Highlights
Paphos Archaeological Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site on the harbour of Paphos, with Roman villas whose mosaic floors show scenes from Greek mythology, an ancient theatre and a fort. Nearby, the Tombs of the Kings are underground chambers cut into rock.
Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
A sea stack on the coast between Paphos and Limassol, linked in legend to the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The pebbly beach is especially popular at sunset.
Troodos Mountains
Pine-covered mountains in the centre of the island, with hiking trails, cooler summer air and occasional winter snow. Ten small churches and a monastery here, decorated with Byzantine frescoes, are listed together by UNESCO.
Nicosia
The capital's old town lies within Venetian walls and is divided by the Green Line, a UN-patrolled buffer zone. Ledra Street has a crossing point, and the Cyprus Museum holds finds from the island's long history.
Akamas Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon
A wild, protected peninsula in the north-west, with walking trails, sea caves and the Baths of Aphrodite. Boat trips from Latchi visit the clear, sheltered water of the Blue Lagoon.
Kourion
An ancient city on a cliff above the sea near Limassol, with a restored Greco-Roman theatre still used for performances, mosaic floors and views over the coast.
Cape Greco and Ayia Napa
The south-east has sandy beaches, sea caves and a sea arch at Cape Greco National Forest Park, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Ayia Napa is known for nightlife, and Protaras is quieter and family-oriented.
Larnaca
A seafront town with a palm-lined promenade, the Church of Saint Lazarus and a salt lake where flamingos gather in winter, next to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.
Interesting facts about Cyprus
- Since 1974 the island has been divided: the Republic of Cyprus controls the south, and the north is administered by a Turkish Cypriot administration. Crossing points on the Green Line allow travel between the two.
- Cyprus is one of the few EU countries where traffic drives on the left, a legacy of British rule.
- Halloumi, the squeaky grilled cheese, has a protected designation of origin from the EU as a Cypriot product.
- Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement in the south, was inhabited around 9,000 years ago and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The word 'copper' is thought to come from the Latin name for Cyprus, which was known for its copper mines in ancient times.
Best time to visit
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with warm sunshine, swimmable seas and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and hiking. July and August are very hot and busy on the coast. Winter is mild on the coast and brings rain and occasional snow to the Troodos mountains, but many beach resorts are quieter. The sea stays warm well into October and November.
Practical information
| Capital | Nicosia |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR) in the Republic of Cyprus; the Turkish lira is used in the north |
| Languages | Greek, Turkish |
| Plugs | Type G |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 112 or 199 for all emergencies |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | A service charge is sometimes included; otherwise leaving around a tenth of the bill in restaurants for good service is common. Rounding up taxi fares is fine. |
Getting around
Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, especially the Troodos and Akamas; driving is on the left. Intercity buses link Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Ayia Napa, and local buses serve the towns and resorts, with airport shuttles to Larnaca and Paphos airports. There are no railways. Taxis and ride-hailing are available in the main towns. Check your rental and insurance terms if you plan to drive across the Green Line.
Staying connected in Cyprus
Mobile coverage is good in towns, resorts and along main roads, with 4G and 5G in the cities. Signal can drop in the Troodos valleys, the Akamas Peninsula and other remote areas. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, apartments and cafés. In the Republic of Cyprus EU roaming rules apply for EU plans; in the north, phones may connect to networks outside the EU arrangements, which can be costly. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Cyprus eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Cyprus
- Bolt: Ride-hailing and taxis in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
- Google Maps: Driving directions on the left-hand side and offline maps for the mountains.
- Google Translate: Translate Greek and Turkish signs and menus, although English is widely spoken.
- XE Currency: Convert between euros and Turkish lira if you visit the north.