How to Travel in Cyprus: A Complete Guide

Cyprus is a Mediterranean gem known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins in Paphos, relaxing on the white sands of Nissi Beach, or hiking in the Troodos Mountains, this guide covers everything you need to know about traveling in Cyprus—how to get there, transportation options, costs, the best time to visit, and essential travel tips.

✈️ Getting to Cyprus

Major International Airports

Most international flights land in:

Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – Best for exploring the south, including Nicosia, Ayia Napa, and Limassol.
Paphos International Airport (PFO) – Best for western Cyprus, including Paphos, Coral Bay, and the Troodos Mountains.
Ercan International Airport (ECN) (in Northern Cyprus) – Flights only via Turkey.

Popular Airlines Flying to Cyprus

✔️ Cyprus Airways & Aegean Airlines (Best for connections from Greece).
✔️ British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air (Budget flights from Europe).
✔️ Turkish Airlines & Pegasus (Best for flights via Istanbul).
✔️ Middle Eastern Airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad for long-haul flights).

Flight Costs

From the UK/Europe: $50–$250 (budget airlines available).
From the USA/Canada: $600–$1,200 (one or two stopovers).
From the Middle East: $200–$500.

💡 Tip: If flying from outside Europe, it’s often cheaper to fly into Athens or Istanbul, then take a budget flight to Cyprus.

🚗 Getting Around Cyprus

1️⃣ Car Rental – Best for Exploring the Island 🚗

Highly recommended, as public transport is limited.
Car rental cost: $25–$60 per day.
Driving side: LEFT (like the UK).
Fuel cost: ~$1.40–$1.60 per liter.
Highways are toll-free and in great condition!

💡 Tip: Some rental companies don’t allow you to cross into Northern Cyprus. Check with your provider.

2️⃣ Buses – Best for Budget Travelers 🚌

Intercity Buses: Connect major cities (e.g., Larnaca → Limassol → Paphos).
Local Buses: Operate within cities but limited on weekends.
Bus fares:
- One-way: €1.50–€3
- Day pass: €5–€7

💡 Tip: Use Cyprus By Bus website to check schedules.

3️⃣ Taxis – Expensive but Convenient 🚖

No Uber or Bolt in Cyprus.
City taxis: Start at €5–€8 for short trips.
Long-distance taxis: Negotiable but expensive (€50+ for city-to-city rides).

💡 Tip: Ask for a price before getting in—most taxis don’t use meters!

4️⃣ Biking – Great for Coastal Towns 🚴‍♂️

Best in Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Limassol.
Bike rentals: €10–€20 per day.

🌍 Best Ways to Travel for Popular Destinations

Larnaca & Nicosia 🏙️

🚇 Best option: Buses & taxis.
🚗 For day trips: Rent a car to visit the Troodos Mountains.

Paphos & Coral Bay 🏛️

🚗 Best option: Car rental for archaeological sites & beaches.
🚌 For budget travel: Local buses available but infrequent.

Ayia Napa & Protaras 🏝️

🚶‍♂️ Best option: Walking & cycling (everything is close).
🚌 For Cape Greco trips: Take a public bus or rent a quad bike.

Limassol & Troodos Mountains ⛰️

🚗 Best option: Rent a car for wine villages & mountain hikes.
🚌 Public buses: Available but slow for mountain routes.

💰 Budget & Travel Costs in Cyprus

Backpacker Budget (Hostels + buses + cheap food): €40–€70/day
Mid-Range Budget (Hotels + car rental + restaurants): €100–€200/day
Luxury Budget (5-star hotels + private tours + fine dining): €300+/day

Accommodation Costs

Hostels: €20–€40 per night.
Budget hotels: €50–€100 per night.
Mid-range hotels: €100–€200 per night.
Luxury hotels: €250+ per night.
Airbnb: €40–€150 per night.

💡 Tip: Book early for summer (June–August)—prices increase!

Food Costs

Street food (souvlaki, gyros): €3–€7.
Casual restaurants: €10–€20 per meal.
Mid-range restaurants: €25–€50 per meal.
Fine dining: €70+ per person.

💡 Tip: Try Meze (a traditional Cypriot feast) at a taverna!

☀️ Best Time to Visit Cyprus

✔️ March–May (Spring) – Perfect weather, wildflowers bloom.
✔️ June–August (Summer) – Hot & sunny, best for beaches.
✔️ September–October (Autumn) – Warm seas, fewer crowds.
✔️ November–February (Winter) – Mild weather, fewer tourists.

💡 Tip: Visit in May or September for good weather & lower prices!

🎒 Travel Tips for Cyprus

✔️ Currency: Euro (€).
✔️ Language: Greek (South), Turkish (North), but English is widely spoken.
✔️ Tipping: 10% in restaurants is common but not required.
✔️ SIM Cards: Get Epic, Cytamobile, or PrimeTel for fast internet.
✔️ North Cyprus: You can cross into Northern Cyprus, but your rental car might not be insured.
✔️ Beach Shoes: Bring them for rocky beaches like Fig Tree Bay.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Cyprus is a perfect mix of history, beaches, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on the coast, or indulging in delicious Cypriot food, there’s something for everyone. Plan ahead, rent a car, and get ready for an unforgettable Mediterranean escape! 🇨🇾✨

Cyprus Travel Guide: Where History, Culture, and Nature Collide — Cyprus Travel Guide

🔥 Which part of Cyprus are you most excited to visit? 😃

🇨🇾 How to Travel in Cyprus – FAQ

Planning a trip to Cyprus? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling in this beautiful Mediterranean island nation!

✈️ Getting to Cyprus

1. Do I need a visa to visit Cyprus?

Visa Requirements by Country

EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand – No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
Schengen Visa Holders – Cyprus is not part of Schengen but allows entry with a double/multiple-entry Schengen visa.
Other nationalities – Check Cyprus’s official visa website.

💡 Tip: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.

2. What are the major international airports in Cyprus?

Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – Main airport, best for the south & Ayia Napa.
Paphos International Airport (PFO) – Best for western Cyprus & beaches.
Ercan International Airport (ECN) (Northern Cyprus) – Only accessible via Turkey.

3. How much do flights to Cyprus cost?

Average Flight Prices

From the UK/Europe: €50–€250 (budget airlines available).
From the USA/Canada: €600–€1,200 (one or two stopovers).
From the Middle East: €200–€500.

💡 Tip: Flying into Athens or Istanbul, then taking a budget flight, can be cheaper.

🚗 Getting Around Cyprus

4. What’s the best way to travel around Cyprus?

Car Rental 🚗 – Best for exploring, as buses are limited.
Buses 🚌 – Cheap, but mainly between major cities.
Taxis 🚖 – Expensive, no Uber/Bolt.
Biking 🚴 – Good in coastal areas like Limassol.

5. Is it easy to rent a car in Cyprus?

Yes, highly recommended for seeing more of the island.
Driving side: LEFT (like the UK).
Car rental cost: €25–€60 per day.
Fuel cost: ~€1.40–€1.60 per liter.

💡 Tip: Some rental companies don’t allow cars to cross into Northern Cyprus.

6. How do buses work in Cyprus?

Intercity Buses: Connect major cities (Larnaca → Limassol → Paphos).
Local Buses: Operate within cities but limited on weekends.
Bus fares:
- One-way: €1.50–€3
- Day pass: €5–€7

💡 Tip: Use Cyprus By Bus website for schedules.

7. Are taxis expensive in Cyprus?

Yes, especially for long distances.
City taxis: Start at €5–€8 for short trips.
Long-distance taxis: €50+ for intercity rides.

💡 Tip: Agree on a price before starting—most taxis don’t use meters!

💰 Budget & Money

8. Is Cyprus expensive to travel?

Estimated Daily Budgets

Backpacker: €40–€70 per day (hostels, buses, cheap eats).
Mid-range: €100–€200 per day (hotels, car rental, restaurants).
Luxury: €300+ per day (5-star hotels, private tours, fine dining).

9. What currency does Cyprus use?

Euro (€)

💡 Tip: Cash is useful for small shops, but most places accept cards.

10. Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes, Visa & Mastercard are accepted in most places.
No, small businesses & markets often prefer cash.

💡 Tip: Use ATMs inside banks to avoid high withdrawal fees.

🌍 Best Destinations & Travel Tips

11. What are the must-visit places in Cyprus?

Larnaca – Beautiful beaches & old town.
Nicosia – Capital city, mix of Greek & Turkish influences.
Paphos – Archaeological sites & stunning coastline.
Ayia Napa & Protaras – Best beaches & nightlife.
Limassol – Cosmopolitan city with great food & beaches.
Troodos Mountains – Wine villages & nature hikes.

💡 Tip: Cyprus is small—you can visit many places in one trip!

12. When is the best time to visit Cyprus?

Best Travel Seasons

✔️ March–May (Spring) – Warm, fewer crowds.
✔️ June–August (Summer) – Best for beaches, but hot & crowded.
✔️ September–October (Autumn) – Perfect weather, warm sea.
✔️ November–February (Winter) – Great for city trips & hiking.

💡 Tip: September is ideal—great weather without the summer crowds!

🏝️ Safety & Travel Tips

13. Is Cyprus safe for travelers?

Yes, Cyprus is one of the safest countries in Europe.
Low crime rates, but beware of pickpockets in tourist areas.

💡 Tip: Tap water is safe to drink everywhere.

14. Can I visit Northern Cyprus?

Yes, you can cross the border at Nicosia or other checkpoints.
Car rentals from the south are often not insured in the north.

💡 Tip: You’ll need to buy additional car insurance at the border (~€20).

15. What vaccinations do I need for Cyprus?

✔️ No mandatory vaccines, but recommended:

Routine vaccines (Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid, Tetanus).

💡 Tip: Bring motion sickness pills if traveling by ferry—the sea can be rough!

16. What is the best way to pay for things?

Cards & cash are widely accepted.
ATMs are available, but check fees.
Tipping is not required, but 5–10% is common in restaurants.

💡 Tip: Avoid “Dynamic Currency Conversion”—always choose to pay in Euros (€) instead of your home currency.

17. What language is spoken in Cyprus?

Greek in the south, Turkish in the north.
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

💡 Basic Greek phrases:

Yasou! (Γειά σου!) – Hello
Efharisto! (Ευχαριστώ!) – Thank you
Poso kostizi? (Πόσο κοστίζει;) – How much does it cost?
Pou einai…? (Που είναι…;) – Where is…?
Mia bira, parakalo (Μια μπύρα, παρακαλώ) – One beer, please 🍻.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Cyprus is a dream destination with breathtaking beaches, rich history, and incredible food. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing by the coast, or indulging in local cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Plan ahead, rent a car, and get ready for an unforgettable Mediterranean getaway! 🇨🇾✨