Tuesday, October 6
LIVE
Travel and Tour World Hundreds of Travelers Affected Over Asia as Jakarta, Larnaca and 45 More Airports Cancel 235 and Delay 3,115 FlightsAtlas Obscura ‘Deep Silent Gaze’ in Limassol, CyprusTravel and Tour World Cyprus Makes October Feel Like Summer With 27°C Days Across Paphos, Ayia Napa, Larnaca and More: All You Need to KnowTravel and Tour World Hundreds of Travelers Affected Over Asia as Jakarta, Larnaca and 45 More Airports Cancel 235 and Delay 3,115 FlightsAtlas Obscura ‘Deep Silent Gaze’ in Limassol, CyprusTravel and Tour World Cyprus Makes October Feel Like Summer With 27°C Days Across Paphos, Ayia Napa, Larnaca and More: All You Need to Know
Limassol – CyprusPaphos – CyprusLarnaca – CyprusNicosia – CyprusTroodos Mountains – CyprusKykkos Monastery – Cyprus
📍 Limassol📷 Στέφανος Νικολάου · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Europe🗓️ Best: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct

Cyprus ✓

Sunny Mediterranean island of myths, mosaics and meze

🕒 –:– local time3 stories this week2 sources 6 top placesCapital Nicosia

Advertise with usYour brand hereTop banner · 728 x 90Book this space →
Cyprus📸 Photo album · 8 photos · Ultra-HD
Cyprus📜 History of Cyprus

The story of Cyprus

Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, has been inhabited for more than ten thousand years. Neolithic villagers built the round stone houses of Choirokoitia, and in the Bronze Age the island grew wealthy exporting copper – so famous that the metal may take its name from Cyprus. Mycenaean Greeks settled from around the 12th century BC, Phoenicians established trading towns, and the island became linked in legend with Aphrodite, said to have risen from the sea near Paphos.

Cyprus's strategic position meant it passed through many hands. Assyrians, Egyptians and Persians claimed it before Alexander the Great's successors and then Rome took control; the apostle Paul preached here, and Christianity took root early. Under Byzantium, painted mountain churches flourished. In 1191 Richard the Lionheart seized the island during the Crusades, and the French Lusignan dynasty ruled for three centuries, building Gothic cathedrals in Nicosia and Famagusta, before Venice took over and fortified its cities.

Read the full history

The Ottomans conquered Cyprus in 1571 and ruled for over three hundred years, adding mosques, caravanserais and a Turkish-speaking community alongside the Greek-speaking majority. Britain took over administration in 1878 and made it a colony in 1925. Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960. Intercommunal tensions followed, and since 1974 the island has been divided, with a UN buffer zone separating the south from the north, where crossing points now allow visitors to move between both sides.

Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008. For visitors, this long story is written everywhere: Roman mosaics at Paphos, frescoed churches in the Troodos Mountains, Crusader castles, Venetian walls and Ottoman baths, all set against sunny beaches, mountain villages and a warm culture of meze and hospitality.

Timeline

  1. c. 7000 BCNeolithic settlement at Choirokoitia
  2. c. 1200 BCMycenaean Greek settlers arrive
  3. 58 BCCyprus becomes part of the Roman world
  4. 1191Richard the Lionheart takes the island
  5. 1571Ottoman conquest of Cyprus
  6. 1878British administration begins
  7. 1960Independence as the Republic of Cyprus
  8. 2004Cyprus joins the European Union
Cyprus 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • European Union – EU member – EU/EEA citizens can travel and stay freely.
  • Eurozone – Uses the euro.
  • Commonwealth – Commonwealth member.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Cyprus appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Cyprus✨ 10 best things to do in Cyprus

Things to do in Cyprus

  1. Marvel at the Paphos mosaicsWalk among Roman villas whose floors show gods, heroes and hunting scenes in vivid tiny stones.
  2. Swim at Aphrodite's RockTake a dip at Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love.
  3. Hike the Troodos MountainsFollow pine-scented trails between waterfalls and villages to the island's highest peak.
  4. Tour painted churchesStep inside UNESCO-listed Byzantine chapels covered floor-to-ceiling in frescoes.
  5. Cross the Green Line in NicosiaWalk through Ledra Street checkpoint to experience both sides of the world's last divided capital.
  6. Explore KourionWatch the sea from a Greco-Roman theatre perched dramatically on a clifftop.
  7. Kayak the Blue LagoonPaddle turquoise waters around the wild Akamas Peninsula.
  8. Feast on mezeSettle in for a long meal of halloumi, sheftalia, kleftiko and countless small dishes.
  9. Dive the Zenobia wreckExplore one of the Mediterranean's top wreck dives just off Larnaca.
  10. Taste Commandaria wineTry one of the world's oldest named wines in the villages near Limassol.
Cyprus🗺️ Where to visit in Cyprus

Where to go in Cyprus

  • PaphosWest coast · archaeologyA UNESCO-listed old city of mosaics, tombs and harbour life.
  • Troodos MountainsCentre · mountains & villagesCool forests, painted churches, wineries and stone villages.
  • NicosiaCapital · divided cityVenetian walls, museums and a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish quarters.
  • LimassolSouth coast · city & beachesA lively seafront, medieval castle and nearby ancient Kourion.
  • 📍
    Ayia NapaEast · beaches & nightlifeFamous for clear water, sea caves and a buzzing summer party scene.
  • 📍
    Akamas PeninsulaNorthwest · natureRugged coastline, gorges and the Blue Lagoon in a protected wilderness.
  • LarnacaSouth coast · townA relaxed palm-lined promenade, the Church of St Lazarus and a salt lake with flamingos.
  • 📍
    Kyrenia (Girne)North coast · harbour townA picturesque horseshoe harbour overlooked by a castle and mountain-top ruins.
Cyprus✨ Must-do experiences
  • Swim at Aphrodite's Rock near Paphos
  • Visit painted churches in the Troodos
  • Share a big meze feast
  • Explore the sea caves of Cape Greco
Cyprus🍽️ Taste of Cyprus
  • Halloumi – grilled squeaky cheese
  • Meze – many small dishes shared at the table
  • Souvlaki – grilled pork or chicken skewers
  • Kleftiko – lamb slow-baked in a clay oven
Cyprus🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Cyprus

Best time to visit Cyprus

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers and mild, short winters. The Troodos Mountains are much cooler and can get snow in winter, while Nicosia inland is the hottest place in summer.

BestApril-June and September-October – warm sea, sunny days and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.
ShoulderMarch and November – quieter, mild and great for hiking, with occasional rain.
AvoidNo bad time – but July-August can be extremely hot inland, and December-February brings cooler, wetter days.
16°💧💧Jan
17°💧💧Feb
20°💧Mar
25°💧Apr
30°☀️May
35°☀️Jun
37°☀️Jul
37°☀️Aug
34°☀️Sep
29°💧Oct
23°💧Nov
18°💧💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Nicosia (approximate averages).

Cyprus🎉 Festivals & events in Cyprus
  • February-March
    Limassol CarnivalParades and costume parties fill the streets before Lent.
  • April-May
    Greek Orthodox EasterCandlelit processions, midnight services and family feasts across the island.
  • Late May-June
    KataklysmosThe Festival of the Flood brings seaside water fights, music and fairs at Pentecost.
  • Late August-September
    Limassol Wine FestivalCelebrates Cypriot wine with tastings, music and folk dancing.
Cyprus🧭 Cyprus itinerary ideas

How many days in Cyprus?

5 daysHighlights of Cyprus

Day 1-2 Paphos for mosaics, tombs and Aphrodite's Rock. Day 3 the Troodos Mountains and painted churches, Day 4 Limassol and Kourion, Day 5 Nicosia across the Green Line.

10 daysIsland circuit

Day 1-3 Paphos and the Akamas Peninsula, Day 4-5 Troodos villages and hiking. Day 6 Limassol, Day 7 Larnaca and the Zenobia, Day 8 Ayia Napa beaches, Day 9-10 Nicosia and Kyrenia in the north.

Cyprus🎒 Backpacking Cyprus – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $50–80 a day

  • Intercity buses link the main towns cheaply, but renting a car is best for the mountains.
  • Shoulder-season visits bring much lower accommodation prices than July and August.
  • Fill up on souvlaki, pitta and bakery snacks for cheap meals.
  • Many beaches are free, with sunbeds optional – bring your own towel and umbrella.
  • Larnaca and Paphos airports are served by low-cost airlines, making flights in cheap.
Cyprus🛡️ Safety & money in Cyprus

Stay safe

  • Cyprus is very safe, with low crime rates.
  • Respect the UN buffer zone and don't photograph military areas or checkpoints.
  • Summer heat can be intense; avoid midday hikes and drink plenty of water.
  • Traffic drives on the left, and mountain roads are narrow and winding.

Money

  • The Republic of Cyprus uses the euro; the north uses the Turkish lira but euros are often accepted.
  • Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are common in towns.
  • Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants if service isn't included.

Emergency: 112 or 199 police, fire & ambulance

Cyprus🛬 Getting to Cyprus

Larnaca and Paphos international airports serve most visitors, with flights across Europe and the Middle East. Ferries and cruise ships call at Limassol.

✈️ Cheap flights to Cyprus: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Cyprus💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Cyprus
  • Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British rule.
  • Halloumi cheese has protected status linked to Cyprus.
  • Choirokoitia is one of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
  • Nicosia is often called the world's last divided capital.
  • Cyprus has more than 300 days of sunshine a year in many areas.
Cyprus❓ Cyprus travel FAQ

Cyprus travel questions

Is Cyprus safe for tourists?

Yes, Cyprus is one of the safest destinations in Europe. Crime is low, and crossing between the north and south at official checkpoints is routine for most visitors.

When is the best time to visit Cyprus?

April to June and September to October offer warm seas and pleasant temperatures. July and August are very hot but ideal for beach holidays.

How many days do you need in Cyprus?

Five days covers the highlights in the south. A week to ten days lets you explore the mountains, beaches and the north.

Do I need a visa for Cyprus?

It depends on your passport. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.

What language is spoken in Cyprus?

Greek and Turkish are the official languages, and English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Cyprus💰 What a trip costs
$$price level
$50–80backpacker / day
$130–220mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Cyprus🚌 Getting around

Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, and intercity buses link the main towns. There are no trains.

Cyprus🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Kykkos Monastery – Rich Orthodox monastery in the Troodos Mountains
  • Church of Saint Lazarus – 9th-century stone church in Larnaca built over Lazarus's tomb
  • Hala Sultan Tekke – Mosque on the shore of Larnaca Salt Lake, sacred to Muslims
Cyprus🤝 Local etiquette
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries
  • Accept a coffee or sweet when offered by hosts
  • Expect long, relaxed meals – don't rush

📰 Older Cyprus stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

🧭 Nearby countries

Lebanon
LebanonAncient ruins, mountain cedars and Mediterranean food
Palestine
PalestineAncient towns, olive groves and deep-rooted traditions
Türkiye
TürkiyeWhere Europe meets Asia – bazaars, beaches and balloons
Israel
IsraelBeach cities, desert fortresses and the salty Dead Sea
Syria
SyriaAncient cities, Crusader castles and old souqs
Jordan
JordanRose-red Petra, desert camps and the Dead Sea
Egypt
EgyptPyramids, pharaohs' tombs and Red Sea reefs
Iraq
IraqCradle of civilisation, holy cities and ancient Mesopotamia
Advertise with usYour brand hereBottom banner · 970 x 90Book this space →