This magnificent island is the second largest and the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, according to many tourists visiting Cyprus Holidays Cyprus attracts not only Russians, but also tourists from around the world. This is not only a wonderful Mediterranean climate, clean beach and a high level of service. Holidays in Cyprus involves tourists is also extremely beautiful nature and an exciting excursion program. Therefore, Cyprus holidays in 2011 will, indeed, an excellent choice. Cyprus is one of the greatest centers of ancient civilization, the island took an active part in the life of the Mediterranean and beyond. Such a rich history causes a large number of ancient monuments, which are able to visit every tourist who chooses holiday in Cyprus 2011.
Family Holidays in Cyprus
Cyprus has a very favorable climate and heavily vegetated, which makes him look like a peninsula. Therefore gives a wonderful holiday here salutary effect. That's why many families are attracted holiday in Cyprus with the children. Offering a healthy child Cyprus holiday also provides an excellent and entertaining program at any resort. Holidays in Cyprus with the children give a wonderful experience for all family members.
Sea Holidays Cyprus
Certainly, the majority of tourists coming to Cyprus for its wonderful beach holiday. Unique climate provides the perfect weather all year round, except for rainy December and January. From May to mid-October this summer. It was during this period shall begin the best vacation at sea. Cyprus - it is the place where the summer air is heated to 35, and water - up to 25 degrees. That's why thousands of tourists from around the world attracts sea tour of Cyprus.
General InformationCyprus - an island located in the east Mediterranean Sea, not far from the Middle East. In the sea teeming with islands, it belongs to one of the biggest. Among the Mediterranean island of Cyprus is the third largest. Neighboring countries - Greece, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Libya. 36% of the territory controlled the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, 3,7% - the United Nations (buffer area), 2.7% - United Kingdom (the military base of Akrotiri and Dhekelia), the rest - Republic of Cyprus.
Official name: Republic of CyprusCapital: Nicosia. Nicosia - commercial and industrial center. In the city - 2 modern shopping complex, shops, restaurants, entertainment complexes. In the town of textile, leather, ceramics, plastics and other products. Nearby are the copper mines.
LanguageOfficial languages - Greek and Turkish. Ubiquitous English.
PolityForm of government: Republic. The 1960 Constitution represented a presidential republic with separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, and quotas to protect the interests of ethnic Turks. The president and vice president were elected, respectively, Greek and Turkish communities on the five-year term and have veto power on certain initiatives, legislative and executive powers. After the split of the island of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, headed by the President and the Prime Minister, responsible to the National Assembly. TRNC authorities reject the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus over the whole territory of the island and called it "the Greek government of Southern Cyprus". Accordingly, the Republic of Cyprus and the international community except Turkey, did not recognize the TRNC, and designate it as "the territories occupied by Turkish troops." The Republic of Cyprus is divided into 6 districts.
ClimateMediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry hot summers. Clear, sunny weather is a big part of the year - 320 days of sunshine throughout the year. Spring begins in February, while summer lasts from May until late October. The average winter temperature is +10 C in the summer of 36 C. The bathing season in Cyprus starts from April and ends in November.
PopulationThe population of Cyprus for several centuries, consists of two ethnic groups: Greeks and Turks. After the partition of the island the vast majority of Greek Cypriots living in the south and Turks - in the north. It is also home to the British in Cyprus, Armenians, and Russian.
ReligionThe vast majority of the Cypriot population professes the Christian faith and the rest - Islam.
CurrencyMonetary unit is the Euro (Euro, €). The national currency until January 1, 2008 was the Cyprus Pound (CYP). 1 CYP was approximately equal to U.S. $ 2 and was divided into 100 cents. Banknotes have inscriptions in three languages - English, Greek and Turkish.
VoltageVoltage 220 volts. Adapter is needed.
Important informationCustoms controlRestrictions on import and export of currency, traveler's checks, credit cards and other payment documents, no. Allowed duty free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, a liter of liquor, 0.75 liters of wine, 150 ml perfume, 300 ml eau de cologne. Prohibits the importation of parrots, fruit and flowers, as well as any weapons (including gas), drugs and dangerous chemicals. Not allowed to export raised from the day the sea of archaeological treasures without special permission.
Useful informationWaterIf you prefer, you can drink tap water, it is slightly salty taste.
Shopping in CyprusPopular purchases are wines and liquors, lace, silver, paintings, leather, fur coats, jewelry. Great demand for ceramic products. Bargain in Cyprus is not accepted. Banks on the island work from 8-30 to 13-30 (except Saturday and Sunday), many shops from 8-30 to 13-00 and from 15-00 to 19-00 (except Sunday), and small stores and shops in tourist areas of work and on Sunday.
TipThe size of the tip in a restaurant is 10% of the total bill and is often already included in the bill. It is also customary to leave a few coins maids and taxi drivers.
PhoneThe most convenient way to call from the phone box, which are of 2 types: card or coin. Phone cards to pay for calls are sold in post offices, newsstands, supermarkets and souvenir stalls Cyprus. You can also call from the hotel, one with the cost of a call will be several times larger. Russian cellular operators offer roaming.International dialing code Cyprus: 357.To make calls to Cyprus should dial: 8 - 10 - 357 (Cyprus code) - (area code) - (phone number).
Useful telephone numbers: Ambulance - 199, police and fire protection - 199, 122, doctor on call - 1432, a pharmacy on duty (at night) - 192, 1412. In Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos are additional phone numbers of emergency services.
National cuisineAt the core of cuisine of Cyprus lies in Mediterranean cuisine, primarily Greek and Turkish. These include meze (a set of numerous snacks and meals, united by one theme - meat or fish), common in Greece, and Turkey, and kleftiko - baked meat goat or lamb. But it is still a traditional use of meat goats. Also are traditional dishes on the grill - suvla and souvlaki. Deep fried cutlets keftedes and Sheftal (minced meat with herbs and grated potatoes).
Among the local dishes of seafood includes squid and octopus in red wine. From sweets spread jam from local fruit, vegetables and nuts - walnuts in a soft shell, eggplant, figs, etc. Also Cypriots believe their dish churchhellu (Greek "shuzhuko) - nuts, strung on a rope, and covered with a frozen grape syrup. In cooking, is actively used rose water. Cinnamon is also of great importance in the Cypriot cuisine - it is added to almost all food: sweets, meat, meatballs, vegetable stew. Cyprus coffee "metro" is similar to Turkish coffee - served straight with guschey and a glass of ice water. British heritage in the culinary field is expressed in the traditional "English breakfast" of eggs and bacon and beans. In some bars, beer is served in the British pint.
Car RentalTo rent a car in Cyprus, the traveler must be at least 21 years old and have an international driver's license. Please note that in Cyprus left-hand automobile traffic. All rental machines are special numbers in red, which begin with the letter Z. Cyprus levied fines for unfastened seat belt, the release of debris from the car window, talking on a cell phone and drunk driving.
BeachesBeaches in Cyprus, divided into hospitality, urban and wild. Local residents walk to the beach. Admission is free. The last thing a rest on the wild beaches.
AttractionsThe main attractions of the country: the tomb of Lazarus, the tomb of Hala Sultan, the Cyprus Archaeological Museum. In the old part of Famagusta is the fortress XIV-XV centuries, where he lived in the tower prototype of Othello, the Venetian commander Christopher Moreau. The ruins of the ancient city of Salamis. Near Kyrenia - Bellapais Abbey, the ruins of the Gothic, the Museum of shipwrecks. Stavrovouni monastery, founded according to legend, in 327 St. Helena. The monastery, dedicated to cats - (Monastery of St. Nicholas).
Holidays and days offJanuary 1 - New Year's Day, St. BasilJanuary 6 - Epiphany DayMarch 25 - Greek Independence DayApril 1 - National Day of Greek CypriotsMay 1 - Labor DayAugust 15 - Assumption1 October - Cyprus Independence DayOctober 28 - Greek National DayDecember 25 - Christmas
Precautionary measuresWhen visiting monasteries, churches and mosques, women must cover their shoulders and wear a skirt, and men always wear long pants. Photographing military installations Cyprus prohibited.