Cyprus: Where Ancient Meets Azure
Sun-soaked beaches, divided cities, Troodos Mountain villages. Your complete guide to this Mediterranean island.
Cyprus punches way above its weight for a small island. You’ve got Greek and Roman ruins scattered across the south, Ottoman mosques and Venetian walls in the north, and beaches that look like someone turned the saturation up too high. The island’s been fought over by basically every empire in the Mediterranean — and they all left something behind.
Nicosia is the world’s last divided capital, which is wild to see in person. Ayia Napa does the party thing. The Troodos Mountains are genuinely underrated for hiking. And Paphos? It’s a UNESCO site that most people fly right past on the way to a beach resort. Don’t make that mistake. This guide covers all of it — costs, transport, where to go, and what most people get wrong.
4–5 hrs
From the UK
Apr – Oct
Best time
Greek
Main language
EUR (€)
Currency
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Best Time To Visit
Spring (March to May) sees a average high between 19-24°C (66-75°F) and rainfall levels drop as the season progresses. The period between April – May is quieter and is ideal for exploring the island or relaxing with fewer people around.
Summer (June to August) is dry with plenty of sunshine with highs reaching 30°C (86°F). This is the best time to visit for those who like the heat, although the heat between 1pm and 3pm can make sightseeing a challenge. Drinking lots of water is essential during the summer months.
Winter (November to February) is mild with often tropical style rainstorms. Higher ground is sometimes subjected to freezing temperatures and frost, while snowfall is experienced in the interior Mountains and usually stays for several weeks, providing decent ski conditions would you believe!
What To Expect
15°C
- Temperature
Capital: Nicosia
Language: The official language of Cyprus is Greek. “Hello” in Greek is “Χαίρετε” . It is pronounced Chaírete
Currency: The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). £1 GBP is equivalent to 1.18 EUR. Check the latest rates here . Tipping is appreciated in Cyprus.
Credit Cards & ATMs: To get the best exchange rate in Cyprus, it’s wise to use your credit card whenever you get the chance. There’s typically no service charge and are widely accepted throughout the country. If you need some Euros, you will find that ATMs are few and far between in Cyprus. It is always best to use a bank ATM.
Plugs: For Cyprus the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern (same as UK plug). Cyprus operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (If from UK you do not need one)
Safety: Cyprus is considered a very safe area to visit, with very little crime. Cyprus is ranked 5th safest country in the world.
Capital of Cyprus: Nicosia
Population of Cyprus: 789,300
Cyprus travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Cyprus tourist board: Visit Cyprus
Recommended Holiday Provider: First Choice – Cyprus
Cyprus Travel Guides
City guides, itineraries, tips, and the best things to do across the island.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Cyprus Cost?
Cyprus is one of the more affordable Mediterranean islands, especially if you dodge the resort traps. Here’s what to actually expect.
🎒
Backpacker
~£35 / $44 / €40 per day
- Hostel dorms from £13/€15/$16 per night
- Cook your own meals, hit local bakeries
- Local buses for £1.30/€1.50/$1.65
- Free beaches, hiking trails, ruins
🍜
Mid-Range
~£87 / $110 / €100 per day
- Budget hotel or Airbnb from £43/€50/$55
- Taverna lunches and restaurant dinners
- Mix of buses and occasional car rental
- Guided tours, museums, boat trips
🏨
Upscale
~£215+ / $275+ / €250+ per day
- Boutique hotels and coastal resorts
- Fine dining and wine tasting tours
- Private car or transfers throughout
- Yacht charters, private guides, spa days
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: £13–£22 / €15–€25 / $16–$27 per night
- Campsite: £9–£17 / €10–€20 / $11–$22 per night
- Budget hotel: £43–£87 / €50–€100 / $55–$110 per night
Mid–Luxury
- Airbnb apartment: £70–£130 / €80–€150 / $88–$165 per night
- Boutique hotel: £87–£175 / €100–€200 / $110–$220 per night
- Beach resort: £175+ / €200+ / $220+ per night
City Travel
- Local bus: £1.30–£2.15 / €1.50–€2.50 / $1.65–$2.75
- Taxi per km: £0.90–£1.30 / €1–€1.50 / $1.10–$1.65
- Bolt ride (short): £4–£9 / €5–€10 / $5.50–$11
Long Distance
- Intercity bus: £4.30–£8.70 / €5–€10 / $5.50–$11
- Car rental per day: £26–£61 / €30–€70 / $33–$77
- Airport shuttle: £4.30–£8.70 / €5–€10 / $5.50–$11
Eat Cheap
- Souvlaki / gyros wrap: £3–£5 / €3.50–€6 / $4–$6.50
- Supermarket meal prep: £3–£5 / €3.50–€6 / $4–$6.50
- Coffee (freddo): £1.75–£3.50 / €2–€4 / $2.20–$4.40
Eating Out
- Taverna meal: £9–£17 / €10–€20 / $11–$22
- Mid-range restaurant: £17–£30 / €20–€35 / $22–$38
- Beer (pint): £2.60–£4.30 / €3–€5 / $3.30–$5.50
Budget Fun
- Museum / archaeological site: £4.30–£8.70 / €5–€10 / $5.50–$11
- Hiking trail: Free or €3–€5 park entry
- Beach: Free (most beaches)
Big Experiences
- Guided tour: £26–£61 / €30–€70 / $33–$77
- Boat tour: £35–£87 / €40–€100 / $44–$110
- Diving excursion: £35–£70 / €40–€80 / $44–$88
Tips for Saving Money in Cyprus
💧 Tap water is safe to drink across Cyprus. Bring a reusable bottle and skip buying plastic ones at every kiosk.
🚌 Use local buses instead of taxis. A single ride costs €1.50–€2.50 and intercity buses run between all major cities for under €10.
🏠 Book Airbnbs with kitchens. Supermarket shopping and cooking a few meals saves serious money, especially for longer stays.
🌅 Hit the beaches for free. Almost every beach in Cyprus is public and free. Bring your own towel and snacks instead of renting a sunbed for €5–€10.
📅 Travel in shoulder season (April–May or September–October). Accommodation prices drop, the weather is still gorgeous, and you’ll actually be able to find a spot on Nissi Beach.
🍽️ Eat at family-run tavernas instead of tourist-facing restaurants. The portions are bigger, the prices lower, and the food is actually better. Look for places with Greek-only menus.
🚗 If renting a car, book well in advance and compare on DiscoverCars. Walk-in rates at airport desks are almost always more expensive.
🏛️ Check for free entry days at museums. Some archaeological sites offer free admission on certain dates and public holidays.
🥾 Hike the Troodos Mountains for free. The Atalante Trail and Caledonia Falls trail cost nothing and give you views that rival any paid tour.
🍷 Visit village wineries direct. Many offer free tastings, and buying a bottle at source costs a fraction of what restaurants charge.
Getting Around Cyprus
Cyprus is small but public transport is limited outside the main cities. Here’s the honest rundown on how to get from A to B.
Cycling
Best for flat coastal towns like Larnaca and Limassol. Not ideal in summer heat or on mountain roads unless you’re serious about it.
✅ Rental from £9/€10/$11 per day
✅ Good for beachfront exploring
❌ Summer heat makes anything over 30 min brutal
Car Rental
Best for exploring the whole island. Cyprus drives on the left (like the UK), roads are decent, and parking is usually free outside city centres.
✅ Total freedom to reach remote beaches
✅ Rentals from £26/€30/$33 per day
❌ Fuel costs add up on longer trips
Local Buses
Best for getting around within Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Nicosia. Cheap, fairly reliable, but frequency drops off on weekends.
✅ Cheap at €1.50–€2.50 per ride
✅ Day passes available in most cities
❌ Limited routes outside town centres
Taxis & Bolt
Best for airport transfers and short trips. Bolt works in Cyprus and is usually cheaper than hailing a cab.
✅ Convenient, no advance booking needed
✅ Bolt available in main cities
❌ Expensive for anything more than short rides
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travel between cities. Connects Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Journey times are reasonable for a small island.
✅ Affordable at €5–€10 between cities
✅ Air-conditioned and comfortable
❌ Schedules are infrequent, especially evenings
Walking
Best for compact town centres. Paphos, old Nicosia, and Larnaca seafront are all very walkable. Outside towns, not so much.
✅ Free and the best way to discover small streets
✅ Most tourist areas are pedestrian-friendly
❌ Not practical between towns or for rural areas
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring one city
Walk it or grab a day bus pass
Visiting multiple cities
Intercity bus or rent a car
Beaches and mountain villages
You need a rental car, no question
Tight budget, main sights
Buses + walking covers most of it
Quick Tips
📅
Book Cars Early
Prices double in July and August. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best rates.
⛔️
Drive on the Left
Same as the UK. Roundabouts, left-hand drive. Most rentals are manual.
☀️
Avoid Midday Driving
Mountain roads in the Troodos are narrow and winding. Start early.
📱
Download Bolt
Cheaper than street taxis, works in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
Book Tours & Tickets
Related Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Cyprus?
If you’re from the UK, EU, US, Canada, or Australia — no. You can enter the Republic of Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days. Just bring a valid passport. If you’re planning to cross into Northern Cyprus (the Turkish-controlled north), you can do that at checkpoints like Ledra Street in Nicosia. No additional visa needed, but you will need your passport. Always double-check current entry requirements on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page before you go.
Is Cyprus safe for tourists?
Very. It’s ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty theft can happen in busy tourist areas like Ayia Napa and Limassol, but it’s the exception. The main safety risk is honestly the sun — it gets properly hot between June and August, and heatstroke is a real thing if you’re not drinking enough water. Drive carefully too, because some local driving habits take getting used to.
Should I visit the north (Northern Cyprus)?
It’s worth it, yes. Kyrenia’s harbour is gorgeous, the Bellapais Abbey ruins are something else, and it’s noticeably cheaper than the south. You can cross freely at several checkpoints with your passport. Just be aware that Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira instead of the Euro, and your phone might connect to Turkish networks (check roaming charges). It’s a completely different feel to the south — quieter, less developed, more raw.
What currency does Cyprus use?
The Republic of Cyprus (the south) uses the Euro (€). Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (₺). ATMs are widely available in both parts, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in the south. In the north, cash is more common outside the main tourist spots. Best practice: use a fee-free travel card like Wise or Revolut to avoid conversion charges.
How long do I need in Cyprus?
A week is enough to see the highlights — Paphos, Nicosia, the Troodos Mountains, and a couple of beaches. Ten days lets you breathe a bit and add Northern Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula, or some slower village time. If you’re doing a beach-only trip, even 4–5 days works. It’s a small island — you can drive coast to coast in about 2.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
April to June and September to October are the sweet spots. The weather is warm without being unbearable, beaches aren’t rammed, and accommodation is cheaper. July and August are peak season — expect 35°C+ heat, packed resorts, and higher prices. Winter (November to March) is mild but some coastal towns go quiet and a few seasonal restaurants close. The Troodos Mountains get snow from January to March, which most people don’t expect.
Is Cyprus expensive?
It’s mid-range for Europe. Cheaper than Greece in most categories, definitely cheaper than Italy or France. A budget traveller can manage on around £35/€40/$44 per day with hostels and self-catering. Mid-range travellers spending £87/€100/$110 per day will eat well, stay comfortably, and see plenty. The biggest budget killers are car rental in peak season and tourist-trap restaurants in Ayia Napa and Protaras
Do I need a car in Cyprus?
It depends what you want to do. If you’re staying in one resort and want beach time, no — buses and walking will cover it. If you want to explore mountain villages, the Akamas Peninsula, hidden beaches, or do any kind of road trip — yes, absolutely. Public transport between cities exists but it’s infrequent and doesn’t cover rural areas at all. Cyprus drives on the left, same as the UK, so it feels natural for British visitors.
Do I need travel insurance for Cyprus?
Yes. UK visitors lost EHIC coverage for Cyprus after Brexit (though the new GHIC card gives some limited cover for emergency treatment). A proper travel insurance policy covers everything the GHIC doesn’t — cancellations, lost luggage, repatriation, adventure activities. Medical treatment in Cyprus isn’t astronomically expensive compared to somewhere like the US, but an emergency hospital visit without insurance will still sting.
Can I drink the tap water in Cyprus?
Technically yes — tap water meets EU safety standards. But honestly, it doesn’t taste great in most areas. The water is quite hard and has a noticeable mineral taste. Most locals and long-term visitors drink filtered or bottled water. Bring a reusable bottle with a filter if you want to avoid buying plastic bottles constantly.
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