Crystal-clear waters, white-sanded beaches, blindingly white houses, and cars – Cyprus welcomes visitors all year round.
Cyprus is a sun-kissed island country, nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its troubled history and geopolitical issues, it offers an unforgettable experience for its visitors.
What Are the Essentials to Know About Cyprus
1. Climate and Weather
Climate conditions in Cyprus let everyone enjoy bright and sunny days regardless of the season. There is no bad timing for visiting the island, as its breathtaking beaches will lift your spirits any time of the year. Summers in Cyprus are dry and hot, and last from May to October. Therefore, those who are tired of gloomy and cold European winters can start a holiday season with a trip to Cyprus. Winters are quite cool, yet, the days are almost always lit with sunshine, providing pleasant and restful time.
2. Local airline
Almost all European carriers head towards Cyprus, as it is a popular tourist destination and place for retreat. There is also a relatively new ‘native’ airline – TUS Airways, with headquarters in Larnaka Airport. It allows passengers to travel to Greece, Israel, and within the country itself. If you want to use their services, it is better to check up on Tus Airways Compensation policies, as according to passengers’ reviews, there might be timing issues.
3. Cities to visit
The whole island of Cyprus is worth a visit, yet among all the places, there are a few most popular spots – Paphos, Coral Bay, Ayia Napa, Limassol, Protaras, Pernera, Nicosia, and Larnaca. All the cities have their unique vibe and atmosphere, yet they are united by the stunning beauty of nature and impressive historic past.
It is also worth learning some history of the country, to understand the core of the geopolitical issues.
There are two parts of Cyprus – the Northern and the Southern. Northern Cyprus is mainly inhabited by Turkish Cypriots, with the Turkish lira being the currency. This part doesn’t host international chains of businesses, and it is not a part of the EU. Southern Cyprus is a European country, with internationally recognized authorities. The two parts are divided by a Green Line, which is guarded by UN troops.
4. Food and Drinks
Cypriot food resembles Greek and Turkish cuisines, with local variations. There is always a good choice of fresh seafood, meats, fruit, and vegetables due to a favorable location and climate. Moussaka, koupepia, kolokasi, loukoumi, baklava – the names are pretty funny, yet the taste will exceed your expectations. It is always recommended to go off the beaten track and have meals further from tourist centers.
As for the drinks, Cypriots are really into coffee, which is usually served with milk; it can be served extra sweet – glyko, slightly sweet – metrio or black – sketo. The most popular alcoholic beverages are wine and beer. Tap water is suitable for drinking, yet, the filtered one is better.
5. Etiquette
Cyprus is mainly a resort, yet it is important to mind the rules when visiting spiritual places. TravelWise Way, the tourist guide, recommends being mindful of the dress code when visiting churches, and mosques (covered knees, shoulders, and heads), to not hurt the feelings of the believers.
Another important thing to remember – the lack of punctuality. Those who are used to scheduling may find the Cypriotic experiences quite frustrating, as getting one hour late is a pretty common thing. As you can’t change it, just be aware of such tardiness, and plan your time respectfully.
The Final Thoughts
Cyprus is a unique country island; it is a miscellaneous of British, Greek, and Turkish heritage. The country now is politically divided, which may create tension among people; however, it doesn’t impact the tourists in any way. Every visitor to Cyprus has an opportunity to explore all its beauties, enjoying the cultural retreat and long walks along the seashore.
If you crave sunshine and warmth, Cyprus should be the first on your travel list i
