Travel to Cyprus — everything you need to know
When to go to Cyprus?
- April – June — Cypriot spring : The best time to visit Cyprus: ideal temperatures (20–28°C), a still-cool sea, wildflowers in bloom and none of summer's crushing heat yet. Perfect for hiking in the Troodos.
- September – November — Shoulder season : The sea stays warm (24–26°C) and temperatures drop after the scorching summer. An ideal time for cultural visits, the wine route and mountain hiking without the summer crowds.
Weather in Cyprus
Check the weather city by city, starting with Nicosia.
- Limassol: daytime highs from 18 to 34 °C depending on the season, 34 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Cyprus?
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite and a crossroads of civilizations between East and West. Its golden-sand beaches, UNESCO-listed ancient remains in Paphos, mountain villages in the Troodos and renowned wines make it an exceptionally rich destination. The island has remained divided since 1974 between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-controlled northern part.
Paphos
Paphos, a coastal town in southwestern Cyprus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary Roman mosaics from the 2nd to 4th centuries. Legend links it to Aphrodite, and it is home to Aphrodite's Rock, said to be the goddess's birthplace, as well as the Tombs of the Kings, a necropolis carved into the rock. The old town and its picturesque harbour are perfect for evening strolls.
Highlights : Paphos Archaeological Park — exceptional UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics, Tombs of the Kings — Hellenistic and Roman necropolis carved into the rock, Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou) — the goddess's legendary birthplace, Paphos Castle — medieval Lusignan fortress by the harbour.
Troodos
The Troodos Mountains, crowned by Mount Olympus (1,952 m), offer a striking contrast to the coastal beaches. The region is home to UNESCO-listed Byzantine monasteries adorned with golden frescoes, shaded hiking trails and wine villages producing the famous Commandaria, the oldest wine in the world still being made today.
Highlights : Kykkos Monastery — Cyprus's largest monastery, home to Byzantine icons, Byzantine churches of Troodos — 10 frescoed churches listed by UNESCO, Mount Olympus — Cyprus's highest peak with panoramic views, Krasochoria wine route — wine-growing villages around Limassol.
Nicosia
Nicosia is the world's last divided capital, split in two since 1974 by the UN's 'Green Line', which separates the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish north. The old town within the Venetian walls is full of museums, mosques and cafés on both sides. Crossing at the Ledra Street checkpoint lets you visit both parts of the city.
Highlights : Venetian walls of Nicosia — 16th-century star-shaped fortifications, Ledra Street checkpoint — the main crossing between the city's two sides, Cyprus Museum — outstanding national archaeological collection, Saint Sophia Cathedral (Selimiye) — French Gothic church turned mosque.
Limassol and the wine route
Limassol is Cyprus's second-largest city and main commercial port, known for its lively nightlife and carnival. The wine route in the Limassol hinterland winds through traditional villages producing Commandaria, a dessert wine that has existed since antiquity and is considered the oldest wine still produced in the world.
Highlights : Limassol medieval castle — where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria, Lania village — a traditional wine village in the heart of the Troodos, Kourion beach — ancient ruins overlooking the sea and a Greco-Roman theatre, Amathus — royal ancient city on Limassol's eastern coast.
Travel budget for Cyprus
Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean's most affordable destinations. Prices are generally lower than in Greece or Italy, with very budget-friendly local food. Seaside resorts such as Ayia Napa charge higher prices in summer.
- Backpacker : 55–75 €/j — Affordable guesthouse, meze and souvlaki, buses, a few archaeological sites
- Comfort : 100–150 €/j — Hotel with pool, seafront restaurants, car rental and excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Cyprus
- Flight from Paris : 3h30–4h direct flight from CDG to Larnaca or Paphos
- Visa : No visa required — European Union member (Republic of Cyprus), national ID card is enough
- Currency : Euro (€) in the south — Turkish lira in the north (unrecognised part)
- Language : Greek in the south, Turkish in the north — English is very widely spoken everywhere
- Electricity : Type G (British 3-pin plug) — adapter essential
- Health : European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) accepted — good medical infrastructure
- Driving : Drive on the left — a British legacy, with right-hand drive cars
- Sunshine : More than 300 days of sunshine a year — one of the sunniest islands in the Mediterranean
Compare Cyprus with other destinations