Discover the Enchanting Island of Cyprus: A Traveler's Paradise
The small island of Cyprus has a lot to offer sun-seeking travellers. Most popular for its deep blue Mediterranean waters, seaside resorts, and silver beaches, it’s also riddled with relics of ancient history, such as the beehive huts of primitive peoples, classical Greek and Roman ruins, and everything in between.
The weather is sunny and dry for most of the year and there are modern luxury hotels in the coastal resort towns, historic restored city precincts to enjoy, taverns, and nightlife aplenty. Visitors can explore remote and picturesque mountain villages and monasteries, beautiful churches, Crusader castles, and fascinating museums, and the local people are happy to share their innate love of life and camaraderie.
It’s possible to mingle with the crowds or seek isolation off the beaten track, even in peak holiday season. For this reason, the island is also a favoured destination for honeymooners.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas.
- Passport/Visa:
Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket and documentation necessary for that journey, as well as sufficient funds for the period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Extensions are available to visa-exempt nationals. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled ‘green line’ are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden changes, and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the euro (EUR). Money can be exchanged at banks, which are open from Monday to Friday. ATMs that operate 24 hours a day are spread throughout the island; major credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three square-pin plugs are used.
Overview
While the fascinating history of Cyprus is worth exploring, many tourists come to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches and resorts. Cyprus is home to 49 Blue Flag beaches, where snorkelling and scuba diving, waterskiing, quad biking, and windsurfing are all on offer. The top beaches have excellent facilities, with restaurants and bars, hotels, and other amenities within easy reach of those on the shore.
Steeped in ancient culture, it’s no wonder Cyprus offers some of the most exciting and fascinating sightseeing opportunities in Europe. Highlights include a visit to the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia to view artefacts dating back over 8,500 years, as well as exploring the site of the first discovered Neolithic ruins of Choirokoitia, just north of Larnaca.
Tourists can also marvel at the striking mosaic floors in Paphos, dating from the third century AD, before visiting the mystical catacombs of Agia Solomoni Church, where visitors are greeted by a pistachio tree laden with pieces of cloth.
Another favourite for visitors is taking a romantic excursion from Paphos to visit the natural grotto on the Akamas Peninsula near Polis, 30 miles (48km) north of Paphos. Legend has it that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, used to take her baths in the waters.
The public transport system in Cyprus is reliable enough to get to most major cities. However, one of the best ways to get a real feel for the country and to explore everything it has to offer is to hire a car or moped and take a leisurely tour.
Climate in Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine all year round. Long, dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a time of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild, with some rain and snow on the Troodos Mountains.
Cypriots are fond of saying that 11 out of the 12 months are sunny in their country and it is no idle boast: the ‘summer’ holiday season lasts about eight months in Cyprus, beginning in April with average temperatures of 70-73°F (21-23°C) during the day and 52-55°F (11-13°C) at night; and ending in November when average temperatures are 72-73°F (22-23°C) during the day, and 54-57°F (12-14°C) at night. The remaining four months of the year are by no means freezing either, with temperatures still sometimes exceeding 68°F (20°C).
These enviable statistics make Cyprus a year-round holiday destination, particularly as European winter sun-seekers often choose to vacation here even in the cooler months. However, peak tourist season is summer (June to August).
Health Notes when travelling to Cyprus
All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and hepatitis A and B vaccinations are always recommended for travellers by health authorities. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Medical fees are reasonable in Cyprus, but supplies are expensive and it is probably a good idea for visitors to bring any important prescription medications they may require (with the appropriate notes from their doctor to get them through customs).
Safety Notes when travelling to Cyprus
Crime against tourists is rare and the area is generally safe.
Customs in Cyprus
Visitors should avoid taking photographs near military establishments. Religious customs such as Ramadan should be respected, particularly in the north where most of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim; travellers should avoid eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during the holy month. Women should dress modestly.
Duty Free in Cyprus
Travellers to Cyprus over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits with higher than 22 percent alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with less than 22 percent alcohol volume, or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine, 4 litres of still wine, or 16 litres of beer.
Doing Business in Cyprus
Business in Cyprus is best conducted face-to-face, as developing a working relationship based on trust is important. Business is conducted formally, and dress should be smart and conservative (a suit and tie are the norm). Greetings are usually made with a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. It is common for women to hold high positions and they are generally well respected in the business world. Punctuality is important, but meetings may not begin on time. Business hours can vary according to the season, but are usually 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday in summer, closing at 5pm in winter.
Communication in Cyprus
The international access code for Cyprus is +357. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Visitors can purchase local SIM cards for their phones and WiFi is increasingly available in many cafes, restaurants and airports, and at most hotels, especially in the south (the Republic).
Tipping in Cyprus
A 10 percent service charge is levied in hotels and restaurants so a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi drivers and porters appreciate a small tip.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket and documentation necessary for that journey, as well as sufficient funds for the period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Extensions are available to visa-exempt nationals. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled ‘green line’ are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden changes, and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Cyprus. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports must be valid three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must hold a passport valid upon arrival. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required, except for those carrying multiple-entry Schengen C visas that have already entered the Schengen area or been issued by Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania or a Schengen Member State. This exemption lasts for 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Cyprus Tourist Organisation, Nicosia: +357 22691100 or http://www.visitcyprus.org.cy
Cyprus Embassies
- In the United States:
Cyprus Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 5772.
- In Canada:
Cyprus Consulate General, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 944 0998.
- In the United Kingdom:
Cyprus Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7321 4100.
- In Australia:
Cyprus High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6281 0832.
- In Ireland:
Cyprus Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 676 3060.
- In South Africa:
Cyprus High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 3298.
Foreign Embassies in Cyprus
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Nicosia: +357 2239 3939.
- Canadian Embassy
Consulate of Canada, Nicosia: +357 2277 5508.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Nicosia: +357 96 390076.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Nicosia: +357 2275 3001.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Nicosia: +357 2281 8183.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Cyprus): +39 (0)6 853 7501.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Athens, Greece (also responsible for Cyprus): +30 210 617 8020.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
