Welcome to Cyprus

Cyprus is the third-largest Mediterranean island and a destination that doesn't fit into a single superlative. On just 9,251 km² — smaller than the German state of Thuringia — the island combines an astonishing diversity:

• 340 sunny days a year — Cyprus is the sunniest place in Europe and therefore visitable year-round
• 10,000 years of history — from the oldest settlements in the world (Choirokoitia, UNESCO) to Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Crusader castles, Venetian fortresses, and Ottoman hammams
• Aphrodite's birthplace — the mythical rock Petra tou Romiou, where the goddess of love emerged from the sea foam, is located near Paphos
• Two cultures on one island — the Greek-Cypriot south (EU, Euro) and the Turkish-Cypriot north offer completely different experiences
• Troodos Mountains with 1,952 m height, UNESCO barn-roof churches, and vineyards right next to dream beaches
• A Meze culture like no other: 20–30 dishes per meal, plus Commandaria — the oldest named wine in the world

Cyprus has been part of the EU since 2004, and the currency in the south is the Euro. An ID card is sufficient for EU citizens. The flight time from Germany is just under 4 hours — yet the island feels like another world: oriental bazaars next to Greek Orthodox churches, British left-hand traffic relics next to modern beach resorts.

What makes Cyprus special: You can snorkel at a secluded beach on the Akamas Peninsula in the morning, enjoy trout with Commandaria wine in a Troodos mountain village at noon, admire 3,000-year-old mosaics in Paphos in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean on the Limassol promenade in the evening. All within an hour's drive.

Cyprus can be divided into five travel regions — each with its own character:

Limassol & South Coast

For whom: Wine lovers, cultural travelers, cosmopolitans
Cyprus' second-largest city is the modern heart of the island: a lively promenade, ancient sites like Kourion and Kolossi Castle, plus the vineyards of the Troodos foothills. Lady's Mile Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island.

Paphos & West Coast

For whom: History enthusiasts, nature lovers, couples
UNESCO World Heritage city with one of the most significant archaeological parks in the Mediterranean. Aphrodite's Rock, the wild Akamas Peninsula with the Blue Lagoon, and the Tombs of the Kings make Paphos the most culturally rich region of Cyprus.

Nicosia & Troodos

For whom: Culture explorers, hikers, travelers off the beaten path
The divided capital Nicosia offers a fascinating insight into the island's division history. In the Troodos Mountains, UNESCO barn-roof churches, the Kykkos Monastery, and cool mountain villages with wine tastings await.

Ayia Napa & Protaras

For whom: Beach vacationers, families, party-goers
The east has the most beautiful sandy beaches in Cyprus: Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay, and the dramatic Sea Caves at Cape Greco. Ayia Napa is the nightlife center, Protaras the quieter family alternative.

North Cyprus

For whom: Adventurers, history fans, budget travelers
The self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" offers a different world: the harbor town of Kyrenia (Girne) with its Crusader castle, the ghost town of Varosha in Famagusta, and the untouched Karpaz Peninsula — all at significantly lower prices.

1. Petra tou Romiou — Aphrodite's Rock — The mythical birthplace of the goddess of love. The rock formation rises dramatically from the turquoise sea. Best viewed at sunset from the cliff above. → Chap. Paphos
2. Archaeological Park Paphos — Roman mosaics of breathtaking beauty, including the House of Dionysus with scenes from Greek mythology. UNESCO World Heritage. → Chap. Paphos
3. Crossing the Green Line in Nicosia — On foot from the EU into an internationally unrecognized republic, through the world's last divided capital. An unforgettable experience. → Chap. Nicosia
4. Eating Meze — the right way — 20 to 30 small dishes: Halloumi, Sheftalia, Taramosalata, Kleftiko, Loukaniko. Best in a village restaurant in the Troodos. → Chap. Understanding
5. Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula — Crystal clear, turquoise water in a sheltered bay, accessible by boat from Latchi. Snorkel, swim, marvel. → Chap. Paphos
6. Kourion — the ancient theater above the sea — A Greco-Roman amphitheater on a 70 m high cliff with panoramic views of the coast. Concerts are held here in summer. → Chap. Limassol
7. Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos — The richest and most famous monastery in Cyprus, founded in the 11th century. The icon of the Virgin Mary is said to have been painted by the Apostle Luke. → Chap. Nicosia
8. Nissi Beach — Cyprus' postcard beach — White sand, turquoise water, a small offshore island that can be waded to. Party atmosphere in summer, paradisiacally quiet in the off-season. → Chap. Ayia Napa
9. Kyrenia (Girne) — Harbor & Castle — The most picturesque harbor in Cyprus, overlooked by a Byzantine-Frankish castle. Inside: a sunken shipwreck from the 4th century BC. → Chap. North Cyprus
10. Tasting Commandaria wine — The oldest named wine in the world, produced the same way for 800 years. Richard the Lionheart called it "the wine of kings". → Chap. Understanding
11. Cape Greco at sunrise — Dramatic cliffs, natural rock bridges, and sea caves at the southeastern tip. The most beautiful hiking trail on the island. → Chap. Ayia Napa
12. Varosha — the ghost town — Once Cyprus' most glamorous beach resort, abandoned and fenced off since 1974. Parts have been accessible again since 2020 — a surreal time capsule. → Chap. North Cyprus
13. Hiking Avakas Gorge — A narrow, 30 m deep limestone gorge on the Akamas Peninsula. The play of light between the rock walls is breathtaking. → Chap. Paphos
14. Bellapais Abbey above Kyrenia — The Gothic monastery ruin from the 13th century overlooking the north coast. Lawrence Durrell lived here and immortalized it in "Bitter Lemons". → Chap. North Cyprus
15. Troodos Barn-roof Churches — 10 inconspicuous mountain churches with Byzantine frescoes of incredible quality. UNESCO World Heritage, hidden in mountain villages. → Chap. Nicosia

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. With 340 sunny days a year, the island is Europe's sunniest travel destination.

Best time: March–May and September–November

The absolute recommendation:

• March–May: Spring in Cyprus is a dream. Wildflowers cover the hills, temperatures from 20–28°C, the sea warms up. Easter traditions, few tourists. April/May ideal for hiking in the Troodos.
• September–October: THE sweet spot. Summer heat is over (28–32°C instead of 40°C), sea at its warmest (26–28°C!), grape harvest in the Troodos, prices drop. November still pleasantly warm (20–25°C).

High season: July–August

Air up to 40°C, water 27–28°C. Beaches crowded, hotels most expensive. Inland and Nicosia can reach 42°C+ — unbearable for sightseeing. Only sensible if you plan exclusively beach holidays and can handle the heat.

Winter: December–February

Mild on the coast (12–18°C), rainier, but still warmer than Germany. Snow falls in the Troodos — skiing in Cyprus is indeed possible! Hotels significantly cheaper, but some beach resorts close. Ideal for culture and hiking.

Climate table: Coast (Paphos/Limassol)

Cyprus is cheaper than Greece, but not a budget destination. The south is more expensive than the north, with tourist hotspots like Ayia Napa being significantly more expensive than mountain villages in the Troodos.

Daily budget per person

Reference prices (South Cyprus)

North Cyprus: 30–40% cheaper

In the north, food, accommodations, and activities are significantly cheaper. A complete lunch with a drink for €8–12 is normal. Hotels cost 40–70% less than comparable ones in the south. Payment is in Turkish Lira (TRY), but euros are accepted almost everywhere — usually at a worse rate.

12 things I wish I had known before my first trip to Cyprus:

1. Left-hand traffic! Cyprus is a former British colony and drives on the left. The steering wheel is on the right, the wiper where you expect the indicator. The first few hours are nerve-wracking — then you get used to it. Especially dangerous: roundabouts!
2. Don't forget the adapter. Cyprus uses British type-G plugs (three rectangular pins). Nothing works without an adapter. Hotels sometimes have them at the reception, but don't rely on it.
3. North Cyprus is easily accessible. EU citizens can cross the Green Line on foot, by car, or bus anytime — just show your ID. Returning to the south is just as easy.
4. Rental cars from the south are NOT allowed in the north. The insurance of the southern Cypriot rental company is not valid in the north. At the border crossing, you must take out a short-term North Cypriot insurance (approx. €20/3 days) — or rent separately in the north.
5. The heat in summer is underestimated. 40°C+ is normal in July/August. Sightseeing after 12 noon is torture. Plan activities for the morning and evening, head to the beach or pool at midday.
6. Never order Meze alone. A Meze menu is intended for at least two people. As a solo traveler, ask the host for a small selection.
7. Many places are closed on Sundays. Especially in smaller towns. In Nicosia and Limassol Old Town, many shops are closed on Sundays, except in tourist zones.
8. Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants is common, but not mandatory. Service Charge (usually 10%) is often already on the bill — then additional tipping is optional.
9. Cyprus coffee ≠ Turkish coffee. Never order "Turkish coffee" in the south — it's called "Cypriot coffee" (Kypriakos kafes). Politically sensitive topic. Conversely in the north: "Türk kahvesi".
10. Cats are everywhere. Cyprus is not called the "island of cats" for nothing. Thousands of semi-wild cats live in every city, every village, every archaeological site. They are part of the experience.
11. Water is precious. Cyprus suffers from water scarcity. Tap water is drinkable but often heavily chlorinated. Most locals buy drinking water in large 5-liter canisters.
12. The archaeological museum in Nicosia is a must. Before visiting the excavation sites, the Cyprus Museum (Leoforos Mouseiou 1) provides the necessary context. €4.50, absolutely worth it.