Both those who have come to Cyprus for a vacation and those who have decided to settle here for a long time are interested in the same question - where to shop? Many Cypriots simply order clothes and shoes on sites like Amazon. But this option is not suitable for those who like spontaneous purchases. Let's try to understand the peculiarities of Cypriot shopping!
For those who are on trend
Former shopaholics are in for some disappointment: there are only five big shopping centers in Cyprus. Two in Nicosia (Nicosia Mall and Mall of Cyprus), one in Paphos (Kings Avenue Mall), one in Larnaca (Metropolis Mall), and one in Limassol (My Mall). Perhaps the capital city will have a better choice, so let's head to Nicosia. It's most productive to take a promenade along the pedestrianized Ledra Street in the Old Town and Makarius Avenue.
If you're looking for the biggest supermarkets, visit Carrefour, Metro, and Lidl. Here you will buy not only toys, appliances, and cosmetics, but also fresh seafood. It is also worth paying attention to the Ermes Group chain of stores. Their stores are in every major tourist center. Discounts on some goods reach 70%.
It is worth considering that The Mall of Engomi, which is considered a large store here, is much inferior in size to Dubai malls or Moscow department stores. But the assortment can please fashionistas, especially after European brands left the Russian market. Many famous democratic brands, such as Zara, Mango, and others work in Cyprus, from the "heavy artillery" in Cyprus is represented by Dior and Cartier. However, for elite goods, you will have to go to Limassol. Also in Cyprus, there is a wide choice of footwear - from Adidas to Birkenstock, from Ecco to Timberland.
But you should be prepared for the fact that the prices will be somewhat higher than Russian connoisseurs of fine things are used to in their homeland. There is one more thing that prevents you from enjoying shopping in Cyprus to the fullest. The work on the change of seasonal collections in local stores is going on with a strong advance. Autumn things appear on the counters and showcases in full accordance with the calendar, despite the hot summer weather outside.
Locally sourced
Fans of original style should pay attention to the creations of local craftsmen. The most famous product is, of course, the legendary "lefkaritika". This is the name of the linen garments with lace and hand embroidery (as well as tablecloths, scarves and other textiles), which are made in the village of Lefkara, near Larnaca.
Lefkaritika is quite expensive. The cost of things varies from tens to thousands of euros, depending on the complexity of the style and pattern. But the soul will be warmed by the uniqueness of the renewal, as well as its importance in the scale of world history. The lace of Lefkara has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for a decade and a half.
In Lefkara, since we came here, it makes sense to buy silver jewelry. By the way, their prices are somewhat more humane than Russian ones, because there is no tax on jewelry production in Cyprus.
Ladies may also be interested in the stores of the Cypriot chain ZAKO. Underwear, stockings and tights, swimwear and beach accessories will never be superfluous. Another typical Cypriot "thing" is leather shoes and haberdashery. You can find local products with an optimal price-quality ratio, and not only in boutiques, but also in clothing markets.
In general, shopping is the most interesting thing to do at the markets, as people come here not only for shopping, but also for the local color. The largest and most popular market is located in Limassol, or rather seven kilometers from it in the village of Asomatos.
There are 200 retail outlets. Part of them is located in a closed pavilion, the other on the street. At the market you can buy books, souvenirs, furniture, jewelry and much more. Near the Limassol promenade is a Sunday market, where you can buy souvenirs, cosmetics, household goods, clothes. Everything is cheaper than in supermarkets. It is better to visit the market in the morning, as by lunchtime many goods are sold out.
The bazaar in Larnaca deserves special attention. On Sunday it is open from ten in the morning until one o'clock in the morning. The market sells handmade products made of leather, silver, embroidery, ceramics.
Maximize your bargains
It is possible to match and come to Cyprus in the period of summer or winter sales, good from year to year they are held on the same days, it is strictly regulated by the laws of Cyprus. In this blessed time for shopaholics prices can fall by 70%. In winter, the time of big discounts and low prices starts on the first Monday of February and lasts for 45 days. The sale of summer collections in Cypriot stores and boutiques starts on July 16. It also lasts for 45 days. Most often the Sale inscription can be found on the doors of stores that sell clothes and shoes, children's goods, household appliances and electronics, home accessories.
There are also local sales. As a rule, they are timed to coincide with major holidays - Christmas and Easter. Discounts affect not only seasonal collections of clothes and shoes, but also household appliances and other household goods. When making a shopping schedule, it is worth remembering that in summer some retail outlets tend to take a three-hour siesta break, and on Sunday they close their stores. Therefore, it makes sense to find out the schedule of their work in advance.
Well, we sincerely recommend to finish our shopping tour with a bottle or two of the famous Cypriot wine. Commandaria, Aphrodite, Othello, Saint Panteleimon, Heritage Maratheftiko - take your pick! Prices start from 8 euros per bottle.
For lovers of alcoholic exotics there is also grape vodka Zivania, orange liqueur Filfar or Cypriot brandy Five Kings. As followers of folk medicine say, Cypriot brandy is very good for the digestive system, the main thing is to choose the right healing dose. What can we say - we unequivocally approve of such methods of recovery!
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