Cyprus in July - 2021: my review, weather, prices

We flew to Cyprus in July for just a week, but I have a million memories: the Mediterranean Sea and its beaches, rocky cliffs and ancient castles, food, wine and - of course - cats. In the post-2020 world, summer Cyprus itself has changed little. Tourists got more: there were strict conditions for entry, difficulties with flights.

Therefore, this text is not only about the weather and reviews of tourists. We will analyze in detail new rules and we will make a block with flight options that you can definitely fly to a beach vacation in Cyprus in July.

Do I need a visa to Cyprus?

A visa is required. And this is the easiest organizational moment of the trip. A few days before arrival, you issue it free of charge and online on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus - mfa.gov [dot] cy - and legally rest on the island for up to 90 days. The main condition: to fly directly from Russia without transfers in other countries.

But Cyprus in the summer of 2021 also needs PCR tests and a questionnaire. Namely:

• No earlier than 72 hours before departure, pass the PCR test and receive the result by mail in English. Children under 12 do not need the test.
• 24 hours before departure, fill out the form on the website - cyprusflightpass.gov [dot] cy - and attach the test result. The questionnaire is required for everyone, including children under 12 years old.
• Upon arrival to the island at the airport, everyone over 12 can take another test for 30–32 euros. Wait for the result at the hotel, usually it comes in 3-5 hours.

Hard? In this case, the way to the sea will be facilitated by "Sputnik V" - for vaccinated Russian tourists, the Cypriot authorities approved entry without tests and asked to observe only the second point: fill out a questionnaire and attach a copy of the certificate.

Is it possible to go to Cyprus now?

Yes, in April Cyprus opened the way for Russians, and Russia did not forbid its citizens to spend vacations in other countries. It just closed all direct flights abroad. Not only tourists suffer, but also airlines and tour operators - so they survive as best they can.

Russia has not yet officially resumed flights with Cyprus. However, it allows "cargo and passenger" transportation. Airlines use this loophole and deliver tourists to the resorts of Cyprus several times a week and from different cities of the Russian Federation.

• Are you relaxing on your own? You can compare prices and buy tickets on Aviasales or Skyscanner - flights to Larnaca and Paphos airports are operated by Aeroflot, S7, Ural Airlines and Nordwind.
• Are you vacationing on a voucher? See tours to Cyprus in July and the exact prices on Travelata or Level.Travel. Charters fly from BiblioGlobus, there have been no cancellations since April.

Oh, everything. We finished with difficulties, now let's talk about more pleasant things: how in general in Cyprus in July, where is it better to have a rest, what interesting excursions there are, etc.

Cyprus weather in July - is it worth going?

The climate in Cyprus is very mild, and good weather lasts most of the year - the sun shines on the island for up to 340 days, even the people of Sochi never dreamed of this. In summer, it almost never rains (we did not find it at all), but there is wind, which, however, is quite refreshing.

Already at the beginning of summer, at night, the air temperature rarely drops below + 24 ° C - and according to this proposal, one can draw a conclusion about the weather for the next three months. Hot! Although a lightweight windbreaker and jeans can come in handy.

Water and air temperature

Many fly to Cyprus in early July: at this time, a stable, comfortable air temperature, and the sea is well warmed up. We visited Cyprus at the end of July - when the air temperature is below + 30 ° C, the water temperature in the sea is over + 27 ° C, and in the open sun, especially on the hills, it is frankly hot.

Nevertheless, it seemed to me that it is easier in Cyprus in the heat than in Turkey. Apparently due to less humidity and wind. Even if you are actively walking, climbing stairs or uphill, the desire to stay under the air conditioner until the end of your vacation will not eat you.

Can I swim? Yes! We did not get out of the sea during the day, although towards evening I personally became a little uncomfortable in the water. But there were many swimmers in the background of the sunset.
It's not cold in the evening, you can wear T-shirts and shorts. A couple of times I had to put on jeans when I was having dinner on the coast in the wind, but I never took a long-sleeved jacket out of my suitcase.

Average temperature of water and air in Cyprus in July:

Cyprus resorts - where is the best place to relax in July?

Which resort to choose in Cyprus for a vacation in July? Above, you have already seen a table with temperatures, it shows where it is warmer. But you will not be happy with one degree on the street, you need to know the approximate arrangement of the resort - after all, Cyprus is not Turkey, and they rest here for the most part outside the hotel.

• Larnaca - the first city that meets half of the tourists, because an international airport is located here. It is slightly cheaper than other resorts, and among its features is a shallow sea, and nature does not overwhelm with beauty. But here is the Old Town, ancient castles, churches and mosques - there is where to walk. In short, Larnaca is an urban beach resort.
• Ayia Napa Is a very popular resort one hour by bus from Larnaca. It is famous for its cool beaches and the fact that life here is in full swing 24 hours a day: the noise and din is supported by an uncountable number of nightclubs, where party-goers from all over Europe flock. But Ayia Napa is also suitable for a relaxing holiday: there are many "family" beaches within the town.
• Protaras - a small village a little further than Ayia Napa. They say that one of the best resorts for families with children: beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea, clean clear water. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Protaras is the snow-white church of St. Nicholas with a blue dome. The temple is located by the sea and is very photogenic (they will appreciate it on Instagram!). By the way, here tourists are allowed to get married, but you must first collect documents and negotiate.
• Pathos - a city on the opposite coast of Larnaca from Cyprus, the second half of the tourists arrive at the local airport. The island is so compact that there is only an hour and a half between them by car. Paphos justifies its name: it is mainly rich Germans and British who rest here, and they do not play volleyball on the beach, but golf on exemplary green fields.
• Limassol - the most Russian resort. In local hotels, the staff speaks fluent Russian, Russian oligarchs are buying up local land and real estate, building Russian schools, kindergartens and churches. There are few attractions, the beach is dotted with gray, due to volcanic ash, sand mixed with pebbles.

In general, I want to note that Cyprus is a very picturesque island. In each of its cities you can find wonderful beaches and hotels for every budget, dance, overeat fresh seafood (and the portions are huge!) And try all the wine. To do this, you don't even need to get out of the resort. It is not difficult to travel around the entire island: rent a car, put up with left-hand traffic and see other places. In a word, Cyprus in July is the best option for a vacation for every taste.

Prices for tours to Cyprus in July - 2021

Well, now let's see how much a tourist who misses Cyprus pays today. Of course, you shouldn't wait for the previous throwaway options - 30,000 rubles for a last-minute tour for two, this year so for sure.

Let me remind you that it is convenient to choose tours on aggregators, because they collect offers from all tour operators directly and without extra charges, and they themselves compare who has what is cheaper - we, vacationers, can only choose a hotel:

• Travelata
• Level.Travel
• Onlinetours

We booked tours for ourselves on aggregators before the pandemic, and flew after the opening of the borders with Turkey - everything is fine. I know that someone does not trust online and self-choice, but in this case, I answer that it is worth trying once and appreciate the full degree of convenience and time saving.

You can fly on a trip for two to Cyprus in July 2021 from:

≈ 70,000 rubles - if we take the minimum prices for tours from Moscow lasting 7 nights;
≈ 85,000 rubles - if you extend your vacation up to 10 nights;
≈ 100,000 rubles - if mom, dad and child are traveling for 7 nights;
≈ 95,000 rubles - if you plan Cyprus in July for all inclusive for a week;
≈ 125,000 rubles - if you live in a 5-star hotel.

Good hotels in Cyprus

I will make a small selection of hotels, although it is difficult to “miss” with accommodation in Cyprus. Again, I will give a comparison with Turkey, where a bug can hide behind a 5-star sign. In Cyprus, "treshka" means "treshka", and even two stars will not drive you into depression - if you carefully read the reviews.

• Tourists in Cyprus are organically divided into those who arrived on tour - and those who book everything on their own. I will leave the links to hotels as part of the tour, and you can see the prices for "hotel only" on the RoomGuru website.

Four good vacation options:

- 4 * Cyprotel Florida (Ayia Napa) - we rested here. It seems like a beach hotel on the first line, but in fact you need to cross the road and walk another 200 meters to Pantachou beach (good). The rooms are spacious but not fresh. The food was tasty and varied: a lot of fruits, meat, sometimes seafood and ice cream. It's nice that the main restaurant has panoramic windows overlooking the sea. There is a bus stop next to the hotel, many places can be reached on foot within 20 minutes.

- 5 * Adams Beach (Ayia Napa) - when you need "checked and 5 stars" and do not want to bother with the search. Adams Beach is a popular option and is also located on the best beach in Nissi Beach. For this, he is forgiven for some flaws.

- 4 * Margadina Lounge (Ayia Napa) - a small and calm hotel near the sea. Reviews - read how good they are, here with children, and a couple, and alone, if parties are not needed. A big plus for those who are worried about English is a completely Russian hotel.

- 4 * Tsokkos Vrissiana Beach (Protaras) - one of the few hotels in Protaras that definitely work. First line, excellent food, according to recent reviews of tourists who flew after opening, and clean rooms. The disadvantages are poor sound insulation.

Entertainment in Cyprus - what to do in July?

July is unconditional heat. And in the heat, you can only disappear on the beach under an umbrella, destroy fruits, swim and think about a cool room where the air conditioner was left (accidentally) on "on".

You can overcome yourself and voluntarily leave the hotel for the sake of such entertainment:

• tours,
• lunches / dinners / cocktails in an interesting place - 7-10 euros and you get a whole fish on the grill with fries, rice and vegetables; by Cypriot standards, it is inexpensive, but we did not go to luxury restaurants. There are also many places where there is a great offer: you pay 10-12 euros and eat according to the “buffet” system, not the menu.
• night clubs - we once dropped in to see Sievert's performance (25 euros), and that's where we ended up with the nightlife.

That's all the delights of spa life in addition to the sights on site.

Excursions in Cyprus

In Cyprus, excursions mainly with a focus on nature or holy places. And, of course, to the northern part of the island. Many attractions are close to each other - the island is compact - so one day you will get a lot of things to cover.

Tours can be taken on the spot, yielding to the persuasion and recommendations of the hotel guide, or online - on the Tripster Russian-language tours website, having studied the programs in advance and read the latest reviews.

1. One of the most popular excursions in Cyprus is to the Troodos Mountains.

We booked online, and I can say that we were right in price (the standard price tag on the spot for it is 50–55 euros) and won with an escort - the guide was a miracle. The company gathered just six of us.

To the mountains is not just hiking, climbing or beautiful views from the top. First we saw Limassol, then went to the Troodos mountains to the Mediterranean villages of Lania and Omodos. We walked through the forest to the Millomeris waterfall (the highest and most beautiful in Cyprus, but not impressed). There was also a tasting in a family winery. In a word, we looked at a completely different Cyprus: tall mountains, lush vegetation, quiet villages, ancient monasteries - an absolute contrast to the hot and noisy Ayia Napa.

2. The second "mass" excursion - to Northern Cyprus.

The north of Cyprus has been occupied by Turkey for over 45 years. But tourists are allowed to look with one eye. First - to Famagusta, to the patterned Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, now rebuilt into a mosque. Then - to the castle of St. Hilarion on the rock and the Bellapais Abbey (once this Gothic monastery was built by the Crusaders). In North Cyprus, you can see not only the coast, but also the mountains, a lot of beautiful medieval architecture. The atmosphere here is eastern and more reminiscent of Turkey (which is logical).

3. Well, tourists with children love an excursion to Cape Cavo Greco.

Why? Firstly, you can swim during the excursion. In places so picturesque that the previous beaches seem boring. Secondly, the program includes a visit to the PIRATE caves. Tell your child about it and he / she patiently waits for the church to arrive. Thirdly, everything is associated with ancient Greek myths and stories - almost fairy tales. And adults are easy to captivate like that.

About car rental.

Renting a car in Cyprus and seeing everything on your own is a very popular activity. The island is extremely driver-friendly, both in terms of roads and rental.

Here it is better to take a car in small offices: it will be cheaper this way. This does not mean that you need to search locally - the Myrentacar service works with local distributors. So you are in any case protected from a third party. For the summer season, prices are nowhere higher, but still: a compact car like the Nissan Note can be rented for 15 euros per day.

Holidays in Cyprus with children in July

It should be said right away that the island and its shores were created for family vacations - otherwise there would not be so many tourists here with children of varying degrees of maturity. Many hotels on the coast are equipped with shallow pools, playgrounds, attractions, here and there (but not everywhere) there is animation, children's discos.

Not all hotels or cafes offer a children's menu. But at the same time, apart-hotels are widespread in Cyprus, where the price includes the services of a regular hotel (room cleaning, entertainment, etc.), and the rooms are equipped with kitchens. Cooking products can be purchased at any store, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish are always fresh and tasty here. Also, tourists praise local dairy products (cottage cheese, yoghurts, cheeses) without additives.

The situation with canned fruit, vegetable or meat puree is a little more complicated: the choice is scarce than in Russia, but you can find something in large supermarkets (Carrefour, Metro) and pharmacies.

If you are in Cyprus for the first time and do not know where it is better to go with your child, choose Protaras. There are sandy beaches with a gently sloping entrance, there are no waves, the depth begins 30 meters from the shore, thanks to which the water warms up like in a hot bath - children will not want to get out! But the minus of all this is the cost of the vacation. Prices for holidays in Cyprus in July with children are inhumane - from 100,000 rubles per tour.

Reviews of tourists about Cyprus in July

Before the trip, I interviewed friends and read reviews of tourists about their holidays in Cyprus and realized that those who visited here are divided into two camps: those who liked everything, and those who consider holidays in Cyprus as entertainment for pensioners.

In my opinion, a Cyprus holiday in July is the best option for a vacation. Even if you only plan to swim and sunbathe, here you can find an apartment or hotel for any budget and not go beyond one beach. If you want to see the nature, architecture, culture of the island and, in general, have an active rest, you will also find something to do on the island.

By the way, during our vacation in July Cyprus on one of the beaches there was an invasion of some stinging creatures (jellyfish, as we were told). They are not visible in the water, but they hurt painfully: two friends still have severe burns on their bodies. It is impossible to predict this, but it is better to keep it in mind before the trip.

Pros and cons of rest

+ Cyprus in July 2021 will be hot: the weather and the sea will be more than warmer.
+ Diverse nature and architecture.
+ Delicious food, large portions.
+ The flight is not long, 4–5 hours from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
+ The beaches are better than Turkey.
+ European spa spirit.

- There are many tourists during the holiday season, including party-goers and teenagers.
- It may seem a little too hot.
- Well, and 2 PCR entry tests as the fattest minus for the 2021 season.