Cyprus Travel Guide: When to Go, Where to Stay and What to Know Before You Fly

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with long summers, ancient ruins, mountain villages and beaches that suit families, couples and nightlife seekers. This guide covers the basics for planning.

Best time to visit

Official tourism and travel sources agree that the shoulder seasons are best. May and June, and September and October bring warm days in the high 20s Celsius without peak-season crowds. Summers are long, dry and hot from mid-May to mid-October, while winters from December to February are mild.

Where to base yourself

Beyond the coast

The Troodos Mountains offer hiking, painted Byzantine churches and cooler air in summer. Many visitors rent a car and tour villages for a day.

Entry requirements

• Visitors from the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter the Republic of Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists.
• Passports generally should be valid for at least three months after departure; EU citizens can use a national ID card.
• Rules change, so check the government pages for your country and the Visit Cyprus website before you travel.

Practical tips

1. Cyprus uses the euro, and driving is on the left.
2. Book accommodation early for July and August.
3. Northern Cyprus has separate entry arrangements, so check official advice if you plan to cross.
4. Try halloumi, meze and local wines.

Planning a trip with reading in between? Browse our celebrity stories for the plane.

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