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.
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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
