Cyprus travel guide: what to know before you go

Where is Cyprus?

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean, located southeast of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, and north of Egypt.

Is Northern Cyprus a separate country?

No, Northern Cyprus is not recognised as a country by most of the international community, including the UN and EU. Officially, it is occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus, covering slightly over a third of the island. After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, it has been under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, before declaring independence in 1983. Turkey is the only country which recognises Northern Cyprus as a separate country.

Should I visit North or South Cyprus?

Both North and South Cyprus are easily visited by tourists, although the majority head to the southern part of the island and the beach resorts of the coast. But the entire island has plenty to tempt.

In Northern Cyprus, you can explore unspoiled countryside and coast, as well as Crusader castles, the ruins of historic monasteries and a string of archaeological sites dating back as far as the Bronze Age, along with Roman remains. It’s also home to attractive towns such as Kyrenia and Famagusta, while the capital Nicosia is split between Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus.

Stone of Aphrodite, Cyprus

Southern Cyprus is best known for its bigger cities and resorts, including Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, home to UNESCO-listed sites such as the Tombs of the Kings, dating from the 4th century BCE. You can also visit Aphrodite’s Rock where, according to legend, the goddess of love emerged from the waves.

You’ll also find protected natural reserves, such as the Akamas Peninsula, home to the narrow Avakas Gorge, plus the scenery and villages of the Troodos Mountains, where it’s possible to ski in winter.

How big is Cyprus?

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, covering an area of around 3,572 square miles (around 9,251 km2), around half the size of Wales. Approximately two-thirds (2,276 square miles) makes up the Republic of Cyprus, while around one-third (1,295 square miles) is under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Getting to Cyprus from the UK

There are direct flights from the UK to the international airports at Larnaca and Paphos in Cyprus, with flights taking around four hours 30 minutes. Indirect flights also travel to northern Cyprus via Turkey, although the majority of visitors (including those on our Northern Cyprus tours), fly to Larnaca and travel to the north from there, as the Cypriot authorities consider entry to the north as illegal.

What are the entry requirements for Cyprus?

UK citizens can travel to Cyprus, including northern Cyprus, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Time spent in either part of the island will count towards the 90-day total. If you’re travelling from the Republic of Cyprus to Northern Cyprus, there are various crossing points which are open 24 hours per day, although you will need to show a passport (or other accepted photo ID). If you fly into Northern Cyprus and enter the Republic of Cyprus from there, you will be considered to have entered illegally, which can result in fines or being refused entry.

Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page.

What’s the weather like in Cyprus?

The weather in Cyprus does vary across the island, with temperatures in the mid to high 30Cs in July and August across much of the country, and hotter weather in the north. It’s cooler in the mountains, with average highs of around 25-26C during the summer months.

During the winter, temperatures can drop below zero at high altitude, with snow on the peaks in the Troodos Mountains, but it remains pleasantly mild at the coast, with highs of around 16-17C. Cyprus gets most of its rain between November and March, although you can still expect plenty of sunny days.

The most pleasant season to visit Cyprus is spring and autumn, with shoulder season seeing warmer and drier weather, but without the searing heat of midsummer. April-May temperatures usually hover around the low to mid 20Cs, while September and October are warmer, with temperatures in the high 20Cs. You can also expect warmer sea temperatures in autumn than in spring.

What are the highlights of a holiday to Cyprus?

Whether you’re fascinated by history, looking for a relaxed beach break, beautiful scenery or wildlife, you’ll find it on Cyprus. Here are some of the highlights.

Archaeological sites

The UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings is one of the best-known sites in Cyprus, along with Nea Paphos and several other ancient sites. You can also visit the old cities of Kourion and Amathous in the south, among others.

Northern Cyprus has its own long history too, with 10 ancient kingdoms recorded in the area. Salamis dates back to the late Bronze Age, while Soli’s Roman theatre is impressively well-preserved.

The House of Dionysus, Paphos

Crusader castles

Cyprus was a vital stopping point during the Crusades, conquered in 1191 by Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. Over the following decades, a number of castles were built around the island, including St Hilarion in Northern Cyprus, one of the best preserved. You can also still visit Buffavento and Kantara, plus the other nearby fortifications at Kyrenia and Famagusta. In the south, Kolossi Castle was an important site for the Knights Hospitaller, while later fortresses such as Paphos Castle had crusader origins.

The forts weren’t the only buildings remaining from this time. Bellapais Abbey in Northern Cyprus flourished thanks to donations from crusader knights, as well as pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land, and its ruins can still be visited.

Bellapais Abbey at Beylerbeyi

Spectacular scenery

It’s easy to think of sun, sea and sand when it comes to Cyprus (and you won’t be short of that either), but there’s far more to the island’s landscape. Dominated by the Troodos Mountains in the centre of the country, you’ll find tiny villages tucked away amid the peaks, along with waterfalls and secluded viewpoints.

In the south of the island, the Akamas Peninsula is a protected natural reserve, with turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs on Lara Beach. It’s also home to Avakas Gorge, a nature trail leading to a narrow rock passage. In Northern Cyprus, the Karpas Peninsula has some spectacular white sand beaches, as well as unspoiled countryside that’s a haven for birds and wildlife.

Those are far from the only stretches of sand in the island too. Officially, Cyprus has 160 beaches dotted around its coast, including more than 50 Blue Flag beaches, so you’ll never be far from somewhere to relax in the sun.

Discover our escorted tours to Cyprus