Cyprus holidays
Warm sunshine, stunning sandy coves, and friendly tavernas await on your Cyprus holiday, making this island a classic beach holiday destination. Whether you want to let your hair down and party 24/7, simply want to chill out and relax in a luxurious resort to enjoy some me-time, or are looking forward to splashing in a warm sea with the children, you’ll find something for everyone on this sunshine island in the Med.
Located where east meets west at the furthest reach of the Mediterranean, there are abundant ancient Greek and Roman ruins to discover during your holiday in Cyprus, especially around Paphos. A rich tradition of delicious food and wine across the island whets the appetite of foodies. And the tempting blue sea is the perfect place to enjoy water sports from sailing to banana boat rides. The large rock formation known as Petra tou Romiou is thought to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Swim around the rock three times, and according to local legend, you’ll be granted eternal beauty!
Cyprus is an island of contrasts. You’ll find quaint tavernas and a relaxed welcome in the rustic fishing village of Latchi. Or you can party all night in bustling Ayia Napa. Enjoy the family-friendly, soft sand beaches around Nissi Bay, or explore some of the world’s most important archaeological sites in Paphos on the south-west coast. Admire the superyachts lined up in Limassol, or enjoy a laid-back stroll along the palm-lined promenade in Larnaca.
Enjoy comfortable temperatures all year round with averages 13-26 °C and an average of 14 hours sunshine a day in the summer months. View live forecast
4-5 hoursThere are two main airports to choose from. Paphos International Airport (PFO) is in western Cyprus, about 145km from the capital, Nicosia. Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is 50km south east of Nicosia. View live forecast
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
Cyprus is best for…
Fast facts:
Safety and Security:
For up to date advice on travelling to Cyprus, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/safety-and-securityPlaces to go
Immerse yourself in a living museum of Greek mythology and ancient legend. Things to do in Cyprus will undoubtedly include a visit to Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of the goddess of love, where legend suggests if you stand on the rock and look out to the water you’ll see a beautiful image of Aphrodite. Visitors can also swim in the Adonis baths and waterfalls. Step back in time to the ruins of Paphos, now … Read more43 Things to do in Cyprus
Protaras Ocean Aquarium
Enjoy a morning out with the whole family as you pay a visit to Protaras Ocean Aquarium. Home to more than a thousand species of animal, including …Nightlife Protaras Cyprus: Bars & Clubs
Blessed with beautiful, golden-sanded beaches and the clear, blue waves of the Mediterranean lapping at the shore, it’s no wonder that …Tombs Of The Kings Paphos Cyprus
The hugely impressive Tombs of the Kings are located two kilometres north west of Paphos harbour. There’s no doubt that they should be up near …Larnaca History Cyprus
It’s impossible to visit the ancient city of Larnaca without adding a bit of culture to your stay. One of the top things to do in Larnaca is …Nightlife Paphos Cyprus: Bars & Clubs
Cyprus is home to some of the best nightlife in the Mediterranean, with Ayia Napa offering some of the craziest events and clubs you can find.Nissi Beach Cyprus
No visit to Ayia Napa is complete without spending the day at Nissi Beach. Head down to this sheltered little bay for some time spent relaxing,Limassol Wine Festival Cyprus
All through the summer in Cyprus there are a number of great events to sample food and wine. If this sounds like your thing then pay a visit to …Visit Ayia Napa
Located just a short drive along the coast from Larnaca is the popular resort of Ayia Napa. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple or …Aphrodite’s Rock Cyprus
Aphrodite’s Rock, or Petra tou Romiou as it’s also known, is a sea stack located between Paphos and Limassol.Limassol Castle Cyprus
Journey to the beautiful marina located in the old town to enjoy a bit of prehistoric architecture. The exact date when the castle was built is …Paphos Archaeological Park Cyprus
Perhaps the most iconic of Paphos’ landmarks, the medieval Paphos castle stands tall and proud in the heart of the harbour.Aphrodite Water Park Cyprus
Whether you’re holidaying with the family, friends or as a couple, there are those days when catching the rays on one of Cyprus’ beautiful …Fasouri Watermania Cyprus
Gather the family and head over to Fasouri Watermania for a splash adventure in Cyprus’ most popular waterpark. Take a whole day to fully …Explore Coral Bay Paphos Cyprus
Paphos has a number of small beaches of its own, but one of the best beaches in the area is located around 6 kilometres north of the city.Walk the Konnos Nature Trail, Protaras
The countryside of Protaras is absolutely stunning, and to see a summary of the best of it explore the Konnos nature trail. This visually stunning …Makronissos Beach Nissi Bay Cyprus
Cyprus has some of the most stunning beaches in Europe. If you’re looking for a great day at the beach then go down to Makronissos, where …Minthis Hills Cyprus
Fancy a round or two? Pack your clubs, brush off your Pringle jumper and grab your gloves, it’s time to put your golf skills to the test with …Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum
There are a lot of fantastic museums in the vibrant city of Limassol, and one of the more eccentric is Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum.Troodos Mountains
If you’re travelling around the southern half of Cyprus, be sure to pay a visit to the Troodos Mountains. It’s perfect for enjoying fresh …Nightlife Limassol Cyprus: Bars & Clubs
Whether you fancy a trendy bar in the old town, a club by the beach to listen to the loudest music or simply a sports bar to watch the late-night …Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery Cyprus
To discover more about the history of Cyprus, pay a visit to Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery. Found near Panagia village, the monastery dates back to …Boat Trips Protaras Cyprus
The thing that really sets Cyprus aside from other holiday destinations are its beautiful shorelines and Protaras is no exception. Whether you …Take the yellow submarine around Nissi Bay
The great thing about Nissi Bay is that the fun doesn’t stop on land, find out what lies beneath the water with a ride on the yellow submarine …Pierides Museum
Step back in time and uncover ancient Cypriot history at the unique Pierides Museum in Larnaca. As you wander through the beautiful colonial-style …Take a boat trip from Ayia Napa
Hop on board a Captain Marko Cruise and see what the seas around Ayia Napa have in store for you. This company has years of experience in …Fig Tree Bay Cyprus
For a fun-filled day at the beach, make sure you pay a visit to Fig Tree Bay. With beautiful sands and clear, shallow waters, the main beach in …Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque Cyprus
The Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque stands proud and elegant on the banks of Larnaca’s famous salt lake.Get adventurous at Anastasia Aqua Park
Why not spend the day at Anastasia Aquamania Water Park? There are loads of slides to splash about on if you’re feeling brave and there’s …Waterworld Water Park, Cyprus, Ayia Napa
Head down to Water World Waterpark where an exciting day out awaits you. Kids and adults who love heights should check out the Drop to Atlantis …Zenobia Wreck Cyprus
On the 7th June 1980, a large ferry named MS Zenobia capsized and sank just off the shore of Larnaca. It had suffered a technical error, causing …Aphrodite’s Rock Brewing Company
For a unique half-day trip, take a tour around the family-run Aphrodite’s Rock Brewing Company near the village of Tsada in Paphos. From …Larnaka Medieval Castle
Discover Larnaca’s turbulent history as you spend a couple of hours exploring the town’s fascinating castle, while the sea laps gently at …Limassol Old Town Cyprus
Limassol is a busy, vibrant, and modern city. But in the heart of its urban sprawl lies its ancient heart, Limassol Old Town, also known as Lemesos.Larnaca Nightlife Cyprus: Bars & Clubs
Larnaca might be one of the Mediterranean’s oldest cities, but when it comes to the Larnaca nightlife, it has enough to keep even the most …Adonis Baths
If you’re looking to do something a little different and enjoy a picturesque setting at the same time, then the Adonis Baths are definitely worth …Scuba diving in Nissi Bay
There’s so much to see and do in Nissi Bay but if you like exploring the ocean, then diving is for you so head over to Sandy Bay’s Olympia …Try exciting water sports in Nissi Bay
It isn’t a visit to Nissi Bay without spending a day at the beach and if you’re feeling adventurous you should try some water sports.Take a trip to Aphrodite’s Rock near Paphos
Take a short half an hour drive along the scenic turquoise coast to Paphos to swim in the mystical waters of Petra Tou Romiou, better known as …Lara Bay Cyprus
See conservation in action with a visit to the white sands of Lara Bay; a safe haven for the Greek population of Green and Loggerhead Turtles.Ancient Kourion Cyprus
For a day away from the beach, take about a 20 minute drive to the ancient Kourion Archaeological Site. The oldest remains on the settlement date …Ayia Napa Marina
Even if you don’t have a boat, the Ayia Napa Marina’s a great spot to visit. With enough space to host approximately 600 yachts, …Party the night away in Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is a party paradise. When the sun sets the bar scene comes to life and if you want to, you can dance till morning. If you’re looking …Explore the sea caves of Cape Greco
If you fancy a bit of peace and quiet make your way over to the sea caves at Cape Greco. You can access them by foot or you could hop on board a …Cyprus travel money
Whether you’re paying for a relaxing lunch, haggling for a bargain in a bustling market, or hitting the designer shops in some of the country’s contemporary shopping malls, knowing your way around the Cyprus currency will help make your holiday easier. If you’ve never been to this sun-kissed destination before, here’s our guide to the currency in Cyprus.
Spending in Southern Cyprus
Before 2008, the Cyprus currency was the lira. However, since the country has joined the European Union, it’s been replaced by the Euro. The Euro is used as the official Cyprus currency in the south of the country and you can withdraw this before you leave or in ATMs, banks and Bureau de Change offices while you’re away.
Coins and notes
The first thing you should know is that each Euro is worth 100 cents. There are eight types of cent including 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. On one side, you’ll find designs that denote the Cyprus currency as being a member of the Eurozone. However, on the other, you’ll find inscriptions and pictures that align the coins to Cyprus, such as the Idol of Pomos, the Kyrenia Ship and the Muflon, which is a species of sheep native to the country. While they might take up more room in your pocket, coins are perfect for using in markets or for street-food.
The Euro notes are divided up into denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. While each amount is different in colour to the others, the rule of thumb is the bigger the note, the more it’s worth. As with the coins, the Euro notes can be used in any other Eurozone countries that use the Euro as their official currency, regardless of its country of origin.
Spending in the North
The currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira. If you’ve booked your holidays here, you won’t be able to use Euros, so be sure to check that you’re packing the right Cyprus currency before you go. The coins are known as kurus and come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50, before you reach the 1 Lira coin. From there, you progress into the notes, which are available as 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Lira. These notes bear the pictures of famous inhabitants, such as the novelist Fatma Aliye and the first Turkish president Kamel Ataturk. As with the Euro, you can get Lira from ATMs, banks, and Bureau de Change across the country.
Featured accommodation
Popular holiday resorts
