Cyprus Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Cyprus: Tips on Driving, Safety, and Culture

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Top 10 Most Searched Questions About Cyprus

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, a city notable for being the last divided capital in Europe, split between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Cyprus is an EU member, so EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Northern Cyprus has separate entry rules—check with local authorities.

The Republic of Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR). Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TRY), though Euros are often accepted. Credit cards are widely used in the south, less so in the north.

Yes, Cyprus is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. Be cautious of petty theft in busy areas like Paphos or Limassol, and stay aware near the Green Line in Nicosia.

Greek and Turkish are the official languages. Greek is predominant in the south, Turkish in the north. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas like Ayia Napa and Larnaca.

Cyprus is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins like Kourion, the Troodos Mountains, and being the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite. It’s also famous for halloumi cheese and its divided status.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather for sightseeing. Summer (July to August) is hot, ideal for beaches, while winter is mild, good for hiking in the Troodos Mountains.

Cyprus can be moderately priced. Tourist areas like Ayia Napa are pricier, but the north and rural areas are more budget-friendly. Meals and accommodations vary widely in cost.

Tap water in Cyprus is generally safe in the south, but it may taste salty due to desalination. Many locals prefer bottled water. In the north, bottled water is recommended.

Top spots include Nicosia (Ledra Street and the Green Line), Paphos (Tombs of the Kings), Larnaca (Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke), Ayia Napa (Nissi Beach), and the Troodos Mountains (Kykkos Monastery).

Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, blends rich history with stunning landscapes. Nicosia, the capital, is uniquely divided, with a UN-patrolled Green Line separating the Greek-Cypriot south from the Turkish-Cypriot north. The island boasts ancient sites like the Greco-Roman ruins of Kourion and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, alongside beautiful beaches such as Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa. The Troodos Mountains offer hiking trails, quaint villages, and the Kykkos Monastery, known for its frescoes. Cyprus is steeped in mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite, with Petra tou Romiou marking her legendary emergence from the sea. The island’s cuisine features halloumi cheese, souvlaki, and local wines from regions like Limassol. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Cyprus offers a mix of cultural exploration, beach relaxation, and outdoor adventures for travelers.

Visa & Passport for Cyprus: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from Cyprus. Ensure it has at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Visa Requirements: Cyprus is an EU member, so EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, Australian, and many other nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Northern Cyprus has different rules—check with the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Northern Cyprus authorities.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended, as healthcare costs can vary for non-EU citizens.

Driving in Cyprus: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU drivers can use their national license for up to 6 months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially in the north.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the left in both parts of Cyprus, a legacy of British rule. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on highways like the A1. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—don’t drink and drive.
  • Road Conditions: Roads in the south are well-maintained, but rural roads in the Troodos Mountains can be narrow and winding. In the north, road quality varies—some roads near Kyrenia are in good condition, others are rougher.
  • Border Crossings: You can cross the Green Line with a rental car, but inform your rental company, as insurance may differ between the south and north. Checkpoints like Ledra Street in Nicosia are straightforward but may involve queues.
  • Parking: Parking in cities like Nicosia and Limassol is regulated—use paid parking zones to avoid fines. In tourist areas like Ayia Napa, parking near beaches can be crowded in summer.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire) in the south; use 155 in the north. Roadside assistance is available through the Cyprus Automobile Association at 22313233 (south).
  • Useful Resource: For more on driving, visit the Cyprus Road Transport Department.

Cypriot Currency: Using the Euro for Your Trip

  • Euro and Turkish Lira: The Republic of Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR). Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TRY), but Euros are often accepted. Euro coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euros; banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros.
  • Currency Exchange: In the south, Euros are standard. In the north, exchange to Turkish Lira at banks or exchange offices in Kyrenia or Famagusta for better rates—avoid tourist areas for exchanges due to high fees.
  • Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in the south, especially in tourist areas like Paphos. In the north, cash (Turkish Lira) is preferred in smaller establishments—carry some for convenience.
  • ATMs: ATMs are plentiful in the south (Nicosia, Larnaca) and accept international cards. In the north, they’re less common outside major towns—fees may apply for foreign cards, so check with your bank.

Cyprus Legal Guide: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to imprisonment in both parts of Cyprus. Public drinking is tolerated, but public intoxication can result in fines, especially in tourist areas like Ayia Napa.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Cypriots are warm and hospitable—greet with a handshake and use “Kalimera” (good morning) in the south or “Merhaba” in the north. Tipping (around 5-10%) is appreciated in restaurants. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites like the Kykkos Monastery.
  • Photography Restrictions: Avoid photographing military installations, especially near the Green Line or UN buffer zones. Photography in churches or monasteries may require permission—check signs or ask.
  • Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are acceptable but should be discreet, especially in conservative areas. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces in the south, with fines for violations; rules are less strict in the north.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free if arriving from outside the EU. Declare cash over €10,000 upon entry or exit.
  • Complaints: For travel issues in the south, contact the Cyprus Tourism Organization. Visit their official website. In the north, contact local tourism offices in Kyrenia or Famagusta.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 112 in the south for general emergencies, or 155 in the north. For non-urgent issues, contact local police at 199 (south) or 155 (north).

Travel Safety in Cyprus: Staying Safe on Your Trip

  • Crime in Cyprus: Cyprus has low crime rates, but petty theft can occur in tourist areas like Paphos or Ayia Napa. Keep belongings secure, especially in crowded spots or near the Green Line in Nicosia.
  • Road Safety: Driving on the left can be challenging for those unused to it—stay alert, especially at roundabouts. Roads in the Troodos Mountains can be slippery after rain. Pedestrians should be cautious in busy areas like Limassol.
  • Health Risks: Tap water in the south is safe but may taste salty; bottled water is widely available. In the north, stick to bottled water. Sunburn and heatstroke are risks in summer—use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
  • Natural Hazards: Cyprus experiences occasional earthquakes, but they’re usually mild. Wildfires can occur in summer, particularly in the Troodos region—follow local warnings.
  • Medical Facilities: Healthcare in the south is good, with hospitals like Nicosia General. In the north, facilities are more limited—travel insurance is recommended for non-EU citizens, as costs can be high.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 (south) or 155 (north) for emergencies. Pharmacies in cities like Larnaca can provide advice and over-the-counter medications for minor issues.
  • Beach Safety: Some beaches, like those in Paphos, have strong currents—swim where lifeguards are present. Jellyfish can be an issue in summer; check local warnings.

Flights to Cyprus: Travel Options

Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is the main gateway, located 4 km southwest of Larnaca, with flights to major European and Middle Eastern cities. Paphos International Airport (PFO) serves the west, popular for tourists visiting Coral Bay. Ercan Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus has flights via Turkey due to international restrictions.