Brief information
According to ancient Greek legend, it was on the island of Cyprus that the Olympian goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was born. Tourists who have visited Cyprus will understand why Aphrodite chose this particular island to get out of the sea. Tourists in Cyprus are waiting for numerous ancient Greek and Roman historical monuments, ski resorts on Mount Olympus, excellent beach resorts with wide sandy and pebble-sandy beaches, the gentle warm Mediterranean Sea, delicious cuisine and, of course, hospitable locals.
Geography of Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus occupies most of the territory of the island of Cyprus, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. The total area of the Republic of Cyprus is 9,250 sq. km. In the north of the island is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Most of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the entire island of the same name, is occupied by mountains. To the southwest is the Troodas mountain range, and to the north is the Kyrenia mountain range.
On the territory of the Republic of Cyprus there is the highest point of the entire island – Mount Olympus, whose height reaches 1,952 m.
Capital
According to itypejob.com, the capital of the Republic of Cyprus is Nicosia, which is now home to about 350 thousand people. Nicosia is believed by archaeologists to have been founded by the ancient Greeks around the 9th century BC.
Official language
The official language in the Republic of Cyprus is Greek, which belongs to the Indo-European languages.
Religion
The majority of the population of the Republic of Cyprus are Orthodox Christians, but there are also Muslims.
State structure of Cyprus
According to equzhou.net, the head of the Republic of Cyprus is the President, elected by popular vote for a 5-year term. Executive power belongs to the government, and legislative power belongs to the House of Representatives (56 deputies).
The main political parties in the Republic of Cyprus are the Progressive Party of the Working People, the Democratic Party, the Movement of Social Democrats and the Democratic Assembly.
Climate and weather
The climate on the island of Cyprus is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, not very cold winters. In July and August, the average air temperature ranges from +29C in the central plains to +22C in the Troodos mountains. In January, the average air temperature in the central plains is +10C and +3C in the Troodos mountains. The average annual precipitation is about 480 mm (only 5% of the total precipitation falls in summer).
Average air temperature in Nicosia:
– January – +12С
– February – +13С
– March – +16С
– April – +21С
– May – +27С
– June – +30С
– July – +33С
– August – +32С
– September – +29С
– October – +24С
– November – +18С
– December – +14С
Sea in Cyprus
The island of Cyprus is washed on all sides by the Mediterranean Sea. Near the coast, the sea temperature in February ranges from +15C to +17C, and in August – from +23C to +28C.
Average sea temperature near Limassol:
– January – +17.7С
– February – +16.6С
– March – +16.4С
– April – +17.6С
– May – +19.2С
– June – +23С
– July – +25.5С
– August – +25.5С
– September – +28.8С
– October – +24.2С
– November – +22С
– December – +19.5С
Rivers and lakes
Most of the rivers in Cyprus originate in the Troodos mountains, but they are dependent on rainfall. This means that most of the rivers in Cyprus only have water for 3-4 months of the year. Only some rivers are full of water all year round (Xeros, Diarizos, Kargotis, Marathasa, Kouris and Germasogeia).
There are no freshwater lakes on the island of Cyprus, but there are 5 lakes with salt water.
History of Cyprus
People on the territory of the island of Cyprus lived already 9 thousand years ago. At the beginning and middle of the Bronze Age (2300-1600 BC), there were already cities in Cyprus that were actively trading.
For a long time, Cyprus was under the rule of the Persian Empire, and then Ancient Rome. In 58 BC Cyprus became a province of Ancient Rome. The Romans ruled Cyprus for almost 400 years. After the collapse of Ancient Rome, the island of Cyprus in 395 AD. was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire.
Cyprus was ruled by the Republic of Venice from 1489 to 1571 and then by the Ottoman Empire from 1571 to 1878.
In 1878, Cyprus came under British control. Only in 1959 Cyprus gained independence from the British.
In 1974, the Turkish armed forces landed in Cyprus and occupied about 40% of the island. Now in the north of the island is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognized by the world community, and on the other side of the island – the Republic of Cyprus.
In 2004, the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the European Union.
Culture
Cypriots are very proud of their cultural heritage, which is already about 9 thousand years old. The tradition and culture of the people of Cyprus is best reflected in holidays and folk rituals.
Many folk holidays and traditions (for example, the Carnival and the Festival of the Flood) have their roots in antiquity. Carnival is celebrated by Cypriots 50 days before Easter. The largest Carnival events take place in Larnaca, culminating in the procession of people to the sea, where they pour water on each other. The meaning of this tradition has been lost for centuries. It is possible that the Greeks once celebrated the birth of Aphrodite from the foam of the sea.
The most important religious holiday in the Republic of Cyprus is Easter. As we have already said, Cypriots begin to celebrate Easter already 50 days before it starts.
Every spring, in May, Cypriots celebrate “Anthestiria” – a flower festival. Its traditions date back to ancient Greece. Traditionally, Anthestiria is celebrated at the end of May.
Every September, Limassol hosts the Wine Festival, in honor of the vine, which is honored by the Cypriots. Without a doubt, 10 days of this holiday could be approved by Dionysus himself.
Kitchen
The cuisine of the Republic of Cyprus is strongly reminiscent of Greek (in Northern Cyprus, the cuisine has Turkish roots), but it is very strongly influenced by Venetian (Italian), French, Turkish, Middle Eastern (Arabic) culinary traditions. Traditional products are fish and seafood, meat, cheese (halloumi), vegetables, spices.
Be sure to try the following dishes in Cyprus:
– souvlaki – grilled pork or poultry;
– moussaka – minced meat baked with vegetables;
– stifado – beef baked with onions;
– tavva – minced meat wrapped in grape leaves;
– kleftiko – lamb baked with potatoes.
Of the desserts in Cyprus, we recommend trying the local halva, baklava and other oriental desserts.
Cyprus is famous for its centuries-old winemaking tradition. The most famous local wine is Commandaria, which refers to Cahors.
Attractions
In the Republic of Cyprus, a large number of historical and archaeological monuments of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages have been preserved. Some of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, nine churches of Cyprus are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Several hundred monuments of archeology and history are located on the territory of Northern Cyprus, where the Turkish administration operates. The top ten attractions in the Republic of Cyprus, in our opinion, include the following:
- Gate of Famagusta in Nicosia
- Church of Chrysaliniotissa in Nicosia
- Bishop’s Palace of Limassol
- Archbishop’s Palace in Nicosia
- Kolossi Castle
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite at the ruins of Amathus
- Fortress of Limassol
- Roman theater Odeon
- Kikko monastery in Troodos
- Mosaics on the ruins of ancient Greek villas in Paphos
Cities and resorts
The largest cities in the Republic of Cyprus are Famagusta, Larnaca, Paphos, Limassol, and, of course, Nicosia.
The Republic of Cyprus has several excellent beach resorts. The most popular of them are Ayia Napa, Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras and Limassol. The swimming season in Cyprus starts in April and lasts until November.
Most of the beaches in Cyprus are wide, sandy, next to the beaches there are numerous fish restaurants, taverns, bars, shops. The beaches have good conditions for water sports.
Do not forget, when relaxing in Cyprus, to visit the following 10 best local beaches:
- Coral Bay in Paphos
- Aphrodite Beach near Limassol
- Ladies’ Mile near Limassol
- Phinikoudes Beach in Larnaca
- Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa
- Curium Beach near Limassol
- Macronissus Beach in Ayia Napa
- Fig Tree Bay in Protaras
- Alagadi Beach near Kyrenia
- Kervansaray Beach in Kyrenia
Due to the natural conditions in the Republic of Cyprus there are good opportunities for skiing. So, the Troodos ski resort welcomes ski lovers from mid-December to the end of March. Agree, it is tempting to ride on Mount Olympus, on which, according to ancient Greek myths, the gods live.
Souvenirs/Shopping
Tourists from the Republic of Cyprus bring folk art, ceramics (including amphoras), figurines of Aphrodite, cheese, orange marmalade, honey, Cypriot wine, ouzo.
Office Hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-13:30
During the summer period (from April 1 to October 31), most shops work according to the following schedule:
Mon-Fri (except Wednesday): 09:00-20:00
Wednesday: 09:00-15:00
Saturday: 09:00-19: thirty
Visa
Ukrainians need to obtain a visa to enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
Currency
Since 2008, the euro has been in circulation in the Republic of Cyprus. Credit cards are usually accepted by large shops, prestigious hotels and restaurants.
Customs restrictions
When entering the Republic of Cyprus, Ukrainians must pay more than 10,000 euros in the declaration. Jewelry and gold jewelry must also be included in the declaration. Customs regulations in the Republic of Cyprus are the same as in other EU countries.
It is forbidden to export any antique and ancient items.
Useful phone numbers and addresses
Address of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in Ukraine:
Postcode: 01054, Kiev, st. Dmitrievskaya, 18/24 Т:
(044) 486-36-05
mail: [email protected]
Address of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Cyprus:
Nicosia, Engomi, Makedonitissa, Miaouli str., 10
Т: (8 10 35722)
464-380 email: [email protected]
Emergency
telephone numbers Emergency telephone numbers – 112 or 199
Time
There is no difference with Ukrainian time. those. if in Nicosia, for example, it is 09:00 am, then in Kyiv it is also 09:00 am.
Tips
In restaurants and hotels in the Republic of Cyprus, tips are usually included in the bill (10%), so it is not necessary to pay for the service there. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, porters will be grateful to you for a small tip.
The medicine
No special vaccinations are required to visit the Republic of Cyprus, but doctors recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. Medical insurance is required.
Security
Violent crimes against foreign tourists in the Republic of Cyprus are rare. Sometimes tourists in Cyprus become victims of pickpockets. In general, the inhabitants of Cyprus are very hospitable and friendly.
