Cyprus is an island in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is divided into two states: the Republic of Cyprus, where Greeks live predominantly, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The latter has problems with international recognition and issuing visas. Russians mainly go only to the southern parts of the island, where there are no difficulties with documents.
Cyprus is famous for its rich history: archaeological monuments from several eras can be found in almost every city and town on the island. There is magnificent nature here: lush greenery, soft sand and clean sea.
I will tell you about the tourist cities of Cyprus, where it is better to relax, where it is better to fly in the summer and what are the best places for Russians. It is difficult to make a rating, since the cities have different pros and cons, but I will point out the main points that you need to pay attention to and add photos.
Pathos
A city in the southwest of Cyprus, a popular resort among tourists, including Russians. According to myths, Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite. Tour guides claim that there is a bay nearby, where the goddess emerged from the sea foam.
Cyprus is not Greece, but they speak Greek here. For example, in Paphos 80% of the population speaks this language, the remaining 20% speak Turkish.
In 2017, Paphos was declared the European Capital of Culture, together with the Danish city of Aarhus.
There are clean and well-maintained beaches here, the most famous of which is Coral Bay, located approximately 12 kilometers from the center.
A nice beach, Geroskipou, is three kilometers east of Paphos and on the shore of Lara Bay. By the way, there is a farm there where turtles are raised, I also recommend visiting it.
Besides the beaches, it is great to go to the Akamas National Park. There you will learn a lot about the history of Cyprus and you can swim in beautiful bays.
In general, Paphos has an abundance of archaeological monuments, some of which are included in the UNESCO list. For example, the Royal Tombs or the Villa of Dionysus. And also museums: Archaeological, Byzantine and others. They are really very interesting.
Protaras
A small resort village in the south-eastern part of Cyprus. Once upon a time, in ancient times, there was a Greek city of Lefkola with a harbor on the territory of Protaras. There, in 306 BC, a battle took place between Demetrius the First and the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy the First. Ptolemy fled home to Egypt, and Cyprus passed to Demetrius for a time. Few ruins remain of Lefkola to this day.
Now people come to the village for a beach holiday. The most popular beach is Fig Tree Bay. Protaras lives off the resort business, and there are dozens of villas, apartments, hotels for every taste. In addition, it is located just 10 kilometers from Ayia Napa, a large resort in Cyprus, and is something like a "dacha" - here the holiday is quieter and calmer.
Limassol
The second largest city in the country after the capital Nicosia and a popular tourist center of Southern Cyprus. Situated on the shores of Akrotiri Bay. Limassol boasts high-quality beach infrastructure, a huge selection of modern comfortable hotels and a rich history. In the vicinity there are dozens of ancient monuments that tourists enjoy visiting between beach holidays. And in the city you can also go wreck diving and other water sports.
Limassol is not only a resort, but also the business capital of the island. The main commercial port of Cyprus and hundreds of offices of local and international companies are located here. And, of course, there is a developed network of shopping and entertainment centers: there is a water park, an amusement park, and much more.
Among the attractions, the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, the castle of Kolossi and the ruins of Kourion and Amathus are worth mentioning.
In general, the city is ideal for active recreation: Limassol hosts dozens of festivals several times a year. For example, every September there is a wild wine festival dedicated to the god Dionysus. In February, there is a carnival with the brightest costumes.
Larnaca
The third city in size after Nicosia and Limassol with a large seaport. Vacations here will be cheaper than in other cities of the island. Therefore, elderly vacationers or couples with children are often found: the beaches are very comfortable, the entrance to the water is gentle, the sand is clean.
Take a stroll around the local attractions. The Orthodox Byzantine Church of Saint Lazarus was built in the 9th century on the site of the saint's grave. Part of his relics are now kept in the church. You can also see the archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Kition, which was the predecessor of Larnaca, Larnaca Castle, as well as the Marina shopping area on the seashore.
It is in Larnaca that the fourth most important shrine in the Muslim world is located - the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. It stands above the sarcophagus where Muhammad's aunt, Umm Harram, rests.
Near the city, the ferry Zenobia, which sank in 1980, lies at the bottom. The Swedish ship was transporting car trailers and other equipment - by the way, it remained on board. Now it is one of the popular places for divers.
Ayia Napa
If you like active and noisy recreation, are going to have fun in bars all night long and dance, but don’t know where to go, then the best option is Ayia Napa. This is a young resort with a very active nightlife. There are hundreds of bars, clubs, taverns and other places to relax. Music on the beach sounds almost every night.
On the beaches you can not only lie in the sun, but also do active sports. There are many options: rowing, water skiing, diving, boarding and much more. At the same time, there is little wind and the sea is calm.
The most popular beach is Nissi, where live music is played. Also famous is Makronissos, pompous and glamorous. If you still want to relax in relative silence, go to Ayia Thekla, five kilometers from the city.
The main attraction in the center of Ayia Napa is the monastery of Panagia Napa, which translates as "Holy Mother of God from the forest." Once upon a time, an image of the Virgin Mary was found in the forest, and then in the 15th century, a monastery was built over the cave where the icon was kept. Now, 50 meters from that place, a church has been built, where Orthodox services are held every day.
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