A Journey to Cyprus That Left a Lasting Impression on My Heart

As the seasons change, it's almost time for vacations. However, with the current global situation, it's uncertain whether we'll be able to travel or not. For now, I'll hold onto the hope that everything will work out well and allow me to cherish memories of past trips.

I'd like to share with you my experience in Cyprus. It was a destination we chose twice: in 2018 and 2019. In this post, I'll tell you about what we lived through during the two visits, comparing the first part of the season with the peak season.

How We Chose It

In 2018, the date of our vacations coincided with the end of May or the beginning of June, and we were looking for a place with a warm climate where we could enjoy the sea. Our travel agent recommended other options, but told us that Cyprus was too early in the season, that the sea would be cold, and that it wouldn't be a good time to go. However, the comments and opinions of other travelers said the opposite. Despite their recommendations, we decided to trust our instincts and choose Cyprus. And we didn't regret it!

Cyprus has several famous tourist destinations: Pafos, Protaras, Limassol, Larnaca, and Ayia Napa.

Pafos is the southernmost destination on the island, and although it's a bit far from the other tourist destinations, it's a place worth visiting. Ayia Napa, on the other hand, is a beach and party destination, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. This was the destination we chose for our vacations, and it didn't disappoint us. Without children, but I think it would also be an interesting destination for families with children, as it has parks and a water park.

The Flight

The first time we flew to Larnaca was with S7, and the second time was with Pobeda. Both flights went smoothly and on time. We arrived from Moscow to Larnaca in about 3.5 hours. In both cases, the flight was delayed, but we were informed in advance and both delays benefited us, as we were able to rest for a few more hours. The first time, they offered us food during the flight, but in 2019, a law was passed that states that flights under 6 hours do not include food, although it can be purchased separately. We didn't buy it and brought our own lunch. In reality, 3 hours is a reasonable time to go without food.

Also, the transfer from the airport to our hotels in Ayia Napa went smoothly. We were picked up in comfortable buses and taken to our hotels. During the trip, which took about 45 minutes, we were able to see the city and its different neighborhoods. As is usual in any place, there are rich and poorer areas, but I didn't notice any security problems. In fact, I thought the city was quite safe, especially considering its nightlife.

Hotel

In both cases, we stayed in the city center, near the bar street. The neighborhood is very lively, with many cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options. However, in our hotels, everything was in order, quiet, and silent, and you couldn't hear music or noise. I'd like to write a separate review about the hotels. The first time, we chose the Tasia Maris Oasis 4, and the second time, the Eleana 4. Both hotels are on the second line of the beach, but you have to walk 7-10 minutes to get to the sea. In general, I liked both hotels, although in one the food was better than in the other. Both hotels I can recommend visiting. In Cyprus, four-star hotels are equivalent to five-star hotels in Turkey, so if you don't need a lobster source and a private jacuzzi, you can consider four-star hotels with confidence.

Food

We took our food through the 'breakfast + dinner' system, dinner can be replaced by lunch, but we didn't do it. In general, we would have liked more 'all-inclusive' food, but as our friends told us and I could read in many comments, in Cyprus 'all-inclusive' means a menu of three meals with drinks. That is, in hotels there are no such bars, nor snack stations. Therefore, it loses part of its charm. Meals are served à la carte, not as a buffet. In Cyprus, there are many interesting places to eat, and we also planned to go out on excursions during the day, so we didn't tie ourselves to a particular place.

We ate in seafront cafes, there are many of them and for all tastes. We really liked the restaurants with delicious seafood 'Vassos' and 'Ocean basket'. As for meat restaurants, we didn't find any that we liked. We got the impression that they don't know how to cook meat here, although we were told that the Cypriots are fond of making skewers and in general, meat lovers. In reality, almost everything we tried was tasteless and bad. We looked for recommendations and good ratings, but each time we passed by. For example, this dish we ordered in a restaurant, how nice, right?! But the taste, a bit disappointing.

Cyprus food is served in large portions. As we eat little, we often ordered a portion for two. In no place did anyone get surprised by this. Also, in many restaurants, they serve bread and Greek salad with the second dish. One time we had a problem: my friend ordered the salad separately and they brought us two of them, two full bowls! We ate in a restaurant of 4 people and there was still food left.

In general, it cost us around 20 euros for two people in the daily menu. Therefore, it's not very profitable to eat only in restaurants. Of course, there are cheaper options, such as McDonald's, pizzerias, and Subway on every corner. But sometimes you want to enjoy something special.

Mezze

We thought that many had heard about the traditional Cypriot food called mezze. What is it?

Mezze is a set of dishes. Traditionally, in Cyprus, mezze is distinguished from fish and meat.

The truth is that we tried the fish version and the meat version. On the one hand, you can't go to a country and not try its traditions, but on the other hand, is it worth paying extra for this? In my opinion, it's not worth it. The price of mezze is high. Between 25 and 50 euros. Most of the time, the order is for two portions. As I said, portions here are huge, so two portions for two people is a real feast. Again, 50 euros for dinner, in my opinion, is too much. But sometimes you can find a mezze offer for two people. The price will be higher per dish, but lower than for two portions. We took the version for two people. Also, mezze is divided into the number of dishes. But even if you order 34 dishes, it doesn't mean there are 34 types of meat. In this number, there are stews, tapas, vegetables, and possibly 9 meat dishes. But with this, you'll have leftovers to eat. In reality, I prefer to enjoy food, not eat to the point of being full, so I think things like this are better enjoyed with a large company. This way, you can enjoy the food without worrying about the money.

The Sea, the Beach

I love the sea in Cyprus – it's a real gem. It's here in a blue-green tone, with reflections that range from a light blue to a deep blue. The water is absolutely transparent and clean, even on stormy days. I was especially impressed because, before, I had only been to Gelendzhik. During my two trips, there was only one storm in the entire time. Of course, I couldn't swim, but everyone else went into the water, no one stopped them. A big advantage for me is the melodic. As I don't know how to swim, I prefer to play on the beach, and here there's a big space of soft sand, although not too deep. In general, it's a paradise for children and for people like me. In late May, the water was already warm and very comfortable. In fact, in August in Sochi the water seemed colder to me.

Ayia Napa is famous for its beautiful beaches. It's true. They're very beautiful, with white soft sand. My friend went to Limassol, but after seeing my photos, she said that in Ayia Napa it was better. We lived near the 'Pantahou' beach, which we liked perfectly, so we visited it often. The beach has all the facilities: sunbeds, showers, changing rooms, entertainment. The water is crystal clear, the sand is white and soft. In general, it's what you need for a perfect rest. Of course, we visited other beaches too. We went to 'nissi beach' and 'makronissos'.

I love Nissi Beach, a popular destination among young people where nights turn into real parties. The bar, the DJ music, and the beach itself are the perfect ingredients for a day of pleasure. Although, in my opinion, it doesn't have anything to do with other beaches in terms of beauty. But if you're one of those who enjoy having fun, this is the place for you. Also, Nissi Beach is famous for its fine sandy beach and crystal-clear waters and its intense blue color. I especially liked the beach that stretches from the shore to a small island in the middle of the sea. You can walk on it, take photos, or simply relax in the beach area. The island is small, but it's worth exploring. In May, the beach was visible, but in July it had already submerged under the water level. However, the water depth is only a little higher than the knee height, so you can walk on it without any problems. In general, Nissi Beach liked me, but it's not exactly the type of beach I'm looking for. I don't think it's worth going every day.

Macronissos is a very different destination. It's a quiet and family-friendly place, perfect for a relaxing vacation. Although it doesn't have the same energy as Nissi Beach, it offers a stunning view and a quiet beach. It's one of the beaches farthest from Ayia Napa, and that's why it's a bit less crowded than the others.

I remember that one day I wandered to Landa beach. That resort didn't like me, it seemed a bit wild. There are rocks and boards everywhere.

What disappointed me and why I would give a small minus, is the number of people. It seems to me that in summer Ayia-napa becomes like a typical Anapa. You walk 10 minutes looking for a place to lie down. The first day we even couldn't find a spot, we had to undress and get a tan standing on the ground. The first thing I said when I arrived at the resort was: 'Why do they criticize our resorts?' Already in 2020 we stayed in Sochi and didn't see so many crowds. You get out of the sea and have to run 15 minutes to find your sunbed. I even got lost a couple of times. It's total chaos! I thought this situation occurred both at the beginning of the season and in the middle of summer. However, the marina helped me forget my irritation.

In my experience, we didn't need a sunbed. We bought a straw sunbed and an umbrella. The truth is that I don't remember the exact price, but I think it's gone up in the last few weeks. What I can say is that the prices in the beach market stalls can vary a lot. Sometimes the difference between prices is several euros, so it's worth looking for a good deal. On social media, there are groups of tourists where you can buy second-hand things at reasonable prices. There, we bought a cheap umbrella and later gave it to other tourists.

Leisure activities and excursions

Some of these places deserve a separate article, so I won't go into too much detail there. Instead, I'll leave a reference for later. The island of Cyprus has a lot to offer in terms of culture and religion. There are many monasteries and churches, which means there are many excursions to sacred places. In general, the Cypriots are very respectful of their traditions and faith, so if you're looking for immersion in this atmosphere, you'll find many excursions suitable for you. And the best thing is that some of these places are right on the street! If, on the other hand, you're a history buff, museums, and cultural values, then the island may be a bit disappointing. In my case, I had to go on an excursion, but I don't remember all the details, so I'll stop there. In short, I thought it was decent, but it didn't leave a big impression on me. What did catch my attention was the way the guide explained the life of the local residents. I love how they value their traditions and the importance of family. It's very close to me.

If you're looking for more freedom of movement, you can rent a car and explore the entire island. You can also visit the surrounding areas and other tourist destinations. In our case, we considered the possibility, but decided it wasn't the best option for us. The entire area we wanted to visit was within walking distance or could be reached by bus. If you decide to rent a car, there are many websites where you can do so, as well as many car rental offices at every step.

What you can see for free:

1. Mys Kavo Greko. We even got there by car, and you can also go alone! It would be ideal to go by bike or scooter. We walked, and it was a very long walk, we took a bath, but we couldn't visit everything we wanted. But in the end, we were glad we went. There, you can take a walk, explore the caves, visit the viewpoints. You can get to Mys Kavo Greko by bus 101 (in the direction of Protaras) to the last stop in Ayia Napa and walk from there. The truth is that you have to walk a bit, but it's worth it. We followed the Maps instructions to avoid getting lost. Along the way, there are picnic areas, benches. On the way, we found the lovers' bridge. It's best to visit Mys Kavo Greko in the afternoon, as it's impossible to escape the sun and it's very hot. In total, I recommend spending at least two hours there.

2. The Sculpture Park. That was fun! I'll make sure to say that I don't recommend this attraction unless you have a great interest in public art or don't have anything better to do. In most articles and reviews, this park is mentioned as a must-visit. I imagined white columns, arches, and statues of gods... But, for some reason, that's what I saw in the photos. In short, it was one of those surprises of reality. I didn't intend to write a review at the time, so I don't have any photos. Like many families, during our trip, conflicts arose. I love walking around the city, going on excursions, and enjoying beautiful places, but my husband prefers to stay in the room, and if he goes out, it's just to eat. I approach him with shining eyes and tell him we have to go to the sculpture park, it's very beautiful. After a long resistance, he finally agrees, and we head there. We have to take the last bus in the direction of Protaras. From there, on foot, it's about 5 minutes. Clearly, we passed the stop, but we decided it was easier to walk in the opposite direction. We walked for 30 minutes, started to get tired, and just when... In front of us, an incredible beauty opens up! In a large area, we found 'sculptures', including 'Aphrodite's voice' and 'The wrath of the gods'. In reality, there were just stones, stones with a hole, square stones, rectangular stones, one stone on top of another. In short, where is Aphrodite and where is the rock? If it weren't for the signs, I thought it was just a warehouse.

I had trouble understanding the interest in this attraction. I know some people will be offended, but for me, this is not a convincing work of art. I realized I was about to face the wrath of the gods, as if I were a statue. Well, in short... It's not worth walking 40 minutes to see these stones. If you don't have anything better to do and are passing by, you can take a look, but don't bother making an effort.

3. Instead, I recommend walking around the city, along the coast.

Paid activities:

1. Excursions are an option. There are many available.

2. Aquapark. It's located in Aya-Napa. You can take bus 102, but we preferred to take a taxi. It's more affordable and more comfortable. At the bus stop, taxi drivers usually approach and offer competitive prices. If you're in a group of 4, 5, or 6 people, you can save. However, it's essential to negotiate a bit to get the right price. In June, we liked it more than in July. There were fewer people, shorter queues, and it wasn't as hot. We spent a good time there. You can find a detailed summary of our trip in a later article.

3. The amusement park is located in the center, within walking distance. In the park, you can buy a wristband or pay for each attraction individually. My family and I loved the park. In fact, I'll write a separate review.

4. The fountain show. I love fountains, so this show was included in our must-see list. It's located in the city of Protaras. The drive takes about 15 minutes. The show starts at 21:00 and lasts an hour. We arrived about 20 minutes early and there were still seats available. The ticket price is 23 euros. We bought the tickets for the show through our travel operator, but the price is the same as at the ticket office. There's also a menu with dinner, which is, of course, more expensive, but we weren't interested. As for the show itself, I found it very entertaining. Many people compare it to the Dubai fountain show, and say that this one is better, but I haven't been to Dubai, so I compare it to local fountains and the one in Sochi. In Cyprus, it's not just about fountains, but a complete representation with all possible special effects. There are fireworks and lasers, all very dynamic. I was left with my mouth open throughout the show. It's something I've never seen before, so I was excited. Even I felt my heart in my mouth, especially when the flames emerged through the water elements. I recommend the show, but if you've already seen something similar in Dubai, it might seem boring.

5. Beach activities. In this place, there's an infinite offer of activities on the beach, such as the water trampoline, the hydro scooter, and others. My partner was eager to do a parachute jump, but at first, I wasn't that enthusiastic. However, on the last day of our stay, when we went to talk to them about the possibility of doing it, they convinced me. They told me that doing it together would be more economical. The session cost 50 euros for the two of us. They took us to the sea on a catamaran and there we put on all the equipment. We jumped from the catamaran and landed on it. The truth is that I'm not sure if we were given any prior instructions. They asked us to activate our camera so they could take photos of us from above. From the height, we didn't dare take photos because it seemed dangerous to lose our phone. The catamaran began to move, and they slowly lifted us up towards the sky. When we reached the height, we were given a stunning view of the sea and the island of Cyprus. The landscape was really impressive, but I was more scared than excited. The entire structure creaked with the wind, and it didn't inspire confidence in me. I understand that everything is well designed and safe, but my fear prevented me from enjoying the moment. I focused more on the ropes and the cable than on the landscape. I doubt I'll ever do something like this again.