Neolithic settlements, the remnants of mighty kingdoms, fine Roman mosaics and the birthplace of Greek gods… you can trace the history of the Mediterranean across Cyprus’s shores. Between the island’s archaeological sites, you’ll find vineyard-scattered valleys, pine-forested villages and relaxed coastal towns where families eat alfresco at meze-laden tables.
Our specialists have explored the country, from the painted medieval churches and forests of the Troodos Massif to the palm-tree-lined promenades, Byzantine forts and long sandy bays of the coast. They can help you cruise the aquamarine waters of the Blue Lagoon, try your hand at beekeeping in the Troodos Mountains, and sample wine at a family-run vineyard near Omodos.
Whether you want to hike among the alpine forests, meet artisans crafting traditional lace and embroidery, stroll Limassol’s Old Town or explore the ruined city of Ancient Kourion, we’ll tailor your Cyprus vacation to your interests.
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Cyprus.
Paphos Archaeological Park
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day on this privately guided tour. You’ll see Roman villas, mosaics and amphitheatres at Paphos Archaeological Park, as well as underground tombs carved from rock at a 4th-century necropolis.
Limassol, Ancient Kourion and the wine village of Omodos
Spend the day exploring Cyprus’s second city and the highlights of the surrounding area on this privately guided tour. You’ll walk through Limassol’s old town, visit Roman villas and an amphitheatre in Kourion Archaeological Site and sample Cypriot vintages at a family-owned winery.
Hiking in the Troodos Mountains
For a change of scene from Cyprus’s lively coast, head inland with a private guide to hike among the Troodos Mountains, spotting endemic wildlife as you go. You’ll also pause for lunch in a small village and visit a centuries-old monastery.
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Cyprus, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Greek and Turkish are the official languages of Cyprus. The vast majority of the population speak Greek, which is written using the Greek alphabet, while in Northern Cyprus, Turkish is spoken.
English is widely spoken in popular visitor destinations. Street signs, as well as signage in the airports and in most public places, are mostly written in Greek and English.
The currency of Cyprus is the euro (€), which you can buy easily before you travel. Northern Cyprus uses Turkish lira as the official currency but also accepts euros. You’ll find ATMs in all areas, and credit cards are widely accepted. You’ll also find banks and exchange bureaus in larger towns, though their opening hours can be limited.
Popular Cypriot dishes include souvlaki (grilled, skewered meat served in pita bread), stifado (rabbit stew), kleftiko (beef stew), and koupepia (stuffed grape leaves). Food in Cyprus is similar to that in Greece, but you’ll also see influences from Turkey and the Middle East.
Halloumi cheese is made on the island and is popular locally, and fresh fish and seafood is typical along the coast. It’s common to order a variety of meze (small dishes) to share so you can try more than one dish at a meal.
Coffee in Cyprus is rich and strong, local wines are well worth seeking out, while the traditional anise-based spirit ouzo is a popular digestif.
A tip of roughly 10% is the norm in Cypriot restaurants if a service charge hasn’t already been added to your total. It’s also common to tip taxi drivers, hotel porters, and tour guides. Your specialist can advise on appropriate amounts closer to your travel dates.
Cyprus is very hot in the summer, so bring light, cool clothing, and plenty of sun protection. In winter, temperatures remain mild, and packing layers is a convenient solution to the warm days and cooler mornings and evenings. If you plan to visit monasteries or churches, please ensure you dress respectfully and cover your shoulders and knees.
For the latest travel advice for Cyprus, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.
In Cyprus you can explore ancient churches and monasteries, Ottoman castles, walled cities, vineyards, mountains, and golden stretches of soft sand. Although many visitors come to Cyprus to relax on the beach, it offers a wide variety of other experiences and makes a good destination year-round, with plenty of interesting sights to discover.
Along with lazing by a pool or relaxing on the beach, you could explore small towns and villages as you hike through the mountains, discover rock-carved burial tombs or the vestiges of ancient Greek and Roman cities, visit wineries and fishing villages, take a cruise, or dive along reefs and wrecks in crystalline waters.
In Cyprus, you can choose to stay in luxurious beach resorts, restored historic hotels, or tranquil retreats with authentic Cypriot character. Cyprus offers a wide range of places to stay with most hotels clustered along the coast. Most beachfront resorts have a choice of restaurants and room types, and often feature a gym, spa, or water sports.
For example, you could opt for an indulgent waterfront retreat with private pools and options to dive or take a catamaran trip, head for a boutique spa hotel in the mountains, or a family-friendly beach resort with dedicated facilities and services for children. Your specialist can help find the right hotel for you, but you can get some ideas by browsing our collection of places to stay in Cyprus.
Most visitors make a base in the south of Cyprus, perhaps in Limassol or Paphos, and spend time exploring the coastline as well as the interior around the Troodos Mountains. Cyprus’s compact size makes it easy to explore the island, and whether you wish to stay in Greek Cyprus to the south, or cross the Green Line into northern Turkish Cyprus, you’ll find plenty to see and do.
Narrow streets lined with small shops surround a medieval castle in vibrant Limassol where the promenade along the sandy beach is home to some of the island’s finest restaurants. In UNESCO-protected Paphos centuries of history unfold before you on the streets with temples and tombs from classical Greece and a Byzantine fort guarding the bay.
For alpine forests, terraced vineyards, and remote monasteries, the Troodos Mountains show a different side of the island and offer some respite from the summer heat.
The best way to get around in Cyprus is by car. Cyprus is a relatively small island, and you can drive across it in about two to three hours. You can rent a car, or we can arrange for a private driver to take you between destinations.
Many Cypriot resorts are self-contained, while others are located within walking distance of towns. Taxis are readily available throughout the main coastal areas and are generally safe and reliable.
The Green Line is a buffer zone that divides the Turkish Cypriot north from the Greek Cypriot south, with several crossing points along its length. While we have focused on the south of the island, visitors staying in this area can cross into the north as often as they wish.
It takes around 12 hours to fly from the East Coast of the US to Cyprus, and around 16 and a half hours from the West Coast.
The time zone in Cyprus is UTC+2 hours. Daylight Savings Time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Cyprus. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Speak to your doctor about immunization advice for Cyprus and ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations at home. You can also check the suggested vaccinations for Cyprus on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
