What's the best time to visit Cyprus?

The best time to visit Cyprus is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring.

What are the must-try dishes in Cyprus?

You have to try the halloumi, a traditional Cypriot cheese that's perfect for grilling or frying, and the fresh seafood, which is incredibly fresh and delicious.

Are there any good beaches in Cyprus?

Yes, Cyprus has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear waters and powdery sand.

Can I explore Cyprus on a budget?

Yes, Cyprus can be explored on a budget, especially if you're willing to stay in self-catering apartments or guesthouses and eat at local tavernas.

What's the best way to get around Cyprus?

The best way to get around Cyprus is by car, as it gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.

Are there any good festivals and events in Cyprus?

Yes, Cyprus has a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Aphrodite Festival, which celebrates the island's rich history and culture.

Can I learn more about Cypriot history and culture?

Yes, Cyprus has a range of museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the island's rich history and culture.

Are there any good shopping areas in Cyprus?

Yes, Cyprus has a range of shopping areas, including the historic center of Nicosia, which offers a range of traditional shops and markets.

Discover the Charm of Cyprus | A Reluctant Fan's Honest Take

Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to share my genuine thoughts on Cyprus, a place that's really grown on me over the years.

Let's get real - my initial impression of Cyprus wasn't exactly love at first sight. I first visited Cyprus after finishing 11th grade. Before that, I'd always gone to Turkey with my parents, staying in five-star all-inclusive resorts.

Compared to Turkey, Cyprus seemed like the most boring place on earth to me back then - a 17-year-old girl finishing school.

But time went by, and guess what? I ended up coming back to Cyprus because my relatives moved there. As I grew older, the loud chaos of Turkey and the endless Coke machines didn't seem as appealing, and I finally started to love this place more.

What I love about Cyprus?

1. The laid-back atmosphere

Cyprus isn't the Emirates. There aren't as many migrants who treat tourists like a wonder of the world. I'm not saying I'm super uncomfortable in the UAE, but there's always more unwanted attention there.

One thing that really stands out to me about Cyprus is the chill, relaxed vibe. You won't be hit on every five seconds - and I have to give credit where credit is due, Europeans are often open to chatting, I've had a few friendly encounters myself.

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2. The relaxed pace of life

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Cyprus doesn't have any major factories or production lines. The landscape is dominated by hotels and low-rise homes for locals. Some of these buildings are more modern - in recent years, some cities have started to see the rise of high-rises, which I think makes the city feel more modern.

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But what really gets me is the 'chill' vibe that pervades the island. Coffee shops are always bustling with people of all ages, sipping coffee and enjoying each other's company. And that's something that really impresses me - Cyprus has a high proportion of older people, which is reflected in the island's excellent life expectancy.

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In the mornings, you'll see pensioners arriving at the beach, walking, doing some light exercises, or fishing. They're not in a rush, just enjoying the sunshine and the relaxed pace of life.

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3. A large expat community

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Cyprus is home to a huge number of expats from the UK, Germany, Belgium, and France. If you're looking to meet new people and practice your language skills, Cyprus is a great place to be.

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I've noticed a significant shift in the demographics of tourists here. What used to be a predominantly Russian crowd has given way to a more international mix, with visitors from all over the world. Thankfully, the people I've met have been super friendly.

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4. The warm climate

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I know the weather can be unpredictable, but it's amazing to experience the warmth of spring in April. Some years, it's already summer-like, and you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and wearing light clothes. Of course, there are occasional spring showers, but during my visit in late April, I mostly encountered hot, sunny days. Just be aware that the sea might still be a bit chilly, but I did manage to take a few dips.

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It's worth noting that a warm climate doesn't always guarantee warm sea temperatures. There have been instances where the heat wave is suddenly interrupted by strong winds, leaving the sea cold again.

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Considering this, a trip to Larnaca might be a great alternative, with its shallower waters, making it perfect for families, and a relatively short drive from the airport.

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5. Delicious food

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This, hands down, is one of the most solid points where I haven't had a single bad experience. I've never had a bad meal on Cyprus.

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Whether it's a fancy restaurant, a cafe, or a fast-food joint, everything is always cooked to perfection.

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I love that about Cyprus - not a single place (at least, not the ones I've stumbled upon) looks unclean or unsanitary. It's the same story with street food stalls and coffee shops ☺️xa0

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You can read my review of a restaurant that served amazing pelmeni and a bear-shaped dessert here

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What I don't like about Cyprus

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1. Service

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If you think even the fanciest restaurant will always have a hostess waiting for you - forget it. I still remember the time we went to a high-end seafood restaurant, where we were completely ignored, then an attendant finally came over and seated us.

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The worst service I experienced was at the Mintis Resort in Paphos - the attitude from the waitstaff and receptionists was just appalling.

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You can read my review of the hotel with terrible service for 35,000 rubles per night here

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I've found myself in some pretty weird situations while traveling, even when it comes to taxis - almost every driver refused to help me carry my luggage down the hotel stairs, or lift it at all. I just can't imagine a scenario like that happening in Armenia or the UAE. (Sorry for the frequent comparison, but Cyprus and the UAE are my top destinations). The last time I got out of a taxi, I was close to tears - the driver not only refused to help me with my luggage, but actually threw it into the trunk so roughly that I was worried about its safety. And let's be real, something like that would never happen in Russia.

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Now, I'm not saying everyone is bad, but if I'm being honest, I've encountered some pretty bad attitudes in Cyprus. In the UAE, I'd maybe run into some mild annoyance every few trips - I'm not a five-thousand-ruble bill, after all, so I'm not expecting everyone to love me. But on Cyprus, it's like that kind of behavior is par for the course.

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2. Uninviting beaches

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Honestly, the beaches here are just okay, despite their frequency. For the most part, you're dealing with dark, volcanic sand that's not only not that pretty in real life, but also looks pretty meh in photos.

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I've found that many beaches here are pretty rough to get into because they just don't bother cleaning up the rocks. It's way safer to use the piers instead.

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That being said, I've found it's a lot easier to take those Instagram-perfect photos in the UAE, whereas in Cyprus, the dark sand tone needs some serious editing, and I'm not ashamed to admit I use a ton of filters – I mean, I'm a realist, I want to see the beauty as it is.

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Ayia Napa's got a slightly better situation with the sand, in my opinion, and I'm backing that up with a photo.

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But in Limassol, the beach just doesn't look that great without some filters and editing.

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3. Lack of a vibrant cultural scene

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Yeah, I've seen some Russian artists here, touring the world, and some decent orchestras putting on concerts – but compared to the UAE's incredible modern art museums or Russia's legendary Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, Cyprus has basically nothing.

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I've gotta say, there's no proper opera house or ballet theater here, and no immersive art museums. I'll add a harsh note to this review - people on Cyprus, in general, aren't that developed.

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For the most part, they live on the island and 'marinate' here for years, not knowing what it's like elsewhere. Most locals can only make it to Greece (Cyprus is basically a step below in terms of history) or the UK (where kids of wealthy parents often go for higher education).

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4. Overpriced hotels

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You won't believe how many times I thought to myself when choosing decent (not super luxurious) hotels: 'Lord, I could stay at a Kempinski or Sheraton in the UAE for these prices.' Not in Dubai, not in other Emirates, mind you.

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I'm always left speechless by the unjustifiably high prices for the most basic hotels, far from the center. Understand me right, almost anyone is willing to pay for something that's worth it.

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But when I see outdated, worn-out renovations in pricey resorts, I'm always left wondering

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This hotel costs 125,000 rubles for 6 nights, and that's with breakfast - no flight included

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I get why Cyprus isn't the most obvious destination for tourists, especially with all the hassle of layovers these days. But since I've got family there, I've been visiting the island and staying at the same hotels I think offer great value for money.

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If you're planning a trip to Cyprus, here are some hotels I can recommend (with the pros and cons):

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A decent hotel in Ayia Napa

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A hotel in Limassol that's centrally located

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The best 5-star in Limassol, hands down

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Thanks for sticking with me until the end of this review!