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Cyprus travel guide
Sunny Mediterranean island of myths, mosaics and meze.
Cyprus is a sunny island in the eastern Mediterranean with beaches, mountain villages and thousands of years of history. Travelers enjoy the resorts of Ayia Napa and Paphos, the Troodos Mountains with painted churches and the divided capital Nicosia.
Travel tools
Getting there
Larnaca and Paphos international airports serve most visitors, with flights across Europe and the Middle East. Ferries and cruise ships call at Limassol.
Best time to visit: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct – warm sea and comfortable temperatures.
Tougher months: No bad time – but July-August can be extremely hot inland, and December-February brings cooler, wetter days.
Weather by month in Nicosia
- 16°J●●
- 17°F●●
- 20°M●
- 25°A●
- 30°M
- 35°J
- 37°J
- 37°A
- 34°S
- 29°O●
- 23°N●
- 18°D●●
Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).
Time zone: Asia/Famagusta, Asia/Nicosia. Compare with your local time.
Visas: in our passport dataset, 93 of 198 other passports can enter Cyprus without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 105 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.
Background: Visa policy of Cyprus (Wikipedia).
Official advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-06-01). Read the advisory.
Source and more: Cyprus travel facts on RoamSun
Stay
Most trips to Cyprus are based around Paphos, Troodos Mountains or Nicosia. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.
Typical daily budget: about US$50–80 for a backpacker and US$130–220 mid-range, per person.
Source: RoamSun Cyprus page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: G. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +357.
Mobile data: read the eSIM for Europe before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
Do
- Paphos (West coast · archaeology): A UNESCO-listed old city of mosaics, tombs and harbour life.
- Troodos Mountains (Centre · mountains & villages): Cool forests, painted churches, wineries and stone villages.
- Nicosia (Capital · divided city): Venetian walls, museums and a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish quarters.
- Limassol (South coast · city & beaches): A lively seafront, medieval castle and nearby ancient Kourion.
- Ayia Napa (East · beaches & nightlife): Famous for clear water, sea caves and a buzzing summer party scene.
- Akamas Peninsula (Northwest · nature): Rugged coastline, gorges and the Blue Lagoon in a protected wilderness.
- Larnaca (South coast · town): A relaxed palm-lined promenade, the Church of St Lazarus and a salt lake with flamingos.
- Kyrenia (Girne) (North coast · harbour town): A picturesque horseshoe harbour overlooked by a castle and mountain-top ruins.
Things to do
- Marvel at the Paphos mosaics. Walk among Roman villas whose floors show gods, heroes and hunting scenes in vivid tiny stones.
- Swim at Aphrodite's Rock. Take a dip at Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love.
- Hike the Troodos Mountains. Follow pine-scented trails between waterfalls and villages to the island's highest peak.
- Tour painted churches. Step inside UNESCO-listed Byzantine chapels covered floor-to-ceiling in frescoes.
- Cross the Green Line in Nicosia. Walk through Ledra Street checkpoint to experience both sides of the world's last divided capital.
- Explore Kourion. Watch the sea from a Greco-Roman theatre perched dramatically on a clifftop.
- Kayak the Blue Lagoon. Paddle turquoise waters around the wild Akamas Peninsula.
- Feast on meze. Settle in for a long meal of halloumi, sheftalia, kleftiko and countless small dishes.
Source: full Cyprus guide on RoamSun
Eat and drink
- 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
Source: RoamSun Cyprus guide
Money and safety
Currency: Euro (EUR). Currency and plug checker.
Tipping: A service charge is often included; otherwise round up or leave 5–10%..
Emergency numbers: 112 or 199 police, fire & ambulance.
- 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.
- Cyprus is very safe, with low crime rates.
- Respect the UN buffer zone and don't photograph military areas or checkpoints.
Source: RoamSun Cyprus facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cyprus?
Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct – warm sea and comfortable temperatures. Mediterranean, with long hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
What time zone is Cyprus in?
Cyprus uses Asia/Famagusta, Asia/Nicosia.
Do I need a visa for Cyprus?
It depends on your passport. In our dataset 93 of 198 other passports can enter without a prior visa, 0 need an e-visa or eTA and 105 need a visa in advance. Use the visa checker and confirm with the official government source.
What plug and voltage does Cyprus use?
Cyprus uses plug type G at 230 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Cyprus?
The international calling code for Cyprus is +357.
Do you tip in Cyprus?
A service charge is often included; otherwise round up or leave 5–10%..
What is the emergency number in Cyprus?
112 or 199 police, fire & ambulance.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Cyprus?
Traffic drives on the left.