Whenever you have heard the name Cyprus, it probably had an extension: North Cyprus or South Cyprus, which is also called European Cyprus. Cyprus is an island country with a turbulent history, a warm sun and a sparkling sea, and dreamy landscapes that you will enjoy seeing. This island country has two independent parts, the northern part or Northern Cyprus is where the Turkish speaking residents live and the southern part or European Cyprus is where the Greeks live and both Greek and Turkish are the official languages of this country. The capital of Cyprus, the city of Nicosia, was divided into two northern and southern parts during the war between the Turks and the Greeks.
Traveling to Cyprus is a unique experience; Especially for people who are looking for a quiet, cozy and beautiful place to spend time.
What awaits you on your trip to Cyprus?
If you have not traveled to Cyprus yet and you doubt that it is a suitable destination to spend your free time, it is necessary to first know what characteristics Cyprus is famous for. After Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, and its pristine and beautiful nature and unique history and culture have the first say. Nature whose beauty is undeniable; Beaches of golden sand that shine during the day and caress the face with a cool breeze at night, forests full of pine fragrance and a sea with endless blue that is a pleasure to swim in. Also, wandering in the historical cities and watching the magnificent Byzantine churches with stunning architecture will really make the heart of every viewer beat.
If you have doubts about choosing Cyprus as your next travel destination, be sure to read this article to the end.
When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
To choose the best time, the best time to travel to Cyprus article will help you a lot. In this article, we only make a brief reference.
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate; Hot summers that start from the middle of June and continue until the end of September and wet winters from November to March that are separated by autumn and short spring. If you like sunny days, know that the sun shines on this island for about three hundred and forty days; Especially from April to the end of September, when you will have about eleven hours of sunshine. Generally, there is no news of strong winds and storms. The heights of the Troodos mountains are one of the few parts of the island that may experience snowfall for many weeks, and for this reason, it is one of the special attractions for fans of skiing.
Northern Cyprus or European Cyprus? Which section should we choose?
The answer to this question depends on whether you are a lover of untouched nature or not. Northern Cyprus, which is the Turkish-inhabited part of the island, has become less modernized, it has quiet towns and villages that seem to be surrounded by history and has not sought to modernize as much as European Cyprus. General statistics say that European Cyprus is the most attractive part of the island for tourists, but it is entirely up to you which part to choose. Also keep in mind that the official currency of Cyprus is Euro, but you can pay in Lira in Northern Cyprus. For this reason, traveling to North Cyprus will be cheaper than European Cyprus.
Some of the most attractive resorts in Northern Cyprus and European Cyprus
As we said, Cyprus has both attractive nature and unforgettable historical cities. This list is only a part of the most famous popular areas of this island. If you want to know a more complete list, refer to the article Brilliant attractions of Cyprus.
- Kyrenia port and castle The construction of Girne Castle has a complex architecture and it is very interesting for those who travel among bricks and plaster and for whom history is summed up in architecture. The port of Kyrenia has a lively atmosphere with its cafes and restaurants, and it is very desirable to eat local food.
- Blapais Church It is also desirable for lovers of Gothic architecture, which was built in the 13th century. This quiet and peaceful place is located five kilometers from Kyrenia.
- The city walls of Famagusta Throughout history, they had various uses and therefore they took on different appearances. At first they were tall and thin until the Venetians made changes to them that they thought were more suitable for protecting the city against the Ottomans. One of the best examples of military architecture in the 16th century in Northern Cyprus are these walls.
- Gelpsides BeachIt is a quiet, clean and beautiful beach that is one of the most popular beaches in North Cyprus with its cafes and restaurants.
- Nicosia city The capital, which is divided into two northern and European parts by a street called Ledra Street. If you are a museum goer, you will fall in love with this city. Prioritize the Cyprus Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Ledra Observatory Museum. If you go to Ledra Observatory Museum, you can see the “Green Line” from the 11th floor, which divides Cyprus into northern and southern parts.
- Acamas Peninsula It’s everything you want from unspoiled nature: off the road and away from the modernity of cities. A dream place for endless cycling and hiking located in the northwest of Cyprus. Native birds and reptiles and sea turtles will accompany you along the way.
- Is it Napa? It is a resort that has perhaps the liveliest and most awake nights and will take you with its mood and passion. Great food and drinks and live music double the excitement of these nights. Of course, during the day you will also enjoy walking on Nissi beach and Makronissos beach. This resort is located in the southeast of Cyprus.
Is Cypriot food compatible with our temperament?
If you like Iranian food, you will probably enjoy eating traditional food in Cyprus. Cypriots are also very fond of using different spices and vegetables. The most famous dish in Cyprus is a type of kebab called “Soulaki” which is prepared with chicken meat. This kebab is cooked in onions, parsley and tomatoes and served in fresh pita bread along with various vegetables.
Another famous dish that can be found in many restaurants in Iran is “Moussaka”; A combination of eggplant, mint, and other aromatic vegetables that are arranged in a dish and topped with minced meat and cream and baked in the oven.
Of course, if you are not into trying new foods and unknown flavors, there is nothing to worry about; Because you can find your favorite international dishes in most restaurants.
Does traveling to Cyprus require a visa?
It depends on which part of the island you plan to travel to.
When traveling to European Cyprus, if you have a Schengen visa, provided you have a valid visa with at least 2 entries, you can leave without obtaining a new visa. Otherwise, you need to get a tourist visa for European Cyprus, which, if your documents are complete, will be issued in about 7 days and is valid for two weeks. If you plan to stay on the island for a longer period of time, you must apply for an extension of your visa. Having this visa is considered a privilege for people who intend to get a Schengen visa or a Canadian visa in the future. If you enter the territory of European Cyprus with a Cyprus visa, you can also go to North Cyprus by land. But leaving the island must be from South Cyprus.
Traveling to Northern Cyprus does not require a visa for Iranians. But note that if you enter the island from the border of North Cyprus, you will not be allowed to enter and travel in European Cyprus.
Is the official currency different in North Cyprus and South Cyprus?
Yes. Just as the official language and many other social and even climatic characteristics of the two parts of the island are different, the official currency is also different. In Northern Cyprus, the official currency is the Turkish lira, but it is common to use other international currencies such as the dollar and the euro, and you can make your purchases with them. Of course, this is not very cost-effective, and we suggest that you convert your money to Lira upon arrival at the exchange offices.
In South Cyprus, since 2008, the official currency is Euro, and you cannot use Turkish lira or other currencies. If you are going to South Cyprus, it is better to convert your currencies to Euros before your trip.
An estimate of the costs of traveling to Cyprus
Cyprus is an acceptable destination for European and American travelers in terms of the amount of money they will have. It may not be as famous as Italy or Greece, but it offers a pristine nature that is very attractive and desirable.
What you read in the field is the average price for a seven-day trip for one person to Cyprus. Naturally, based on the place you choose to stay, which can be a very luxurious room in a five-star hotel or a room in a country house, this amount will be different. For all other options, keep in mind that you can save more money or spend more lavishly and have a luxury trip.
Since the cost of traveling by tour and plane can be very different, it is not included in this section.
- Accommodation: $600
- City transportation: $150 (in order to be able to see all the sightseeing areas at your leisure and to feel comfortable about having a means of transportation, you can rent a car. This method is one of the common ways for Twists and the cost of a 24-hour rental is about It will be $100. Of course, the cost of fuel should also be taken into account, which will be around $150 in total. Depending on the car model and gasoline consumption, this number will change slightly.)
- City attractions: $200 (As mentioned, Cyprus is a suitable destination for people who are looking for quiet and peaceful nature and are eager to walk on the beach and watch nature. None of these things cost money, and this estimate is for some historical castles and places which have an entrance and also diving, which is one of the favorite activities of tourists.)
- Food and drinks: $300
- Unforeseen expenses: $100 (these expenses mean wanderings that probably start without any plan to buy, but end up buying souvenirs or small and large handicrafts!
Some ways to save money on traveling to Cyprus
There are ways to reduce costs in all trips; You just need to be a little careful in the choices and spend more time searching before starting the trip so that you can make the best decisions based on your budget. The suggestions that you will read below are simple and practical solutions that can greatly ease your mind about the costs.
Travel by bus
As we explained before, booking a car in Cyprus is a common way for tourists to get around. But if you use the bus, you can save more money
Do not neglect the pristine nature and historical monuments
Cyprus is a beautiful island full of pristine landscapes. Visiting the beautiful beaches does not cost you anything unless you want to rent umbrellas and beds. Our suggestion is that instead of staying in one place and staying at the beach, expand your sightseeing and visit parks, museums and historical areas, many of which are free of charge. Enjoy the peace and get away from the hustle and bustle, immersed in history and untouched nature.
Visit local restaurants
Always remember that food in tourist restaurants is expensive! For example, food served in beach restaurants is significantly more expensive than food in small and local restaurants. We suggest not to neglect local restaurants and even street food, which are both delicious and cheaper.
Be careful in choosing a place of residence
The first point is that accommodations near the beach are more expensive, and to save money, it is better to stick to beach hotels. The second point is that it is better to go to an accommodation that has a refrigerator and gas so that you can get drinks and food from outside instead of the hotel buffet and store them in your own refrigerator and cook your own light meals. With this method, you will save a significant amount of money.
Search and book hotels in Alibaba
and finally
The last word is that a trip to Cyprus can be a dream trip and give you all the peace you have been looking for for a long time and polish your soul. On the other hand, if you love shopping and seeing modern and advanced cities, it is better to look a little further and find a more suitable destination for yourself. Cyprus is a destination that will have more than a beautiful sandy beach and bright sun for you if you listen to the stories it tells with all your heart.
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