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Holidays to Cyprus tick all the right boxes, from beautiful beaches and ancient history to a serious party scene.
Classic crowd-pleaser
Cyprus holidays are the gift that keep on giving, no matter what kind of trip you’re after. Solid sunshine? Sorted. Nightlife? No problem. History and culture? Heaps of both. And the island’s a firm fave for fly-and-flopping thanks to its beaches, with 64 Blue Flag wavers to its name. The sandy stretches are split between the lively towns that dot the coastline – you’ve got Paphos on one end, Ayia Napa on the other, and Limassol and Larnaca in between. And if you head inland, it’s all pretty villages and churches nestled in the valleys of the towering Troodos Mountains.
Rich roots
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, Cyprus has passed through many hands over the years. The Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans have all left their mark here, so you’ll find a real mish-mash of cultures across the cities, from the cuisine to the architecture.
Ancient wonders
The island’s home to some seriously old stuff, like the age-old ruins of Kourion in Limassol. Built by the Greeks and later refurbed by the Romans, this complex of crumbling columns and stones was a bustling city in its hey-day. Still standing today are the open-air theatre, temple and bathhouse, as well a few surviving mosaics in the House of the Gladiators. Over in Paphos, you can visit the Tombs of the Kings, an underground network of burial sites that date all the way back to the 4th century BC. Not only are the fancy frescoes fit for a royal, but they’ve since been given UNESCO status.
Good enough for a goddess
Another big historical win for Paphos is Aphrodite’s Rock. Legend has it, the goddess of love walked right out of the sea here. Whether you believe it or not, the bluey-green waters and perfectly placed rocks definitely give off mythical vibes, so it’s as good a spot as any for a few holiday snaps.
Battle of the beaches
Coves, lagoons, bays – Cyprus’ beaches come in all shapes and sizes. Larnaca’s home to Nissi Beach’s white sweeps, though if you prefer gold, Coral Bay in Paphos tops the podium. Or, pick Pissouri’s pebbly shores and skip the sand altogether.
Party playground
After a proper party? look no further. Ayia Napa doesn’t need introducing – it’s been huge name in Europe’s nightlife game for decades thanks to its mega clubs, beach bars and foam parties. But if a craft beer or a cocktail at sunset’s more your speed, the town’s got a more chilled side away from the booming basslines, too.
Best resorts in Cyprus
On the west coast, Paphos is all about textbook beaches and centuries-old sites. There’s the hilly old town packed with pretty streets, cute shops and charming restaurants, and a lively harbour lined with cafés and bars.
Limassol was the island’s largest port back in the day, and all eyes are still on its lovely marina, shared by colourful fishing boats and boujie catamarans. The city also has a lot of history, with not one, but two castles.
It might only be a stone’s throw from Ayia Napa, but Nissi Beach is also a popular pick for families. Its dreamy beaches are on the shallow side so it’s ideal if you’ve got little ones, and WaterWorld is nearby with its super-sized waterslides.
Not far from Ayia Napa’s neon lights, Larnaca offers a more laidback vibe. The focus is on Finikoudes Beach, which dominates the waterfront with bars, restaurants and huge hotels running alongside it.
Protaras is a big slice of zen. Its six beaches have a natural look, and the star of the show is Fig Tree Bay. Spend days out on the sand, popping into the cafés and restaurants along the main strip for some lunchtime meze or an ice cream.
Top Cyprus holiday deals
Holiday Village Aliathon
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 6 October 2025
Tasia Maris Beach Hotel and Spa
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 20 November 2025
Louis Phaethon Beach
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 9 December 2025
Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 9 December 2025
Kefalos Beach Village
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 30 June 2025
Melini Hotel Suites
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 1 July 2025
Tasia Maris Oasis
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 29 June 2025
King Jason, Paphos
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 13 November 2025
Mare Ayia Napa
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 6 November 2025
Olympic Lagoon Resort Ayia Napa
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 6 November 2025
Why pick Cyprus holidays
Culture for days
Ancient wonders
Beaut beaches
Party playground
Your guide to Cyprus
With 64 Blue Flag beaches under its belt, Cyprus is a heavyweight in the coast category.
- Coral Bay – A firm fave with families for its shallow water and gentle waves. It gets a tick for easy access, too, with bars and cafés lining the sand.
- Nissi Beach – This white-sand stunner is an award winner. Its curved shape makes it a super sheltered spot for swimming.
- Aphrodite Beach – Legend has it, the goddess of love walked right out of the sea here. The bluey-green waters and perfectly placed rocks definitely give off mythical vibes, so it’s as good a spot as any for a few holiday snaps.
With a coastline this long, Cyprus has plenty of sandy spots where you can escape the crowds.
- Paramali Beach – Surrounded by fragrant citrus groves, this wide, sandy stretch is all about the au-naturel aesthetic.
- Konnos Beach – Near Ayia Napa, this secluded cove backs onto rugged hills, and the 4K-clear water is perfect for snorkelling.
- Zapalo Beach – This beach in Limassol’s got some impressive cliffs for a backdrop. It feels pretty secret, so you might have the whole stretch to yourself.
- Cape Greco – The national park’s hidden sea caves are the perfect place for a peaceful dip surrounded by wildlife.
If going for a paddle doesn’t cut it for you, these livelier beaches are all yours.
- Mackenzie Beach – From jetskiing and parasailing to wakeboarding, you’ll find whatever kind of watersport floats your boat.
- Lara Bay – This is a great choice for kayaking and paddle-boarding. It’s also a turtle conservation area, so keep your eyes peeled for shells while you glide along.
- Makronissos Beach – Near Ayia Napa, this buzzy beach is the go-to for fun water activities, like windsurfing, and banana boat rides.
Holidays in Cyprus are a win if you love a good meal. You’ll find everything from street food and family-run restaurants to international fine-dining.
- Paphos – For a true taste of Cyprus, stroll through the cobbled lanes in Paphos’ Old Town and pick a traditional taverna. For seafood as fresh as it gets, head to the harbour.
- Larnaca – Chinese, Lebanese, Mediterranean – you might be in Cyprus, but you can eat a different country’s cuisine every night here. For something local, the cosy Kazani Taverna’s a go-to.
- Fikardos Winery – One of the top-rated vineyards in Cyprus, this charming, family-run estate near Paphos is open for tours and tastings.
- Hadjipieris Organic Farmers Market – Not far from Limassol, this rustic farmers market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and sells fresh local produce like fruit and vegetables.
Traditional Cypriot cuisine is a delish blend of Turkish and Greek flavours, with a local twist.
- Halloumi – You’ll never eat better halloumi than in Cyprus… Made from a blend of goat’s and sheep’s milk, this famous ‘squeaky’ cheese is so good, whether raw, grilled or fried.
- Koupepia – The Cypriot take on the Greek dolma are savoury vine leaf parcels filled with rice, minced meat, onions, tomatoes and herbs.
- Meze – If you love small plates, this is so you. Meze is a traditional meal with lots of little dishes, like dips, bread, olives, salad and grilled halloumi. Fish meze usually includes cuttlefish, calamari and sea bream.
- Souvlaki – This is Cyprus’ version of the classic Greek kebab. It’s made with pork skewers marinaded in olive oil, oregano and a good squeeze of lemon, then grilled until juicy. Usually, they’re served in a warm pitta bread with fresh salad and a big drizzle of tahini – yum.
- Zivania – The Cypriots didn’t mess about when they made this stuff. It’s a brandy made from grapes, and it’s so strong that as well as being a drink, it used to be a first-aid staple in homes across the island.
If you need a little retail therapy during your holiday in Cyprus the island’s got you covered with everything from markets to designer boutiques…
- Ayia Napa – Designer labels come thick and fast here, with the likes of Ben Sherman and Calvin Klein leading the way on Makarios and Nissi avenues. It’s also a great place to find souvenirs with a real local stamp – look out for pretty Lefkara lace, handmade pottery and handwoven baskets.
- MYMALL Limassol – Billed as the biggest shopping centre in Cyprus, it packs in 150 big-name favourites like Mango and Marks & Spencer. They’ve got pretty much everything covered, with shoes, beauty, watches and jewellery – and they’ve thrown in an ice rink and bowling alley, too.
- Nissi and Makarios Avenues – The two main shopping hubs for designer stores – and with prices much lower than at home, you’ll be feeling fresh on the flight back.
- Paphos – Pick up leather goods, wooden handicrafts and seashell jewellery at one of the Old Town markets. You’ll also find fine art dealers and galleries if you’ve got a thing for paintings.
Cyprus comes alive with a whole calendar full of festivals throughout the summer.
- Paphos Jazz Festival – Every September, the streets of Paphos are taken over by a smooth jazz soundtrack. Live performances start in the day and continue late into the evening, with musicians ranging from classic saxophonists to quirky jazz pianists and whole bands.
- Napa Live – Swap Glastonbury for Makronissos Beach at this summer festival, which takes place over two separate weeks in June and July. Previous years have seen the likes of the Charlatans and Chase & Status top the bill. If you buy a wristband, you’ll also get bungee pool bashes, boat parties and entry to the Live Lounge, where music parties go on until the early hours.
- Kataklysmos – The annual Festival of the Flood sees locals flocking down to the harbour for swimming competitions and games. There’s traditional folk dancing to keep the crowds entertained, and stalls selling Cypriot food when the party needs refuelling.
From historic wonders to waterparks, Cyprus holidays are packed with activities to suit every vibe.
- Shipwreck scenes – Visit the EDRO III shipwreck near the Akamas Peninsula in Paphos. The story goes that the ship hit the rocks here in 2011 while travelling from Limassol to Rhodes, and it’s been a pretty cool photo opp ever since.
- WaterWorld – Near Nissi Beach, this ancient Greece-themed water park mixes huge waterslides with a classical history lesson.
- Alaminos sea caves – Cyprus’ coast is indented with rugged sea caves. Ayia Napa might have the most famous ones, but Alaminos has a set of its own. Join a boat tour to hop between them, or jump in the water for a closer look.
If you’re looking to explore on a budget, the island’s bus system is a reliable way to zip from one end of the coast to the other. If you’re travelling about on weekends or public holidays, it’s worth just checking the schedules are running as normal.
For max freedom getting about, hiring a car is the way to go. The driving in Cyprus is on the left, so it’s a breeze for UK drivers. The pocket-sized island means you can go from coast to coast in a flash, and makes it easy-peasy to check out all those secret spots. You’ll just need a valid driving licence, then it’s time to the road.
Taxi services are helpful for getting about on the fly, like those late-night finishers or when public transport isn’t cutting it. Make sure you agree on the fare upfront to avoid any surprises. They also have Bolt here too, which is like Uber and can be cheaper than standards cabs, so download the app and you’re good to go.
Why we love Cyprus
Here are some top tips from our team…
Instead of lunching on Coral Bay’s beachfront, take a taxi to Viklari Peyia, The Last Castle. This hilltop restaurant serves traditional Cypriot dishes with stunning views. Taxis won’t go all the way, so a 15-minute uphill walk is needed, but the scenery and price make it worth it.
Read MoreBuilt right on the harbour, the 13th-century Paphos Castle is an iconic landmark. Go for a stroll around the outside and soak up the stunning waterfront scenes. If you fancy going inside, entry will only cost you a couple of euros.
Read MorePopular holiday types
Sun, sea, sand… Cyprus is the whole package, and so are its All Inclusive holidays. Skip the stress and the spending money and make a beeline for the buffet – or the poolside bar.
Cyprus and family holidays are the perfect match. From the big beachfront resorts in shallow bays to huge waterparks, get ready to become Parent of the Year…
Need a holiday, like, now? These last minute holidays to Cyprus are all yours. You’ll be lying on a dreamy beach and soaking up the sunshine in no time.
If you like the finer things in life, look no further. Cyprus has a long line-up of luxury stays, from five-star spots on secluded beaches to private spa retreats tucked up in the hills.
Cyprus FAQs
The flight takes around four-and-a-half hours from London airports.
On average, a meal will cost you about €15-20 per person. Budgeting around €50-60 a day will be probably be enough for eating out, plus a few drinks and ice-creams.
If you want to go all in with All Inclusive, you can find some great budget-friendly three or four-star hotels and you won’t have to take any other spending money, unless you want to eat outside of your hotel, pay for any activities or buy souvenirs. If you go Half Board, Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering, it’ll be even cheaper when you book, but you’ll need to budget for food and drink when you’re there.
Sitting in that sweet spot between the Med and the Middle East, the best months to visit Cyprus are from April through to October, with temperatures staying firmly in the 20s. That means you’re in luck if you’re partial to some out-of-season sun. Prefer it hot hot hot? Things rarely dip below a toasty 30 between June and September.
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Cyprus travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Cyprus but must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Cypriot nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/health
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