Compare Cyprus and Turkey | Determine the best
Turkey and Cyprus are two equally well developed holiday destinations. Countries are not inferior to each other in the beauty of nature and the level of infrastructure. And, nevertheless, in favor of which tourist destination to make a choice? Our experts gathered the basic facts and made a detailed analysis. The choice is yours.
Climate and beaches
The nature of Cyprus and Turkey is similar due to the proximity of the two countries, but since the latter is distinguished by a larger area, the violence of its colors is more impressive: the abundance of greenery, the variety of resorts and seas. Mountains deserve special attention: both countries can be proud of their impressive mountain landscapes.
By the way, both Cyprus and Turkey are washed by several seas at once: both countries differ in a variety of beaches and different temperatures of sea water. For example, in Turkey, the tourist season starts in May and ends in October.
The country has access to the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black and Marmara seas. The latter is pleased with the warmest temperature, since it is in itself shallow and actually unites the Black and the Mediterranean. In addition to a comfortable temperature, the coast of the Sea of Marmara is pleased with the absence of disturbances in the water, the abundance of thermal springs. For kids, rest here is a pleasure.
The Aegean Sea warms up longer than others, so the tourist season starts here a couple of weeks later than at other resorts. The weather pleases with an abundance of warm sunny days (average summer temperature is +30 0WITH). True, the beaches are entirely pebbles and boulders, so the rest is possible only on the sun loungers. Part of the hotel pleases tourists beaches with imported sand.
The Black Sea coast, stretching from Istanbul to the Georgian border, is perhaps the coolest. The nature here is the most beautiful, and the beaches - all pebbles. Well, and finally, the Mediterranean coast - the most popular - offers tourists everything that is needed for a quality holiday: a gentle entry into the water, comfortable swimming temperature, a variety of beaches (sand and pebbles).
Cyprus is washed by three seas: Cilician (north), Levantine (east), Cyprus (from the south-west). The last is the warmest. As for the beaches, the resorts of Cyprus are almost entirely sand. Larnaca and Ayia Napa, for example, can offer the cleanest coast with fine sand, in Limassol - volcanic sand (gray), and Paphos is almost entirely rocky. By the way, so there are not so many people here: a great option for a relaxing, quiet holiday. The beach season starts in Cyprus around mid-June and ends with the onset of mid-October.
Tourist infrastructure
Turkey is not the first year invested in the development of the tourism industry, so anyone will find everything necessary for a comfortable and high-quality vacation. It was Turkey that at one time became the “legislator” of the “all inclusive” food system and a perfectly organized animation program. Since then, it is the calling card of the country. Almost all hotels in the 4-5 * category offer their guests maximum entertainment, while the youngest visitors to the resorts will have incredible adventures.
Cyprus, of course, cannot boast of an all-inclusive solid food system, but at the same time it offers tourists at least a high-quality rest. Excellent hotel base, carefully equipped beaches, excellent cuisine (mostly Mediterranean) - all this is Cyprus.
Vacation with children
Turkey and holidays with children are actually identical concepts.. If you are planning to go to this fascinating country with your beauties with your children, you can not worry about whether they like it or not. In hotels in Turkey are offered almost all the services that are possible: babysitting services, high chairs for kids, children's menu, swimming pools, animation, discos (for teens), etc.
In Cyprus, this is not always the case. But if you need any service related to children, it will immediately provide, however, for an additional fee.
sights
Both countries are rich in cultural and historical monuments, which is not surprising given the rich past of both. The only question is that Cyprus will be able to visit a much larger number of them, given the small territory of the island.
What is worth visiting in Cyprus? Here are just a few of the many objects worth seeing:
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Sanctuary and Bath of Aphrodite;
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The village of Asina;
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Kykkos Monastery;
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Monastery of St. Nicholas, etc.
What to visit in Turkey? Be sure to see:
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Any major city in the country;
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Ancient ruins (Ephesus, Phaselis, Troy, etc.);
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Pamukkale;
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Cappadocia, etc.
Kitchen
A similar approach to cuisine is practiced in both Turkey and Cyprus: both countries offer a huge variety of European dishes with a subtle inclination to the traditional one. Thus, in Turkey, a number of local dishes are very popular: pilav (pilaf with dried fruits and lamb), dolma (something like stuffed cabbage, but in the leaves of grapes), manty, etc. menu, etc.
Cyprus cuisine is a kind of Turkish and European symbiosis. All kinds of snacks with cheese, hummus, soups, olives of incredible size, seafood salads, etc. are common everywhere. But the presence of the children's menu is not guaranteed everywhere. Although the hotels are gradually being rebuilt for family vacations, offering a varied diet for babies: baby cereals, juices, and fruits.
Prices
If we talk about tours, then Cyprus differs from Turkey in higher prices: a vacation in a quality 4-star hotel will cost almost 2 times more. Entertainment is varied both in Cyprus and in Turkey, but since the former is more oriented towards Europeans, prices there will be slightly higher - you need to stock up on cash. Well, if you choose an all-inclusive hotel in Cyprus, everything will depend only on how active the rest is planned.
Short summary
As you could see, both Turkey and Cyprus are real “pearls” in the sea of tourist destinations. Which one is better? Our experts summed up a brief summary and this is what happened:
Evaluation criterion |
Turkey |
Cyprus |
Tourist season |
May-early October |
Mid June-mid October |
Hotel base |
Excellent infrastructure, the prevalence of hotels of middle and high class (4 * and 5 *) |
Excellent infrastructure, the prevalence of hotels of middle and high class (4 * and 5 *) |
Beaches |
Sand / pebble, all beaches are private (a separate category - 3 * hotels) |
Predominance of sandy beaches |
sights |
A large variety of cultural, historical and natural monuments |
A large variety of cultural, historical and natural monuments |
Vacation with children |
Well-developed base for children's activities: animation, food, services |
Poorly developed base for children's activities (only selected hotels) |
Prices |
Medium to high |
Medium to high |