Cyprus
Holidays
Cyprus is best for...
Couples: The town of Paphos is the best-known couples resort in Cyprus. A traditional harbour town, with a handful of golden beaches and a stunning marina, Paphos boasts many must-see locations to visit with your significant other.
Families: Larnaca is home to many of the family-favourite resorts and hotels in Cyprus. Its golden beaches and clear shallow waters are a winning combination for anyone with small children. Larnaca's main strip also has a good mixture of restaurants, cafés and bars.
Night Owls: For those who look for the party crowds in Cyprus, Ayia Napa is the place to be. With more than 20 nightclubs along the main strip and several bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants open as late as 6 in the morning, Ayia Napa is awake late into the night.
Getting around Cyprus
By bus: Cheap and convenient, travelling by bus around Cyprus is one of the easiest options. Buses run from Monday to Saturday, with reduced schedules on Sunday. Just keep in mind that almost all bus services stop by 6 pm, and there are limited buses to smaller villages.
By taxi: Taxis are plentiful across Cyprus and with reasonable fares as well, making them a popular option for locals and visitors alike. Regular taxis in the south use meters and can be found at taxi stands or be arranged by telephone. Taxi service in the north usually negotiates the fare before the trip begins, but offer low costs regardless.
By bike hire: There are plenty of spots for bike hire in tourist areas. Don’t forget to inspect your bike carefully and make sure your helmet is included in the rental prices.
By car hire: The easiest way to get around Cyprus and explore the island on your own is via hiring a car. All the major rental companies have offices at the two airports. You will need a valid license and for the south, be aged 21 or over. Both sides of the island drive on the left.
Fast facts for Cyprus
Language: Greek and Turkish. Another widely spoken language is English, especially in the main tourist areas. To be on the safer side, make sure to bring a phrasebook or download a translation app for your visit.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Local time: GMT+2
Fly to
· Larnaca Airport: For visits to Ayia Napa, Protaras
· Paphos International Airport: For visits to Coral Bay, Limassol
Flight time from the UK: It takes around 4 and a half hours of flight from the UK.
Tourist Information: For more information on all Cyprus locations, please visit the official tourism website here.
Visa/health: If you are a UK citizen and have a valid passport, you do not need a visa for Cyprus holiday visits for up to 90 days. Visit the official UK travels website for restrictions, travel advice, visa requirements and health advice here.
More travel guides: Curious for more? We have a range of travel guides and holiday destinations from all over the world! Here are a few: Egypt | Greece | Turkey | Canary Islands | Spain
Your Guide to Cyprus holidays
- Food & Drinks
- Beaches
- We Love
- At a Glance
Food & Drinks
Cyprus may be a mixture of cultures and languages, but its unique cuisine has one thing in common: It is made to be shared. There is much to enjoy in the local food of Cyprus, with every bite made even better when it’s shared with a friend, partner or family. The local communities are always friendly and accepting for a quick conversation over some tea or food as well, so even if you’re a solo traveller, you won’t ever feel lonely!
- There is much to choose from when it comes to local cuisine, but some of our favourites include hummus and tzatziki, beetroot dips and hellim (halloumi) cheese, locally harvested olives and seasonal okra. Don’t forget to try the rice-stuffed dolmades, roasted eggplants, wild asparagus and creamy mushrooms.
- To top these hearty dishes off with something sweet try the local lokma or the heavier pekmez; for something chewier, you can opt for turunc macunu or the crunchier ceviz macunu. If you rather something with a punch, the local Cypriot beer called keo is the perfect drink as you enjoy the lively nightlife of the island.
Beaches
Cyprus may have over 200 beaches, 64 of which are Blue Flag-certified beauties, but this doesn’t take away from the magic in every one of them. A land full of history and legends, Cyprus will sweep you off your feet with its stunning beaches.
- On the coastal highway that connects Pafos to Limassol, you will find what is known as Petra tou Romiou or the Rock of the Roman. According to the legends, this rock and its nearby beach is where Aphrodite was born. With such stunning sights, you will feel the magic in the place as you stroll along the legendary sands.
- Another popular among beach-goers is Nissi Beach, with a stretch of 0.3 miles of powdery sand and calm waters. The beach gets its name from the small island a short swim away, with waters so tranquil that children of all ages can swim easily. Even then, the beach scene speaks more to the adults with beach parties and loud music a staple across the sands.
- Lara Beach is the quieter alternative, free of the sun lounges and water sports that can be seen across the rest of the island. As a designated protected area, Lara Beach is home to an abundance of green and loggerhead turtle nesting sites which means the waters and the sands are strictly regulated, allowing every resident and visitor a tranquil time.
We Love
A mishmash of cultures, Cyprus is as rich in history and legends as it is in the local delicacies and turquoise beaches. When you’re taking some time off of the silky sands, Cyprus offers you its incredible past wherever you turn.
- A stunning archaeological site, Choirokoitia has a firm spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list with its significant Neolithic site and digs that unearthed histories from the 7th to the 4th Millennia BCE. The dig is only partially completed, but with the reconstructions of prehistoric dwellings full of Neolithic household items, you will witness Cyprus as it was centuries ago.
- Another resident of the UNESCO World Heritage list, the painted churches of the Troodos mountains have remained incredibly untouched, so much so that the printed walls have hardly changed since the Byzantine times. The murals of saints, archangels and Bible scenes between the 11th and 16th centuries decorate the crude stone and timber chapels. It is a one-of-a-lifetime sight to see.
- The brainchild of locals Lois and Ismail Cemal, the ecotourism project nicknamed “a rural get-away” where local traditions thrive in the Besparmak mountain range is another must-see for those who wish to help preserve the natural beauties and unique cultures in Cyprus.
At a Glance
- Average flight time to Cyprus from the UK is 4 hours and 45 minutes. You can fly from all UK airports depending on the final destination.
- The official currency used across the entire island is Euro.
- Cyprus is two hours ahead of the UK.
- Cyprus has a pleasant weather all year round, with an average of five to seven hours of sunshine per day during winter and eleven hours during summer.
travel advice
Get advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings on the
FCDO website.