Removed from the blacklist, one of the safest countries in Europe attracts not only sunny weather, but also prices – share how much a family costs in a week off

Last week, Lithuania exceeded 16 cases per 100,000. population, but not only neighboring Latvia excluded us from the list of safe countries. Cyprus is also waiting for Lithuanians who want a vacation in hot countries. According to Ugnė Gudeliauskaitė, the travel manager of the Cyprus Holidays project, the government of the island country makes slightly more flexible decisions than the Lithuanian government, so Lithuanians who come here on vacation do not need to isolate themselves.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Cyprus varies from country to country. In August, more than 16 cases reached 100,000. 14 days of self-isolation were mandatory for residents and those returning from Cyprus to Lithuania. Following the blacklisting, the Cypriot government carried out a review of morbidity rates in the countries from which tourists fly, introduced several additional bans on arrivals, and new case rates dropped sharply by just 3-4. 4 weeks. Currently, Cyprus is not only on the list of safe countries, it ranks third in terms of safety after Finland and Latvia.

According to the interlocutor, the number of tourists now increases every day, full flights from safe countries fly to the island, but tourists are attracted not only by safety, but also by low prices. In September, the price of a weekly holiday for a family of four in Cyprus is around 700 euros. The price also includes good weather: in September-October, the temperature on the island reaches around 30 degrees during the day.

For example, a flight from Kaunas to Paphos on September 17-24 costs EUR 50 per person one way. According to a guide working in Cyprus, a car rental with no deposit and upfront fees starts at 119 euros for seven days. By the way, don’t forget that Cyprus is a former British colony, so traffic is on the left.

The elegant apartment, conveniently located near the sea, with all kitchen equipment, two separate bedrooms and an enclosed area with a swimming pool, costs a family of 4 between 300 and 450 euros per week. Therefore, the total travel package for the whole family is only 700-900 Eur.

If the family travels independently, the additional costs include gasoline, which currently costs around € 1.08 per liter. Prices for individual tours in Lithuanian start from 40 euros per person, depending on the route.

Those who do not trust its strength can buy the complete travel package from tour operators operating in Lithuania: the price of a flight and hotel without catering package starts from 329 euros per person.

According to the Ugnė guide, after arriving for 7 nights, it is worth including in this year’s travel plan even those places that you would have missed before due to the large number of tourists.

“Tourism and leisure services are provided without much change. There are excursions to the mountains, boat trips, jeep safaris, diving and other entertainment. There really is no shortage of activities here for young and old alike. It is true that this year there are no sightseeing tours on large buses, so I recommend vacationers to choose individual tours.

For those looking for a quiet beach vacation, I advise you to visit Agia Napa, famous for its nightly parties. This year it has turned everything upside down, so the night spa in Cyprus, called Ibiza, is also changing. This season here is much quieter, so it is also suitable for families with children. It is worth mentioning that Ayia Napa has always been and is a summer resort, so at the end of October the town empties and the hotels and restaurants close for the winter holidays.

For those who want more entertainment, I recommend Paphos. Here you can relax and see a lot – the main sightseeing excursions are from Paphos. The resort also offers personal excursions (for one or more families) to the Trood Mountains. During the trips, you can get acquainted with traditional settlements, monasteries, waterfalls, wineries and admire the unique views of the mountains, ”said the Lithuanian.

In Cyprus, boat trips and diving services are available until the end of October. While some resorts are only buzzing with life in summer, Paphos cafes, restaurants, and bars are open all year round. In restaurants, hot dishes cost between 10 and 15 euros and drinks, from 2 euros. It is true that the portions here are really large, so often one plate is enough for two hungry people to satisfy.

“For those who want to save, I suggest trying the traditional Cypriot kebabs served in a Cypriot pita with fresh vegetables and optionally with chicken, beef or lamb. Really very tasty, and the price is gratifying: 3.50-5 EUR. In the Cypriot tavern, I recommend trying the traditional fish dishes (meze), the price is 18-24 euros, or a month of meat, 16-22 euros per person “.

For those considering a holiday in Cyprus, U. Gudeliauskaitė advises not to think of masks in cafes – here they are not mandatory: “Masks in Cyprus have never been mandatory in cafes or restaurants. They are only necessary for staff. It is sufficient that the distance between the customer’s tables is maintained. At present, masks are only mandatory in supermarkets, pharmacies and other indoor public areas. “

It is easier to control the spread of the virus on the island.

According to Lithuanians living on the island, Cyprus coped well throughout the pandemic and rapidly reduced the spread of the virus. She believes that the strict border controls have reduced the risk of the virus spreading further. Since Cyprus is an independent island state, it is not difficult to do so. With the cancellation of flights from one or another country affected by the virus, travelers could no longer reach the island by water or air.

“This year, the tourist audience has changed significantly, not only in Cyprus, but around the world. Countries are classified according to the risk of spreading the virus, so tourists take this information into account. Initially, the Cypriot government refused to accept British and Russian nationals until the situation in those countries improved. There are already tourists from Britain, but the flow is strictly controlled and a COVID-19 test is required for those who arrive. A review of the list of Countries authorized to enter Cyprus without COVID-19 testing shows that the direction of tourist flows is changing, with an increase in the number of travelers from more diverse countries. In Cypriot resorts we meet more citizens of Switzerland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Austria, Canada, New Zealand, Slovenia, Slovakia, Iceland, and even Japan.

In my opinion this is great: more people from different countries are discovering Cyprus as an attractive holiday island. This means that the Cypriot government seeks to minimize the risk of spreading the virus and only allows tourists from safe countries. The government updates the list of countries whose citizens can come to Cyprus once a week. Decisions are made according to the circumstances. Lithuania was one of the first countries to open a boarding gate, ”says U. Gudeliauskaitė.

According to the interlocutor, even if the Cypriot government classifies Lithuania as a less safe country, Lithuanians will not need self-isolation on the island: “The Cypriot government makes decisions a little more flexible than the Lithuanian government. And it seems to give much better results. Arrivals to Cyprus from Category B countries are not isolated. The only requirement is a negative COVID-19 test, which must be done within 72 hours. before traveling to Cyprus. “

Strict border controls even with neighbors

During the pandemic, tourists are unable to travel to the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus. The borders have been closed to reduce the spread of the virus to the independent part of Cyprus, which is part of the EU.

“There are direct flights and migrations between the occupied part of Cyprus and mainland Turkey. Turkey admits tourists from higher risk countries, say Bulgaria or even Iraq, and the borders of the occupied part of Cyprus with Turkey are open. For these reasons, it was It is necessary to close the borders to the south of Cyprus, thus controlling the spread of the virus not only from Turkey itself, but also from the Middle East. As circumstances change, we will be able to once again travel to the north of Cyprus and admire the historical heritage from all over Cyprus: the castles of the Crusaders, the medieval monasteries, the cathedrals that have now been converted into mosques and touring the impressive places of occupied Cyprus. It will probably be only next year, “expects the interlocutor.