The Cyprus holidays are your ticket to all the fun and thrills offered by this Mediterranean island. From enjoying golden beaches, hiking up the rugged mountains, to experiencing timeless history, Cyprus has something for everyone. One of the ideal reasons to visit here is due to its year-round sunshine. While visiting here, you can go for a stroll along pristine coastlines in Ayia Napa and Protaras, as these places are popular for activities like swimming, snorkelling, and diving. You can also venture inland to the Troodos Mountains, which is a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and winter skiers. If you have a keen interest in historic attractions, then head straight for the UNESCO World Heritage sites like the ancient ruins of Kourion or the iconic Tombs of the Kings.
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Accommodation
5 & 7 Nights
30% Savings
Flights
Transfers
5 & 7 Nights
30% Savings
Flights
Transfers
Accommodation
Peak season
Warm, dry months ideal for beach activities.
Off-season
Cooler and wetter, suitable for cultural exploration.
17° / 9°
55-80 mm
6 Hours
18° / 9°
45-65 mm
7 Hours
20° / 10°
25-45 mm
8 Hours
23° / 13°
10-20 mm
10 Hours
28° / 17°
5-15 mm
11 Hours
32° / 20°
1-5 mm
12 Hours
33° / 22°
0-2 mm
13 Hours
33° / 22°
0-2 mm
12 Hours
31° / 20°
5-15 mm
11 Hours
27° / 17°
25-45 mm
9 Hours
22° / 13°
50-75 mm
7 Hours
18° / 10°
70-100 mm
5 Hours
Non-stop
Euro
Larnaca International Airport
No visa required, EU member
as of 2026
There is no single way to experience Cyprus. One day can be spent wandering ancient ruins, the next swimming in clear Mediterranean water.
Cyprus has changed hands many times over the centuries, and each civilisation has left something behind that is still worth seeing today
People have lived on Cyprus for more than 11,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the Mediterranean. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians and Ottomans all left their mark, shaping the island’s history through archaeological sites, churches and enduring traditions.
Cyprus’ position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East made it a prized stronghold for centuries. Castles such as Kolossi, Limassol, Paphos, Kyrenia, Saint Hilarion and Buffavento still stand today, each revealing a different chapter of the island’s turbulent past.
Modern Cyprus has its own complex story. Since 1974, the island has remained divided between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-controlled north, with the United Nations maintaining a buffer zone. A walk through Nicosia offers rare insight into this continuing chapter of European history.
Cyprus is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Paphos Archaeological Park, the Tombs of the Kings and the Painted Churches of the Troodos Mountains. Their remarkably preserved mosaics, underground tombs and Byzantine frescoes reveal thousands of years of the island’s cultural heritage.
If sitting on the beach isn’t enough, Cyprus has mountains, hikes, sea caves, off-road tracks and one of the Mediterranean’s best known wreck dives.
The Troodos Mountains are home to some of Cyprus’ finest walking trails. Paths weave through pine forests, quiet villages and hidden waterfalls, with options ranging from gentle walks to full-day hikes. In winter, Mount Olympus even becomes the island’s only skiing area.
The Akamas Peninsula is one of the wildest parts of Cyprus, with trails such as Aphrodite, Adonis and Smigies crossing rugged cliffs, coastal hills and untouched countryside. Along the way, you will spot native plants, sweeping sea views and landscapes far removed from the busy beach resorts.
Inside the Akamas Peninsula, Avakas Gorge is one of Cyprus' most impressive natural landmarks. The walk takes you between towering limestone cliffs, through narrow rock passages and across a rugged riverbed, making it a favourite with hikers looking for something a little more adventurous.
Blue Bay, near Protaras, is one of the best places in Cyprus to try scuba diving. The clear, calm water is ideal for beginners, while certified divers can explore underwater rock formations, colourful fish and thriving marine life beneath the surface.
Near Pano Platres, the walk to Millomeris Waterfall is short, shaded and suitable for most visitors. The trail passes through cool woodland before reaching one of Cyprus’ tallest and most picturesque waterfalls, making it a welcome break from the summer heat.
Beginning near Platres, the Caledonia Waterfall Trail follows a mountain stream through dense woodland before reaching the waterfall. It is a slightly longer walk than Millomeris but remains one of the island’s most enjoyable forest hikes.
Jeep safaris venture deep into the Akamas Peninsula and the Troodos Mountains, reaching the places that ordinary cars often can’t. The routes pass through remote villages, coastal viewpoints, secluded beaches and rugged backroads that many visitors would otherwise miss.
Meals last longer than you might expect, village traditions remain strong and hospitality is something locals genuinely take pride in.
The mountain villages are worth setting aside a day for. Omodos is known for its winery-lined streets and old monastery, while Lefkara is famous for intricate lace and silverwork. Between them, you will pass stone houses, shaded courtyards and cafés where life moves at its own pace.
Don’t make the mistake of ordering starters first. A meze is the meal. Plates appear one after another, including halloumi, grilled meats, seafood, stuffed vine leaves, salads, breads, dips and whatever else the kitchen is preparing that day.
If you enjoy wine, head into the Troodos foothills. Commandaria, often recognised as the world’s oldest named wine still in production, is still made here using grapes dried naturally under the sun before pressing.
Traditional kafeina are easy to spot. Small cups of strong Cypriot coffee, loud conversations and the sound of backgammon are all part of the routine. Leave the coffee grounds sitting at the bottom of the cup.
You will come across churches and monasteries almost everywhere in Cyprus. Some stand beside busy roads, others are tucked away in the mountains. Orthodox monasteries, Byzantine churches and quiet chapels still serve local communities, while many preserve remarkable frescoes and icons that have survived for hundreds of years.
Some evenings call for a quiet harbour dinner, while others end with music and dancing in Ayia Napa or Limassol.
When the sun goes down, Ayia Napa takes on a completely different atmosphere. Bars, open-air clubs and beachfront venues stay busy until the early hours, especially between June and September, making it the island’s busiest nightlife hub.
If you are travelling with family or simply want a break from sightseeing, Cyprus has excellent waterparks. WaterWorld in Ayia Napa is themed around Greek mythology, while Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark offers wave pools, lazy rivers and fast slides for all ages.
One of the most popular ways to spend a day is out on the water. Cruises from Protaras, Paphos and the Akamas Peninsula visit places like the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy the coastline from the sea.
Entertainment isn’t only about beaches and nightlife. Places like the Paradox Museum in Limassol, the Fairytale Museum in Nicosia and the quirky Salt & Pepper Museum in Larnaca offer something different, whether you are travelling with children or just escaping the afternoon heat.
Animal lovers can spend a day at Pafos Zoo, home to birds, giraffes, lemurs and many other species, or visit Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station, where green and loggerhead turtles are protected during nesting season.
Many villages and resorts host traditional Greek nights with live bouzouki music, folk dancing and generous Cypriot meze. Places such as Pissouri and Coral Bay are especially popular if you would rather spend the evening enjoying local culture than clubbing.
Many of Cyprus’s best celebrations happen in local communities where food, music and long-standing traditions bring people together.
Every February or March, just before the Orthodox Lent, Limassol transforms into one giant celebration. Costumed parades, street parties, music and dancing fill the city for ten days, ending with the spectacular Grand Carnival Parade that attracts visitors from across the island.
Held each May, Anthesteria celebrates spring with roots in ancient Greek festivals honouring Dionysus. Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos are decorated with colourful flower displays, while parades, music and community celebrations welcome the new season.
Celebrated every June around Orthodox Pentecost, Kataklysmos commemorates Noah’s Flood with water games, concerts and seaside fairs. Larnaca hosts the largest festivities, where the waterfront stays lively from morning until late evening.
During July and August, ancient theatres at Kourion and Paphos once again become performance stages. Classical Greek tragedies and comedies are presented in the open air, creating one of Cyprus’ most distinctive cultural events.
Every late August and early September, Limassol celebrates its long winemaking heritage with local wines, grape pressing demonstrations, folk dancing and live entertainment. The festival takes place in the city’s Municipal Gardens and remains one of Cyprus’ best-loved annual events.
Throughout July, the Finikoudes Promenade hosts concerts, theatre, dance performances and cultural shows almost every evening. The month-long programme brings together local artists and international performers in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Held every September, this festival fills the square beside Ayia Napa’s medieval monastery with folk dancing, music, theatre and craft demonstrations. It offers a completely different side of town beyond its famous beaches and nightlife.
Some landmarks tell Cyprus’s history, others simply remind you why people keep returning to the island year after year.
Some of Cyprus’ finest Roman mosaics have survived inside Paphos Archaeological Park, where ancient villas, theatres and temples reveal stories from Greek mythology. Recognised a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the island’s most remarkable places to explore classical history.
The name is misleading as no kings were buried here. Instead, these enormous rock-cut tombs were built for wealthy officials during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Together with nearby Paphos monuments, they are protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Standing on cliffs above the Mediterranean near Limassol, Kourion rewards visitors with sweeping sea views and one of Cyprus’ best-preserved ancient sites. Roman villas, detailed mosaics and a Greco-Roman theatre, still used for summer performances, bring the site vividly to life.
A lonely sea stack rising from the coast marks the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Mythology draws many people to Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou), but the dramatic shoreline and sunset views are just as memorable.
Reaching Kykkos Monastery means climbing into the Troodos Mountains, where one of Cyprus’ richest and most important religious sites awaits. Glittering mosaics, colourful frescoes and treasured icons continue to attract both pilgrims and visitors throughout the year.
The first thing you will notice is the colour of the water. Tucked along the Akamas Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is a favourite place for swimming and snorkelling, reached by boat, hiking trail or adventurous jeep safari.
Every nesting season, green and loggerhead turtles return to the protected beaches of Lara Bay. Conservation teams carefully monitor the nests, making this one of the Mediterranean’s most important wildlife conservation areas.
Surrounded by vineyards in the Troodos Mountains, Omodos is a village best explored on foot. Stone lanes lead to the historic Timios Stavros Monastery, family-run wineries and tavernas, making it one of Cyprus’ most rewarding inland stops.
A walk through Ledra Street can even take you across the Green Line, separating the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-controlled north. Few capitals tell such a visible modern story, making Nicosia Europe’s last divided capital.
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Nothing behaves quite as your eyes expect inside the Paradox Museum. Interactive exhibits, optical illusions and hands-on installations challenge balance, perspective and perception, making it a popular stop for both families and curious adults.
Hidden in Nicosia, the Fairytale Museum explores myths, legends and classic fairy tales through interactive displays and storytelling exhibits. It is a fun stop for children, while adults often enjoy discovering the history behind familiar stories.
You probably won’t expect to find thousands of salt and pepper shakers in one place, but that’s exactly what waits in Larnaca. This unusual museum houses a quirky private collection gathered from around the world, offering something completely different from Cyprus’ ancient landmarks.
Soft white sand and shallow turquoise water have made Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa one of Cyprus’ most famous beaches. A small islet sits just offshore and can often be reached on foot when the tide is low, while the beach is equally popular for swimming, water sports and lively summer afternoons.
Food is a big part of everyday life in Cyprus, where family recipes, fresh ingredients and long, relaxed meals are traditions in themselves.
Cyprus’s signature cheese, best enjoyed grilled with a lightly salty bite.
Handmade pork parcels wrapped in caul fat and cooked over charcoal.
Lamb so slow-cooked it falls apart with barely any effort.
Homestyle pork flavoured with red wine and crushed coriander.
Cyprus’s answer to baked pasta, finished with creamy béchamel.
Tender vine leaves wrapped around seasoned rice and minced meat.
Weekend favourite featuring large charcoal-roasted cuts shared with family.
Golden dough bites drizzled generously with honey before serving.
Earthy taro root, commonly served in slow-simmered traditional stews.
Small in size but remarkably diverse, Cyprus blends ancient history, mountain villages and Mediterranean traditions into everyday life.
Cyprus has been inhabited for over 11,000 years. It is older than many people expect from a beach holiday.
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are packed onto the island, from the mosaics of Paphos to the Painted Churches in the Troodos Mountains and ancient Choirokoitia.
Nicosia is still the world’s largest divided capital. You can even cross the Green Line on foot.
Halloumi started here, and so did Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine that is still produced in a handful of villages today.
Cyprus sits at the meeting point of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. You notice that mix in the food, architecture and local customs.
In winter, the Troodos Mountains get enough snow for skiing while the Mediterranean coast stays only a short drive away.
The island is famous for its beaches, many of which hold Blue Flag status for clean water, safety and environmental management.
Greek and Turkish are the official languages, but English is spoken almost everywhere visitors are likely to go.
A few local habits are worth knowing before you arrive, especially if it is your first time visiting the island.
Renting a car? Remember that traffic keeps to the left. It is the easiest way to reach mountain villages, quiet beaches and places buses rarely visit.
Bring both a card and some cash. Most places accept cards, but village cafés, bakeries and small markets often prefer cash.
You won’t need to learn much Greek to get around. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and most tourist areas.
Churches, monasteries and mosques are active places of worship, not just sightseeing stops. Dress modestly, and remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
Pack for the heat. Summer afternoons regularly climb over 35°C, so water, sunscreen and a hat quickly become essentials.
A meze isn’t a starter. In fact, it is a whole meal. Wait until a few dishes arrive before deciding whether to order anything else.
If you are planning to cross the Green Line, carry your passport. Border checks are straightforward, but identification is required.
Tap water is safe in many parts of Cyprus, although bottled water is still the more common choice in restaurants.
Whether you are walking through ancient ruins or exploring a protected nature reserve, stick to marked paths and follow local signs to help preserve these places.
The sunshine does most of the planning for you, but a few practical extras can make sightseeing far more comfortable.
Visitors generally find Cyprus relaxed and easy to navigate, especially after learning a few local driving and practical tip
Cyprus has a well-earned reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s safest holiday destinations, and most travellers experience no problems during their visit. However, a little common sense goes a long way. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, use registered transport, and check local updates if you are travelling during the summer, when extreme heat or wildfires can occasionally affect parts of the island.
Pickpocketing isn’t a major issue, but don’t leave phones, bags or passports unattended at beaches, cafés or in parked cars.
Order your own drinks and keep them with you, particularly in busy bars and late-night venues.
The Mediterranean can look calm even when currents are strong. Swim at lifeguarded beaches and respect beach flag systems.
Book diving trips, jeep safaris and water sports through licensed operators. Check your insurance before heading out.
From April to October, wildfire risk is high, especially around the Troodos Mountains. If you see smoke while hiking, leave the area without waiting.
Cyprus is divided by the Green Line. Cross only through official checkpoints, and avoid photographing military sites or border installations.
Registered taxis are the safest option. If you are hiring a car or equipment, never leave your passport as a deposit.
Minor earthquakes do happen from time to time. They rarely cause serious disruption, but follow local instructions if one occurs.
Cyprus takes drug offences very seriously. Even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to heavy fines or prison sentences.
Driving rules are strictly enforced. Seat belts and motorcycle helmets are mandatory, and using a handheld phone behind the wheel can result in substantial fines.
Tipping isn’t expected everywhere, but leaving 5–10% for good service is always appreciated in restaurants and cafés.
Cypriots are known for their warm hospitality. If someone offers you coffee, sweets or a small snack, accepting politely is considered good manners.
Churches, monasteries and mosques remain active places of worship. Dress modestly, keep noise to a minimum, and remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
The island is divided between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-controlled north. If you are crossing the Green Line, keep your passport or another valid ID with you.
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