Cyprus is a popular island among Russian tourists with an area of 9.25 thousand square kilometers. Within its framework there are three small states at once - Cyprus itself, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as well as the countries of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
A little about the history of the island
The first traces of civilization that were found on the territory of Cyprus date back to 8000 BC. Moreover, they are 9000 years old. These are traces of the Stone Age, the Copper Period, and then the Bronze Age.
The golden period of the development of Cyprus is its settlement by the ancient Greeks in the 12th-11th centuries BC. It was the Hellenic civilization that determined the direction of the culture that began to develop within the island - the Greek language, their art, religion and other traditions.
The Greeks also founded ancient cities in Cyprus, some of which still exist today.
Many peoples and civilizations tried to conquer Cyprus - the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians and others, but no one could master it for a long time. As a result, the army of Alexander the Great liberated the island from foreign invaders, after which the philosopher Zeno (a student of the famous Ptolemy) founded the famous philosophical school of Stoicism in Cyprus.
For many centuries, Cyprus was part of Greece and then the Roman Empire. But in 1571 it was conquered by the Ottomans, after which Cyprus was included in the Ottoman Empire, which severed the island’s connection with the rest of Europe. Then, already in 1869, after the opening of the Suez Canal, the British Empire began to show interest in the island, and Cyprus came under its control in 1878.
Already in the 20th century, many countries laid claim to ownership of Cyprus, and even now the relatively small island is often simply torn apart by conflicts between Christians and Muslims.
Mediterranean Sea
The only sea washed by Cyprus in the north-eastern part is the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, this island is the third largest in this salty basin. Cyprus is located 380 kilometers from Egypt, 105 kilometers from Syria and 75 kilometers from the Turkish border.
The geographical location of Cyprus places it in the Asian part of the continent.
The very name “Mediterranean” was first coined by the ancient writer Gaius Julius Solinus, who called it “the sea in the middle of the earth.” It was the Mediterranean Sea that connected such different European and North African civilizations.
Within this basin there are also a number of smaller and not always officially recognized seas - Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, Cretan, Libyan, Cypriot and Levantine. The same basin as the Mediterranean Sea also includes the Marmara, Black and Caspian Seas.
Cyprus is a popular resort where people go, among other things, for the clean sea and beautiful beaches. The island is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, but they are usually called the Cyprus Sea, which in turn is divided into the Chilia Sea (North-East) and the Levantine Sea (East).
Features of the Cyprus Sea
Only one major river flows into this sea - the Nile, so the concentration of salt in it is increased - this is the saltiest part of the Mediterranean Sea. The water is clear, even at great depths you can clearly see the bottom. There are no algae here, and you won’t find schools of colorful fish here. No matter how strange it may sound, the inhabitants of the island buy fish and seafood from neighboring countries: local waters are not rich in commercial species of marine life; everything that is available is grown on special farms located in the open sea. Nevertheless, tourists are always offered to go fishing as a form of entertainment - there are no illusions about the number and size of fish that can be caught.The Cyprus Sea is very warm: the tourist season on the island officially closes on November 1, but you can swim until December; the water maintains a comfortable temperature of about 20 degrees. This is one of the few resorts where you can safely go swimming in November and April. But the highest season here is from May to October, when the water temperature is 23-24 degrees.
This sea is not suitable for surfing; the water is very calm and “gentle”. One of the important characteristics of the sea in Cyprus is its cleanliness; many of the beaches here are awarded the Blue Flag, an award given to beaches with the most environmentally friendly water. In 2013, 57 beaches were awarded this honor.
The largest concentration of famous and popular beaches is in the city of Ayia Napa - the beaches here are sandy or a mixture of sand and pebbles. The most famous is the local Nissi Beach.
Legends and myths
The Cyprus Sea also attracts tourists with its rich history. According to legend, it was from its waters that the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite emerged. Now this place is called Aphrodite's Bay, it is located near the resort of Paphos. There are many signs associated with swimming in it: women, having plunged into its waters, gain youth and attractiveness, and lovers who swim together will always be together.A large layer of legends is associated with the caves that dot the coast of Cyprus, and the pirates who stored the loot in them. The image of gentlemen of fortune will accompany you on the Cyprus Sea, on which stylized ships with a black flag still sail today.
For whom
The Cyprus sea is calm, clean and warm - ideal for families with children. There are no extreme entertainments here, but you can pleasantly relax to the sound of the surf. This is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway for a couple in love. However, in many resorts, especially in Ayia Napa, the sea becomes the venue for fun parties, people dance right in the lagoons!The Cyprus Sea attracts divers: here, in addition to the underwater world, you can see sunken ships, including one of the most famous and largest, the second Titanic - the ferry Zenobia, which sank near the port of Larnaca.
Modern Paphos is divided into two parts. The old and new towns are connected by St. Paul Avenue. This city has a long history. Agapenor, commander of the Trojan War, founded Paphos. A temple was erected in honor of the goddess of love Aphrodite. Such greatness attracted a large number of people from other cities and gave it power. Later, the city ruler Nicocles changed the location of the city, which divided the city into two parts. The Romans, owning the city, enriched it. Gradually the city lost its position as the capital and began to lead an ordinary measured life. Periods of prosperity and decline passed many times, but Paphos always remained beautiful and majestic.
When choosing a holiday in Cyprus, pay attention to Paphos.
Read more about the resort of Cyprus - Paphos
Hotels in Cyprus are located along the coastline. There are a large number of hotels in Paphos. They are distinguished by a high level of service. The location along the coast means it has its own beach. The coast of the city is rocky and the entrance to the beach is not always convenient. The beaches of Paphos are mostly rocky. The sandy and large beach is located in Coral Bay. It is considered one of the best beaches in Cyprus and Paphos.
Entrance to the beaches is free, but you must pay to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. In many hotels, tourists prefer to use swimming pools. Breakfast is offered to tourists in Paphos hotels. Some offer vacationers two meals a day. A buffet is served, the variety of dishes is quite modest. The hotel staff speaks fluent Russian. In winter, many hotels close due to the lack of vacationers. Other holiday options in Paphos offer heated swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms with exercise equipment.
Hotels and beaches in Paphos
- The wealthiest tourists are offered five-star hotels. Beautiful luxury rooms are provided with modern comfortable conditions for relaxation. Guests are offered their services at spas and fitness centers, a variety of baths and saunas, and solariums for spectacular tanning. The most prestigious hotel is Paphos - Paphos Amathus Beach - 5* hotel. This is a luxurious complex that delights with its originality, elegance and modernity. The territory has everything for a wonderful holiday: to improve your health, for children to relax, for sports competitions and for evening entertainment. The staff is focused on an individual approach to each client and helps professionally in resolving issues. Upon arrival you will receive a warm and friendly welcome. If desired, they can also organize business meetings;
- Four-star hotels will gladly welcome tourists of any income. They are used by companies and couples in love, married couples with children and business partners. One of the popular 4* hotels - the Akti Beach Village Resort - is located in a cozy and quiet place. The variety of rooms will satisfy the needs of anyone. The rooms provide everything you need. Vacationers with children can take advantage of babysitting services, a swimming pool and a playground. The hotel's restaurants offer traditional dishes and drinks from around the world. Each restaurant has its own entertainment program for visitors;
- Many three star hotels have access to the sandy beaches of Paphos. Each of them is individual. The Roman Hotel is built in ancient Greek style. There are archaeological excavations nearby and the hotel itself is painted with frescoes. The rooms are equipped with everything you need. They are accessible and convenient for people with disabilities. A holiday in Cyprus with children will be unforgettable for children: playgrounds and high-quality animation will amuse little tourists. Rooms with a kitchenette are suitable for relaxation. If you wish, you can invite a guide to lead the tour. If you want to take a tour along your own route, you can rent a car in Cyprus.
Those wishing to have an all-inclusive holiday can stay in various hotels in Paphos. Cypria Maris and Pafian Sun Holiday Village, popular among tourists, work with such a program. For vacationers, these are small towns that have everything: restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, various swimming pools and playgrounds. They have a homely and cozy atmosphere. Vacationers note the wonderful climate and beauty of nature, the tranquility that reigns in Cyprus in Paphos, and a large number of cultural monuments of ancient architecture. Vacationers enthusiastically travel around Cyprus and go diving. The monotony of breakfasts, the paucity of the menu and the small amount of fruit are noted. Cleanliness and pleasant communication with the service staff leaves a favorable impression.
What to see in Paphos?
- The most remarkable place in Cyprus in Paphos and one of its main attractions is the Baths of Aphrodite. She swam in it and had fun with her lover. This is a romantic place with a beautiful small lake under the arches of a fig tree. According to legend, the water in the bath gives eternal youth. Even just by soaking your feet and hands, you can feel a surge of vigor. The Fountain of Love is located near the Baths. 15 kilometers from Paphos there is a magnificent historical monument - the Temple of Aphrodite;
- Not far from Paphos, in a picturesque place, the monastery of St. Neophytos the Recluse is located. Its history began back in 1159. You can see the cell of St. Neophytos; nearby is a monastery with a beautiful Temple in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. It preserves ancient frescoes and a wooden iconostasis decorated with handmade carvings. On the territory of the monastery there is a museum in which lists of gospels, manuscripts, books and antique dishes are displayed;
- The only bird show in the world is held in the Cyprus Bird Park in Paphos. The park was founded by ornithologist Christos Christopher. Communicating with a large variety of birds is a pleasure for both adults and children. The park offers recreational facilities for children and entertainment for adults. The park is open all year round.
The work of entertainment and sports centers, excursions, exotic parties make youth holidays in Cyprus affordable and unforgettable. This attracts a large number of young tourists.
It is impossible to know everything about Cyprus, but a trip to Paphos is comparable to traveling around the world. Cultural heritage from ancient settlements and beautiful temples, Roman theaters, monasteries, fortresses and cathedrals. Secrets and mysteries of different countries and eras are in the air of the island and the city. The Cyprus resort of Paphos is a place not only of beautiful historical architecture, but also a wonderful holiday for soul and body.
is an amazing island with a comfortable climate and developed infrastructure, thanks to which the number of people wishing to relax here is growing every year. But the main attraction of this Island of Love is the sea - clean, safe and incredibly beautiful. Let's consider this particular water component of a wonderful holiday.
Geographical features of the sea in Cyprus
Cleanliness of the Cyprus Sea
The purity of the sea in Cyprus cannot be described - it must be seen. At the same time, the ideal azure of sea water boasts not only environmental purity, but also extraordinary transparency. So, on the coast of the island there are places where even at a depth of 40 to 100 m you will see all the beauty of the seabed in the smallest detail. This is why Cyprus is so attractive for diving enthusiasts. The ecological cleanliness of many Cypriot beaches is not just an advertising slogan. It is marked with a special certificate of beach quality - the EU Blue Flag.
Flora and fauna of the Cyprus Sea
The part of the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus is quite rich in inhabitants, which, given the high concentration of salt in sea water, prefer the coastal area. Therefore, diving is the best way to see with your own eyes all the splendor of the flora and fauna of the Cyprus Sea. Having gone down to the bottom, you can observe rare fish, shellfish, crabs and turtles, and on the southern coast you can also appreciate the beauty of the coral reefs. Staying out of the water will bring you no less aesthetic pleasure, since the seascapes when walking along the coasts look impressive and very picturesque.
Maritime safety in Cyprus
Another advantage of the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus is safety, but not only in environmental terms. Here you can safely swim without fear of such biological “threats” as sharks, sea urchins or jellyfish. If you choose the wild beaches of the island for relaxation, there is a risk of getting burned by some types of algae. Although they pose no more danger than nettles. And, of course, there are storms on the Cyprus Sea, so swimming at this time is not recommended.
The best beaches in Cyprus
If the purpose of your stay in Cyprus is to go to the beach, pay attention to the beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras. Here you will find white sandy coastlines and perfectly clear water. The EU blue flag beaches here are Nissi Beach, Ayia Thekla, Kermia, Makronissos, Konnos Bay, Kapparis Beach. If you prefer active recreation and diving, choose the beaches of Paphos with cooler water but a rich underwater world. In this part of Cyprus, the beaches of Coral Bay, Faros, and City Beach are awarded a certificate of quality. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the famous Aphrodite beach, located near Limassol and Paphos, on the shores of which, according to legend, the sea goddess emerged from the foam.
The sea in Cyprus provides a lot of opportunities to have a great time on vacation - swimming and sunbathing, diving and windsurfing, fishing and enjoying the sea views on board a snow-white yacht.
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The island of Cyprus has always attracted tourists from all over the world. There are beautiful places, gorgeous beaches. Warm sea and clean air. It is also one of the most inexpensive resorts in the world, and therefore even people with average incomes can relax here. Tourists who spend their holidays in Cyprus leave their reviews. They help you understand what the sea and beaches are like, and where it’s better to relax. To make everything more clear to you, we have collected all this in one place, and you can familiarize yourself with photo and video materials, as well as find out when is the best time to go to Cyprus for a beach holiday.
If you are looking for a place. Where you can relax comfortably, you should consider Cyprus. The country, or rather the island, is located in the Mediterranean Sea. This sea does not cool down much during the winter months, but with the onset of spring it tends to warm up. Hot summer weather allows the beach season to be extended almost until winter, and at the end of October there are many tourists swimming on local beaches.
Sea in Cyprus.
As we have already said, Cyprus is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Warm winds quickly warm the air and water, so already in May you can swim and sunbathe here. The sea current is warm, and only thanks to the cold winds does the sea become cooler in winter. But already in spring its temperature becomes higher and higher every month. In May the sea can warm up to +22 degrees. and already in the first summer month and up to +24.
The peak occurs in July and August, when the air temperature reaches +35 degrees and the sea about +27. At the same time, with the onset of autumn, daylight hours begin to decrease. The sun becomes scarce and the air cools. But the sea still maintains its temperature and will be warm and suitable for swimming until the end of October.
The water in the sea is clean and transparent. Even in the summer months, when there are many tourists on the beaches, it is still clean. Sand does not rise from the bottom, and there is no silt here at all.
It is on the coast of Cyprus that diving enthusiasts rush to dive under the water. The underwater world of Cyprus is amazing and diverse. There are fish, algae, and beautiful underwater caves here. At the bottom there are sunken ships, near which you can find treasures, spoons or other objects that are more than a hundred years old.
Beaches in Cyprus.
Perhaps 99% of the beaches of Cyprus are sandy. And this cannot but please tourists. It is convenient for everyone to relax on the sand. Children happily build sand castles, dribble sand and play on it. You can walk on the beaches barefoot and not be afraid of cutting yourself. Many beaches in Cyprus have a blue flag, which is only issued to those beaches that have passed an environmental test. If a beach has a blue flag, then it is clean, the coastal waters are also clean and it is the safest here.
Cyprus is a small island with a huge number of beaches and resorts on its coast. It is very difficult to choose one, and often tourists relax on new beaches and resorts every day.
The most popular resort in Cyprus is Ayia Napa. It is more popular among young people, as even at night it is bustling with life. Bars, discos and nightclubs are open from evening until morning. During the day there are gorgeous white sand beaches. The beaches have cafes, cheap sun loungers and umbrellas.
Larnaca is more suitable for those who go on holiday with children. firstly, there is an airport here and you won’t have to go anywhere else after the plane. Secondly, there are very few discos here, so there is no noise. The resort's beaches are equipped with everything necessary for relaxation. Hotels have children's pools and water slides. The hotels have Russian-speaking staff and nannies. With whom you can leave your children. All beaches are exclusively sandy, and the sand is very fine, like starch.
Paphos is the center of Cyprus and all holidays on the island. Life at the resort comes to a standstill; time moves slower here. If you sit on benches in the park and watch passers-by, you will notice that they are in no hurry. Everyone walks at a calm pace, talks and admires the beautiful views. There is a myth that it was in this place that the Goddess of Love Aphrodite was born. The only drawback of Paphos is that the hotels are too expensive. Therefore, there are few young people here who cannot yet afford such a vacation.
The main center of attraction for the bulk of tourists here is the endless, clean and, importantly, safe sea. Let's see where Cyprus is located on the world map and what kind of sea there is.
What sea is Cyprus located on?
If the first part of the question: “where is it” can be answered unambiguously, then the second part – “what kind of sea is there” – will not work. Formally, from a geographical point of view, the shores of the island are washed by the Mediterranean Sea. However, some of its parts have their own unofficial name. Yes, on to the south is the Cyprus Sea, in the northeast - Cilician, in the east - Levantine.
Geographically, Cyprus belongs to the Asian part of the world, and not to the European part, as most people are used to thinking. Despite the fact that one of them is Greek, there is little associated with this country. In fact, part of the state’s territory is controlled by Turkey and Great Britain. And the nearby countries are Egypt and Syria.
Interactive location map of Cyprus: (You can zoom in and out by clicking on + or -)
Climatic features of Cyprus
The tourist season on the island lasts from to. In the spring-summer period, the water temperature can reach a maximum of plus 30 degrees. This is facilitated by the peculiar terrain, replete with shallow waters.
With the arrival of autumn, the water in the sea cools down, but not rapidly, but gradually, which makes it possible to extend the holiday season. But even in winter and early spring, the waters of the Mediterranean Sea have a relatively comfortable temperature.
The Mediterranean Sea that surrounds Cyprus is completely unique and is famous for three main qualities:
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Cleanliness.
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Security.
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. An abundance of strange living creatures.
The purity of the Cyprus Sea is an amazing phenomenon. Moreover, we are talking not only about the environmental component, but also about the transparency of the azure waters. In some places, even at a depth of a hundred meters, you can see the beauty of deep-sea marine life in great detail. As for the environment, everything is at the highest level, which is confirmed by a special EU quality certificate - Blue flag
.
It is safe to be on the Cyprus coasts - it is impossible to meet sharks, sea urchins, or jellyfish here. But other, harmless inhabitants of the deep sea are worth admiring - lovers will be able to see rare fish, shellfish, crabs, turtles and even coral reefs. The only trouble is that an “encounter” with some types of algae growing on the wild beaches of the island can result in a minor burn.
Where to relax in Cyprus
So, we found out which sea Cyprus washes, now is the time to find out for this or that type of vacation.
The most famous resorts in Cyprus are and. Here, most tourists are attracted primarily by the snow-white sandy shores, gently sloping shallows, and clear water. Fans of active recreation (diving, fishing, windsurfing) will love the beaches, where the water is cooler, but the richest deep-sea world is. There is a beach nearby Aphrodite, attractive to tourists - after all, it was here, according to myth, that the goddess of beauty once emerged from the foam of the sea.
