A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Scintillating Cyprus

Exploring the Mediterranean island, Cyprus is like a treasure hunt, where each clue leads you to a breathtaking new experience. From aqua-blue beaches to sea-green underwater, from Bronze-age tombs to luxury cruisers, this country is the holiday-goers' ultimate fantasy. Steeped in rich cultures of the East and West, the island nation has something to win over each visitor's heart.

Why Visit Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular destination for those who want to unwind on exotic, golden beaches. True story for most islands, you would think. However, what sets Cyprus apart is the potpourri of everything a tourist expects and more.

Visit the country to experience the perfect blend of extremes. Whether you love surfing on beaches or skiing on mountain slopes, whether you enjoy ancient history or loud nightclubs, this is the place to be.

When to Visit

The tourist season in Cyprus lasts from April to October, with June to August being the peak months. If possible, avoid a visit during these three months since the cost of travel and accommodation is usually sky-high, as are temperatures.

Cyprus is in its best colors during springtime. Visit the island during the months of March, April and May to enjoy pleasant weather, green landscapes and flowers in full bloom. There are fewer crowds during this time, giving you ample options for accommodation.

The months from November to February are usually off-season, and some resorts and hotels remain closed during this period. The travel and accommodation costs are usually low. It is a good time to visit the country if skiing is on your agenda.

Schengen Visa for Cyprus

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Cyprus. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India.

Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

Getting to Cyprus
The largest well-connected airport in the country is the Larnaca International Airport. While there are no direct flights from India, several airlines offer one-stop services via Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Larnaca Airport is connected to the cities in Cyprus via cabs and frequent bus services.
Cyprus being a Mediterranean island, another travel option worth exploring is the ferry or cruise. Enjoy the beauty of the blue waters as you travel by ferry from Taşucu, Turkey to Kyrenia in the northern coast of Cyprus.

If you have the luxury of time, you can choose from the several cruises available to Cyprus from other parts of Europe. Most cruises end at Limassol, Southern Cyprus, which is the largest port in the country. While planning your trip, confirm the availability of cruises, since some of them are seasonal.

Within Cyprus
Once in Cyprus, buses are the major form of public transport. Transurban buses connect towns to each other while urban buses link the major areas around the cities in Cyprus. Rural buses also connect cities to nearby villages. However, these are less frequent compared to transurban and urban buses. It is a good idea to get a bus timetable so you can plan your visits accordingly.

Another travel option for tourists by road is to hire taxis. Like buses, taxis are categorized into urban and transurban. Urban taxis are available round the clock and are mandated to charge passengers as per the meter. Transurban taxis are available on a sharing basis, accommodating 4 to 7 passengers.

You can also opt for cruises within the island. This facilitates a scenic trip along the blue waters, while you hop from one destination to the next.

Where to Stay

Offering multiple delights, Cyprus is truly a haven for vacationers. Each city or town in this island nation has a distinctive charm. Therefore, deciding where to stay depends on what you want out of your holiday.

The capital city of Nicosia hosts several museums and cathedrals. It is also a treat for the shopaholics. Larnaca has a long coastline and many beautiful beaches, while Paphos offers proximity to the popular Troödos Mountains.

You can even to choose to spend a couple of days at each city, to get the choicest slice of Cyprus! However, ensure you make advance reservations, especially during the peak season.

Things to Do

Swim with the fish
Cyprus offers a variety of water sports for those who want to hit the water. Be dazzled by the underwater life on a snorkeling expedition, or feel the thrills of windsurfing or bungee jumping. If you prefer to stay on land, lie back on the golden sands and bask in the sun. You can also go on fishing trips or cruises to neighboring countries!

Learn the history and culture
The island nation has a rich history with a blend of Roman, Greek and Turkish cultures. It is home to several archaeological sites, museums and memorials.

Petra tou Romiou or Rock of Aphrodite is a natural formation overlooking the sea at Paphos. It is considered as the site of birth of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Visit the specialist museums such as the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum in Nicosia and the Folklore Museum in Aradippou, near Larnaca.

Nicosia is home to the largest number of museums and art galleries in Cyprus. Apart from these, there are several archaeological ruins, frescos and remains of Byzantine art.

Hike up treks and trails
If the clean sands and sparkling waters aren't enough visual treat for your eyes, go for stretches of greenery. In Cyprus, nature paints a pretty picture, especially in spring.

Several flowers such as the Cyprus tulip, Cyprus orchid, etc. are indigenous to the country. Nature lovers may also be interested in the various species of birds and butterflies inhabiting the island.

Go hiking or skiing on Troödos Mountains, located at the centre of the island. Nestled by its ranges are idyllic villages and ancient monasteries.

Go clubbing and golfing
Cyprus is popular for its exciting nightlife. Ayia Napa is considered one of the best locations for nightlife, not just in Cyprus, but also in all of Europe, with close to 100 bars. In Larnaca, the seafront promenade is where the party starts.

If golf interests you, the Secret Valley golf course near Rock of Aphrodite and Minthis Hills Golf Club at Paphos beckon you to take a stroke while absorbing the beautiful scenery around.

Savor the Cypriot cuisine
Cyprus delicacies, which are a combination of cuisines, and warm, hospitable citizens, add to the charm of the place.

Do's & Don'ts in Cyprus

Here are a few tips to ensure your stay in Cyprus is as delightful as the island nation itself:

• While most beaches have lifeguards and safety equipment, stay alert while heading to the water. Some beaches have red flags to indicate that swimming is forbidden. Look out for such warning signs. Preferably, don't swim in desolate areas since the water current is extremely strong.
• If you visit the country during summers, carry plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated when you are out on the beach for long hours. There are chances that you might suffer from a heatstroke. Locate cafes or shacks on the beach that offer some shade and take frequent breaks in these. Children are more susceptible to heatstroke.
• Protect your feet while you enter water to prevent bites from jellyfish and weever fish. These fish are hard to spot and their bite may be poisonous.
• Incidents of pick-pocketing tourists are quite common. Be alert while roaming the streets and keep important documents like passport etc. safely.>

Ensure your peace of mind in the dream country of Cyprus with a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Change Country Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia