Cyprus – Travel Guide
Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, entices visitors with its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The capital, Nicosia, boasts a mix of ancient and modern landmarks, including the historic Venetian walls and the bustling Ledra Street. The coastal city of Limassol offers beautiful beaches, lively promenades, and historic sites like Limassol Castle. The Troodos Mountains provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring traditional villages. Cyprus` warm climate, delicious cuisine, and welcoming hospitality make it a charming destination for relaxation and exploration.
All about Cyprus
Cyprus FAQ
What is Cyprus known for?
Cyprus, officially called the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean. The third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, it is located south of Turkey; west of Syria and Lebanon; north of Egypt, Israel and southeast of Greece.
Cyprus is well known for its warm weather and scenic beaches, but that isn’t everything the island has to offer. You’ll also find quaint historic villages, ancient ruins, incredible mountains and wonderful, vibrant cities. Steeped in mythology, the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite has overcome a complex modern-day history to experience a rebirth of its own. Make sure to discover the Tombs of the Kings, Cape Greco, Toodos Mountains, Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, Nissi Beach, Khirokitia, Limassol Castle, Turtle Beach, and so much more!
What are the best places to visit in Cyprus?
The best towns and resorts in Cyprus are quite a varied assortment, with a few highlights that rank among Europe’s top destinations of their kind. You can find some of the best parties, best family beaches, best city beaches and most historically important destinations in the Mediterranean around the island.
Paphos is a historic hub and fantastic destination for its stunning scenery, fascinating history, great shopping, and excellent cuisine. The town is made up of 2 parts – Upper Paphos (Pano Paphos) up on a hill and Lower Paphos (Kato Paphos) down by the coast. The main clubbing spot in Cyprus is Ayia Napa which is one of the most popular Mediterranean party destinations, competing with the likes of Ibiza, Magluf and Mykonos. The city’s main square and Ayias Mavris street are lined with bars, clubs, attracting thousands of party goers all summer long.
Limassol, a city by the sea, is one of the largest cities on the island, great for families with its waterparks, restaurants, fabulous beaches and tons of historical attractions, especially the ruins of Amathus to the east. Protaras, situated on the east coast of the island, exists primarily as a tourist resort. Here, you’ll find plenty of sandy beaches and a fantastic variety of watersports, including scuba diving, both for beginners and advanced divers. Top dive sites nearby include Green Bay, the Blue Hole and Malama Bay. Pernera offers some great sandy beaches with beachfront bars and restaurants perfect for visitors traveling with children. You’ll want to check out Larnaca for it’s fabulous beach, Finikoudes. The city is a popular destination as a mooring spot for luxury yachts and the harbor is surrounded by chic cafes and stylish boutiques. Larnaca is also home to the most one of the most religious sites in Cyprus, the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque and the church of St Lazarus.
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is unique in that it is split between Greek and Tukish Cyprus. It is often referred to as the ‘Last Divided Capital city of Europe.’ This is because the northern part of the city, along with the northern part of the island, is under military occupation by Turkey. Visitors can walk up to the UN Buffer zone, known as the ‘Green Line’ which runs through the city and divides the island. It is possible to cross over to the Tukish Republic, but you will need your passport to do so. The city is sophisticated and cosmopolitan with many beautiful landmarks. You’ll also find plenty to do when it comes to history and museums, along with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
How many days should I spend in Cyprus?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Cyprus?
Cyprus is small enough for you to get around easily. Roads are good and well-signposted, and traffic moves smoothly.
Public transport is limited to buses and service taxis (stretch taxis that run on predetermined routes). There is no train network and no domestic air services in either the North or the South. Four-lane motorways link Nicosia (Lefkosia) with Lemesos and Larnaka, expanding west to Pafos and east to Agia Napa. In Northern Cyprus there is only one motorway, which runs between North Nicosia and Famagusta.
Note: The buses don`t run late during the evening so if you want to travel around it`s a good idea to rent a car.
For more information visit Getting Arround.
What is the currency of Cyprus?
The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro.
There are seven denominations in Euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. They are all distinguished by a different colour and size, with the higher the denomination, the bigger the size. One Euro is divided into 100 cents. There are eight Euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 Euro.
Currency Exchange: All banks operating in Cyprus offer foreign currency exchange services and quote the exchange rates of the Euro against all major foreign currencies daily. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at hotels.
Best time to visit Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate that’s characterized by the region’s long, hot summers and mild, wet winters.
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Temperatures generally range from winter lows of 60’s F to warm highs in the 80’s to 90’s F in the summer. The warmest month is August, but it’s usually very warm from early June until October.
The best time to visit Cyprus is in the summer for the most heat and sunshine. Although, if you prefer milder temperatures then spring is perfect and the sea water is still mild enough for swimming.
Winter is quite mild during the day with slightly cooler nights. There are slightly fewer hours of sunshine each day, but you’ll still have plenty of time to sightsee and explore the region.
Summer (May – October)
The summer months (mid-May – mid-October) brings blue skies and high temperatures. This is the ideal season for enjoying the stunning beaches and taking part in all the water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, boating and more. Sunlight on Cyprus is very intensive so don’t forget the sunscreen. Temperatures at the beach can get up past 100 in July and August. Once the heat becomes intense, you may head to Troodos mountains, where it’s always cooler. On the tops of the highest peaks there are year-round ice caps. Among the coastal regions, Pathos is considered as the coolest.
Events and Festivals
– Paphos Flower Festival (May) – Spring in Paphosis welcomed in with the May flower festival, a traditional celebration going back two thousand years held in honor of the god, Dionysus.
– Bellapais Music Festival (May and June) – This music festival of classical and modern genres attracts internationally acclaimed artists, as well as hordes of concert-goers. The festival takes place at the 13th century Bellapais Abbey with amazing acoustics.
– Kataklysomos Festival of the Flood (June) – Derived from ancient Hellenistic ceremonies honoring Aphrodite and Adonis, the Kataklysomos Festival in Cyprus coincides with Pentecost in June and is held over five days.
– Paphos Ancient Greek Drama Festival (June – August) – This festival offers a unique experience of watching plays by the Hellenistic masters in a traditional Roman amphitheater.
– Limassol Wine Festival (September) – The first week of September bring the Limassol Wine Festival, a celebration of vintners from all over Cyprus. Held every night in the town’s Municipal Gardens, the tastings are free and there are traditional dance and music performances, as well as street theater.
Autumn (October – November)
Autumn in Cyprus starts towards the end of October, bringing cooler evenings, but the afternoons still offer warm weather. The sea temperatures start to cool down to about 68°F. From October through November the leaves begin to change color and the vineyards take on crimson and gold hues. These months are perfect for sightseeing.
Come November, the weather starts to get much cooler and most tourists leave, which makes it rather pleasant for exploring the island with much less crowds. The number of people engaging in night activities die down. The highlight of the season is the annual Kypria festival during which prestigious international local dramatic and musical performances take place all over Cyprus. Another highlight is the wine-tasting that is held at all the vineyards.
Events and Festivals
– Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus (October 1st)
– Kypria Festival – A prestigious international local dramatic and musical performances that take place all over Cyprus.
Winter (December – January)
The winter (December – January) in Cyprus brings mild temperatures, however the air never drops below 59°F. There are occasional rains, but the weather is still rather sunny with a solid six hours of sunshine during the day. Unlike its smaller neighbors, Cyprus does not shut down in the winter months and this is the best time to visit for the excellent heritage museums and sites when they are least crowded. Head to the Troodos Mountains in late winter, when the snowfall offers exciting skiing opportunities.
Events and Festivals
– Epiphany (January) – The Feast of Epiphany is one of Cyprus’s most important Orthodox celebrations. Called the Festival of Light, it’s symbolic of the rebirth of the human race and is the day when the demons and evil spirits which arrived on Christmas are chased out of villager’s homes by the local priest’s sprinkling of holy water.
– New Year – January 1
– Celebration in honor of the Kikk Icon of the Mother of God – January 8
– Commemoration Day of Saint Neophyte – January 24
Spring (February – March)
In Cyprus, the orchids begin to bloom and by mid-February the entire countryside is verdant and lush with the meadows and flowers in full bloom – Spring is in the air! Carpets of red anemones and other multi-colored wild flowers can be seen everywhere. March brings gradual warming with temperatures increasing to the mid 60’s. Early spring is a great time to visit for sightseeing and all wonders of subtropical nature will be at your disposal. This is a great time to go hiking and marvel at the pink cyclamens, wavy-leaved monkey orchids and many other species of flowering plants. However, keep in mind it is still too cold for seaside activities.
Events and Festivals
– Limassol Carnival (February/early March) – Almost all towns in Cyprus hold pre-Lent carnivals, with Limassol’s the most lively. For two weeks, parades, masquerades, feasts, and street festivals can be enjoyed.
– Orthodox Easter (April) – Easter in Greek Orthodox religion is a lively occasion celebrated for a week in April with masses, holy relics, and beautifully painted Easter Eggs.
– Paphos Flower Festival (May) – Spring in Paphos is welcomed in the May flower festival, a traditional celebration going back two thousand years held in honor of the god, Dionysus.
– Labor Day (May 1)
– Anifostory in Cyprus – May 6
Tipping in Cyprus
In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette that is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades.
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The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Because Cyprus receives so many tourists every year workers in the touristy area of Cyprus may expect a tip. It’s usually good tipping etiquette to leave a 10-15% percent gratuity, but it depends on the service and how good it was. The tipping guide below explains more.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?
The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro. Many merchants have been accepting of foreign currency. Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira as its official currency.
All the banks in Cyprus are able to provide foreign currency exchange services. Such services can also be provided by hotels. Additionally, the exchange rates of all major international currencies are offered by all banks in Cyprus.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In Restaurants a 10% service charge is often included. If its not then you should tip up to 10% if the service was good. There is a possibility that this added cost might go to the owner of the restaurant and not the server. Be sure to check the bill first for these inclusions and ask who receives an additional tip before deciding what to give. A tip of €2 to €3 is sufficient.
It is not necessary to tip a bartender, as most do not expect it and some may even refuse it.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Doorman: A simple thank you is always appreciated, but feel free to offer €1 for exceptional service.
Bellhop: Most hotels include a 10-15% service charge in the final bill, but this typically goes directly to the owner. It is considerate to tip €1 per bag.
Housekeeper: Many hotels include a 10 to 15 percent service charge in the final bill, this does typically go to the owner. Feel free to leave €1 to €2 per night in the room for excellent service.
Concierge: If the concierge goes above and beyond with helping you book reservations, giving you directions, and/or providing insider recommendations, it’s considerate to tip €1 to €2.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
A tip isn’t expected, but is appreciated. A good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest euro or give up to 5 percent of the final fare for exceptional service.
Final Thoughts:
Cyprus has adopted tipping standards similar to many of their European neighbors. So tipping is polite, but not obligatory.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Driving in Cyprus
Driving in Cyprus as a tourist is undoubtedly the best way to see the country. While there are some public buses in Cyprus that go between the major cities, a lot of the best beaches, historical sites and charming villages are best reached by car.
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We highly recommend exploring Cyprus by car to get the most out of your trip. For such a small island, you can cover a lot in just a few days. However, be prepared to drive on the left hand side of the road. As a heritage of the British colonial era, Cypriots drive on the left. The same applies if you would cross over to the Northern territory occupied by Turkey. Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Cyprus to ensure you have a hassle-free trip.
Driving to Northern Cyprus
The island of Cyprus is currently divided, which will need to be considered if you plan to cross the Green Line. If you rent a car in the southern part of Cyprus, it’s best to speak to the car rental company to determine what their policy is with regards to driving to Northern Cyprus.
Many car rental companies will allow you to drive to Northern Cyprus. However, if you rent a car in the North of Cyprus you are not allowed to take your car rental across the border. There are a number of rental agencies located at the various border crossings so this will allow you to rent a car once you cross the border. Any insurance that you may have purchased on either side is not valid once you cross the borders, and therefore it will be necessary to purchase additional insurance if you plan on driving on the other side of the border.
A passport is required to cross the border.
If you want to see some of Northern Cyprus, but don’t want to take your rental car across the border, then it’s worth spending a couple of days in Nicosia and crossing the Green Line by foot.
Road Signs
You should find that most signs around Cyprus are written in both English and Greek. In standard European marking of speed limits are in kilometers.
Speed Limits
When driving in built-up areas the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h or 65 km/h depending on the road. Max speeds in most built-up areas will be signposted. In certain areas such as villages, the speed limit is 30km/h with plenty of speed bumps to remind you to slow down. Outside built-up areas the maximum speed is 80 km/h. On motorways, maximum speed is 100 km/h. You should also be aware that there is a cap on minimum speeds on the motorways as well of 65 km/h.
Alcohol Limits
Don’t Drink and Drive. Police are known to do random breath tests and if you’re over the limit, it’ll be six points on your license to take back home with you. The rule is 22 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of breath or 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of blood.
Car Rentals
Up until 2015, all rental cars in Cyprus were required to have bright red license plates, making it easy for tourists to stand out. Although this rule is no longer in force, most car hire companies still use red license plates as it’s an expense for them to change them.
Third party insurance is mandatory when driving in Cyprus. Although most rental companies will offer this, our advice would be to secure your own before your trip, it will save you by almost half the cost.
Although the driving limit is 18 years, you have to be over 21 to rent a car in Cyprus.
Beware of going off road in a rental car as you’ll void your agreement with them and could lose some of your deposit. This is mentioned because it can be easy to do in Cyprus. Many tourist attractions outside of cities have dirt tracks leading up to them, which are technically off road.
Car rental prices vary by season – in winter months (November – March) it’s usually cheaper and you can get the car as low as 10 – 15 euros per day, during the season it’s much higher around 30 – 50 euros per day. Price also depends on the type/size of the car you want, your age and so on.
Most rental companies will happily drive the car to the airport and meet you there, so you can drive off straight to your hotel or accommodation. Alternatively, you can find small rental offices close to big hotels or they will be happy to recommend a place. The big rental companies have a presence at the airports so you can just walk into their office and rent a car on spot, if you arrive during regular business hours.
There are a few things to keep in mind when renting a car in Cyprus:
-Most companies ask for a large deposit (300 – 500 eur). Always check before as not all of them will let you pay with a card.
-Contracts are given in Greek and English language.
-You will need an international driving license to rent a car in Cyprus.
– If you’re renting a quad bike or similar, they will ask to keep your drivers license as collateral – this is not something to be alarmed about. If the police are to stop you, you show them the papers from the company listing your driving license number.
-If you are renting a car in Cyprus (south side), you are legally and by contract not allowed to drive to North Cyprus (even though most people ignore the warning). It can be an expensive mistake – your car insurance is not valid there, you have to purchase an extra one at the border and in case of an accident, you have to pay to get the car moved back to South.
-If you require a child or baby seats, most rental companies provide this free of charge or for a small fee, or you can bring your own.
-You can pay the rental company for navigation (about 10 euros per day) or simply download a free app called Navigator (or other alternatives) and use it without the need of internet connection. Download the map of Cyprus and you’re good to go. To get from city to city, the roads are well sign-posted and you will have no trouble getting where you need to be. The navigation is handy if you’re aiming to get to a specific hotel, restaurant or attraction.
Gas Stations/Petrol Stations
Petrol stations are readily available around cities and villages. On the main highway, the petrol stops are clearly marked and often don’t offer a wide range of services like elsewhere in Europe, where you would have a resting place with a restaurant next to it.
Many of the larger gas stations have attendants on hand whose job it is to fill your car up. Remember to tip them! Even just a couple of euro is enough to give your thanks, although tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s just a nice gesture!
Gas Stations/Petrol Stations
When driving in Cyprus always carry your drivers license and insurance documents (or documents from your car rental company). Also you should always carry your passport or other form of ID if you have it.
If your driver’s license is not in English or doesn’t have a stamped photograph, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required together with the original driver’s license. For driver’s licenses from countries not part of the international driver’s license treaty, an official translation of the license in English must be presented with the original license.
Top cities in Cyprus
What to expect while traveling
