Your Next Trip TRAVEL GUIDE
Cyprus
In this episode of Your Next Trip, Dayvee Sutton explores Cyprus, the Mediterranean island where ancient stories and modern life meet. From the lively beaches of Ayia Napa to the timeless mountain villages like Lefkara, discover Cyprus through its legendary history, traditional crafts, local wines, and flavorful meze that reveal the island’s authentic heart.
Now, check out our recommendations featured in this episode and more!
What to do
Cape Greco & Ayioi Anargyroi
Explore the dramatic headland on the southeast coast with coastal trails, sea caves, and sweeping Mediterranean views. Stop at the tiny cliffside church of Ayioi Anargyroi and take in photogenic panoramas along the way. Cape Greco is also a snorkeler’s and hiker’s paradise.
Address: Cape Greco National Forest Park, Cyprus
Hours: 24/7 (free to explore trails)
Cost: Free
Website: Book Tickets & Tours
Myloi Hadjiyiorki & Bread‑Making
Visit this traditional flour mill in Frenaros to learn how wheat is processed into flour and then into fresh village bread. Includes a museum with artifacts and interactive displays on flour milling and bread’s role in Cypriot life.
Address: Frenaros Village, Famagusta District, Cyprus
Hours: Typically morning tours by reservation (confirm locally)
Cost: Varies by group / tour operator
Website: Book Tickets Here
Musan Underwater Sculpture Museum (Ayia Napa)
Snorkel among submerged art installations by Jason deCaires Taylor in a unique underwater museum. A blend of creative expression and reef habitat that’s unforgettable for active travelers.
Address: Offshore Ayia Napa (meet at marina)
Hours: Snorkel tours usually offered morning and early afternoon
Cost: Tour‑based (equipment included)
Website: Book Tickets Here
Where to stay
Four Seasons Hotel — Limassol
Luxury on the Mediterranean with refined rooms, spa services, and beach access. Great base for coastal exploring.
Address: Avenue, Amathountos 67‑69, Agios Tychon 4532, Cyprus
Hours: 24/7
Cost: From ~$266+/night
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol
Upscale beachfront resort with pools, wellness facilities, and easy access to Limassol’s center and nearby attractions.
Address: Giannou Kranidioti 11, Limassol 4534, Cyprus
Hours: 24/7
Cost: From ~$289+/night
Elysium Hotel — Paphos
Classic seaside luxury near Paphos Old Town and archaeological sites — ideal for combining culture, beaches, and mythic sites like Petra tou Romiou.
Address: Queen Verenikis Street 6, Paphos 8045, Cyprus
Hours: 24/7
Cost: From ~$190+/night
And there’s tons of other fabulous places to stay during your trip.
Check out the best accommodation deals below.
What to eat
MEZE Taverna Restaurant — Limassol
Local favorite for meze — endless small plates showcasing traditional Cypriot flavors like grilled halloumi, dips, and seafood.
Address: Agiou Andreou 209, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
Hours: 12:15 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: €20–30
Ousia Soulful Kitchen — Limassol
Modern Cypriot cuisine with creative local twists crafted from seasonal ingredients, perfect after a day exploring villages or cities.
Address: 24 Irenes Street, Medieval Castle Square, Limassol 3042, Cyprus
Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Cost: Mid‑range dining
Blueberries — Ayia Napa
Highly rated seafood and Mediterranean restaurant steps from the beach — ideal for a fresh lunch after snorkeling or Cape Greco.
Address: Yuri Gangarin, Ayia Napa 5330, Cyprus
Hours: ~5:30 PM – 11:00 PM (seasonal)
Cost: Mid‑range dinner
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cyprus is April through June and September through early November. These shoulder seasons offer sunny weather, warm seas, and fewer crowds than peak summer months. Spring is ideal for hiking and wildflowers in the mountains, while fall brings grape harvests and wine festivals in villages like Omodos.
Avoid mid-July to August if you don’t like extreme heat or packed beaches — temperatures can reach over 100°F (38°C) inland.Getting Around
Cyprus has no active rail network, so most travelers rely on:
Car Rentals (highly recommended, especially for exploring villages, vineyards, and mountains)
Public Transit (affordable and reliable for main city routes — check Cyprus by Bus)
Local buses in cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos
Taxis and private drivers available in most towns — apps like Bolt and CabCy are common
Note: Cyprus drives on the left-hand side of the road.Safety Tips
Cyprus is considered very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is minimal — still, keep an eye on valuables in crowded tourist areas.
Avoid wandering into the UN Buffer Zone dividing the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. If crossing into the Turkish-controlled north, carry your passport, as there are border control checkpoints.
Tap water is safe to drink in most areas, but bottled water is widely available.Helpful Notes
Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have cash in small villages and markets.
Language: Greek is the official language, though English is widely spoken — especially in tourist areas.
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET) / Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) UTC+2 / UTC+3 (during Daylight Saving Time)
Emergency Number: Dial 112 for all emergency services.
Tipping: Not required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated.
Plug Type: Type G (same as the UK)
Voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50Hz
Packing list
Here’s our suggested items to pack for this destination. Please always consider the weather and activities you will be doing.
Clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days (linens, cottons)
Swimsuits and cover-ups for beach days and snorkeling
Comfortable hiking clothes and moisture-wicking layers
Light jacket or sweater for cool evenings in the mountains
Modest outfit for monastery visits (covered shoulders/knees)
Casual chic outfits for dinners or wine tastings
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for villages and ruins
Hiking shoes or trail runners for Troodos and Akamas trails
Sandals or flip-flops for beach and poolside
Water shoes (optional) for rocky beach entries or boat trips
Gear & Accessories
Daypack for hikes and day trips
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen (reef-safe if you’ll be snorkeling)
Bug spray (especially for mountain or forest areas)
Snorkeling gear (optional, or use provided)
Travel towel
Dry bag for boat trips or the Blue Lagoon
Universal travel adapter
Toiletries & Personal Items
Medications and basic first-aid items
After-sun lotion or aloe
Hand sanitizer and wipes (for village stops or hikes)
Motion sickness remedy (for boat rides)
Electronics
Phone + waterproof pouch (for boat/snorkel photos)
Camera or GoPro
Power bank
Chargers
Get a full packing list and free downloadable template at Pack Better.
Ultimate Packing List Library
Find the perfect customizable packing list for all of your travel situations on our sister website Pack Better.
Trip provided by: Visit Cyprus and Adventure Travel and Trade Association
