What languages are spoken in Cyprus?

Greek and Turkish are the official languages of Cyprus. The vast majority of the population speak Greek, which is written using the Greek alphabet, while in Northern Cyprus, Turkish is spoken. English is widely spoken in popular visitor destinations. Street signs, as well as signage in the airports and in most public places, are mostly written in Greek and English.

What's the currency of Cyprus?

The currency of Cyprus is the euro (€), which you can buy easily before you travel. Northern Cyprus uses Turkish lira as the official currency but also accepts euros. You’ll find ATMs in all areas, and credit cards are widely accepted. You’ll also find banks and exchange bureaus in larger towns, though their opening hours can be limited.

What food and drink should I try in Cyprus?

Popular Cypriot dishes include souvlaki (grilled, skewered meat served in pita bread), stifado (rabbit stew), kleftiko (beef stew), and koupepia (stuffed grape leaves). Food in Cyprus is similar to that in Greece, but you’ll also see influences from Turkey and the Middle East. Halloumi cheese is made on the island and is popular locally, and fresh fish and seafood is typical along the coast. It’s common to order a variety of meze (small dishes) to share so you can try more than one dish at a meal. Coffee in Cyprus is rich and strong, local wines are well worth seeking out, while the traditional anise-based spirit ouzo is a popular digestif.

How much should I tip in Cyprus?

A tip of roughly 10% is the norm in Cypriot restaurants if a service charge hasn’t already been added to your total. It’s also common to tip taxi drivers, hotel porters, and tour guides. Your specialist can advise on appropriate amounts closer to your travel dates.

What should I wear in Cyprus?

Cyprus is very hot in the summer, so bring light, cool clothing, and plenty of sun protection. In winter, temperatures remain mild, and packing layers is a convenient solution to the warm days and cooler mornings and evenings. If you plan to visit monasteries or churches, please ensure you dress respectfully and cover your shoulders and knees.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Cyprus?

For the latest travel advice for Cyprus, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website .

What's the best way of getting around in Cyprus?

The best way to get around in Cyprus is by car. Cyprus is a relatively small island, and you can drive across it in about two to three hours. You can rent a car, or we can arrange for a private driver to take you between destinations. Many Cypriot resorts are self-contained, while others are located within walking distance of towns. Taxis are readily available throughout the main coastal areas and are generally safe and reliable. The Green Line is a buffer zone that divides the Turkish Cypriot north from the Greek Cypriot south, with several crossing points along its length. While we have focused on the south of the island, visitors staying in this area can cross into the north as often as they wish.

How long does it take to fly to Cyprus from the UK?

It takes around four and a half hours to fly from the UK to Cyprus.

What's the time zone in Cyprus?

The time zone in Cyprus is UTC+2 hours. Daylight Savings Time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

What can I experience in Cyprus?

In Cyprus you can explore ancient churches and monasteries, Ottoman castles, walled cities, vineyards, mountains, and golden stretches of soft sand. Although many visitors come to Cyprus to relax on the beach, it offers a wide variety of other experiences and makes a good destination year-round, with plenty of interesting sights to discover. Along with lazing by a pool or relaxing on the beach, you could explore small towns and villages as you hike through the mountains , discover rock-carved burial tombs or the vestiges of ancient Greek and Roman cities , visit wineries and fishing villages, take a cruise, or dive along reefs and wrecks in crystalline waters.

Where can I stay in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, you can choose to stay in luxurious beach resorts, restored historic hotels, or tranquil retreats with authentic Cypriot character. Cyprus offers a wide range of places to stay with most hotels clustered along the coast. Most beachfront resorts have a choice of restaurants and room types, and often feature a gym, spa, or water sports. For example, you could opt for an indulgent waterfront retreat with private pools and options to dive or take a catamaran trip, head for a boutique spa hotel in the mountains, or a family-friendly beach resort with dedicated facilities and services for children. Your specialist can help find the right hotel for you, but you can get some ideas by browsing our collection of places to stay in Cyprus .

Where should I go in Cyprus?

Most visitors make a base in the south of Cyprus, perhaps in Limassol or Paphos, and spend time exploring the coastline as well as the interior around the Troodos Mountains. Cyprus’s compact size makes it easy to explore the island, and whether you wish to stay in Greek Cyprus to the south, or cross the Green Line into northern Turkish Cyprus, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Narrow streets lined with small shops surround a medieval castle in vibrant Limassol where the promenade along the sandy beach is home to some of the island’s finest restaurants. In UNESCO-protected Paphos centuries of history unfold before you on the streets with temples and tombs from classical Greece and a Byzantine fort guarding the bay. For alpine forests, terraced vineyards, and remote monasteries, the Troodos Mountains show a different side of the island and offer some respite from the summer heat.

Do I need a visa to visit Cyprus?

Citizens of the UK don’t need a visa for travel to Cyprus.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Cyprus?

Speak to your doctor about vaccinations for Cyprus and ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations at home. You can also check the suggested vaccinations for Cyprus on the Travel Health Pro website .

What do I need to check with my passport for travel to Cyprus?

Check that your passport will be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Cyprus.

Cyprus holidays 2024 & 2025

Neolithic settlements, the remnants of mighty kingdoms, fine Roman mosaics and the birthplace of Greek gods… you can trace the history of the Mediterranean across Cyprus’s shores. Between the island’s archaeological sites, you’ll find vineyard-scattered valleys, pine-forested villages and relaxed coastal towns where families eat alfresco at meze-laden tables.

Our specialists have explored the country, from the painted medieval churches and forests of the Troodos Massif to the palm-tree-lined promenades, Byzantine forts and long sandy bays of the coast. They can help you cruise the aquamarine waters of the Blue Lagoon, try your hand at beekeeping in the Troodos Mountains, and sample wine at a family-run vineyard near Omodos.

Whether you want to hike among the alpine forests, meet artisans crafting traditional lace and embroidery, stroll Limassol’s Old Town or explore the ruined city of Ancient Kourion, we’ll tailor your Cyprus holiday to your interests.

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Suggested Cyprus tour

This sample tour will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Cyprus, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your tour will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Cyprus mountains & beach break

Cyprus

8 days from £3,230pp

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Suggested activities for Cyprus

Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Cyprus.

Hiking in the Troodos Mountains

Hiking in the Troodos Mountains

Limassol

Hiking in the Troodos Mountains

For a change of scene from Cyprus’s lively coast, head inland with a private guide to hike among the Troodos Mountains, spotting endemic wildlife as you go. You’ll also pause for lunch in a small village and visit a centuries-old monastery.

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Paphos Archaeological Park

Paphos Archaeological Park

Limassol

Paphos Archaeological Park

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day on this privately guided tour. You’ll see Roman villas, mosaics and amphitheatres at Paphos Archaeological Park, as well as underground tombs carved from rock at a 4th-century necropolis.

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Limassol, Ancient Kourion and the wine village of Omodos

Limassol, Ancient Kourion and the wine village of Omodos

Limassol

Limassol, Ancient Kourion and the wine village of Omodos

Spend the day exploring Cyprus’s second city and the highlights of the surrounding area on this privately guided tour. You’ll walk through Limassol’s old town, visit Roman villas and an amphitheatre in Kourion Archaeological Site and sample Cypriot vintages at a family-owned winery.

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See more things to do in Cyprus

Cyprus in pictures

Coastline of Cyprus
St Nicholas Church, Paphos
Local resident of the Troodos Mountains
Grape harvesting
Aphrodite's Rock
Lace making in the Troodos Mountains
House of Aion in Paphos Archaeological Park
Traditional Cypriot dancer

Cyprus holidays 2024 & 2025

Suggested Cyprus tour

Cyprus mountains & beach break

Suggested activities for Cyprus

Hiking in the Troodos Mountains

Paphos Archaeological Park

Limassol, Ancient Kourion and the wine village of Omodos

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Cyprus in pictures

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