Visit Cyprus: Complete travel guide for a holiday in Cyprus

Visiting Cyprus offers an extraordinary chance to investigate an island in the eastern Mediterranean which is famous for its rich history, attractive culture and magnificent attractions. Things to do in Cyprus allows you to experience appealing Cypriot cuisine as well as sun-drenched, windswept beaches. For history buffs, ancient architecture and monuments steeped in Greek mythology is essential in a holiday in Cyprus.

1. Why should you visit Cyprus 

Cyprus is known as an island nation which offers high-quality experiences. Europe's cleanest beaches, a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine come together to create a unique experience in Cyprus that you won't find anywhere else. Even if you want to either relax or discover the history, Cyprus guarantees you a wonderful experience Whether you want to explore its cultural history or relax.

2. Preparation for your holiday in Cyprus

The best time to have a holiday in Cyprus

Cyprus enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with sunny summers and mild winters. Thanks to this pleasant weather, visitors can go there all year round, depending on the activities they wish to practice. However, summer (June to September) is the peak tourist period due to the many festivals and exciting activities taking place, as well as the opportunity to relax by the sea.

Plan your budget

The cost of a holiday in Cyprus varies depending on several factors. On average, it is around 75 euros per person per day. However, the budget may increase if visitors opt for luxury accommodations, meals at fine restaurants or shopping sessions in the cities.

Visa and documents required to visit Cyprus

Since Cyprus is a member country of the Schengen area in Europe, tourists only need a Schengen visa (also called a European visa) to visit Cyprus. The most popular visa is the short-term Schengen visa (type C), which allows a stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You need to fill out a form, provide a photo ID, national ID card, as well as additional documents such as hotel reservations, flight tickets, proof employment certificate, bank statements and travel insurance.

3. What to see in Cyprus: The must-see sites in Cyprus

Nicosie

Nicosie is the last capital actually separated militarily between north and south, with a division line (Green Line) controled by the Unified Countries. This city offers guests a genuine immersion in the Cypriot metropolitan, with shopping areas, museums and long-time architecture such as the Selimiye Mosque or the Laiki Geitonia locale. If you're searching for an extraordinary encounter mixing history and innovation, Nicosie is an extraordinary decision.

Paphos 

When we think of Paphos, we think of the city which saw the birth of the god of love and beauty Aphrodite in Greek mythology. History and culture lovers should definitely visit Paphos, as the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the iconic places in Paphos include Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, Chrysopolitissa Church and St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Solomoni Catacombs and Tombs of the Kings, which attract visitors from all over the world.

Larnaca

Larnaca is famous for being the most ancient city in Cyprus. This city stands out for its modern and magnificent seaports. Visiting salt lake westward of the town is one of the things to do in Cyprus in Larnaca, offering visitors the opportunity to move closer to nature while respecting dazzling sunsets and watching flamingos. Scuba jumping fans will especially appreciate Zonebie Wreck Plunging which permits you to discover the Zonebie wreck and the coral reefs around.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is a famous seaside resort situated on the east coast of Cyprus. Its underwater museum is One of the one of a kind attractions of this city. Also, the city is known for its dynamic nightlife, with countless bars, clubs and diners that will give you pleasant evenings. Moreover, different attractions, for example, Konnos Narrows, Nissi Ocean side, Cape Greco and the ocean caves offer guests remarkable experiences along the wonderful coast of this island.

4. What to do in Cyprus: Festivals and Cypriot cuisine

Holidays

Limassol Wine Festival

The Limassol Wine Festival is a long-held traditional festival of Cyprus. In addition to special local wines, dancing, singing, cooking and traditional theaters are some activities that this festival offers to visitors.

The carnival

Carnival, also called “Dionysia”, is a festival of parades which takes place each year in several regions of the country, of which Limassol is often the nerve center. For 10 days, there are other activities such as parades, music, costumes and energetic parties.

Cypriot cuisine

Halloumi

Halloumi is Cypriot cuisine's pride because it has been certified as an unique product in Cyprus by the European Association with the Safeguarded Assignment of Beginning (PDO) ensuring its origin and quality. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese, kneaded by hand from goat and sheep milk. It is suitable for frying or grilling thanks to its high melting.

Meze 

Meze is a set of Cypriot dishes including many different local specialties. It usually includes small portions of dishes such as tzatziki, a yogurt-based salad, tahini, a sesame-based sauce, taramosalata, a fish roe and potato puree, hummus, a preparation based on chickpeas and tahini, as well as traditional halloumi cheese.

Kleftiko

The thieves' meat dish in Greece is believed to be the origin of this Cypriot dish. The thieves buried the lambs stolen in the ground before grilling, in order to hide the flavors of the meat. Today, Kleftiko is cooked wrapped in mud to retain the flavor of the dish. Its long marinating and cooking time in a sealed earthenware oven is the key contributing to its exceptional flavor.

5. Practical tips when visiting Cyprus

Communication

Modern Greek and Turkish are the two official languages of Cyprus and are used in the government, judicial, administrative, media and educational sectors. In addition, English is also widespread and used on road signs, in advertising and public announcements. Cypriots are often good at English, which makes the conversations much easier for international visitors. Moreover, the local people are considered to be open-minded and hospitable. Visitors can expect to be welcomed if they need advice or information and visit Cyprus with peace of mind.

Getting around in Cyprus

Unlike other European countries, the public transport system in Cyprus is relatively limited. Even though buses are common on the island, they are operated by various companies in different towns. This fact probably poses difficulties for tourists who need to travel between major cities. Therefore, visitors are recommended to use taxis or rent a car for travelling themselves. Drivers with an EU license or an international license can drive freely until their license expires.

6. Conclusion

Visiting Cyprus gives you a multitude of varied experiences which are both at modern and ancient sites. The popular cities such as Nicosie and Paphos, Cypriot cuisine, a Mediterranean cuisine rich in flavors, combined with its picturesque landscapes, makes it a dream destination for nature lovers. A holiday in Cyprus means a discovery of an island that is both unique and captivating, promising unforgettable experiences.

7. Visiting Cyprus with Autour Asia, the best travel agency in Vietnam

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