What is Cyprus and where it is located. Where is Cyprus, to which country treats? Best places to stay in Cyprus, photos, tourist reviews

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia, located in its eastern part of 75 kilometers from the coast of Turkey and 105 and 380 kilometers from the shores of Syria and Egypt, respectively. Cyprus, which is 9,511 square meters. km, extended 240 kilometers from east to west and approximately 100 kilometers from north to south. Cyprus is a fairly mountainous island with two more or less large mountainous areas. The Kyrenia Ridge passes right along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the northeastern part of the island, the highest point of it is Mount Aqromand (1023 meters). The western part of the island is engaged in a large mountain massif of Troodos, where the highest mountain of Cyprus is located - local Olympus height of 1952 meters.

Cyprus is one of the most popular resort directions of the Mediterranean, although there is a rather stressful atmosphere on the island itself. The fact is that Cyprus since 1974 as a result of the Turkish invasion is actually divided into two parts - the Republic of Cyprus (where all tourists go) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus owns about 60% of the island territory, 36 percent occupies Turkish Northern Cyprus. Both of these parts are separated from each other with a buffer zone controlled by the UN contingent and occupying about 3.7 percent of the territory.

In addition, 2.7 percent of the island area is the British Akrotiri and Decoleia military bases. The capital, both the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the city of Nicosia (Turkish version - Lefkosh), separated by the so-called green line. About 300 thousand people live in the Greek part of the city, in Turkish - about 90 thousand.

The total population of Cyprus is 1,190,236 people, of which 864,236 people live in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and 326,000 - in Northern Cyprus. More than 90 percent of residents of the Republic of Cyprus - Greek-Cypriots, the rest of the population is the British, Russian and Armenians. Turkish Cypriots, Turks and some other nationalities live in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 77 percent of the population of Cyprus profess the Orthodoxy of Greek type, 18 percent - Muslim Sunni, 5 percent - other branches of Christianity (Catholics, Maronites, Protestants, etc.).

Departure time:
(charter flights to Larnaca, 50 km)
From Moscow - 3 hours and 40 minutes.
From St. Petersburg - 4 hours 25 minutes.
From Kazan - 3 hours 30 minutes.
From Yekaterinburg - 4 hours 30 minutes.
From Novosibirsk - 8 hours 20 min.

Current time in Nicosia:
(UTC +2)

Official languages \u200b\u200b- Greek and Turkish. Most of the population of the Republic of Cyprus freely speak English, which facilitates communication during the rest on the island.

How to get

How to get to Cyprus? Two opinions can not - of course, by plane. There is no ferry message with the southern part of the island, and on the northern ferry can only be accessed through Turkey.

While Cyprus is the island relatively small, it has two air ports on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and one in the northern part of it. If you prefer a regular flight of the charter, in most cases you land at Larnaca Airport. All major airlines are based here. Exception - S7 company rates in both Cyprus Airport - Larnaca and Paphos. Airports are managed by one Hermes company, while Larnaca Airport serves three times more passenger traffic, and he himself is bigger. In 2017, he became the leader in service speed among all EU airports.

A small advice: if you intend to live in the south-west of the island and plan an independent trip, there is a direct meaning of searching for the flight it is precisely in Paphos - yes, tickets can do it more expensive (however, not a fact), but the road to the place of alleged accommodation is much shorter. In the case of the time spent on the aircraft, the following one and a half hours spent in a taxi, as well as 95 € per trip on a taxi.

If you want to fly at once to the northern part of the island, you have no choice: all aircraft landing in Northern Cyprus must somehow fly away from the territory of Turkey (the specifics of the political moment of a partially recognized state) and they are all lands near Nicosia - at the airport Erjan.

At the same time, you must keep in mind: Starting acquaintance with Cyprus with the northern part of it, you will not be able to move to the south - for such a trip you should have a Schengen visa or a national visa of Cyprus, which are not required to arrive on the side of the South - there is enough Conventional pro-visa (see). To feel freely, choose airports of southern Island.

The ferry message between Cyprus and other countries is carried out only on the Northern side and only with Turkey: so in Kyirne (Girne) can be reached from Tasucu (Silifke) (150 kilometers from Alanya, 100 from Mersin), and Famagusta from Mersina.

In March 2019, the opening of the ferry message with Beirut (from Limassol) was broken down: Lebanon's authorities did not agree on the route and postponed a decision at least for a year.

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Climate, weather in Cyprus

Despite the large amount of information on the Internet, the question about the weather in Cyprus remains open.

When does summer begin in Cyprus? A good indicator that a pleasant warm summer in Cyprus finally came, are water parks that are opened in the middle (or last decade) of April: many years of experience of their work shows that this time is already unconditionally suitable for permanent work, and suggests that surprises From the weather businessmen (whose business, in general, and consists of selling this weather) are not waiting.

So, if you want a real summer - come in mid-April, when the daily air temperature at the beginning of the month comes to +25 ° C, and by the end of the month reaches +28 ° C. Water - up to +23 ° C.

Cyprus Spring - Figure and sometimes indistinguishable from "winter": the daily temperature from December to April can be kept at one level - about +22 ° C (oscillations from +13 to +22 ° C). Well, and then, as already mentioned, the summer comes sharply.

Winter The temperature, of course, is unstable, and if the temperature comes and, most importantly, keeps above +20 ° C, then winter can be considered a very warm (which it was in 2014), but in any case, it rarely falls below +15 ° C, And on average, it is + 17 ... + 18 ° C. Visiting Cyprus in winter, do not think that you will not have to blame you: apartments in this southern country are not heated, expensive electricity saves, and if you are not lucky, the temperature will be the same and outside, and inside the apartment / hotel, so warm things are still We will be useful, especially if you go to the mountains, where the snow will be lying from the end of December, and the daily temperature can stay at the zero mark. But in the mountains at this time it will be possible to go skiing - equipment is cheap rented on the spot.

Middle Summer in Cyprus Hot. Hot air comes in the third decade of June and keeps until mid-September. At this time, the daily air temperature on the coast can reach +38 ° C, but usually keeps at + 32 ... + 36 ° C.

A half the autumn month from mid-September to the end of October is a comfortable and pleasant +30 ° C, with warm nights.

Then until the middle of November will be colded only evenings, and the daily temperatures still reach +28 ° C. December It will reduce the daily temperature with +24 ° C at the beginning of the month to + 18 ... + 20 ° C at the end. January It will also lower the average temperature, but nevertheless until the middle of the month, it can still rise to +20 ° C. From the middle of the month, "Winter" comes: Before April, the temperature jumps from +13 to +22 in general, but is often fixed in the area + 16 ... + 18 ° C.

The total number of sunny days a year: not less than 340, which means that the remaining 25 days of the year, being distributed from November to March (time when raining happens), give approximately 5 rainy days a month. Abnormally rainy winter happens, but extremely rare.

Cities and regions

The main tourist cities of Cyprus

Mountains Troodos - the largest of the two mountainous arrays of the island, attracting not only the majority of tourists who decide to do something else, except for a banal swim in the sea, but also by the Cypriots themselves, in the summer they saved from the heat, and in the winter of driving skiing (or just to stand on Snow), make a hundred Selfie with a mug of Mulled wine in his hands, please the children with riding on sledding. Mountains Troodos - concentrate of cultural and educational and natural and species objects: traditional villages, medieval monasteries, stunning landscapes, waterfalls and forests.

2. Mountains pentadactulo

The second mountain range of Cyprus Pentadactuloma (or Besparmak) lowering the trododos, but differs in particularly beautiful climbing cliffs, attracts not only with its unique nature, but also a few architectural attractions: medieval castles and Byzantine churches. It will not disappoint the nature of the mountains and hiking lovers: species opening with the vertices will impress even on experienced haikers.

3. Peninsula Carpas

Carpas - the territory is particularly protected from human activity - a small reserve on the eastern outskirts of the island. Hilly terrain is covered with a relict forest, beautiful deserted beaches are found with the sea of \u200b\u200bunusual transparency. The path on the peninsula is not free, but it costs any time spent on it.

The Kavo Greco Reserve is a small cape in the southeast of the island near Ayia Napa and Protaras, an expressive coast - rocky shores, marine caves, wild beaches, stone arches over water, and, of course, the Blue Lagoon - the Bay With crystal clear water blue.

"Brilliant", namely, Kyrenia is translated - the most beautiful city of the island: The Venetian harbor has been preserved to the present day, as the largest historical object of the island has been preserved - the old fortress, which is the dominant of the entire embankment, on which numerous cafes and restaurants are located, offering not only Tasty food, but also an attractive view of the sea. The city is interesting both by its historical center and numerous attractions around him, among which: "Abbey Belapis", "Castle of St. Illarion, Alagadi Beach.

6. UNESCO cultural heritage sites

UNESCO guarded in Cyprus 11 objects: the antique city of Paphos, the settlement of the era of Neolithic Horokitia, and the 9 Byzantine churches representing the greatest interest in the frescoes of an extraordinary degree of safety - they represent as much value that they are included in a special list - objects requiring special protection in the event of military conflicts .

Bellapis Abbey was once considered the most beautiful object of medieval gothic in the east of the Mediterranean: looking at the partially hand-held complex (however, retained three main premises in a practically priority form), it is easy to believe in this fact. It is great not only by the creation of man's hands, but also a natural environment: Mountains closed with the sea, the rocks flowing high in the sky are harmoniously combined with the architecture of the monastery.

8. Sea caves and secret beach

Marine caves are the only place in Cyprus, where the seals are still settled - the proximity of the Akamas reserve and the relatively little surroundings are affected. The place is chosen by photographers who choose the snow-white cliffs of an unusual shape (the result of weathering) by the entourage for wedding photo shoots.

Akamas Peninsula - Perhaps the most beautiful place of Cyprus: Nature Nature of the Landscape Reserve will not leave you indifferent - Mountains, Forest, roads running around the edge of the cliff rocks, and, finally, the famous "Blue Laguna" is a beach, surrounded by wooded hills and water with Thousand tints of turquoise and even gold. Getting to the "Blue Lagoon" is easiest on the walking vessel from Latch (travel time for 1 hour).

10. Antique cities-states

The history of Cyprus reported information about 13 cities-states on its territory, and the ruins of most of them are available for visiting. Once on the island, it is impossible not to visit the best of the preserved - Paphos, which is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, as well as Kurion and Salamis - you will learn a few exciting hours on their research!

11. Mountain villages of Cyprus

The mountain villages of Cyprus - Doll, Lefkara and others - the concentration of the entire centuries-old culture of Cypriots: it is in the mountains, hiding from many conquerors, they lived most of the history of the island. Now these monuments of history and architecture are most interesting for visiting: the quiet streets of medieval villages will not leave you indifferent, and the village cuisine is considered to be the most delicious island.

12. Venetian bridges

Venetian bridges belong to one of the most hard-to-reach monuments, but the more interesting - built by more venetians in the XVI century, later they were for a long time lost in the born dense forests, and now, surrounded by them, look very unusually in the midst of almost wildlife. Bridges were built by Venetians for the transportation of copper ore from the deposit in the port of Paphos.

The historic center of the capital is concluded not only within the boundaries of medieval stone fortifications, the length of 5 kilometers, but also within the borders of the two states: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey, which does not cancel the fact of the actual division of the island into two countries). One of the most interesting tourist attractions is the transition of the border, carrying bright impressions from the sharp change of the cultural environment. It is on the Turkish side that you will find three of the most interesting historic quarters of the ancient city: Arabakhmet, Sanbakhch and the Gothic Center, with medieval churches, well-preserved residues of palace complexes, narrow streets, looping between old houses, and, of course, big and small caravansera. In the old part of the "South" Nicosia, you will not be left without impressions: the Gate "Famagusti" - the largest gates leading to the city, will surprise the size of the interior, where art exhibitions, conferences and concerts are held, the pedestrian street LyraDra will attract you with a large number of restaurants , Clothing stores, Quarter Likes Getonia is interesting not only with its close streets and cozy cafes, but also a large number of inexpensive souvenir shops, the Archaeological Museum attracts tourists an impressive collection of artifacts of antiquity, the Museum of Motorcycles will be interested in those who are interested in technology, and a small womb of Cypriot coins, A visit to which, like the gate of Famagusts is free, will be interested in collectors, and, of course, a small private Schecolas Tower Museum with a sightseeing platform, opening a view of the entire city, is obligatory to visit.

Where to go in Cyprus

sights

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Transport

Private guides in Cyprus

In more detail with Cyprus you will be helped to familiarize yourself with Russian private guides.
On the project experts. Toursinter.ru is registered.

Things to do

Cyprus, definitely, island with a pronounced seasonality: most of the tourists come to the island in the summer. Yes, yes, they all "victims" of stereotypes - it is more often considered, as a place for a beach holiday, while losing all the possibilities of recreation cognitive.

Looking at Cyprus on the other hand, it can be surprised - the excursion program is rich, and those who visit the island in the winter - to the best for informative travel time, find that the sea on it is far from the most important thing, especially since summer excursions are conjugate While tiring heat, while the winter is allowed for a thoughtful, measured, healthy. What to do in Cyprus in winter?

Of course go to the mountains. Mountains in winter are especially beautiful: waterfalls are full, the vertices are covered with snow, while in the sun-breathing the valleys do not bloom only that only stones! Walking along the mountain trails will bring extraordinary pleasure: clean air will allow to inspect the entire island from the height of many sightseeings, altitude ski lovers can visit the ski resort.

Only in the winter you can safely and do you walk along the ancient cities - to do it in the summer will not give the unbearable heat!

It was in winter that the Graceful Flamingo arrive on the island. The lake in which they spend the whole season, is literally 20 minutes walk from the center of Larnaca.

Calendar Winter in Cyprus is more like a spring - it is at this time of the year the nature of the island wakes up from the (albeit rare) rains. Warm (sometimes even roast) Sun on the coast, as well as simultaneously with this, the presence of snow in the mountains allow you one day how to swim in the sea and ride skiing.

Movement around the country

Traveler, whose interests are not limited to the limits of the nearest beach and the zucchini around the corner, without a car in Cyprus is difficult: buses are moving around motorways, and cities for a tortured traveler are not as attractive as the inner areas of the island. Considering that the Cyprus taxi - in general, the cheap pleasure: on average, every kilometer goes around 1 €, - the rolling car will be reasonable, although not the only choice: those who want to see the true nature and history of Cyprus, and at the same time Feel in complete safety - can take advantage of.

Buses

A long-distance bus message is not the best, but forced way to travel around the island: the advantage of such trips is one - low cost.

A trip by the longest two-hundred-meter route from Paphos to Ayia Napa will cost you to the low-level 9 €, and the price of routes between neighboring cities is no more than five. If you look at the map of the island, we can find that the distance between all neighboring cities of Cyprus is almost equal (and is about 50-60 km), therefore, the same and the duration of the trip is about one and a half hours. The longest route from Paphos to Ayia Napa takes about four hours.

If you are not afraid of time loss, buy a travel ticket for a day or a week worth 15 and 75 euros, respectively - it will allow you to travel in any direction. The price of weekly travel on intracity routes from 7 to 15 euros - and this is a really good method of studying the surroundings near major cities.

Taxi

Those who prefer the relative freedom and speed of movement for short distances, do not want to stand in anticipation of rare buses and did not solve the car rental, can take advantage of taxi services.

The cost of the trip can be calculated as the counter, so be declared fixed: while fixed cost is often not taken from the "ceiling", but is an average of a specific route - this cost to the driver will tell me many years of experience.

In season, when the driver is more profitable to wait for an expensive client and not carry a "cheap", the price for any short trip can be equated to 10 euros, regardless of the distance, if it does not exceed 5 kilometers. Calculate the approximate cost is easy: 1 € for each kilometer of the path, regardless of distance - a trip around the city or between cities will be calculated equally.

Rent a Car

If you wanted absolute freedom and rented a car, then keep in mind - with the apparent speed of addiction to the left-sided movement at any time, instincts can play with you a cruel joke: the most common error is an unconscious departure to the oncoming lane after turning.

Find a car for rent in Cyprus is simple: you will be helped by both world networks, such as HERZ, SIXT or AVIS, and small local offices. The first cars are better in technical condition, but more expensive. The second can slip the trash (may not slip, it is a lottery), but inexpensive. In any case, the choice is yours.

Russians international rights are not required - this is a plus. Movement in Cyprus is left-sided, which seems to be a minus, but this feature of the former English colony is rapidly getting used to. On the third day of driving, the left-sided movement begins to seem logical, in a week - convenient. Red numbers adorning rolling cars - additional "fool protection": seeing such a number, Cypriots understand that behind the wheel of the visits, to which it is necessary to take condescending and warn. In any case, do not lay, take extended insurance, without franchise and other petty economies.

At the same time, pay attention to some subtleties: Insurance, suitable in the south, does not work in the north. You have to upset and buy a separate policy. Three days of insurance - 20 €, month - 35. The presence of a credit card is necessary - when transferring you to the car, it will block a certain amount depending on the class and the current state of the machine. The proposed expanded insurance cost 5 € per day will drastically reduce the amount of blocking times in 4. The rental service is not expensive and not cheaper. More expensive than in Spain, cheaper than in Italy. Middle Eastern price.

Dish the car is not a problem and in Northern Cyprus. The cost of rental is slightly higher than in the south, but also the cars, it is understood. An unpleasant nuance is one - on the car rented in the north, cross the border of the Republic of Cyprus and the Trick you will not be able without a written permission of the rolling office.

Features of driving in Cyprus

What should you pay close attention behind the wheel, except for the replaced direction of movement? On high-speed mode. At the entrance to the motorway, you will notice the sign establishes the maximum minimum rate of 65 kilometers per hour. That is, slower on the motorway to move is prohibited. Maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour. In the circles, departures and congresses, additional restrictions can be installed, it is necessary to keep the Ear Egor, especially in Northern Cyprus: if the speed of police carriers measure in strictly defined places marked with the warning signs "Radar Speed \u200b\u200bControl" in the north, this function is performed in the north Automatic cameras installed almost everywhere.

There are warning signs, but come across so often that sometimes there is a desire to not pay attention to them. This is rash: fines for the exceeding speed in Northern Cyprus depressively high, and the size of the fine depends on how much km / h is faster than you fly. A negotiate with the camera (as, however, and with the police) will not work, it is better to look into both. Tolerance (condescension of the police with speed-speed violations) - 10% of the speed marked on the mark. Keep in mind that additional kilometers per hour is not permitted, and the permissible excess, while still being a violation.

The quality of the road surface is excellent, the navigation is excellent. Northern Cyprus routes connecting Famagust, Nicosia, Kyreno and Morfa, in quality is not worse than southern. All roads in Cyprus, including motorways, are free.

Kitchen

In our humble opinion, it is impossible to die with hunger in Cyprus. Moreover, if you really do not perceive the local cuisine (which is nonsense, but it happens), you will not stay without dinner.

To begin with, keep in mind: Cyprus still had a British colony for a long time, many dishes to this day are adapted to the tastes of the inhabitants of Misty Albion. In particular, a huge plate with Potato Fri will automatically be powered throughout the dish. Additionally, the side dish can not be ordered, even in some places such an option and exists. Salad as a separate dish, too, can be neglected. It is usually served as a "light workshop" in front of the default main dish or part of the side dish. Some unprepared organisms on a salad meal and finish.

One of the characteristics of the Cyprus cuisine, except for the "diversity" and "taste", is "abundance": it is not necessary to order salad, soup, bokings and compote - you can not eat all this. One main dish will be more than enough. At the same time, one dish for two will still be a little, then two dishes on three - just right: if you ask the order to Share in the restaurant, then ready-made meals will be made in the middle of the table, and you will bring empty plates - it is absolutely normal and practiced everywhere.

In major cities - Larnaca, Paphos, Limassol - the diversity of restaurants is no different from that in any major city of the world: Japanese cuisine, all kinds of pizzerias are popular. There is also no problem to have a snack: in small kiosks and a cafe you will prepare a hot sandwich with a lunise (dried meat) or gyros (meat in Pete with fresh salad), accompanying it again, a rather big dish with FRI potatoes. In large supermarkets and shopping centers there are indispensable "McDonalds" or "Tako Bell", but still try to bypass these institutions: Cyprus is capable of offering much more.

Due to its geographical location, Cyprus is incredibly interesting from the point of view of gourmet prone to research: if you characterize Cyprus cuisine in a nutshell, it will work out "Easy" and "Eclectic". Cypriots creatively rethought culinary addiction of all cultures whose representatives noted on the island. Here in the course of the Arab, Balkan, Greek, Turkish traditions and recipes.

From the Greeks and Turks Cypriots borrowed cooking on the grill, as well as the use of a large number of yogurt, parsley, garlic. From the Arabs - seasonings, only the food in Cyprus is much less sharp, which is accepted in the Arab world. Zira and sharp peppers are used, but carefully and economically. Italians taught Cypriots to use fresh herbs: mint, coriander, etragon, basil, cardamom and arugula. Finally, the British are not only a Fish and Chips, but also the Indian seasonings of curry and ginger. Moreover, despite the centuries-old story of the coexistence and interpenetration of the two Cypriot communities, Greek and Turkish, the concept of "Kitchen Cyprus" is difficult to generalize: sometimes even dishes with the same name in the north and south are distinguished rather substantially - and according to the composition of products, and according to the cooking method , and in taste characteristics.

Cypriot cuisine is mostly meat. First of all, pork (in the Greek part) and lamb, bird and sometimes rabbit, less often beef. But the fish, as it seems as strange at first glance, is not particularly popular on the island. The fact is that the local population spent a long time in the mountains, hiding behind raids of various colonializers, with the sea communication losing. Nevertheless, in our time, Cypriots are happy to eat tuna, Sybas, a fish-sword and squid. The main rule when choosing fish dishes - the easier it is cooked, the better: Ideally, the fish should be just caught and grilled on the grill. In good taverns, you will often offer to choose a fish yourself.

Well, of course, one of the unconditional Cypriot products is famous for the whole world. cheese Halumiwhich is not only fry and used in sandwiches, but also for the preparation of desserts.

Pantheon of the iconic Cypriot dishes consists of such masterpieces like kleftico, Stifado, Aflia, School, Koppy, Suvlaki, Pastichio.

But the most visual showcase of all diversity and impressions from Cyprus cuisine is the famous mezaThat all who only wants to try with burning eyes, and those who have already reached: this tradition implies the filing of almost all dishes from the menu presented in the tavern in the full portions of each of them, at the price of one.

You should not wait for going to the first cafe at the beach, you will be fighting, conquered and forever in love with Cyprus cuisine. Miracles, of course, happen, but, as regular practice shows, masterpieces, the more culinary, do not roll on the road. They must be sampled and error. Chief Council - Do not be afraid of experiments.

And last. Do not judge about Cypriot taverns in appearance. Sometimes in the most non-Turkish in the view of the eatery, away from the main tourist routes may not be free places, which means the reputation and popularity of the local residents earned years earned. Do not leave! It makes sense to wait for a free table, rather than searching where people are smaller and disappointed.

Purchases

Cyprus can be a good place for shopping - low taxes and import duties make the cost of expensive things lower than in other countries, and on purchases from the Luxury segment you can save thousands of euros: products of well-known brands like Cartier or BVLGARI will cost on the island much cheaper than In other European countries.

Buying things of the average price segment will be able to save about 35% of the cost: for example, samsonite suitcases, clothing such brands like Zara, Oysho, Massimo Dutti will cost at the price level in Russia during the sale, and the season of discounts in Cyprus will take another 70% of them initial cost.

By the way, the sales seasons in Cyprus are determined by law: lower prices at a certain time of the year - not the will of the seller, but his duty. Summer Sale starts in July and continues at least until the end of the month, and even until the last days of summer, and the winter - immediately after the New Year holidays.

Own production goods on the island are a bit, and they are mainly represented by food - cheeses, wines and traditional sweets. Industrial products in Cyprus are not produced.

Cyprus has several products of grocery supermarkets: famous Europeans Lidl, Greek Alfa Mega and Sklavenitis, Papantoniou, Athienitis and Metro. Most often, supermarkets are located on the outskirts of cities or even beyond: Cypriots owning motor vehicles, visiting outlets does not cause difficulties, but tourists are most convenient to shopping to shop, as the study of public transport networks may be useless: more often A total buses to get to shops is impossible or such a trip takes too much time due to long standing at stops. In this regard, the easiest to the residents and rest in Paphos: in close proximity to the tourist center of the city, there is one of the largest hypermarkets in Cyprus, on the ground floor of which there is a grocery supermarket Sklavenitis.

LEMAR and TEMPO supermarkets are most famous on the northern part of Cyprus.

Communication

Mobile communication on the island is represented by three basic communication operators and one virtual (MNVO). Basic operators: EPIC (with enviable regular resting rebranding and has already changed the third name (earlier MTN, earlier AREEBA), CYTA state operator (in cooperation with Vodafone) and PRIMETEL. Virtual operator - CableNet (based on CYTA). The cost of services of all operators is approximately Equal: According to the German Statista Statistical Agency, published in the magazine "Spiegel", the Cyprus Mobile Communication is the most expensive in the European Union: Pay As You Go tariffs for 1 gigabyte data you have to pay about 10 €, and this is not counting time conversations that are paid separately by about 10 ¢. All three cellular operators on sites are Russian-speaking pages and booklets with a complete description of services and instructions. Primetel has even its own

Tourists love rest on the Mediterranean Sea. The most popular area is, of course, Turkish hotels. But near Turkey there is a small island of Cyprus - a small pearl of the Mediterranean.

Where is Cyprus? Usually people think that this is part of Greece, and this opinion is absolutely wrong. Cyprus is a small but independent country and has never been part of Greece. Sometimes confusion leads that people confuse Cyprus with the Greek Island Crete.

What is known about Cyprus?

Cyprus island in the Mediterranean Sea. He is south of Turkey, north of Israel, west of Syria and Lebanon. After Sicily Islands and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Although he is geographically located in Asia, politically is the European state.

Cyprus on the world map Where is? In which country? The Republic of Cyprus is an island state that does not have an land border with any mainland. According to official data, the Republic of Cyprus takes 98% of the territory of the island, the remaining two percent are occupied by the British Military Bases of Akrotiri and Decoleia.

Near the underlying islands of Agios, Gersonisos, Georgios, Kila, Gluciotiss, Cordilia, Kedes and Mazaki also belong to the Republic of Cyprus. The British base of acrotets is surrounded by Greek Cyprus, and Decoleia has boundaries and with the UN buffer zone. This small part of the island is under the sovereignty of Great Britain, but not included in its composition. Cyprus has gained independence in 1960.

Cypriot conflict

Despite the constitution, which guaranteed the right to divide the authorities between the Cypriots-Greeks and the Cyprus Turkish minority, these two groups collided among themselves. The ultimate result was the occupation of Turkey of the northeastern part of Cyprus. In 1983, Turkey announced that the territory would now be called the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". The narrow buffer zone between the two Cypriot ethnic groups is managed by UN peacekeeping.

The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus control 60% of the territory of the island (ethnic Greeks live here, 38% of the territory are under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (population - ethnic Turks). After separation of the island, a large-scale resettlement occurred: Greek Cypriots moved to the south, Turkish Cypriots - north. Both groups of the population live only in the city of Saw under the administration appointed by the UN.

The Turkish invasion in 1974 made the island known. Where is Cyprus and in which country, now know all over the world.

History

Cyprus is at the crossroads of three continents. Cyprus - what country and where is it? Historically, what country he was only! The island has visited the influence of Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Turks and the British. At one time he was part of Byzantium, Venice and the Ottoman Empire, was the colony of Great Britain.

Climate in Cyprus: moderate, Mediterranean with hot summer and cool wet winter.

Capital Cyprus

Cyprus cities are filled with many sights and historical monuments.

Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Nicosia is famous for the Gothic Cathedral of Hagia Sophia and many fortification facilities. All attractions are concentrated in the old town. Walking along the narrow streets of the old city already in themselves are a fascinating journey, although many buildings are abandoned and already begin to collapse.

Large resorts of the Republic of Cyprus

Where is the island of Cyprus, in which country? We have already mentioned that it is located in the country called "Republic of Cyprus", which is an autonomous state. On the territory of the island where the Greek Cypriots lives, the bulk of tourists goes. After all, it is here that there are popular resorts with a developed infrastructure. The best places to stay in Cyprus are Protaras resorts, Ayia Napa, Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol.

Limassol - the second largest city on the southern coast of Cyprus

This is a very noisy and cheerful resort, filled with hotels, shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Life in Limassol does not stop for a minute and boils all 24 hours a day.

Larnaca - the city of outstanding beauty

This is a resort city with numerous attractions, comfortable embankments, picturesque views and excellent beaches. It is located on the southern coast of Cyprus and is the third largest city in the country. Larnaca International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city.

Paphos - Motherland Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty.

The city is divided into two parts: old and new pathos. This historic place still retains the ancient charm and was declared UNESCO as a world heritage site. Stunning beaches, parks, historical museums and dynamic nightlife - all this represents modern pathos.

Ayia Napa - Resort City in the eastern part of Cyprus

In the very center there is an old monastery, which in our time acts as a museum. Cape Kavo Greco is a 10-minute drive from the city and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the surrounding area. Sandy beach and clean water attract many tourists.

Northern Cyprus

Where is Northern Cyprus and what territory does he take? The border between the two states passes almost in the middle of the island. Ethnic Turks live in the northern part. Tourists love to visit Northern Cyprus due to the fact that there is no visa for entry. The current republic of Northern Cyprus as an independent state recognizes only Turkey. You can't fly here direct flight, only transit through any Turkish airport.

Famagusta - the population is only about 50 thousand. Previously, it was a lively seaside city, where thousands of tourists came. After disembarking the Turkish troops, most residents of Greco Cypriots left their homes. The city was plundered by marauders. Now he is considered a deserted city "Ghost" with hundreds of abandoned houses and hotels.

Kyrenia is a city on the island under the actual control of Northern Cyprus. In Kyrenia, many historical castles and bastions. In the famous shipwreck museum is the oldest ship raised from the seabed. To the east and west of the city there are clean sandy beaches. Some of them are modernly equipped, they built many restaurants and cafes, on others - the conditions are much more modest.

The island where Cyprus is located is the place of legends and fabulous stories, the place where Aphrodite appeared from the foam. Cyprus is the island of the sun, the sea, love and calm. All beaches are awarded blue flags for purity and excellent service.

According to reviews of tourists and travelers, we can say that the southern part of the island is more popular with holidaymakers. Here more hotels, which means more choice with the definition of the place of residence. The entire coastline is littered with restaurants, shops with souvenirs and various entertainment. In the northern part, the most visited resort is Kyrenia. This city attracts clean sandy beaches, come here for a calm and quiet rest.

Now you know what is the island of Cyprus, where is located in which country. Cyprus is the country itself, although it is divided into parts by the warring ethnic groups.

- Island state in the Mediterranean, whose stated territory includes part of the territory of Cyprus Island, with the exception of the British military bases of Akrotiri and Decoleia, and several nearby islands.

Geography

The Republic of Cyprus controls 60% of the territory of the island of Cyprus, from the stated 98% (which do not include the territory of the United Kingdom of the United Kingdom), as well as the islands of Agios Georgios, Geronissos, Gluciotiss, Kila, Kedes, Cordilia and Masaki.

Population

After separation, the overwhelming majority of the Greeks-Cypriots live in the south, and the Turks are in the north. The total population is about 790 thousand people, of which are 160 thousand - Turks. Also in Cyprus there are 17,000 Englishmen, 35 thousand Russians, 4 thousand Armenians. After the 1974 war, about 180 thousand Greek Cypriots fled or were forcibly relocated to the south. About 42 thousand Turks moved to the north. And only in the city of Saw District Larnaca at the administration appointed by the UN, both groups of the population live.

Religion

Most of the population of Cyprus - Ethnic Greeks - professes Orthodox Christianity, ethnic Turks - Islam.

The Cypriot Orthodox Church has the status of a quasi-state institution and plays a prominent role in the socio-political life of the country; The Primate of the Cyprus Church is the archbishop of the new Justinian and all of Cyprus. In addition to temples (more than 500), which are available in almost every village, the church has 11 monasteries in Cyprus, which owns the significant and most fertile lands of the island, having year-round artificial irrigation, and other major property.

The Armenian, Catholic, Maronite Church, as well as Judaism, and other religions are presented.

The 1960 Constitution (Article 19) decides that each person has the right to freedom of speech, conscience and religion. All religions are equal to law and no legislative, executive or administrative act of the republic cannot discriminate against any religious institution or religious organization. Each person has the right to freedom of religion, he can learn his religion individually or collectively. The only existing limitations of such freedom are defined in the Constitution of the Republic and control the security of the republic and its citizens. All these rulings indicate that there is no religion on the island recognized as official. They also guarantee the protection of the rights of three religious groups, which make up a smaller part of the population (Catholics, Armenians and Maronites).

History

The favorable strategic position of Cyprus in the Mediterranean has contributed to the fact that during his history more than once passed from hand to hand, remaining on the periphery of various empires. Having become part of Byzantium in 395, in 1191 he was captured by the crusaded troops of Richard, the lion's heart during the third cross campaign, becoming one of the states of the Crusaders. Already in 1192, the island was transferred to the French crusader Gi de Lusignan, who founded the Dynasty of Luzignanov in the Cyprus kingdom.

In 1489, the last Queen of Cyprus, Yevgeny Kornaro, handed over the Island of the Venice Republic, already in 1571 the defeat from the Turk. Ottoman Board in Cyprus persisted until 1878. In 1878, the Cypriot Convention of 1878 was concluded between the British Empire and Turkey, the secret Anglo-Turkish agreement on the "Defensive Union" directed against Russia. The contract was signed on June 4, 1878 in Istanbul before the opening of the Berlin Congress of 1878. The United Kingdom pledged to help the Ottoman Empire "Power Weapons", if Russia, holding Batum, Ardagan and Kars, will try to acquire new territories in Asia Minor. In return, Turkey agreed to the Occupation of Great Britain of Cyprus Island. The Convention was annulled by the British on November 5, 1914 in connection with Turkey's entry into the first world war on the side of Germany, and the annexation of Cyprus Great Britain.

In 1960, the island received independence, soon becoming a clashes between Greek and Turkish communities. In 1974, the island was actually divided into Greek and the Turkish part. In 2004, Cyprus entered the European Union in 2008 to the Eurozone.

Transport

British colonial authorities built a railway on the island. It opened in 1905, and there were 39 stations and stops, including Famagust and Nicosia. In 1951-52, it is closed due to low payback.

Cyprus highways are among the best in the European Union, and are divided into basic, auxiliary asphalt, seekers and motorways (Motorway). Movement - left-hand. The main 4 roads pass along the southern coast from Larnaca to Limassol and lead to Nicosia.

The only type of public transport is buses. In Cyprus, two international airports, in Paphos (16 km from the city) and Larnaca (2 km from the city). In Larnaca from Moscow there is a regular flight - Aeroflot, Transaero. There is also an airport in Nicosia, but because of the Greco-Turkish conflict, it is closed. The main airline serving Island is Cyprus Airways.

Larnaca Airport was opened in 1975, after the forced closure of the airport in Nicosia, and partially located on the territory previously used by Britain as a military base.

Large seaports, after the closure of Famagusta, are Limassol and Larnaca.

Tourism

The tourism industry is one of the main items of national income. For her, the Cyprus Organization, CTO Cyprus Tourist (Cyprus Tourist Organization, CTO) is responsible. In this sector, a significant part of the population is working, and tourism profits is the main source of foreign currency receipt in the republic's budget. Over the past 4 years, the number of tourists visiting Cyprus increased by 29%, and profit from tourism is 40%.

The largest resorts:
Larnaca
Pathos
Limassol
Ayia Napa
Protaras.
Famagusta (under the control of the TRV).
Kyrenia (under the control of the TRV).

Many Cyprus beaches are awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union for environmental purity and infrastructure. Most of these beaches municipal, renting chaise lounges and umbrellas from the sun on them paid.

The city of Nicosia (Levkosia) is the capital and the largest city of Cyprus. It is located in the center of the island, and divided by the "green line". City blocks north of it are controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The second largest city of Cyprus is the seaport of Limassol, based on Byzantine times. To the west of him is the British sovereign base of Akrotiri.

From the resorts of Cyprus Ayia Napa is the center of club life, along with Ibiza, and is mainly focused on young people. For a family holiday, it is mainly Paphos and Protaras.

The city of Paphos is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, and also known that there is an Aphrodite bay near him. According to the legend, in this place the goddess of love and beauty was born from the marine foam.

Sights of Cyprus are a mixture of various epochs - the Byzantine Castle of Colossi, in which Isaac Komnin was hidden from the Crusaders, the church in which Richard I was wedgered with Princess Berengaria Navarre, Venetian fortresses, British left-sided movement.

The main attraction in the north of the island is Famagusta from the Medieval Tower of Othello, and the "Ghost City" (Varosha quarter).

Geographical proximity to a number of Mediterranean countries allows for tourists by sea cruises to Egypt, Israel, Rhodes Island or Jordan.

Cruise liners are departed from Larnaca and Limassol seaports, and correspond to 3-5 stars hotels. Cruise time is usually about two days. When arriving in Israel, visa regime acts, in the entrance can be denied.

When renting cars by citizens of Russia, the driver's license of a standard sample is accepted, the rights of the international sample are not required. An age limit may be put forward, which depends on the company renting cars.

Cars, leased to tourists, have red numbers that begin with the letter Z.

It should be remembered that the movement in Cyprus is left-hand.

All drivers are mandatory pass through pedestrians moving along a pedestrian crossing.

In such cities as Nicosia, Larnaca, etc., you can get into traffic jams; There may also be difficulties with free parking.

British heritage belongs to, in addition to the left-sided movement, the power supply standard is three-stroke sockets (one of them grounding, analogue of the side contact of Euroville), but voltage is not 230V, as in the UK, and 240V.

The local population traditionally adheres to Orthodox Christianity. The island has a large number of Orthodox churches, on sale - many Orthodox icons. The attractions of Cyprus include Orthodox shrines, such as the Tomb of the Saint Lazarus in Larnaca.

Many shops and banks on the island do not work on Wednesday and Saturday, and on weekdays - only 8-00 - 13-00 and 15-00-17-30 in winter, 16-00 - 19-00 in the summer.

In relations between two communities, a certain tension is maintained. When communicating with Greek-Cypriot, it is not recommended to mention the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island. A particularly painful topic is the "Ghost City" of Varosha.

Photographing the bordernes between the Greek and Turkish sectors, military personnel and military objects are prohibited.

Among the ethnic Greeks in Cyprus, you can meet a certain number of immigrants from the former USSR (Pontic Greeks).

Currency

By January 1, 2008, the national currency was Cypriot Pound (CYP). 1 CYP was approximately equal to $ 2, and was divided into 100 cents. Banknotes had inscriptions on three languages \u200b\u200b- English, Greek and Turkish.

Equivalent of the word "pound" (pound) is Lira, in Cyprus usually used in Turkish.

The pound was established in 1879, and until 1960 was the British pound of sterling. Also, like a pound sterling, he was divided into 20 shillings. However, unlike pound sterling, he was divided into 9 pirasters (Kurusha), which established a connection with the preceding currency, Turkish lyru, which was also divided into Kurushi. According to the Turkish Lira, Piastra (Kurushi) were divided into 40 pairs. The pair has never been used in coins or banknotes, but indicated on postage stamps.

Coins in ¼, ½ and 1 piastr were introduced. A coin in a quarter of a piastr was named Cypriot Cypriot (from Deck - "Ten"), since the ten pair was equal, ½ Piastr - Ikosar ("Ikoshi" - twenty). Coins were also produced in 3, 4½, 9, 18 piastra, 1 and 2 shillings.

In 1959, Cyprus introduced the decimal system, dividing the pound for 1000 Mill ("thousandth"). The coin in 5 Mill received the name "Piastr" (exemplary analog), and in 20 Mill - Schillling (accurate analogue). In 1983, a division of 100 cents ("hundredths") was additionally introduced. The smallest coin remained 5 Mill, renamed in ½ cent, and subsequently canceled.

Currently, coins in Mill are derived from turnover. Recompute are coins in 1 or 2 cents. Typically, sellers are trying to round prices to the nearest 5 cents.

From January 1, 2008, a transition to the euro at a fixed rate is 0.585274 CYP for Euro. The decision was made by the European Commission on May 16, 2007 (together with Malta), confirmed by the European Parliament on June 20, 2007, and the European Union leaders on June 21, 2007. The exchange rate is defined at the European Union Finance Ministers on July 10, 2007.

The pounds remained in legal handling (when paying cash) until January 31, 2008. Banknotes were accepted by banking institutions until June 30, 2008.

The largest bank of Cyprus - Bank of Cyprus.

Political system

After independence, Cyprus became one of the founders of the non-aligned movement, despite the fact that all three states-guarantor (Britain, Greece and Turkey) were members of NATO. In 2004, Cyprus came out of the Non-Aligned Movement, in order to join the European Union, but retained the special status of the observer in this organization.

The 1960 Constitution represented the presidential republic with the division of the authorities to the executive, legislative and judicial, and quotas to protect the interests of ethnic Turks. The president and vice president were elected, respectively, by Greek and Turkish communities for a five-year term, and had veto on certain initiatives of the legislative and executive authorities.

The Chamber of Representatives was elected on the basis of separate accounting of votes on both communities. Since 1964, the places of the Turkish community remained unoccupied.

After the islands, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is headed by the President and Prime Minister responsible to the National Assembly.

The TRCK authorities reject the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus over the entire territory of the island, and call it the "Greek authorities of South Cyprus". Accordingly, the Republic of Cyprus and the international community, with the exception of Turkey, do not recognize the TRC, and denote it as "territories occupied by Turkish troops".

Administrative-territorial division

The Republic of Cyprus is divided into 6 districts (Greek. Επαρχίες dioceses).
Nicosia (λευκωσία levkosia), tour. Lefkoşa (levkosh) - divided between Greek and Turkish sectors;
Famagusta (αμμόχωστος AMHOSTOS), TOUR. Gazimağusa, Mağusa (Ghazimagus, Magusa) - Turkish sector;
Kirenya (κυρέvεια), tour. Girne (Girna) - Turkish sector;
Larnaca (λάρνακα), tour. Lârnaka, İskele (Larnaca, Iskore) - Greek sector;
Limassol (λεμεσός Lemesos) - Greek sector;
Paphos (άάφος), tour. BAF (BAU) - Greek sector.

Anklava and exclaves

Cyprus has four exclaves belonging to the British sovereign bases of Akrotiri and Decolery.

Between the Greek and Turkish sectors there is a UN buffer zone, which de facto (but not de Jura) is also an exclave.

International status

From May 1, 2004, Cyprus enters the European Union. For citizens of the Russian Federation, obtaining a visa of a single sample of the European Union is required. By November 2007, Cyprus is not included in the Schengen zone.

The legal path of arrival on the island is through the airports of Paphos or Larnaca, or Larnaca or Limassol seaports. Illegal - through Turkey, and ports of Northern Cyprus, sea or air.

From January 1, 2008, Cyprus enters the eurozone, that is, the national currency - Cyprus Pound - replaced by euros.

The Republic of Cyprus adheres to non-aligned policies, and is not included in NATO.

The Turkish sector is indicated on the maps as "the territory, inaccessible in connection with the Turkish occupation," the same on the map of the north city of Nicosia. The names of the cities of Northern Cyprus are given as of 1974, there are no road signs for these cities.

Map of Cyprus

Real estate, located in Northern Cyprus, and belonging to 1974 ethnic Greeks continues to be considered their property. Buying such real estate can be considered legal in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but the authorities of the Greek sector may regard such a step as a stole par.

Formally, under the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, there are 98% of the territory of the island, minus the British military bases. De facto 38% of the territory occupies an unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The movement between the two parts of the island is free, in the presence of a legal visa of the Republic of Cyprus. The visa of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is issued at the entrance. Insurance may not apply to Turkish territory.

When returning from the northern part of the island, customs inspection can be carried out. Since prices in the Turkish territory are significantly lower, the importation of goods from it is limited.

The Republic of Cyprus may refuse to enter persons who have a stamp on a visit to the Republic of Macedonia. This fact is associated with the dispute of this state with Greece about its name.

Diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union established in August 1960. On 7 April 1992, the Republic of Cyprus recognized the Russian Federation by the successor of the USSR. Russian Embassies are located in the cities of Nicosia and Larnaca.

Persons with a guest visa are forbidden to lead care activities. Work permit must be obtained before arriving in the Republic of Cyprus.

Referendum on union of the island

In April 2004, referendums were held in both Cypriot republics in the Unified State. The proposed plan of the union of the island was named after his author - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. 65% of the TRCK citizens who participated in the referendum supported the Annan's plan, 75% of the Greeks-Cypriots plan rejected.

Membership in international organizations

The Republic of Cyprus is part of the following organizations: the Australian Group on Monitoring Chemical and Biological Weapons, British Commonwealth of Nations, the Council of Europe, the Foreign Affairs and EU Security Policy Program, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, European Union, Food and Agricultural Organization UN (FAO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Civil Aviation Organization, International Commercial Chamber, International Criminal Court, International Meteorological Organization, International Monetary Fund, International Hydrographic Organization, International Labor Organization, International Finance Corporation, International Development Fund Agriculture, International Development Association, International Confederation of Trade Unions, Interpol, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (Miga), International Telecommunication Union, Non-Alignment, Inter-Parliamentary I INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION, INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION), International Organization of Migration, Nuclear Suppliers Group, International Olympic Committee, Permanent Court of Arbitration, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, OSCE, UN, UNIDO (United Nations Organization), UN High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Trade and Development Conference (UNCTAD), World Trade Union Federation, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Meteorological Organization, World Health Organization, World Customs Confederation, World Customs Organization, World Tourist Organization, World Postal Union, WTO.

Economy

Advantages: Tourism gives 20% of GDP. Industry and services for neighboring Eastern countries. EU member.

Weaknesses: the requirement of more strict control and action against capital leaks and taxes. Limited liberalization. Northern Cyprus do not receive foreign investment.

The section of the Islands in the Greek Sector (Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish (Self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) strongly affect Cyprus's economy.

The economy of the Greek sector is flourishing, but strongly depends on external risks. In the 1990s, the growth factors reflect the dependence of the island from fluctuations in the number of tourists, and changes in economic conditions in Western Europe. In January 2008, the iszon is included in the Eurozone, and his monetary policy will dictate to the European Central Bank.

The Turkish sector represents one fifth of the population and one third of the GNP, compared with the Greek part of the island. Due to the fact that he is recognized only by Turkey, Northern Cyprus is experiencing difficulties with international financing, and foreign firms usually avoid investment in it. Half of the workforce is occupied in agriculture, in state and military service. In the turnover of the northern part of the island is the Turkish Lira. Turkey also provides straight and indirect assistance to tourism, education, industry, etc.

In both sectors, there is a problem with water, the construction of desalination stations is planned.

PAST AND PRESENT: Offshore sector and lowest taxes in the EU

The offshore regime for the companies of international business (International Business Companies) has ceased from January 1, 1977 (from May 1, 2004 (since the entry of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU). Offshore Cyprus regime assumed the application of the corporate tax rate of 4.25% for companies that did not lead activities in the territory of the republic. Currently, international businesses do not exist (they were either eliminated, or were re-registered during 2004-2005). The law "On the income tax" of 2002 for all types of companies provides a total corporate tax rate in the amount of 10% (it is the lowest of the European Union countries). The existence of resident and non-resident companies is envisaged.

The tax resident of Cyprus is recognized by the company, the management of which is in Cyprus, as well as the effective management of which occurs in Cyprus (enough for a large number of directors, for example, 2 out of 3 are tax residents of Cyprus, and better by citizens, as well as to all meetings of the Board of Directors and making decisions on transactions and others. Accepted in Cyprus). The tax resident of the individual is recognized as a person in Cyprus more than 183 days. It is important to note that an agreement was signed between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cyprus in 1998 the Agreement on the avoidance of dual taxation.

Creation, functioning and liquidation of companies is regulated by the Law of the Republic of Cyprus "On Companies" (The Company Law, Cap. 113). The main motive of the purchase of a company registered in the Republic of Cyprus is that in accordance with paragraph 22 of Art. 8 "Liberation" of the Law of the Republic of Cyprus dated July 15, 2002 No. 118 (I) / 2002 "On income tax" revenues from the sale of securities are exempt from taxation. Under securities in the Republic of Cyprus are shares, bonds, government bonds or share of participants in companies or other legal entities established, both in Cyprus and in any other jurisdiction (bills not belong to them).

In December 2008, the State Department of the Republic of Cyprus issued an information letter dated December 17, 2008 No. 2008/13, containing an expanded list of "securities" for the purposes of taxation of the income of the Jurlitz. This explanation comes into force from the moment of publishing the letter.

In accordance with the above listing to securities can be assigned:
ordinary shares, shares of founders and preferred shares;
bonds, debt obligations and rights requirements for bonds and debt liabilities;
Securities options;
short optional positions, futures, forwards and swaps on securities;
depositary securities receipts;
derivatives securities tied to various indices;
repo on securities;
Shares in the capital of companies that do not have shares (share in the capital of Russian LLC);
PAIs in open or closed investment funds established by registered and operating in accordance with the provisions of the country's legislation in which they are created.

Cyprus is possible to create companies of the following species:
Private Limited Liability Company (may be released "Exempted")
Limited Liability Company

Most often, Cypriot companies are used as Holdings, Group Financial Companies, Investment Companies, International Trade Companies, Leasing Companies, Companies in Schemes from Royalty Free.

In addition, Cypriot resident companies (which pay taxes in Cyprus) is available to the use of EU tax directives that provide various benefits. See the EU tax law detail.

The amount of accumulated investments received to Russia from Cyprus and even more through Cyprus, by 2008 amounted to more than 40 billion US dollars (from a total volume of about 200 billion). Cyprus is steadily in the top three leaders in the level of capital investment in the Russian economy. This is directly related to preferential taxation in Cyprus.

Since 2008, a preferential taxation of dividends is applied in Russia, if their recipients are Russian organizations that have subsidiaries with their strategic participation, both abroad and in Russia. The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation approved the list of states in relation to which these norms do not apply. Cyprus belongs to the number of countries. Cypriot authorities call this list "black" and consider it a serious problem. Currently, the Ministry of Finance of Russia and the Ministry of Finance of Cyprus are negotiating for the elimination of Cyprus from the list. Russia links the decision of this issue with the conclusion of the Protocol to the Agreement on the Avoidance of Dual Taxation of 05.12.1998 (16.04.2009, the Protocol is paraffin in final form.). Cyprus will also be more loyal to Russia regarding the provision of information.

In December 2008, the Government of Ukraine proposed the Verkhovna Rada denounce the agreement existing so far in relation to Ukraine on the avoidance of double taxation between the USSR and Cyprus, but the Verkhovna Rada rejected this proposal. According to the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, in 2007, from Ukraine to Cyprus, 4 billion 817 million 530 thousand hryvnia were listed in the form of revenues. At the same time, the loss of the state budget of Ukraine from the application of the provisions of the Soviet-Cypriot Agreement on the avoidance of double taxation was 722 million 630 thousand hryvnia.

Compliance with the requirements of the OECD to tax transparency and the exchange of information

In August 2008, the Law 72 (I) amended the Law (CAP 4 OF 1978) "On Calculating and Tax Collection", providing for the issuance of tax information in accordance with Art. The 26 Model Convention OECD "On the avoidance of double taxation on income and capital".

Changes make it possible to bypass for tax goals Legislative regulations on the prohibition of information disclosure, including provisions on bank secrecy and duties on non-disclosure of information obtained during the implementation of professional activities, which includes the duty to maintain the confidentiality of information received from the client, and data protection. At the same time, the right to the legal professional privilege (law secret) was preserved, and thus any information provided by the Client during the discussions to his lawyer cannot be disclosed to any third parties.

The key provisions of the changes made are:
Cyprus's tax authorities may not provide information when there is no mutual reciprocity (legislative provisions for the implementation of the agreement) between Cyprus and another Contracting State regarding the information to be exchanged. Thus, the requesting state is obliged to have similar provisions and / or administrative powers to exercise information on the request of the tax authorities of Cyprus.
Cyprus's tax authorities can exercise their powers to collect the requested information only after receiving written consent from the Cyprus Prosecutor General.
Cyprus's tax authorities may request information regarding any individuals, including companies and partnerships (partnerships), which have been eliminated and excluded from the registry (companies).
Cyprus's tax authorities can request any books, records and other documents, information or information in possession, under control, at the disposal or related to the competence of any person. The requested state is obliged to provide Cyprus to the tax authorities:

- information that identifies the person in respect of which the investigation is carried out;

- a description of the requested information, as well as the content and method, within which the requesting state wants to obtain information from the tax authorities of Cyprus;

- causes and grounds for assumptions that the requested information is available in the tax authorities of Cyprus, or may be in possession or under the control of a person in respect of which Cyprus exercises jurisdiction;

- the name and address of any person that can have the requested information within which it can be accessible;

- a statement that the provision of information is provided for by the legislation and administrative powers of the requesting state, and when the requested information will be found and established in the jurisdiction of the requested state, the relevant authorities will be able to receive information in accordance with their legislation and ordinary administrative powers;

- a statement that the requesting state has exhausted all the measures available for him in its jurisdiction to obtain the requested information, with the exception of those measures that the exercise of which could impose an excessive burden.

Legislation and judicial system

The legal system of Cyprus in modern form developed during the period of British colonial domination on the island (1878-1960). In the formation of most branches of law, the English law was provided to the decisive influence, many legal institutions are no different from the English. By the time the British occupation of Cyprus in 1878, the Ottoman law was operating on the island, which was almost completely codified by this time, and most of the codes were borrowed from France. The new right, however, has not yet managed to root by that time.

By order of Cyprus's justice courts of 1882, it was found that in affairs, where at least one of the defendants was not the Ottoman citizen, the English law applies, and in other cases Ottoman.

Ottoman law in Cyprus included 5 codes gradually replaced by English colonial legislation. Ottoman UK was replaced in 1928 by the Cypriot Criminal Code introduced by order in the Council; Ottoman Commercial Code - Act of Partnerships of 1928, a bill of 1928 and the Bankruptcy Law of 1930, the Ottoman Civil Code (Majalla), which presented the codification of Sharia's norms, was also gradually canceled and replaced by a number of large acts. In 1930, the Contract Law (CONTRACT LAW, CAP. 149) was introduced, which was a very complete codification of English contractual law. This act was founded on the Indian contract on contracts of 1872 and decree on contracts Zanzibar 1917. The Law on Civil Offenses of 1933 was the codification of English delicate law (Cyprus currently is the only country in the British Commonwealth, where the delicate right is codified) . The remaining articles of Majalla were replaced by other legislation. The Ottoman Land Code was replaced by the Property Law (Holding, Registration and Assessment) of 1945. Finally, the Maritime Code is still in part in the part that does not contradict the ACT on the trade seaflice of 1894

In addition to the above codes during the British domination, some other branches of law were coded (for example, criminal procedure, mining).

After receiving independence to Cyprus, the provisions of the British legal system were enacted by law on the court of justice (Courts of Justice Law) in 1960. According to the terminology of this law, the provisions of English common law are prescribed to the civil and criminal courts, "since they do not contradict the laws acting in Currently, or changes in them are not made by the Constitution. " In cases, if the relationship is not settled by the laws of Cyprus, the courts of the island must contact the provisions of the general law and the right of justice.

In Independent Cyprus there is its own case law.

In the family law and some personal status issues, a dominant role was preserved for religious law (respectively, the church right of the Greek community and Muslim - in Turkish).

In Cyprus there are no own legal institutions. Greek-Cypriots receive legal education mainly in Greece and the UK.

At the time of the creation of an independent Cypriot state it was assumed that the judicial system would have to reflect the two-specific nature of the country. At the head of the Supreme Judicial Bodies - the Higher Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court (they were united in January 1964) - neutral chairmen were to stand, which would not have belonged to any of the national communities, but had the right of a decisive voice and had to maintain balance Between Cypriots-Greeks and Cypriots-Turks - members of the above courts.

The 1960 Constitution provided for the court over the Cypriot Turks only the judge - the Turks, and the judge - Greek, the Greek Cypriot. In case, Cypriots-Greeks and Cypriots and Turks participated in litigation, the case was considered by a mixed court. Community Office of the lawyers of the Greeks and Turks, who have legislative and administrative powers regarding disputes on education, religion, culture, sports, cooperatives and credit societies were established. After the intercommunal collisions of 1963, mixed courts stopped their existence. The Supreme Court consists of 13 members appointed by the President of the Republic. This is the highest appellate instance in the country. The Supreme Court appoints the judges of the subordinate courts and solves all the issues related to their professional promotion, disciplinary responsibility, dismissal, etc.

Civilian affairs and minor crimes, entailing punishments up to 3 years of imprisonment or up to 500 pounds of fine, are considered in the district courts (District Cours). The jurisdiction of the Assis Cours (Assize Cours) includes more serious things. The appellate instance towards them is the Supreme Court of Cyprus. There are no vessels in the Republic of Cyprus, considering the special categories of criminal cases (for example related to state security). However, there are special courts for the consideration of some restless cases: the court of labor disputes, the court of rental control and the Family Court. These courts exercise exceptional jurisdiction in relevant issues, their decisions can be appealed only from the point of view of the right to the Supreme Court. The general attorney of the Republic of Cyprus (the General Prosecutor) acts as the main legal adviser to the President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers and at the same time is the director of the Department of Public Persecution.

The Supreme Court of the Separate State - the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - the chairman and 4 judges are included. It also performs the functions of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Administrative Court and the Court of Cassation. Just as in the Republic of Cyprus, the district courts in 1 each consider cases punishable by the conclusion for a period of no more than 3 years, the courts of assizives consisting of 3 judges consider more serious things.

In 1991, the position of Ombudsman (Commissioner for Human Rights) was established in the Republic of Cyprus. The lawyer is organized in the form of partnerships operating on the basis of the law on partnerships (repeats the English Law 1890 of the same name). Upon receipt of legal education, lawyers may withstand the lawyer, conducted by the legal council (Legal Board), and pass an annual internship at a lawyer with at least five years of experience. A lawyer with at least 3 years of experience is entitled to perform in any court of country.

Economy of Northern Cyprus

To the problems of the economy of the so-called TRCK (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey and Nakhichevan, autonomous education as part of Azerbaijan) includes a lack of investment, qualified labor and experienced managers, which is added inflation, and the dependence on Turkish Lira. Turkey provides 55% of exports, and takes 48% of imports of Northern Cyprus. The European Court of Justice of July 5, 1994 recognized illegal British practice to import goods from Northern Cyprus, having relevant licenses and certificates to the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. According to the decree, the members of the European Union can take only goods that have certificates of the Republic of Cyprus. This decision caused a decline in the exports of the TRCK in the EU, from 66.7% of the total exports in 1993 to 35% in 1996. Despite this, the EU remains the second largest trading partner of the TRCK.

The first large-scale partner for TRCK is Turkey, which provides significant economic assistance. Since Turkish Lira is in the turnover of TRCK, until 2005, hyperinflation continued before the introduction of a new Turkish Lyra was a negative factor.

The authorities of the Turkish sector of Cyprus adhere to the principles of free foreign trade, and allow permanent residents to have bank accounts in foreign currency.

Also, the authorities TRCK are widely trying to implement real estate to foreigners, which is directly prohibited by the legislation of the Republic of Cyprus.

The dispute between Mr. Apostolid and Northern Ireland, which arose in connection with the acquisition of the last land plot in Northern Cyprus in connection with the acquisition of the Land in Northern Cyprus, is widely known. The northern territory of the island, turned to the district court of Nicosia, which 11/09/2004 supported his demands in the absence of defendants (19.04.2005 the court already in their presence refused to cancel the decision) on the recognition of his ownership of the land plot, and also ordered spouses Oranges to demolish the villa, destroy the pool and pay various amounts, including court costs. 12/21/2006 Supreme Court of the Republic of Cyprus rejected the appeal of Oramas spouses.

October 18, 2005, Mr. Apostolidi applied in accordance with the EU Regulations No. 44/2001 of 22.12.2000 "On jurisdiction, and recognition and enforcement of court decisions on civil and compete cases" in the competent Court of Great Britain for recognizing and enforcing judicial Solutions of the Cyprus Court of 09.11.2004, as a result of which 10/21/2005, Chairman of the Division of the Royal Bench of the High Court of England and Wales (A Master of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of England and Wales) decided that this decision of the Cyprus court was subject to execution in England.

Spouses Orams in accordance with Art. The 43 regulations successfully challenged the order of the Judge of the High Court (a High Court Judge, MR Justice Jack). In turn, Mr. Apostolidi appealed to the appeal for challenging such a decision on the cancellation of the order in accordance with Article 44 of the Regulations into the Court of Appeal, which by order of 19.06.2007 (received 14.09.2007) appealed to the EU Court of Justice.

Telecommunications

The dominant telecommunications company and the Internet provider is CYTA owned by the state. In connection with the recent liberalization in this sector, several private companies appeared.

Education and science

In total, Cyprus are six universities: 3 state and 3 private. The State Cyprus University, Open University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Cyprus. In addition to three private universities (European University of Cyprus, Cyprus University. Frederica and University of Nicosia), there are several institutions: the Cypriot Academy of Public Administration, Higher School of the Hotel Business, the Mediterranean Institute of Management and the Cyprus International Institute of Management.

National holidays

New Year - January 1
Baptism - January 6
Green Monday (the beginning of the post, 50 days before the Orthodox Easter)
National Day Greece - March 25
National Festival of Cyprus - April 1
Good Friday - with a changing date
Bright Monday (Monday after Easter)
International Labor Day - May 1
Cataclysmos (festival in honor of the Great Flood), Monday after the Trinity
Assumption - August 15
Cyprus Independence Day - October 1
National festival of Greece (Okhi Day) - October 28
Christmas Eve - December 24
Christmas - December 25
Sky - December 26

Cypriot cuisine

The Cyprus kitchen is based on Mediterranean dishes, primarily Greek and Turkish. These include meza (a set of numerous snacks and dishes combined with meat or fish), common and in Greece, and Turkey, and Kleftico - baked goat or lamb meat. But traditional is still the use of meat goats.

Kluftico is translated as "stolen meat", since before the shepherds were hidden stolen meat in the ground and prepared it, spreading the fire from above. Today, this dish is prepared in a tightly closed oven. Thanks to the cooking method, the meat is carried out gentle and easily departs from the bones.

Also traditional are the dishes on the mangale - Suvla and Suvlaki. Keftes and Sherthlia fried fryer cutlets (stuffing with spicy herbs and grated potatoes).

Local seafood dishes include squid and octopus in red wine. Of the sweets, jams made of local fruits, vegetables and nuts - from walnuts in soft shell, eggplant, figs, etc.

Cypriots also consider their dish Churchhell (in Greek "Chuzhuko") - nuts strung on ropes, and covered with frozen grape syrup. Pink water is actively used in cooking.

Cypriot coffee "Metrico" is similar to coffee in Turkish - served directly together with a thick and glass of ice water.

Cinnamon is of great importance in the Cyprus cuisine - it is added to almost all dishes: sweets, meat, cutlets, vegetable stew.

The wine commandarium is used by fame, the manufacture of which began during the times of the Crusaders. Local varieties of beer Keo and Leon are popular.

The British heritage in the field of cooking is expressed in traditional "English breakfasts" from scrambled eggs with bacon and beans. In a number of bars, beer is served in English pints.

Armed forces

The basis of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Cyprus is the National Guard (Greek. Εθνική φρουρά), founded in 1964, and includes land (SV), Sea (Navy) and air (Air Force) components. The total number of the National Guard is about 14 thousand people.

Ground troops of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus include 1 and 2 infantry divisions, 3 and 4 separate infantry brigades, 20 separate armor brigades, a separate team "Commandos", command of field artillery, parts and divisions of central subordination.

The air component includes 449 and 450 helicopter squadrons, an academic aviation squadron, a separate division zur, two air defense divisions, a PRC battery. (For more information, see Cyprus Air Force)

Naval Forces include the naval base (N.P. Zigi) and are in service with several patrol boats (for more details, see Naval Forces and Marine Police of Cyprus).

In addition, on the basis of the "Treaty on Security Guarantees of the Republic of Cyprus", 1960, Greece contains its troops on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus (Eldik - Greek. Ελλινικών Δυνάμεων στην κύπρο) with a number of two thousand people.

Main suppliers of weapons and military equipment - Greece, Russia and France. The United States and the United Kingdom imposed an arms embargo due to the unresolihood of the Cyprus problem.

The personnel is recruited by calling from the number of men between the age of 16, the duration of the deadlines is 24 months (from January 1, 2009 - the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers is made in mid-December 2008, until this service life was 25 months), And mandatory for people whose father is Greek Cypriot. For religious minorities (Armenians, Catholics, Christians - Maronites) is not obligatory. Turks call are not subject to.

Guests of the island - Men from 16 years old - Having Cypriot Father must receive an exit visa from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus.

Embassies and consulates

Moscow, Povarskaya st., 9 (Art. M. Arbatskaya) Phone: (495) 744-2933, 744-2934
Embassy Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 16.30
The consular department is open to accept documents: Monday-Friday from 10.00 to 14.00

For issuing documents: Monday-Friday from 14.00 to 15.00
Passports, in order to design a visa on the day of their filing, should be filed no later than 12.00 h.
Weekends: Saturday-Sunday
Representation of the Ministry of Tourism of Cyprus in Moscow

Ul. Dmitry Ulyanova, house 16, korp. 2, square. 125. Tel. 124-00-61, Fax 124-33-97. Art. Metro "Academic". Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 11:00 to 16:30.

sights

The main attractions of the country: the grave of Lazarus, the tomb of Hala Sultan, the Archaeological Museum of Antiquities.
In the old part of Famaguad there is a fortress of the XIV-XV centuries, where the prototype of Othello lived in the tower, the Venetian commander Christopher Moro.
The ruins of the ancient Salamis.
Near Kirini-Ruins of Gothic Abbey Belapis, Museum of Shipwrecks.
Monastery Stavrovyui, based, according to legend, in 327, Saint Elena.

Useful information for tourists about Cyprus, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information on the population, the currency of Cyprus, the kitchen, the features of visa and customs restrictions of Cyprus.

Geography of Cyprus

Republic of Cyprus is a state located on the island of the same name in the eastern part of the Mediterranean.

The coastline of the island in the north is cut and a rockist, in the south - flat, with long sandy beaches. In the center and in the southwest there is an extensive old volcanic massif Troodos (the highest point - Olympos, 1951 m.).

State

State device

The independent sovereign republic with the presidential form of government, the legislature is a unicameral parliament (the House of Representatives). Since 1974, the northern part of the island (3354 square meters. Km.) Occupied by Turkish troops with the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus unrecognized by the world community.

Language

State language: Greek, Turkish

Everywhere is used English, less than French and German. Many hotels have Russian-speaking staff.

Religion

Orthodoxy - 77%, Islam - 18%.

Currency

International title: EUR

Exchange currency is better in banks and at the airport.

History of Cyprus

The oldest history of the island goes back to the VII millennium BC. From the first settlers of Cyprus on stone blocks, mysterious inscriptions remained, which have not yet been deciphered.

At the beginning of the II millennium BC The Greeks appeared on the island. They founded rich kingdom cities in Cyprus according to the model of the ancient Greek city of Mycena, bringing with them a Greek religion and a Greek lifestyle. The Greek state form of the device existed in Cyprus to the era of the Romans.

The name of the island comes from the Latin root "Cuprum" - copper. Indecent natural wealth - deposits of copper and iron, stocks of emeralds, cypress and cedar forests, rosures of olive trees and plantations of sugar cane, wonderful fruits and vegetables always made Cyprus with a tight piece for inrogen. BC, Egyptians, the Phoenicians, Assyrians and Persians alternately established their domination in Cyprus, poetically calling him the "country of the setting sun". Alexander Macedonian finally freed the island from the invaders, but after the collapse of his empire, Cyprus became the province of the empire of Ptolemyevsky Egypt, and later, from 58 years old, to our era moved to the Romans.

In 330, our era, after the collapse of the Roman Empire, the island became part of Byzantium. Since then, Cyprus shares the fate of the Greek Orthodox world.

During the crusades, Cyprus was conquered by Richard the lion's heart on the way to sacred land. Richard gave him to the Knight's Order of the Templars, and those in turn - Louisinyans from France, which founded the Kingdom on the West feudal sample (1192-1489). The last queen of this kingdom transferred the rights of ownership of the Island of the Venice Republic. In 1571, the island was captured by the Turks and switched to the power of the Ottoman Empire. Under the rule of Turk, Cyprus was more than three centuries.

In 1878, Turkey provided Cyprus Great Britain in exchange for the assistance promised it in the event of war with Russia. Until 1959, Cyprus was an English colony. On August 16, 1960, after the liberation struggle of Greek Cypriots, Cyprus was proclaimed by an independent state - the republic. The first president of the Island Republic became Archbishop Makarios.

In July 1974, the Greek military junta raised an armed rebellion against Makarios government. Turkey took advantage of the moment. Under the pretext of protection of the Turk-Cypriot, it occupied 37% of the territory of Cyprus, which illegally holds to the present.

From April 1, 2004, when South Cyprus (Greek) joined the EU, the borders between the two parts of the island were open to the free movement of tourists and local residents.

The oldest history of the island goes back to the VII millennium BC. From the first settlers of Cyprus on stone blocks, mysterious inscriptions remained, which are still not decrypted ....

Popular attractions

Tourism in Cyprus

Where to stay

Cyprus at all times attracted thousands of tourists from around the world with their crystal clear seas, hot sun, historical monuments and good service. Cyprus hotels are divided into several categories - these are hotels that are assigned stars, hotels in the national style, hotels without stars and guest houses. In addition, Cyprus can be stopped in one of the tourist villages, rent an apartment or rent a tent in Camping. These types of housing also have gradation - they are divided into class A, B, C and Suite.

Hotels have a standard classification from one to five stars. Since Cyprus has a hard standard for assigning stars, you can be sure that by choosing one of them, you will receive the appropriate service. However, the cost of living will depend not only from the star, but also how close the hotel is located to the sea, whether there is a private beach at the hotel and how equipped it is. It is worth considering that if the hotel is on the coast, getting to the city center will have to be independently and quite far away. As a rule, in hotels you will be offered only breakfast, full board can be ordered at an additional cost. Among the advantages can be noted that in most hotels you can find Russian-speaking staff. If we talk about entertainment, then in hotels four and five stars there are animation programs not only for children, but also adults. Water slides can be equipped on the beach.

Cyprus has many equipped official campgrounds. Here you will find toilet, shower, small cafes and shops. You can also rent a private apartment, villas on the seashore or houses that will be in close proximity to the sea. The cost of living here is relatively inexpensive, and the service is high-class.

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Cyprus

Mediterranean "Pearl" - Island of Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist destinations. This is a real paradise with magnificent natural landscapes, excellent resorts, the most interesting stories, the roots of which go to prehistoric times, and the abundance of monuments of various eras and civilizations. Officially, most of the Island of Cyprus (98%) belong to the Republic of Cyprus, but in reality about a third of the island is the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus partially recognized by the world community.

Acquaintance with Cyprus, perhaps, should begin with His capital Nicosia. This is one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as the only city in the world at the same time being the capital of two states. You will get a lot of pleasure, walking through the paved streets of the old city with its numerous cozy coffee shops and restaurants, souvenir shops, oriental bazaars and craft workshops. Separate attention, undoubtedly, deserves the amazing architecture of the old quarter Laika Gitonia. Among the abundance of the sights of Nicosia is to celebrate the Selimia Mosques (formerly St. Sophia's Cathedral) and Omerium, the Cathedral of St. John, the Archaeological Museum, the Gallery of Contemporary Art, the Church of the Plyeroman and the Virgin Mary of Chrysoliniotiss, the Palace of Archbishop and the Byzantine Museum Palace. Landmarks such as Venetian walls and the Gate of Famagusta, urban historical Museum of Legens, Handle Museum and Letters, Granny Museum, Museum of Dancing Dervicheski, Bani Baniyuk Hamam and Caravan-Saraj Bujukhan Khani. Fans of the same archeology will be interesting located in the vicinity of the capital of the ruins of the ancient cities of Tamassos, Soli and Idalion.

The resort town of Limassol, located on the shore of Akrotiri Bay, enjoys greatly popular with tourists. Here you are waiting for beautiful beaches, fashionable hotels, the mass of historical and architectural attractions and various cultural events. It is certainly worth visiting the castle of Colossi, the Limassol Fortress and the Museum of the Museum of the Middle Ages, the Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral of Agia Napa, the city park and the zoo, Kebir-Jami Mosque, the City Art Gallery, Museum of Folk Art and the Kea Winery. Not far from Limassol are the ruins of the ancient cities of Amatus and Kurion, as well as the sanctuary of Apollo Chilavsky.

It is worth visiting the famous Cyprus pathos. This is not only a popular resort, but also an ancient city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, a significant part of which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Of particular interest are the royal tombs, the castle of forty columns, the Catacombs of St. Solomonia, Pafos Mosaics, the ancient theater of Odeon, the port of the fortress, Church of Chrysopolitis and the Column of St. Paul, Archaeological and Byzantine Museums and, of course, the Temple of Aphrodite in the Kuklia. The famous rocks of Aphrodites are very popular, where according to an ancient legend and appeared on the light of the foam of the sea goddess of love and beauty.

A great place to relax, undoubtedly, are the mountains of Troodos with stunning beauty by landscapes, excellent opportunities for skiing and many charming picturesque villages. It is famous for this place and its ancient churches and monasteries, many of which are recognized as important historical and architectural monuments. The monastery of Kikkos and the miraculous icon of the Virgin, stored in it, is of the greatest interest. It is also worth visiting the Church of Archangel Mikhail in Pedulas, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Palekhori and the Church of St. Nicholas The Wonderworker in the village of Katchemetry.

Among the natural sights of the island, it is worth noting the Akamas Nature Reserve on the Peninsula of the same name. In addition to the magnificent natural landscapes, a rich flora and fauna, this place was widely known thanks to the famous Black Aphrodite, where, according to the legend, the Goddess of Love was prone to joy with his beloved Adonis.

The church of the Saint Lazarus, the Mosque of Hala Sultan Tekka, Archaeological Museum, Turkish Fort, Mosque Jami Kebir and Aqueduct Kamares deserve separate attention. In the vicinity of Larnaca, the monastery of Stavrovni, Church of Angeloktoshistos in the village of Kiti, ancient kition, camel farm in the village of Mazotos and the charming village of Perivol.

It is remarkably to relax and at the same time to expand your horizons you will be able to visit such beautiful resort towns of the island as Ayia Napa, Famagusta, Protaras and Kyrenia.

Kitchen Cyprus

Cypriots carefully refer to their traditions, including culinary. The kitchen is part of the culture, it is a story, this is the soul of the people. Cyprus cuisine does not tolerate fuss. It is appetizing, diverse and abundant. Her aromas pursue you at every step. She will satisfy gourmets, and lovers a lot and delicious eating, and vegetarian. Cypriot dishes are prepared from fresh products with lots of vegetables, seasoned with local herbs and olive oil, which makes them not only delicious, but also useful.

Cyprus cuisine has absorbed the culinary traditions of neighboring states - Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, the numerous conquerors of the past were influenced, but, of course, the closest bonds of kinship are associated with Greek cuisine. However, with all its similarity from the kitchen of Greece, Cyprus dishes have individual traits. There are dishes and foods inherent exclusively Cyprus, such as cheese halami.

Another distinctive feature is "mezé". Translated from the Greek "Mezes" is just a snack. But in Cyprus it is so called an assortment of 20-30 different dishes, starting with snacks, salads and vegetables and ending with meat and fish dishes. So, come to the tavern, and not knowing what to choose, order a meze - and you taste the mass of local eats. In some restaurants and taverns, only fish or only meat mese is served. True, it is necessary to order it only if you have time. Plates, albeit small, but there are a lot of them. In addition, local wine is suitable for meza and its own good company. There is a "Siga-Siga", i.e. Do not rush to get to the last dishes. (Cyprus cuisine does not tolerate fuss.)

The mez often includes the following dishes and snacks: Lukanic - flavored sausages, seasoned, pre-marked in red wine; Koppy - stuffed with meat and rice grape leaves (dolma); Lundza - smoked pork tenderloin, which is also served in sandwiches along with soft cheese halums, made of sheep or goat milk and often flavored mint; SHELFALY - Pork cutlets on the grill; Afhelia is pickled in wine and corandra pork; Stepado - beef or rabbit stewed in grape vinegar with bow and seasonings; Both Kleftico, lamb baked in a global stove with a laurel sheet.

Fish taverns serve squid, octopus in red wine or fried in the fryer, a drum and sea perch.
Cook potatoes are common from vegetable dishes in olive oil, pickled cauliflower and beets, zucchini, kolokashi (sweet root root, similar to potatoes) and asparagus.

There are certainly classic dishes of Greek cuisine: Taramosament - pink creamy-shaped seasoning from fish caviar, whipped with potatoes, parsley, lemon juice and onions; Talaturi - yogurt with finely chopped cucumbers, mint and garlic (reminds Greek dzodzyki); Greek salad (chryatics salad) from tomatoes, cucumbers, lathouse, pepper, feta cheese, green olives and local seasonings; Musakas - a traditional Greek dish, minced meat and eggplant casserole, topped with bezamel sauce; And, of course, suvlaki - pork kebabs, lambs or chicken cooked on the grill.

All these dishes and many others can be ordered separately. The cost of meza is equal to the cost of good lunch.

Fresh fruits are often served for dessert in Cyprus. Sweet dishes are popular in Lukumadez - Cypriot donuts in honey syrup; Dactila - "Ladies' fingers" with almond or walnuts and cinnamon, as well as shimisi - cut on a piece of pie with semolina and orange filling. Cafe is often served bells - a cake with pumpkin filling, Couscous from a raisin, as well as pastels - dessert from sesame grains, peanuts and honey syrup. We must definitely try Galaktobourco - a puff pastry with a filling of cream and Lucuma - a local bowum.

If you are in a hurry, go to traditional fast food institutions. Order Suvlaki-Pita - kebabs in pete with potatoes and vegetables or gyros (also that shawarma, but tastier). Tasty and satisfy thipitis - cheese pie (feta, halami or other), spinal spinacopita - with spinach, sweet pies. Fast food, besides cheap.

Cypriots carefully refer to their traditions, including culinary. The kitchen is part of the culture, it is a story, this is the soul of the people. Cyprus cuisine does not tolerate fuss. It is appetizing, diverse and abundant. Her aromas pursue you at every step. She will satisfy gourmets, and lovers a lot and delicious eating, and vegetarian. Cypriot dishes are prepared from fresh products with lots of vegetables, seasoned with local herbs and olive oil, which makes them not only delicious, but also useful. ...

Tip

10% for maintenance is usually included in the account in most restaurants. Tipping usually give both taxi drivers. In the hotel it is customary to leave several coins of the maid.

Visa

Work hours of institutions

Banks are open on working days from 8.30 to 12.30, some banks in the tourist areas are open and after lunch.

Shops operate from Monday to Saturday from 8 to 13 hours and from 15 to 17.30 in winter, from 16 to 19 hours - in the summer. On Wednesday and Saturday, shops after lunch do not work.

Purchases

When buying, you can get Global Refund - the return of VAT (8.3% of the purchase amount), for this you need to take the Global Refund receipt when buying it at the customs of Larnaca or Paphos airports, omit into a bright yellow box. Compensation must be sent by translation.

Souvenirs

Most often, tourists buy: napkins from lefkaris lace; Beer Keo; Soundzouko (Suzukuko) - Cypriot delicacy made of grape molasses and almond nuts; Hallumi is a type of cheese, manufactured only in Cyprus; Cypriot dessert wine Kommandaria; records of traditional Cypriot music; Traditional pottery - jugs, vases, candlesticks.

Emergency phones

Single number for calling the police, fire or ambulance - 199 or 112.

Questions and Reviews of Cyprus

Larnaca - Question-answer

Question answer

Paphos - Question-answer

Question answer

Cyprus on the world map, as the "island of three states", population, interactive cards, offline cards.

Map of Cyprus

This is a sushi particle that is difficult to resemble on the globe. Cyprus (Greek. Ύύπρος, Turkish. Kıbrıs, English. Cyprus) - an island that "sheltered" in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea (Eng. Mediterranean SEA) at the junction of navigate paths of Turkey, Egypt and Syria.

And who neighbors? The eponymous state that is the Parliamentary-Presidential Republic refers to the group of the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean - Levanta countries. The poorest distance from Cyprus to Syria 103 kilometers, to the shores of Egypt - 350 km and to Turkey - 70 km. If you look from space, the island is reminded by a rolled lizard with its appearance. :-)

Cyprus and Greece - is this one and the same? Historically, it so happened that the island state has very close connections with Greece. Many people think that the islands is part of the Greek islands, but it is not. The Republic of Cyprus is an independent state that has gained independence on August 16, 1960.

Territorial division about. Cyprus

From the point of view of administrative and territorial division about. Cyprus is divided into six main areas (eng. District): Nicosia (English. Lefkosia), Paphos (English. Pafos), Limassol (English. Larnaka), Larnaca (English), AmmoHOSTOS (English Ammochostos) or Famagusta and Kyrenia (eng. Keryneia).

"The island of three states"

The world community is officially recognized that the territory of the Republic of Cyprus is 97.3% of the Island Square and the remaining 2.7% is a British exclave. Namely since 1960, the UK military bases are located in these territories: Akrotiri (Greek. Ακρωτήρι, English. Akrotiri), Decoleia (Greek. Δεκέλεια, English. Dhekelia), part of Cape Greco and the top of Olympos. These are British territories outside the United Kingdom, which are under its sovereignty, but are not part of the state.

However, de facto is different. Since the Turkish invasion in 1974, a third of the territory or about 36% of the island remained for the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRCK). And the legitimate authorities of the republic moved two thirds of the territory, components of about 59%. The remaining 2.3% is the area of \u200b\u200bthe demarcation or "green line" separating the island protected by the contingent of the UN military for maintaining peace in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Cyprus on Physical Map

About how to get

Officially, Cyprus can be reached by air, coming to Larnaca or Paphos airport. There is also a ferry message with Greece, for example. Some tourists arrive at Erzhan Airport, which is located in the northern occupied part of the island. The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus such an entry consider not legal. Read more about Flights to Cyprus, see -

From the airport to the city in Cyprus can be reached by bus or shuttle. The fastest and most comfortable type of transport is a taxi. Order the car is better in advance so that the driver can meet at the airport. Watch on the site, how much is it worth booking a taxi in Cyprus -

Which resorts rest

If you look at the map of Cyprus, you can see that all resorts are located along the southern coast of the island. The southeastern side is the most popular tourist areas. This is a youth, quiet family regions Protaras and Perry, as well as paralymni and caparis. Further, moving to the west along the coast, which is called "aircraft" of Cyprus, and the most Russian-speaking resort on the island - Limassol.

In the southwest there is a city with a huge number of historical and architectural monuments preserved to our days. And on the western tip of the island there are few people who the famous resort village policy. In winter, if there is snow in the mountains of Troodos, you can go deep into the island and relax in the only ski complex in the country. Read more about Cyprus resorts Read -

About where to stay ... Cyprus geographically refers to Asia. However, the Mentality is the islanders of the European, and the country itself is a member of the European Union. Turkish "Ol Inclusive" here is not found here, and the most common nutrition systems in hotels - BB (breakfast only) and HB (breakfast and dinner). Options for placement on the island (hotels, apartments, villas, hostels) - about 3.5 thousand. All location offers can be viewed.

What do you need to come to Cyprus?

• Visa Pre-need to get. It's free. How to do it look -
• Insurance For traveling abroad, you can calculate -
• Flight tickets Look to Larnaca Airport (there more flights) or Paphos (not so popular) -
• Hotels At the resorts of Cyprus, as well as all information on them (available rooms, prices, reviews) Tourists usually look -
• Apartments With a discount, I usually seek -
• Hostels - This is for those who have no money for the hotel. Cheapest accommodation. Only sunbed under an umbrella on the beach. If the neighbors around the room do not confuse you, then watch hostels in Cyprus -
• Tours in Cyprus. Buy a tour from 60,000 rubles. promotional AF1000Kipros. and get a discount 1 000 rub -
• Transfer The hotel does not need if you fly a tour. As a rule, this service is included in the tour price. If not, then order a transfer in advance via the Internet. It is very convenient and cheaper than to drive from the airport by taxi. You will meet at the airport and deliver directly to the hotel's threshold -
• Rent a Car - A very popular way of movement in the island, so if you have rights, then the prices of car rental can see -
• Excursions From local residents with unusual routes, see -
• Adapter For Cypriot sockets that tourists use, you can buy in any store, and how it looks like -
• Everything for rest In Cyprus (useful things, fashion accessories, sports and leisure goods, gadgets) You can see -
• Simka For travelers (mobile communications and Internet without roaming) in Cyprus -

About local residents ... According to Eurostat, as of January 1, 2018, Cyprus population was 864,200 people. And on January 1, 2019, the number rose to 875,900 people. Cyprus occupies the second line in the list of EU countries for the share of foreigners permanently residing on the island. So, 114,536 people are citizens of other EU countries. Moreover, 34,632 people arrived in Cyprus from non-EU countries.

In 2016, the number of residents of the Republic of Cyprus amounted to approximately 800,000 people. Including the Greeks-Cypriots - 650,000, Turk Cypriots - 160,000, British - 17,000, Armenians - 6,000. Relying on information of other sources, the number of Russian-speaking citizens from 30,000 to 35,000 people. The inhabitants of the island have a Greek language (Cyprus dialect), Turkish, English. And more and more the number of cities, villages and other items on the map of Cyprus, where the carriers of the Russian language are justified. More about residents ...

About the weather ... On the island of more than 300 days the sun shines and therefore, if the weather allows, sunbathing can be even in February. But for most tourists, Cyprus is not suitable, as a place for year-round beach holidays. You can safely swim since May and ending in October. Some seasoned people enter the water all year round. The hottest months - July and August. The rains in the summer practically does not happen, and most of all the precipitation falls in winter. From December to April, the weather reminds Russian autumn: cool, often rains and winds. More about the weather ...

Number of tourists in Cyprus

Tourism is one of the main items of income to the country's budget. Every year the number of tourists in Cyprus is growing. So, 2019 year became a record for the number of arrived on the island, when 3,976,777 people visited Cyprus. In 2018, the island visited 3,938,625 people, most of whom were in the summer season, from April to October. It is expected that 2020 will again become a record for the number of tourists.

In percentage ratio, the number of British tourists in Cyprus is the largest - 33.5%. Russia occupies a second line - 19.7%, Israel - 7.4%, Greece - 4.3%.

In 2018, the most tourists came to Cyprus from the UK - 1.3 million people, from Russia - 850 thousand, from the Scandinavian countries - 280 thousand, from Israel - 233 thousand, from Germany - 189 thousand, from the Persian Gulf countries - 120 thousand , from Ukraine - 70 thousand.

If we talk about other countries of the world, in 2018, Russia was visited by 24.6 million tourists, and it was at the 16th place in the list of the top 20 of the most visited countries. The leading position in the ranking was taken by France (93.2 million tourists), Spain (82.8 million), USA (82.2 million), China (62.9 million) and Italy (62.1 million).

The share of tourism in Cyprus GDP is about 12%, and if we take into account indirect income, then all 20%. Approximately 28 thousand people or 7.7% of the active part of the Cyprus population are occupied in the field of tourist services.

Interactive Cyprus Cards

Below is presented in the interactive block. The map can be moved directly on the screen within this block. To increase the specific area, click on the desired point of the map by double clicking the left mouse button or use the "Runner" on the left on the map.

If you want to consider the island in more detail, then click on one of the links presented below and increase the image to the entire screen. Instruments to increase the picture on the left allow you to consider the island in more detail. You can both reduce and enlarge the image using the "Runner" to the left and consider the island in more detail. The ruler tool serves to measure distances between cities.

The most detailed map of the island - Wikimapia. It marked areas (county or dioceses). With a more detailed consideration, you can see the designations of municipalities and other settlements of Cyprus. The detailing of the map is so high that you can see cars moving on highways and roads, and in the sea fishing and commercial vessels. On the streets of Cypriot cities, you can easily consider buildings and facilities, on some of which are designated and signed their functional destination. Also marked the sights of the island.

Click on one of the links and deploy the Cyprus card to the entire screen.

Common Maps of Cyprus

For tourists traveling in Cyprus, an excellent assistant will travel a tourist map from the Cyprus organization on tourism (cat).

Conditional designations of settlements, roads and attractions in English, but it will not be an obstacle to tourists.

The English-speaking administrative map of Cyprus gives a general idea of \u200b\u200bthe delimitation of the island to the districts or dioceses.

The territory of the island is divided with six districts: Lefkosia District, Ammochostos District, Lemesos District, Larnaka District, Pafos District, Keryneia District. Which are highlighted by the appropriate color.

Cities and a large number of other settlements are marked and signed accordingly.

Medium-scale outcast or physical map of the island.

Where you can see the relief of the earth's surface, the location of water bodies, settlements, main and secondary roads, borders.

There is a distance diagram between the cities of Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, etc.

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