Cyprus, Cyprus - Travel Guide

Cyprus offers a blend of ancient history, beautiful beaches, and stunning mountains, making it appealing for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore archaeological sites, enjoy water sports, or hike in the Troodos Mountains.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

KibrisAphrodite's IslandMediterraneanEuropeLimassolPaphosLarnacaNicosiaAyia Napa

🇨🇾 Country Information: Cyprus

CapitalNicosia

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Greek , Turkish, English

Phone Code+357

Electricity240V (Type G)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes (around 5
10% is appreciated if service charge is not included)
Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory but rounding up the fare is common
Hotel staff may be tipped a small amount for good service

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban and tourist areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops
It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
Politeness and respect are highly valued
It is considered rude to point with your finger; instead, use your whole hand
Mealtimes are important social occasions, and it's common to share food

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, and there are some anti-discrimination laws. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and the LGBTQ+ community faces societal discrimination and lack of legal protection in certain areas.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 17
Drug laws are strict, with severe penalties for possession, consumption, and trafficking of illegal substances, including cannabis

Special Laws

It is illegal to possess or use a metal detector without a permit
Photography of military installations is prohibited
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, except in licensed premises

Common Phrases

NoOhi (OH-hee) Όχι

YesNai (nay) Ναι

HelloYiasas (YAH-sas) Γεια σας

PleaseParakalo (pah-rah-kah-LOH) Παρακαλώ

Thank youEfharisto (ef-hah-rees-TOH) Ευχαριστώ

Climate

General classification for the entire island of Cyprus.

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Jun
Aug
Earthquake Season: Aug
Sep

Getting There

Fly into Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) International Airports (direct flights from major European cities)
Buses connect major cities (e
g
, Larnaca to Limassol approx
1h, €7
9)
No train service

Getting Around

Buses are common for intercity and local travel
Taxis widely available
Rental cars are popular for exploring
Ride
sharing apps like Bolt and nTAXI operate in some areas

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines are typically required beyond routine immunizations
Hepatitis A/B, Tetanus, and Rabies vaccines may be recommended depending on travel style
No altitude sickness concerns
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available from major Cypriot providers like Cyta, Epic, and PrimeTel
Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly eSIMs generally work well

Local Cuisine

Halloumi Cheese must_try

Halloumi is a versatile, semi-hard white-brined cheese traditionally made from a mix of goat and sheep milk. It is known for its elastic texture and h

Cypriot Meze must_try

Meze is a selection of small dishes, allowing diners to sample a wide variety of traditional Cypriot flavors. It often includes dips (like hummus and

Souvla must_try

Souvla consists of large pieces of meat (lamb, kid, or chicken) cooked slowly on a long skewer over charcoal, a quintessential Cypriot grilling method

Sheftalia street_food

Sheftalia is a type of traditional Cypriot pork sausage mixed with onion and parsley. It is uniquely wrapped in omentum (a stomach membrane) before be

Koupes snack

Koupes are popular fried street-food snacks made from a crispy outer layer of bulgur wheat, flour, oil, salt, and spices. The shell is stuffed with a

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Hotels/Villas) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

Cyprus is a popular tourist destination, and booking accommodation well in advance, especially for the high season (summer), secures better rates and availability, particularly for desired locations like beachfront resorts.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Fine Dining (e.g., Artima Bistro, Sage Restaurant) Dining

Book 2–4 weeks in advance

Popular and highly-rated restaurants, particularly those catering to fine dining or known for specific cuisine (like Pyxida Fish Tavern), fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Events and Festivals tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 months in advance

Tickets for concerts, major cultural events, or specific seasonal activities often have limited capacity and may sell out, especially in major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, or Paphos.

Guided Tours (e.g., Troodos Mountains, Wine Routes) tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

To ensure availability, particularly for small group tours or highly-rated local guides, especially during peak tourist season.

Fun Facts

1. The capital, Nicosia, is the only capital city in the world that is currently divided between two countries, split by the UN buffer zone, known as the "Green Line."
2. Cyprus is one of only four EU countries where traffic drives on the left side of the road, a remnant of British rule.
3. Evidence of the world's oldest known domesticated cat was discovered in Cyprus, predating Egyptian evidence by thousands of years, with remains dated back about 9,500 years.
4. Despite being an island nation, fishing is not a popular industry, and the basis of many national dishes is meat, though Halloumi cheese is a famous national food.

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