Cyprus travel guide
Cyprus Tourism | Cyprus Guide
You're Going to Love Cyprus
An island with long summers, hours of sunshine every day, a food and wine culture that will surprise you, and history that will send you trekking around the country, Cyprus has a lot more to show than its splendid beaches.
What to do in Cyprus
1. Eat Meze in Nicosia
Start by experiencing the food culture in the capital city, visit the Venetian Walls of Nicosia or go shopping on Ledra Street.
2. Visit the Kykkos Monastery
Founded in the 11th century, this monastery is the largest and one of the wealthiest in Cyprus. You will be able to admire mosaics and paintings, and can continue your drive to Troodos Mountains after the visit.
3. Walk Around Kyrenia Old Town
Located in the North of Cyprus, you will love this old town with its cobblestoned streets. While there, visit the Kyrenia Castle and go for a walk at the horseshoe-shaped harbor.
4. Go Back in History at Ancient Kourion
Kourion was a city founded by the Greeks in the 12th century and was hit by 5 heavy earthquakes. It was partly rebuilt but you can visit the impressive ruins of the old city.
5. Relax on Nissi Beach
One can't go to Cyprus without spending some time on the beach. Nissi Beach is perhaps one of the most famous in Ayia Napa and has been awarded the blue flag designation.
When to visit Cyprus
Cyprus has relatively mild winters and spring arrives quite early. If you're planning a beach vacation, the best time to visit is between May and June. You will experience warm weather and lovely dry weather for tourism.
How to Get to Cyprus
Entry Requirements
Citizens of EU and EEA countries as well as Switzerland can enter Cyprus simply by showing an ID card or a passport. Citizens from a number of other countries, such as the USA and Australia, can enter Cyprus and stay in the EU without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. Citizens from most countries need to apply for a visa prior to arriving.
Plane
Flying is the most popular way of arriving to the island, and while Cyprus does not have its own airline, a large number of carriers operate nonstop flights to and from its main airport, Larnaca International Airport. Cheap flights can be found with budget airline Ryanair, which flies to the airport near Paphos located in the south-west of Cyprus.
Car
Crossing from the Northern and Turkish part of the island is possible through a limited number of spots, some accessible only by foot. If you are planning to drive, you can cross via Astromerits, Ledra Palace, Agios Demetios, Pergamos or Strovilia.
Boat
It is possible to get to Cyprus by boat from Greece, with occasional ferries running from Rhodes, Piraeus and Ayios Nikolaos going to Limassol. A ferry service also runs from Turkey going from Tasucu to Girne. If you plan on bringing a car with you, you can catch a freighter cruise with Grimaldi from various European ports, including Italy, Portugal and Southampton.
Popular airlines serving Cyprus
Where to stay in Cyprus
Hotels and furnished apartments are the most common types of accommodation and are available throughout the island. If you are heading into the countryside, you can stay at an Agrotourism, a traditional restored house offering self-catered accommodation.
Where to stay in popular areas of Cyprus
Most booked hotels in Cyprus
How to Get Around Cyprus
Public Transportation
The only public transport available is a bus network. The bus network is comprehensive and travels all around the country.
Bus
There are 6 major bus operators that have routes throughout the country. These are Lefkosia, Lemesos, Pafos, Larnaka, Ammochostos and Intercity Routes. The average cost of a one-way short trip by bus is about €1.50 ($1.70).
Car
Driving is the easiest way to travel around the country, but beware that if you're planning to rent a car while in Cyprus, you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road.
The Cost of Living in Cyprus
Going out for a meal in Cyprus will cost around €12 ($13) per person for an inexpensive meal, while a more formal sit down meal will cost around €25 ($28) per person. Groceries will cost around €50 ($56) per week, while a monthly public transport pass costs around €40 ($45). Credit cards are accepted throughout the country at most businesses.