Planning your trip
Our local partners will be there for you throughout your stay, and as a result, we can help you with the logistical side of your holiday to Cyprus and customize it to your tastes. We can arrange for you to visit a different area of the island beyond the boundaries of your resort while also providing you with the knowledge to explore more of the island. During your stay, our local partners will be there for you.
Visa & passport requirements
If you’re a citizen of the UK or Ireland, no visa is required for travel to Cyprus.
Please be aware that starting from January 1st, 2021, the rules governing travel to most European countries (including Cyprus) have changed following the Brexit transition period.
As per EU regulations, all individuals arriving from non-EU countries must have at least six months remaining on their passport on the day of travel outwards. As of now, this will include visitors with UK passports, as well those issued by Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey. However, any extra months on your passport over ten years may not count toward the six months that should be remaining for travel to most countries in Europe.
What to pack
Depending on when you go, you’ll need different things. In the summertime of Cyprus, it is quite hot, so bring light and cool clothing as well as plenty of sun protection. Temperatures are still pleasant in the fall and winter, and packing layers allows for flexibility both during the hotter midday hours and cooler morning and evening temperatures.
When visiting religious sites like monasteries or churches, men should wear long trousers. Women are expected to wear skirts that reach the ground, but if you’re wearing shorts or pants, most places will have wrap skirts available for you to borrow. Both men and women should make sure their shoulders are covered.
As for power outlets, Cyprus uses the standard European 230V and has plugs that fit the UK-style three-prong G-type plug.
Language
Greek is the official language of Cyprus, but it is primarily spoken by Greek Cypriots. Since British rule on the island has endured, English has become increasingly popular, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Turkish is mainly spoken in Northern Cyprus by Turks who live there, although this accounts for a tiny fraction of the population. Street names and other signage are generally written in Greek and English, with some exceptions (for example, signs at airports). Turkish is spoken in Northern Cyprus by Turks who reside there; however, this constitutes just a tiny percentage of the population. The majority of street signs and other signage throughout public places are written in Greek and English.
Getting around
Cyprus has two international airports for arriving visitors: Paphos and Larnaca. By private vehicle and driver, we may transport you throughout the island; however, self-driving is also an option. Cyprus is a tiny island, and it can be crossed in approximately two to three hours by car. While many hotels are independent, others are conveniently located near towns.Taxis are widely available throughout the main seaside towns and are generally safe and dependable. The Green Line is a buffer zone that separates the Turkish Cypriot north from the Greek Cypriot south, with numerous border crossings along its length. While we have concentrated on the southern part of the island, visitors may cross into the north as often as desired.
Keeping in touch
+357 is the international dialing code for Cyprus. Although it may be costly to call internationally from hotel phones, virtually all hotels, as well as many restaurants and cafés, provide free Wi-Fi. It’s also a good idea to contact your mobile phone service provider to figure out if there are any costs involved with making and receiving calls abroad. If you want to use your phone’s mobile data while you’re traveling, you might consider purchasing a data roaming plan so that you can access the internet on the go.
Customs & etiquette
Locals in Cyprus are welcoming to travelers and tolerant of minor breaches of Cypriot social norms, but we urge you to adhere to cultural traditions and etiquette whenever possible. In Cyprus, people are hospitable and it’s not uncommon for locals to offer food or drink. If this happens, it is always courteous to accept. Elders in Cyprus are revered and treated with great respect both at home and in public.
It is not uncommon for Cypriots to inquire about your personal life and career. This usually comes from a place of genuine interest, so feel free to ask them about their situation as well. However, the politics surrounding the division of Cyprus can be touchy. Although tour guides will likely bring this up during tours, it would be bestto approach the subject with caution so that you do not say anything that could come across as judgemental.
Food & drink
Traditional Cypriot cuisine is similar to Greek food in many ways. Some of the most popular dishes include souvlaki (seasoned meat chunks grilled on skewers and served in pitta bread), stuffed vine leaves and vegetables, rabbit stew (called stifado), and a meat stew called kleftiko. Halloumi cheese is also a very well-known local food from Cyprus that has gained popularity throughout the world. A delicious way to sample multiple local dishes is by ordering meze style, as it’s called in Cyprus. This method of requesting several sharing dishes among the table and eating family style lets you savor a bit of everything instead of just one main dish.
In Cyprus, coffee is often served strong, sweetened, with milk or black. The country has roots in wine making despite not exporting much wine globally; however, many restaurants serve locally produced options. And for something stronger like alcohol, the traditional anise-based spirit ouzo is quite popular among locals..
Events, holidays & festivals
Both religious and secular celebrations are commemorated as public holidays in Cyprus, many of which have roots in the Greek Orthodox Church or pay homage to historically significant days for both Greece and Cyprus.
common traditional festivities include elaborate meals with friends and family, as well as parades. The most noteworthy holiday of the year is Orthodox Easter, which usually falls during April or May; two whole days are designated national holidays while an entire week is set aside to celebrate various religious aspects leading up to Easter Sunday followed by Easter Monday. Cyprus has many yearly festivals, including those leading up to Lent carnival celebrations. The most well-known are the Limassol Carnival parade and feast. In May, there is the Anthestiria festival which contains floats made of flowers followed by a large parade in Limassol. Finally, early summer holds the Kataklysmos Water Festival celebrating Noah’s biblical salvation from floodthrough swimming races and water games..
Accommodation choices
Resorts are the most popular type of hotel in Cyprus– and for good reason. They offer expansive grounds, plenty of amenities, several on-site restaurants, and a wide range room options all while being located right by the water so you can enjoy stunning sea views. If you’re looking to get away from crowded beach areas and experience more authentic Cypriot culture, consider staying at one of the characterful properties nestled in the mountains.
|Despite their greater size, we pick resorts that provide a high level of service and personal attention. Many people visiting Cyprus prefer to stay in one area rather than traveling around the island from hotel to hotel, so we work to guarantee that hotels are comfortable and convenient for longer stays. With specific facilities and services for children, many hotels cater particularly well to families. Some are adults-only, with the objective of providing relaxation.
