Cyprus Travel Info - Advice and tips when visiting Cyprus
If it is your first time visiting Cyprus, find out essential information before you travel. Discover an island with a very long and rich history and culture. Cyprus has fantastic warm weather, wonderful beaches, excellent accommodation, and unique, very tasty cuisine. Add to these a lot of attractions, activities, and sightseeing, and everything predisposes for wonderful holidays in the sun.
Table of Contents:
- Cyprus Travel Info - Advice and tips when visiting Cyprus
- Location of Cyprus
- Safety and security - How safe is Cyprus
- Cyprus Travel Information – Facts about Cyprus
- Cyprus entry requirements. How to obtain a Cyprus visa
- Cyprus tourism - Is Cyprus worth visiting?
- Driving in Cyprus
- Public Holidays in Cyprus
- Five common, frequently asked questions, when traveling to Cyprus
Cyprus is an independent country since 1960. It is a member of the United Nations and the European Union. Its capital city is Nicosia, lying in the heart of Cyprus in the inland. Other major cities are Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Coral Bay area, Polis Chrysochous, Agia Napa and Protaras are other well known Cypriot tourist resorts.
Despite this is not the scope of this guide, I must mention that since 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus and since then occupied and illegally controls about 40% of its territory. In this area illegally controlled by Turkey, there are two more cities, Kyrenia and Famagusta. Also, it occupies about half of Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. Kyrenia is now inhabited by Turkish Cypriots as all the legal Greek Cypriot residents of Kyrenia were forced to leave. Also, since 1974 Famagusta is a ghost town and Nicosia is the last divided capital city in Europe.
Location of Cyprus
Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the farthest south-eastern corner of Europe. Its unique location among three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa, cultivated its history and character, as the strategic crossroad between different countries, religions, and cultures.
To find out more about Cyprus location and other relative facts and information, please read this article - Where is Cyprus located.
Safety and security - How safe is Cyprus
Security
In general, Cyprus is a very safe place to be. Despite its position in the middle of a very complicated area, Cyprus enjoys a safe environment, in both personal crime and outside security/terrorism issues. For this reason, the countries that usually are the targets of attacks, like the USA, the UK, Russia, and France to name a few, have designated Cyprus as the place that is the safe-haven for their citizens during crises in the wider area of the Middle East.
To see what the UK Government gives as travel advice when traveling to Cyprus, see this article, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus
In a similar way, read information from the USA Government when Traveling to Cyprus: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cyprus.html
Obviously, both these countries agree that the security risk in Cyprus is little, and everybody should take the usual precaution meters, as we always do everywhere.
Is Cyprus safe from terrorism?
Despite the fact that we never had a terrorist attack in Cyprus, the existence of many targets from those high-profile countries in Cyprus, make this a possibility. But I have to repeat that we never had a terrorist attack on the island and this is a very small possibility. At the same time, the Government of Cyprus takes all necessary precautions meters to even further minimize - or eliminate the possibility of a terrorist attack.
Safety
The crime rate is low in Cyprus. Serious crime especially is very low and rarely directed towards visitors. You must always stay alert and be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas. Like everywhere in crowded areas, you should keep your wallet in a safe place. You should also avoid keeping your important items in the same bag. One very good idea is to keep your passport and your second credit cards (if this is applicable) in your hotel's safe.
Health and Safety
The health system in Cyprus is very advanced, with many very good hospitals both state and privately owned. Doctors are usually trained in countries like the UK, Germany, Greece, and the USA. The Cypriot National Healthsystem, GESY, accepts patients from all European Union countries, provided that they have the European health card. No vaccines are required for Cyprus.
The vast majority of restaurants, bars, and the likes follow a very strict hygiene code and eating and drinking in these places is very safe. Drinking water from the tap is safe. However, in case you prefer it, there are many marques of very good quality bottled water to choose from.
Travel health insurance
Buying comprehensive travel and health insurance before you go on holiday is always a good idea. It has nothing to do with your travel destination, or when you are traveling. Your travel insurance will cover medical costs in case of an accident or an illness during the vacations. It may also cover medical repatriation and legal costs. Check out in detail what is included and what isn’t before you decide which insurance to buy. Also, be sure that your insurance covers any activities you’ll be doing during your holidays (like scuba diving as an example).
COVID-19 | Coronavirus update about Cyprus. Is it safe to visit Cyprus now?
According to Insurly, the French travel insurance company, Cyprus is among the 10 safest countries in the world to visit during 2020. A country’s overall score is reflective of a multitude of criteria, including data relating to violence, health data, and transportation safety.
https://insurly.fr/indice-risque-pays
Cyprus Travel Information – Facts about Cyprus
Who travel to Cyprus for their holidays: Visiting Cyprus, Cyprus Travel Guide
Cyprus is one of the premium tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea and in Europe in general. Each year more than 3 million people visit Cyprus for their holidays. Visitors to Cyprus are mainly from Europe including the Russian Federation, Israel, and the Middle East. They come to Cyprus to enjoy the excellent hotel facilities and the wonderful sunny weather and beaches. But they also visit Cyprus to discover the numerous attractions, the culture and the long history of the island.
Cyprus airports
Cyprus has two international airports in Larnaca and Paphos. They are both operated by Hermes Airports.
Who flies to Cyprus
There are many airlines connecting Cyprus with every part of Europe, Russia, Israel, Egypt, and the Middle East. Check the website of Hermes for up-to-date information on this. When checking for flights, please remember that not all of the airlines fly to both airports.
Climate of Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys a warm and dry climate during the summer and mild winters. The summer/tourist period starts from early April and goes through until mid-November. Read here more about Cyprus weather.
Cyprus entry requirements. How to obtain a Cyprus visa
Visa Requirements
Information for obtaining a tourist visa – not an official website of Cyprus Government, but you can find all required information in one place, including required forms to download. https://www.cyprusvisa.eu/cyprus-short-stay-visa-requirements.html
Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
List of countries whose citizens do not require a visa for a 90-day valid tourist visa http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/All/79B8D5C3759907EDC2258022003F8580?OpenDocument
Information for obtaining a 90-day valid tourist visa, especially for citizens of the Russian Federation http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/Embassies/embassy_moscow.nsf/All/A4A5F7118445AE4543257F4D002269FD?OpenDocument – Cypriot Embassy in Moscow
http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/consulate/consulate_spb.nsf/cgsp10_en/ENTER%20URL%20HERE Cypriot Consulate in St Petersburg
If you plan to stay in Cyprus long term
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-cyprus
Cyprus tourism - Is Cyprus worth visiting?
Every year millions of people choose Cyprus for their holidays. Many of them keep coming back to Cyprus again and again, another good sign that Cyprus is, indeed, a very good tourist destination and well worth visiting.
The island has the many charms that tourists visiting the Mediterranean Sea are looking for, such as a wonderful natural environment, pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and interesting cuisine using the fresh local produce.
Cyprus is a place you must visit at least once, and these are a few of the reasons why:
- It has perfect, year-round weather with about 300 days of sunshine.
Cyprus enjoys short, mild winters and longer summers. Summers are hot and it seldom rains. In between, there are short autumn and spring periods. This typical Mediterranean climate is very attractive to Europeans wishing to escape the bad weather of their home countries. This combination of mild weather and at least a few hours of sunshine almost every day, all year round, gives the visitors a very pleasant and appealing climate all year round. - The traditional Cypriot food is a mixture of Mediterranean cuisines. Being at a crossroads of three continents, Cyprus cuisine has influences of the cuisines of Southern Europe and the Middle East. Vegetables and meat are the basis of Cypriot cuisine.
- Cyprus is known for its beautiful sandy beaches with clean waters. There are more than 60 designated blue flag beaches. Enjoying the sea and sun is one of the main reasons many people visit Cyprus.
- Nature lovers will have a great time
If you like holidays in nature, Cyprus is for you as well. You can enjoy agrotourism holidays in the heart of Cyprus. Agrotourism holidays offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Cypriot culture and rural life like a local. Agrotourism
lodging are usually very old, stone-built houses, purposely renovated for agrotourism holidays. - Accommodation for everybody.
There are hundreds of hotels, hotel apartments, holiday villas, and other holiday accommodation, to satisfy everybody.
Five common, frequently asked questions, when traveling to Cyprus
Cyprus holiday resorts. Where to stay during your holidays.
All holiday resorts of Cyprus share a few common things. They are all equipped in the best possible way to offer to their visitors fantastic holidays. They all offer hotels and other accommodation to satisfy virtually everybody. They also offer many very good restaurants, bars, and cafes. Finally, they are all very safe, clean and well preserved.
These being said, each region of Cyprus has its own unique character. I really find it difficult to say that i prefer one region over the other, but i can try to explain how each one of these resorts is unique. This way you will pick the area that is closer to what you prefer and what your dream holidays is. And you can always come back again, either to enjoy again the area of your choice, or, maybe, find out and discover the graces of another resort!
Paphos region
Together with Limassol are the two resorts preferred by the majority of visitors. Fantastic nature, ancient sites, forrested mountains, small traditional villages to discover, Paphos has something for everybody. Night life is very good but not too noisy. It is preferred by families and couples of every age. It is also friendly and safe for men and women who prefer to travel solo.
Limassol region
The other main tourism destination of Cyprus, Limassol is the cosmopolitan of the island. Fantastic accommodation, shopping, restaurants and bars, beautiful beaches and many trending spots like the Limassol Marina, offer a unique blend to its visitors.
Larnaca region
Many unique places to visit (like the Alyki, the salt lake of Larnaca), nice beaches and with a very good traditional area, the old town, Larnaca is fantastic for holidays for families and couples of every age.
Ayia Napa and Protaras in Ammochostos region
Agia Napa and Protaras are two holiday resorts just a few kilometers away. They both offer maybe the best beaches in Cyprus - and some of the very best in Europe. They also offer excellent hotels and other tourist facilities. They are ideal for those who want to relax during their holidays, just enjoying the sea and the nightlife.
How they are different? Ayia Napa, despite trying to avoid this style, is the party center of Cyprus. If your idea about holidays is lying and sunbthing on the beach and then hopping from bar to bar all night long, then this is your place to be. Protaras on the other hand, is more family and couples oriented with good and lively but tot excessive night life.
Troodos mountains
The green heart of Cyprus is the house(???) of many beautiful islands in the pine forests of the area. Tradition and many attractions make Troodos a unique place to visit.
Things to do in Cyprus during your holidays
Despite its small size, Cyprus has surprisingly many things to offer to the visitors. The diverse terrain, the very long history, the culture and traditions and the many attractions and activities make sure that there is something interesting for everybody. Just to mention o few of them:
1) Discover the incredible beauties of Cyprus. Ancient sites and monuments covering 10000 years of history and civilization, many attractions,and the fantastic natural beauties of the island create a unique blend and reflect the character of Cyprus.
No need to say, you must also discover, of course, the island's sole, the Cypriot people, always smiling, friendly and ready to help..
2) Enjoy the sun and the wonderful beaches. The weather allows to visit the beaches for at least nine months. Many locals and visitors dare and enjoy the sea even during the coldest winter days!
3) Visit a taverna and enjoy Cyprus meze. Traditional food of Cyprus is very tasty and offers a lot of variation.
4) Go to one of the numerous festivals and music performances. All year round, but mainly during the summer, there are many cultural events held everywhere on the island. I would recommend the Open Air Opera Festival of Paphos, held outside the ancient castle at Kato Paphos harbour and the Wine Festival of Limassol. Kypria, are annual cultural events (theater, music performances and more) held all over Cyprus.
5) Do something off the beaten track, like the locals do.
6) Start preparing yourself for your next visit to Cyprus :)
Ideas about what to do in Cyprus
Nissi beach, Ayia Napa
Limassol wine festival
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Cyprus is a year-round holiday destination.
How safe is Cyprus with all the conflicts in the area. Is Cyprus safe from terrorism?
Cyprus is a very safe country to be and to visit. Despite the proximity to the Middle East countries like the USA, UK, France, and Russia consider Cyprus a safe haven and in case of emergency in other nearby countries, they bring their citizens in Cyprus for safety.
Driving in Cyprus
In general, the road network of Cyprus is of a very high standard. The highways are modern and maintained in excellent condition. Smaller and secondary roads are also kept in very good condition. There are big street signs on all streets, very helpful to find your way around.
Driving is following the English system. This means that the steering wheel in the vehicle is on the right side of the car and you drive on the left side of the road.
Always keep the speed limits as they are shown on the road signs. Police radars are frequent on all roads and they always give a fine if you exceed the speed limit. You must always wear the car's safety belt, it is mandatory for the front seats. It is also mandatory to keep kids sitting in a baby safety seat. If driving a motorcycle, wearing a helmet is also mandatory for both driver and passenger.
Using a cellphone while driving is prohibited. Also prohibited is driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Police tolerance towards these crimes is totally zero, so be careful to follow the rules, otherwise, you may find yourself with a hefty fine, or even in jail.
Public Holidays in Cyprus
01 Jan New Year's Day
06 Jan Epiphany
Green Monday
25 Mar Greek Independence Day
01 Apr Cyprus National Day
Orthodox Easter - Good Friday
Orthodox Easter Monday
01 May Labour Day
Orthodox Whit (Pentecost) Monday
15 Aug Assumption Day
01 Oct Cyprus Independence Day
28 Oct Ochi Day
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec Christmas - Boxing Day
For those holidays without a date: these are movable holidays and their celebration date changes from year to year.