Lithuanian families who stayed on a sunny European island for the winter are not happy with their decision: there is no “zeppelin heaven” here and there are far fewer illnesses.

Cyprus, one of the first countries open to tourists, has been attracting tourists from all over Europe since the beginning of the summer, and at the end of the season, Lithuanians are increasingly choosing to spend the winter working or studying remotely.

It is said that in Cyprus the sun shines up to 340 days a year. When artificial light is needed in Lithuania almost all day during winter and when the “zeppelin” sky is in the morning, the sun shines almost every day in Cyprus.

“Today the climate in Cyprus is reminiscent of Lithuanian summer. Although the days are shorter, the sun’s rays heat the air by more than 20 degrees, the water in the sea has a similar temperature, so swimming is a real pleasure. Fresh air, fresh fruits and vegetables, all year round “, – Miglė Stankevičiūtė, director of the” Julipapas Gardens “holiday complex, mentions the advantages of Kirp.

According to M. Stankevičiūtė, Lithuanians came to rest for one or two weeks in summer and, starting in the autumn, they became increasingly interested in longer stays, which can be combined with work and children’s education. Compatriots who arrived in October or November, after announcing and tightening the quarantine in Lithuania, remain in Cyprus for another month or even all winter.

Ugnė Gudeliauskaitė, a travel manager living in Cyprus, also agrees with her: she warns that she has repeatedly heard the Lithuanian language while walking the city streets or spending the day on the beach.

“Normally I speak with the compatriots I know. They all willingly share their impressions and do not hide the joy of daring to come. Without a doubt, in Cyprus, as in the rest of the world, tourism has stagnated. Most of the hotels closed their doors. Flights have fallen drastically. The tourism sector in Cyprus is suffering severely from the limitations of the pandemic. However, those who come to winter in this situation see more advantages than disadvantages. The flow of people is small, the beaches they are almost empty and the shops do not have to wait in long lines. More space in the streets of the city. Life seems to flow at a calm rhythm. They do not feel stress or panic, “says U. Gudeliauskaitė.

According to the tour guide, incoming couples often choose apartments, large families or friends are happy to rent villas or cabins, and the most important accommodation criteria are still an equipped kitchen and a private terrace or patio.

“In winter, the villas-cabins cost from 880 euros per month with all services included. Apartment prices: between 500 and 600 euros per month with all taxes. During the normal summer season, even a one-week rental costs more. When preparing to travel to Cyprus for a longer period of time, one should keep in mind that electricity is not cheap here. For example, if you arrive for a month and find a modest home for 400 euros, you may have to pay 200 euros or even more at the end of your stay. Before arriving, I recommend that you find out exactly the possible additional charges, such as water, electricity, internet or even cleaning services ”, he advises.

A Lithuanian who communicates with his compatriots who winter in Cyprus notes that they are the ones who most enjoy the peace that surrounds them, because they do not feel any pandemic on the island. According to her, the good mood is greatly influenced by the warm and sunny weather, the sea and the opportunity to spend time not only in the city but also in nature.

“We really have to meet several compatriots who have not only come for the first time in so long, but have not been to Cyprus before. Their comments are positive. I also notice that this year tourists are calmer, they are determined to relax and travel around the island. Of course, the flow of tourists has decreased. Starting in March 2021, Cyprus plans to allow tourists from more countries and apply somewhat more lenient restrictions. This is expected to gradually revitalize the tourism sector. Well, more or less, we’ll see it in spring. “

Cyprus, like all of Europe, is experiencing a second wave of pandemics. There are no European countries left that do not require a negative COVID-19 test. However, those who want a change of scene and return to summer do not be discouraged.

Every day 200 to 400 new cases are diagnosed in Cyprus. Mainly in the capital, Nicosia, and in the largest cities of the country, Limassol and Larnaca. According to M. Stankevičiūtė, the Paphos region is currently one of the safest places in Cyprus.

Currently, three Lithuanian families live in the Julipapas Gardens complex and several more are preparing to arrive in the near future. Lithuanians also choose Cyprus because of the short flights and cheap air tickets. For those who work remotely, the Internet and a cheap mobile connection valid throughout the European Union are important. Furthermore, it is possible to communicate safely, sunbathe by the pool and enjoy warm and sunny days in the closed territory of the complex ”, assures Miglė, manager of the complex.

At present, Lithuania still belongs to the category of countries with respect to Cyprus, so it is necessary for those who arrive to have a negative COVID-19 test result. The test must be done within 72 hours. before the flight. It is also necessary to complete a Cypriot flight passport (Cyprus flight pass).

It is true that there are currently no direct flights between Lithuania and Cyprus. Most of the flights scheduled for December were canceled.

“Direct flights are scheduled to resume in the first half of 2021, and for those who want to arrive in the near future, I highly recommend Ryanair flights from Riga to Paphos.” The ticket prices make you smile, only from 9 EUR each way ”, advises Ugnė Gudeliauskaitė.

According to her, most visitors compare not only the decisions of the Lithuanian and Cypriot governments in the fight against the virus, but also the influence of the weather on the spread of the virus.

“There is a lot of sun in Cyprus. Currently, the temperature during the days exceeds 20 degrees. Tourists often say that this may be the reason for the lower incidence, but I do not entirely agree with this statement. In Latvia, the incidence it is less than 500 cases per 100 thousand population, and the climatic zone is not different from Lithuania. “

Although the incidence in Cyprus is twice lower than in Lithuania, a number of restrictions have been introduced on the island, but some of them have not only been tightened but also removed.

The tour guide shared the main limitations that are relevant for those who come to rest:

• In Cyprus, a curfew has been introduced from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• The use of masks is mandatory both outdoors and indoors. Not everyone wears masks on the streets. This restriction is highly controversial. If you walk down the street and there are no people around you within a 3-4 meter radius, you may be without a mask. The problem is that the government has left the officials in charge of the order to decide whether to punish you or not. If you don’t wear the mask, you run the risk of being fined 300 euros.
• Cafes, bars and restaurants are closed. Meals are only provided to go or can be ordered at home.
• Large supermarkets have been closed (ie, for example, Akropolis in Lithuania).
• Museums, amphitheaters, entertainment and cinemas are closed.

U. Gudeliauskaitė says there is good news too: the restriction of movement between island regions has been lifted, making it possible to travel around the island with confidence. As usual, grocery stores, individual clothing, household appliances, and other stores continue to operate. There are beauty salons, bakeries, etc.

“The obligation to wear masks and closed cafes and restaurants are the ones that cause the most inconvenience to visitors. Most vacationers cannot imagine their vacation without sitting in a cozy seaside cafe. The restrictions are more outrageous for the locals, who are losing income and the opportunity to work due to reduced tourist flows. And tourists now, as always, have every opportunity to travel and get to know the island. Most of the most interesting places to visit in Cyprus are freely accessible. On an island without a car, like without hands, because the most beautiful areas are outside the city. For travelers at this time of year, I recommend visiting the Cypriot coast, traditional settlements, waterfalls, the Akam Sanctuary, exploring the cities and discovering the mountains. Winter in Cyprus is unique in that you can ski in the mountains and sunbathe on the coast. I would say that this is exactly what our compatriots like: active recreation and new discoveries, ”says the travel guide.

According to the interlocutor, various restrictions on long stays do not cause inconvenience. In addition, living far from the city center allows you to feel completely safe and prepare for the next holidays, which are celebrated in Cyprus in a slightly different way.

“Christmas is one of the most important Orthodox religious holidays. On Christmas morning, the locals go to church. Wishing each other good luck, they return home after the services and sit at the Christmas table. The highlight of the table is a turkey or chicken stuffed with rice and nuts. It is interesting that the children of Cyprus are not visited by Santa Claus, but by St. Vasily, he brings gifts on New Years Day. It is true that if you travel to Cyprus determined to give welcome the New Year, you might be disappointed. The New Year in Cyprus is a family holiday reminiscent of St. Christmas Eve. The closest relatives gather at the table and wish each other the best next year. Lithuanians living in Cyprus there are celebrations in both Cypriot and Lithuanian ”, says U. Gudeliauskaitė and wishes a safe and peaceful holiday anywhere in the world.