Welcome to one of the most underrated islands there is. Cyprus was one of the countries that surprised us the most! Filled with stunning beaches, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and vibrant vibes, we're sure you'll fall in love with this island like we did. Here is everything you need to know for when you visit Cyprus.
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Where is Cyprus?
Cyprus is a small island in Europe that tends to get overlooked. Despite many people thinking it is a Greek island, it is in fact its own country!
The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Turkey. It is actually just under 300 km from Syria and Lebanon heading East as well. Despite it's proximity to the Middle East, the island is really much more Mediterranean in nature.
Cyprus is just off the coast from Turket, Syria, and Lebanon.
How to Get to Cyprus
Despite being an island, Cyprus is pretty easy and affordable to get to! Here are the different ways you can plan to visit this Mediterranean island.
How to Visit Cyprus By Air
The easiest way to visit Cyprus is by air. It is just a short flight from Greece, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and many other countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Wizz Air and Ryanair both operate extremely cheap flights to both Larnaca and Paphos (the main airport on the island) for as low as 10 euros!
Cities that fly into Paphos include Aarhus, Athens, Beauvais, Berlin, Birmingham, Bristol, Brussels, Budapest, Chania, Charleroi, Cologne, Dublin, Edinburgh, Exeter, Gdansk, Katowice, Kaunas, Krakow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Memmingen, Riga, Rome, Sofia, Tallinn, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Zagreb.
Cities that fly into Larnaca include Amman, Athens, Bahrain, Beirut, Belgrade, Bucharest, Cairo, Doha, Dubai, Dubrovnik, Frankfurt, Gdansk, Krakow, Kutaisi, London, Malta, Munich, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Vienna, Wroclaw, Yerevan, and Zurich.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can use the calendar option to see which are the cheapest dates for flying Cyprus, as well as which airport is cheaper.
Search for a flight to Paphos or Larnaca:
How to Visit Cyprus By Sea
The port of Limassol is also popular for cruise ships, and you will find plenty of cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC, and many more that sail to Cyprus from Greece, Italy, and other Mediterranean countries.
Visit Cyprus by Sea From Israel
If you want to visit Cyprus from Israel there is a company called Cruise Cyprus that offers two or three day excursions from Haifa to Limassol and vice versa.
Visit Cyprus by Sea From Greece or Turkey
The other two countries that are popular to visit Cyprus from are Greece and Turkey. This is because the island has a Greek and a Turkish side. Naturally, coming from Greece you will cruise to the Greek side, and from Turkey to the Turkish side.
The ferry from Tasacu, Turkey to Kyrenia, Cyprus takes about 10 hours and isn't very regular. The ferry from Piraeus, Greece to Limassol, Cyprus is in the makes of running again, and will take around 16 hours.
Cyprus can be visited by both cruise ship and ferry.
Cruising to Limassol and want to sign up for some excursions? Here are a few fun ones to choose from:
Entry Requirements to Visit Cyprus
When it comes to entry requirements to visit Cyprus, things are changing everyday. We visited in August 2021, so we will share what the requirements at the time were, as well as the new updates.
Visa Requirements
Cyprus is part of the EU, so whatever rules apply in the other countries, also apply for Cyprus. Americans can enter visa free to any of the European Union countries for 90 days within a 180 day period, For example, if you have spent 2 months in Greece (which is part of the EU), you could then spend up to one month more in Cyprus without needing a visa.
Many countries fall in the same category as the US for entering Cyprus and the European Union. The countries that don't fall into this category, will need a Schengen Visa. This applies to many countries from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. You can check the full list of countries that need visas for Cyprus for more info.
Covid Entry Requirements to Visit Cyprus
Luckily the restrictions are loosening up in much of Europe. Cyprus is open for travel, and was working on a color based system for entry. This means that depending on where you are flying from, will depend on exactly what you need. Luckily, Cyprus has dropped all requirements for entering due to Covid.
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Cyprus Flight Pass
The most important thing that needs to be filled out is the Cyprus Flight Pass. This is a digital document that must be done by all passengers entering Cyprus within 48 hours of arrival.
When we went, we were classified as coming from a "green country" which means that if vaccinated, a covid test is not necessary.
Covid Tests
Covid Tests are requested to be taken within 72 hours if coming from an "orange" or "red" country, even if vaccinated. There is also random testing done at the airport for select flights. So you may still need to take a test (at no cost to you) when you arrive, even if you are vaccinated and coming from a green country.
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Local Adjustments
Cyprus is a country that is particularly interesting, as it is actually influenced by multiple countries. Here are a few important things to know when you visit Cyprus.
Language
The official language in most of Cyprus is Greek. There is a small part of the island in the North that is divided from the Greek part, and was taken over by Turks. In that area you will find that people speak Turkish. English is also pretty widely spoken throughout the island, with the exception of the smaller villages.
Currency
The official currency in Cyprus is the Euro. Because the laws have been suspended in the North part of the country, the Turkish part actually uses the Lira. However, the euro is still the most widely used, and can still be seen on the Turkish area as well.
Outlets
This one is a little bit of a curveball. Although Cyprus is part of the EU, this is where they are actually more influenced by the British. Make sure to remember to bring a travel adapter with you, as the plugs are the three pronged outlets like those in the UK.
Water Potability
The water is completely safe to drink on this island. While it is custom to drink bottled water in restaurants, there is no problem ordering the tap water instead.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not typical in the culture here. If you feel like you've gotten very good service, you can simply round up to the nearest euro, or leave up to 5% of the bill.
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Best Places to Visit in Cyprus
Cyprus is a small island, but has plenty to visit! Here are the best places to base yourself around the Greek side of the island.
Best Places to Visit in Cyprus #1: Paphos
Paphos is hands down the most popular place to visit in Cyprus. It is located on the West end of the island, and is home to one of the two main airports on the island.
Characterized by turquoise waters and stunning cliffs, it's no wonder tourists flock to Paphos. The city has plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and there are a tons of cool places in nature nearby.
Want to learn more about Paphos? Make sure to check our full article by clicking the link below:
Want to check out some excursions while you're in Paphos? Here are a few great ones for all ages:
Larnaca
Here is where the second airport on the island is located. This city is a great place to base yourself if you're looking to explore different areas of the island, as it is very centrally located.
Larnaca has a couple of spots to check out near the city, but the best part is that it has a great location to reach almost anywhere else on the island within an hour or two at max.
Want to sign up for some excursions from Larnaca? Here are a few that you can choose from:
Limassol
Conveniently located between both the main airports is Limassol. This popular cruise port has plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops, and is just under an hour from both Larnaca and Paphos. Not only is it a great place to stay, but it has some really beautiful beaches nearby.
Governor's Beach in Limassol- Click to see a video!
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is the most gorgeous area of the island (in our opinion), and is extremely popular for locals. This region is further to the West end of the island, and boasts the most stunning turquoise waters, picturesque sea caves, and adorable churches.
The area of Ayia Napa definitely deserves a full weekend, as there are so many great places to explore. Click below for all of the best spots to check out in Ayia Napa.
Want to check out some fun activities around Ayia Napa? Here are some you can sign up for:
Nicosia
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, yet is one of the least visited areas of the island. While Nicosia is inland, it is one of the few places that doesn't offer beaches. However, there are definitely a few reasons to check out this city.
The capital is a great place to experience the cheaper side of Cyprus, and see some cool things like modern architecture and an abandoned airplane.
This abandoned airplane is just 20 minutes from Nicosia in Lapatsa.
Want to explore the best that Nicosia has to offer? Here are some tours that you can join:
Omodos
Looking to dive in the true culture of Cyprus? Well then Omodos is the place for you, This traditional village is in the heart of the island, and is full of charm. Roam the picturesque streets, check out the local art, or go to Fotini bakery for some seriously decadent arkatena.
Omodos is a fabulous place to visit to experience a traditional Cypriot village.
Want to visit Omodos on a tour? Here are a few that you can check out:
Troodos Mountains
The Troodos mountains are for the true nature lovers out there. Spend a night or two in the Troodos mountains for some great trails, waterfalls, and untouched natural beauty of Cyprus. Don't want to spend a full night? Well there are also plenty of tours from Paphos.
Want to see some fun excursions visiting Troodos Mountains? We've picked out a few for you:
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Getting Around While You Visit Cyprus
Our number one recommendation for getting around Cyprus is by car! The island may not be big, but there is really so much to explore. Getting a car will really give you a lot of flexibility, and allow you to visit more in less time.
Driving in Cyprus
We absolutely loved driving in Cyprus. The roads are very easy to navigate, and almost all very well paved. Everything is pretty close, so you never have to drive more than a couple hours to reach anywhere. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when renting a car in Cyprus, which is why we dedicated a full article to it.
Ready to book your car rental? We suggest doing it in advance! This is a service we use to connect to local car rental agencies in Cyprus:
Want to learn more about car rental in Cyprus? Make sure to check out our full article below:
Public Transportation in Cyprus
Buses are far and few between on the island. You can use them inside cities such as Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, and Nicosia. However, there are a ton of cool places that can't really be accessed unless you have a car.
Want to book a few of your transfers throughout Cyprus? Here are a few popular routes:
Transportation From Ayia Napa:
Transportation From Larnaca:
Transportation From Limassol:
Transportation From Nicosia:
Taxis & Uber in Cyprus
Uber is not available throughout Cyprus, so taxis are the only option for private transportation. However, there is an app called CABCY that you can download for slightly cheaper rates.
Buggies
These are a great option for those that plan on spending time in just one spot and want a day or two of adventure. Buggies are available for rental all over Paphos and some other cities, and can be taken by the hour or for a day as an excursion. This option is pricier, but is fun and adventurous.
Want to sign up for a tour with buggies or ATVS? Here are a few great options:
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Food & Drink in Cyprus
The food in Cyprus is some of the best you will ever have! It is almost identical to Greek cuisine, and includes a lot of fresh ingredients, the best olive oil, and sugary desserts. Here are a few of our favorite things to eat and restaurants in Cyprus.
Cypriot Local Cuisine
The flavors of Cyprus are a full Mediterranean dream. The food is light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Here are just a few of our favorite foods on the island.
Mezze
There is seriously nothing better than a good mezze. This is when you pay per person for an assortment of small platters. You get to have everything from local olives and creamy feta, to succulent lamb and other hot dishes.
The best mezze we had on the island was at Athieno, an amazing family-owned hotel between Nicosia and Larnaca
Trying a traditional mezzo is a must.
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a spinach and feta mix stuffed inside of a flaky pastry. While it is often served in restaurants in the US as more of a pie, it is actually more of a snack served in cafes. Tasty and cheap, we love to grab one of these for on the go throughout the day.
Spanakopita is a great snack for on the go.
Gyros
You can't visit Cyprus without having a gyro. This fast food is equally convenient as it is tasty. A warm pita stuffed with shaved meat, drizzled with Tzatziki sauce and stuffed with fries will keep not only your stomach satisfied, but your wallet too.
Cyprus also has a few different versions of the gyro- the traditional Greek one, or the Cypriot one which has a jumbo sized pita good for feeding two people!
Cypriot gyros are big enough to feed two!
Seafood
Being an island in the Mediterranean it's no wonder that the seafood on the island is outstanding. Seafood is fresh, light for the hot weather, and simply seasoned on this island. Not to mention it is surprisingly affordable!
Baklava
This dessert is popular throughout Greece and Turkey, so it's no surprise that you will find a good baklava in Cyprus. Layers of thin and flaky phyllo dough layered with honey and walnuts make the perfect after dinner treat.
Restaurant Recommendations
We traveled all over the island, and to be honest we never had a bad meal. However, we did have a few spots that stood out to us, and here they are:
Athenio
This was one that we mentioned earlier for having an incredible Mezze. This small family-run business is a true hidden gem on the island. It's not really super close to any of the main tourist attractions, but it sure was worth the drive.
Our Mezze had between 10-20 different plates, and felt never ending. The food was fresh and homemade by the owners, the service incredible, and the atmosphere magical. Not only do we suggest having a meal here, but the room we stayed in was a great deal.
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Koutourou Ouzeri
The dinner we had at this restaurant may just have been one of the best meals we've ever had. The place was packed- and we almost didn't get a table. We definitely recommend getting a reservation here so that you don't miss out!
Located in the center of Paphos, Koutourou Ouzeri is beautifully lit up at night, and serves traditional Cypriot cuisine. We can't recommend it enough!
Koutourou Ouzeri is popular by locals and has great food.
Fotini Bakery House
This bakery and restaurant in the traditional town of Omodos is for those with a sweet tooth! The traditional arkatena (bread) of the area is taken to another level here. Topped with Nutella, nuts, and other sweets, this is a true masterpiece to add to your Cyprus bucket list.
They also have a full brunch menu with outdoor seating. Make sure to make a reservation, as the place is usually very busy.
Fotini's Bakery House has the best Arkatena in town.
Where the Stay When You Visit Cyprus
The best places to base yourself while staying in Cyprus are definitely Paphos, Limassol, or Larnaca. Unfortunately, we didn't know that the week we went was going to be extremely busy on the island for travel. Because of that, we were pretty unlucky when it came to most of the places we stayed. They were overpriced and very disappointing.
There was one night that we couldn't even find a place inside the city of Larnaca to stay, so we "settled" for a spot outside the city. This ended up being the best spot we stayed the entire trip! It was a true hidden gem, and the one place that we want to share.
Athenio
You may have read in the food section of the article about this restaurant that we recommended. Well Athenio was also a family-owned hotel located in the village of Atheniou. With stunning décor, amazing hospitality, and excellent prices, this was the best place we stayed for value on the island.
Athenio is beautifully lit at night.
We should note though- this hotel isn't in the most centrally convenient area. It is about 20 minutes outside of Larnaca, and 45 minutes away from Ayia Napa. If you have a car though, we do highly recommend spending one night here.
Look for other places to stay in Cyprus:
Safety in Cyprus
Cyprus is a great island, and we felt extremely safe there! That being said, there are still many negative feelings between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. It is important that you are aware of this, although you shouldn't be affected greatly by it. The one thing that will affect you, is if you plan to drive though. Check out our article about car rental in Cyprus and you'll learn why.
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Other Things to Know for Visiting Cyprus
Now that you know almost everything you need to know to visit Cyprus, we have just a few last details to share.
Weather & When To Visit Cyprus
As the island of Cyprus is a little closer to the Middle East than the majority of Europe, the weather is a definitely a lot warmer there. Summers are very hot, and even winter doesn't get too cold. Spring and Fall are still warm enough for some beach days, and are the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine and landscapes while escaping the crowds.
If you like more parties then we would head there in the summer, but if you like a more relaxed environment and less crowds than the winter is a great time for an island getaway.
We personally think that October and November or March and April are perfect because there is plenty of sunshine, but it still isn't peak season. At the end of the day though, there really isn't ever a bad time to visit Cyprus!
Packing to Visit Cyprus
Cyprus has a lot to offer landscape wise. But if it's one thing you'll definitely need here, it's a bathing suit, sunscreen, and a towel to enjoy the gorgeous beaches.
Enjoy the island vibes and pack casual for the day, and maybe some nicer clothes (but not too fancy) for the evenings. Don't forget a UK travel adapter for your electronics. If you have an action camera this is also a great place to bring it!
Cyprus Packing List:
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Towel
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at a list of our favorite backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bathing Suits
- Evening clothing
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- UK Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
Cyprus has beautiful weather with plenty of beaches & waterfalls to beat the heat.
We hope you are excited for your trip to visit Cyprus! It is a stunning island with excellent food, friendly people, and beautiful weather. Have any questions? Just comment down below. Want to see more cool spots around the island? Well we have plenty of more articles that you can check out below.
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