Cyprus

Cyprus

Fly into LCA or PFO. Aster compares live fares there across economy, premium economy, business and first - scored against your budget, sleep and legroom, with a straight answer on whether the upgrade is worth it.

Ask Aster for flights to Cyprus

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with a long, layered history and some of the warmest weather in Europe. It has Greek and Turkish communities, Roman mosaics, mountain monasteries, golden beaches and a coastline that attracts both families and nightlife seekers.

The island is divided. The Republic of Cyprus covers the south, and the north is administered separately. Check the entry rules and current advice from the official sources before you cross.

How many days: 7

A week gives you time for beaches, ancient sites and a drive into the mountains. A long weekend suits a single resort.

Distances are short by European standards. A hire car lets you see the main sights in a few days.

What to do in Cyprus

See the Paphos mosaics
Roman floors in houses near the harbour show scenes from myth in fine detail. The wider archaeological park is a World Heritage site.
Visit Aphrodite's Rock
A sea stack on the south-west coast, said to be the birthplace of the goddess of love. A popular stop for a swim at sunset.
Drive into the Troodos mountains
Pine forests, cool air, villages and painted Byzantine churches. A good escape from coastal heat.
Walk the old city of Nicosia
The capital has a walled old town and a division line running through it. A thought-provoking visit.
Explore Limassol
A lively seaside city with an old town, a marina and a long promenade.
See Kourion
A Greco-Roman site on a cliff above the sea, with mosaics and a theatre. A beautiful location.
Swim at the Akamas coast
A wild peninsula in the north-west with sea caves, beaches and walking trails. The Blue Lagoon is a famous swimming spot.
Visit a winery
The island has some of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world. Villages in the foothills offer tastings.
Visit the Kykkos Monastery
A grand mountain monastery with a museum, in the Troodos hills. One of the most important religious sites on the island.
Explore the Tombs of the Kings
Underground tombs carved into rock near Paphos, with columns and courtyards. A calm and atmospheric site.
Take a day trip to the Larnaca salt lake
A salt lake near the airport, where flamingos gather in winter. A mosque on the shore is an unusual sight.

What to eat and drink

Halloumi
A salty, grilling cheese made from sheep and goat's milk. Eaten grilled, fried or in salads.
Meze
A table of many small dishes, such as dips, grilled meats, olives and salads. A good way to try Cypriot food.
Souvlaki and sheftalia
Grilled meat on skewers, and a sausage made with minced pork. Common at casual restaurants.
Commandaria
A sweet dessert wine, among the oldest named wines in the world. Served in small glasses.
Loukoumi
Cypriot delight, a soft sweet flavoured with rose water. Sold in shops and bakeries.
Fresh fruit
Citrus, figs and watermelon are in season at various times of year. Markets sell them.
Kleftiko
Slow-cooked lamb baked in a sealed clay oven until falling off the bone. A Cypriot classic.

Getting around

A hire car is the easiest way to get around. People drive on the left, as in the UK. Buses cover main routes.

Taxis are available, and some towns have shared taxis between cities.

Crossing between the south and north is possible at official points. Check current rules and car hire insurance.

Good to know

  • Summer is hot, often above 35 degrees. Spring and autumn are more comfortable.
  • Many tourist facilities close in winter. Check before you go.
  • The sun is strong. Bring sun protection.
  • Cyprus uses the euro in the south. The north uses the Turkish lira.
  • Check government travel advice before you go, including the entry and crossing rules.
  • Cyprus has a long history of hospitality, and meals are leisurely. Allow plenty of time at the table.
  • The island's biggest resorts are Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Each has a distinct feel, from calm to lively.

Where to stay in Cyprus

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Ayia Napa

Golden beaches, Nissi Beach and a dense cluster of bars and clubs make Ayia Napa Cyprus' main party resort. It suits younger beach holidays and groups; summer crowds, late noise and a strongly tourism-led centre are the trade-offs.

Protaras

Fig Tree Bay, a long coastal promenade and clear sheltered beaches give Protaras a calmer resort feel than nearby Ayia Napa. It suits families and couples prioritising swimming; nightlife and local culture are thinner, and the resort becomes much quieter outside summer.

Paphos

A harbour, UNESCO-listed archaeology and resort coastline give Paphos the strongest blend of history and beach holiday on the island. It suits couples and families wanting more than a resort strip; its location is inconvenient if flying through Larnaca rather than Paphos Airport.

Limassol

A long seafront, marina, Old Town and Cyprus' strongest business scene combine in a city that still functions as a beach resort. It suits dining, nightlife and work trips; accommodation is relatively expensive and the best sandy beaches lie outside the centre.

Larnaca

Finikoudes promenade, a city beach and the bars of Mackenzie combine with historic churches and immediate airport access. It is an excellent practical and value-oriented base; the coastline is pleasant rather than Cyprus' most spectacular, and parts feel distinctly urban.

Polis & Latchi

A small town, fishing harbour and quiet beaches sit beside the Akamas Peninsula at Cyprus' remote north-western edge. It suits nature, couples and slower holidays; nightlife is minimal and the long transfer from Larnaca makes a hire car particularly useful.

When to go

Typical conditions by month - daytime high, night-time low, and rainy days.

MonthHighLowRain days
Jan 15°C10°C 7
Feb 16°C10°C 5
Mar 19°C11°C 4
Apr 22°C14°C 3
May 27°C18°C 3
Jun 31°C22°C 1
Jul 33°C24°C 0
Aug 34°C25°C 0
Sep 31°C23°C 1
Oct 27°C20°C 4
Nov 22°C15°C 5
Dec 17°C12°C 7

What it costs

A typical day in Cyprus, per person, in pounds.

£55

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£100

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£146

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

Ready when you are

Tell Aster when you're thinking of going. It does the comparing; you keep the final word.

Start your search