And instead of a zoo, you can visit the camel park and donkey farm. These are contact places; you can simply pet or feed the animals, or even ride them.
There's even an attraction for divers here. The Zenobia ferry sank off the coast of Larnaca in 1980. It's also called the “Titanic of the Mediterranean.” Hundreds of divers descend to the bottom to see the vessel and find something valuable for themselves.
I Just Want a Resort Vacation
Fair enough. Then you need to choose the right one.
Lazy beach holiday – Ayia Napa and Protaras are best for this.
Parties – Ayia Napa has no rivals here. If you're traveling with a child, this place is definitely not suitable, as it's more of a youth resort for those who come to party wildly at night and sleep until noon.
Walks and excursions – Larnaca, Paphos, and Limassol are suitable for an educational vacation.
Solitude and quiet – definitely Protaras.
If you want something more European, go to Paphos. If you don't mind hearing your native language everywhere and are even ready to meet a neighbor, then head towards Limassol.
What to Try in the Cuisine
Since it's an island, the right decision would be to prioritize seafood. In any establishment, especially on embankments and along beaches, you're sure to find dishes made from some sea creature you haven't tried yet. Mussels, squid, shrimp, octopus, large fish, and small fish – they'll be prepared perfectly, you'll lick your fingers!
