Cyprus Travel Guide: Beaches History & Divided Capital

Discover Cyprus, a Mediterranean island steeped in myth, legend, and millennia of history, boasting beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, ancient ruins, and vibrant towns. From the archaeological treasures of Paphos and the lively resorts of Ayia Napa in the Republic of Cyprus (south), to the historic harbour of Kyrenia and the walled city of Famagusta in the north, Cyprus offers diverse experiences. However, visitors need to be aware of the island’s division since 1974. This guide covers the essentials for travellers.

Important Note on Division & Entry: Cyprus is divided by the ‘Green Line’. The south is the Republic of Cyprus (RoC), an EU member. The north is the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC), recognised only by Turkey. UK government consular support is severely limited in the north. **Entry to the island for tourism should be via airports in the Republic of Cyprus (Larnaca LCA or Paphos PFO)**. Entering via Ercan (ECN) in the north is considered illegal entry by the RoC government and may cause significant problems if you later try to cross south or on future visits to the RoC or Greece. UK travellers can usually cross between south and north (and back) at designated checkpoints with a valid passport.

Navigate this guide:

Best Time to Travel
Getting There (Flights & Entry)
Top 10 Places & Activities (North & South)
Accommodation in Cyprus
Why Book With Me?
FAQ About Traveling to Cyprus (incl. Division)
Plan Your Cyprus Holiday

Best Time to Travel to Cyprus

Cyprus enjoys a long Mediterranean summer season:

Spring (April to May): Often ideal. Pleasant warm temperatures, blooming wildflowers. Good for sightseeing and comfortable conditions for exploring before peak summer heat/crowds.
Summer (June to August): Hot, dry, and sunny. Peak season for beach holidays (temperatures often 30°C+). Very busy, especially coastal resorts.
Autumn (September to October): Excellent time to visit. Temperatures remain warm, sea is still very pleasant for swimming. Summer crowds disperse. Good for all activities.
Winter (November to March): Mildest season, especially on the coast, but with potential for rain/wind. Good for sightseeing with fewer tourists. Troodos Mountains can see snow. Some coastal tourist facilities may close.

Getting There (Flights & Entry from UK)

Entry for tourists should be via airports in the Republic of Cyprus (South).

Airports (South): Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO) are the main entry points.
Flights from UK: Numerous direct flights operate year-round (more frequent Apr-Oct) from London airports (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN) and many regional UK airports (MAN, BHX, BRS, EDI, GLA etc.) to both LCA and PFO. Airlines include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, Wizz Air.
Flight Times: Direct flights take around 4.5-5 hours.
Entry Requirements (Republic of Cyprus): Cyprus is an EU member but **NOT** part of the Schengen Area currently (though applies some rules). UK citizens **do not need a visa** for tourist stays of up to **90 days**. This 90-day limit for Cyprus is separate from any time spent in the Schengen Area. A valid passport (check expiry date requirements – typically needs 3 months validity beyond stay) is required. Ensure your passport is stamped on entry.

Top 10 Places & Activities in Cyprus (North & South)

Paphos Archaeological Park (South): UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore incredible Roman mosaics (House of Dionysus, House of Theseus), Odeon theatre, Agora, Tombs of the Kings (necropolis outside the main park).

Best Hotels in Paphos: Budget (Pyramos Hotel £40-£70), Mid-Range (Amavi MadeForTwo Hotels – Adults Only £180-£280), Luxury (Elysium Hotel £250+).

Paphos for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Great historical site for families/solos. Main archaeological park pathways are reasonably accessible for wheelchairs/strollers, Tombs of the Kings involves steps/uneven ground.

Top things to do Paphos: Explore mosaics/ruins, Tombs of the Kings, walk the harbour front, visit Paphos Castle.

Where to stay Paphos: Kato Paphos (near harbour/archaeological sites), Coral Bay (beaches, resorts further north).
Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkoşa): The world’s last divided capital. Explore the historic walled city, cross the Green Line pedestrian checkpoint at Ledra Street between the south (Greek Cypriot) and north (Turkish Cypriot) sides. Visit Cyprus Museum (south), Büyük Han caravanserai (north), Selimiye Mosque (former cathedral – north).
Troodos Mountains:** Mountain range in the island’s centre. Offers hiking trails, cooler temperatures in summer, traditional villages (Omodos, Kakopetria), Byzantine painted churches (UNESCO site), skiing potential in winter.
Ayia Napa & Protaras (South): Famous resort areas on the east coast known for beautiful sandy beaches (Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay) and lively nightlife (Ayia Napa). Protaras generally more family-oriented.
Kyrenia (Girne – North): Picturesque harbour town dominated by a large Byzantine/Venetian castle housing a Shipwreck Museum. Explore the harbour front cafes and old town lanes.

Note: Requires crossing the Green Line from the south.
Limassol (South):** Major coastal city and port. Visit Limassol Castle, explore the Old Town and modern Marina, enjoy nearby beaches (Lady’s Mile), gateway to Troodos mountains and wine region.
Bellapais Abbey (North): Beautiful ruins of a Gothic abbey near Kyrenia offering stunning views down to the coast.
Famagusta (Gazimağusa – North): Historic walled city with impressive Venetian fortifications, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (former St Nicholas Cathedral), Othello’s Tower. See the fenced-off ‘ghost town’ of Varosha from designated viewpoints.
Larnaca (South): Coastal city with palm-lined Finikoudes promenade, Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca Salt Lake (home to flamingos in winter/spring).
Akamas Peninsula (West): Protected nature area near Paphos offering rugged coastline, hiking trails (Aphrodite Trail), Baths of Aphrodite, boat trips to the Blue Lagoon.

Accommodation in Cyprus

Wide range, particularly in the Republic of Cyprus (South):

Budget: Hostels (limited), budget hotels, apartments, basic guesthouses (£30-£60). Private apartment rentals (‘apartmani’) very common.
Mid-Range: Numerous 3-star and 4-star hotels, aparthotels, villas with pools (£60-£180).
Luxury: 5-star hotels and resorts, luxury villas, spa hotels primarily in coastal areas (Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa region) (£180 – £400+).
North (‘TRNC’): Accommodation range more limited, standards can vary. Options include hotels, smaller pensions, some casinos.

Why Book With Me?

Travelistry helps you navigate Cyprus’s beaches, history, mountains, and its unique division.

Personalised Service: Itineraries for beach holidays, cultural tours, family trips, hiking in Troodos, exploring both south and north (with awareness of logistics).
Expert Knowledge: Understanding flight/entry points (LCA/PFO recommended), crossing the Green Line procedures, currency differences, car hire rules regarding the north, best bases for different interests.
Stress-Free Planning: We handle flights (to LCA/PFO), accommodation (hotels, villas, apartments), car hire (advising on limitations), transfers, tours.
Value for Money: Finding deals on flights and accommodation across the island.
Support: Assistance for your Cypriot holiday.

FAQ About Traveling to Cyprus

Do I need a visa to travel to Cyprus from the UK? No, for the Republic of Cyprus (south), UK citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Cyprus is **not** in the Schengen Area; this 90-day limit is separate. Ensure passport meets validity rules.
What is the currency? In the Republic of Cyprus (south), the currency is the **Euro (€)**. In the north (‘TRNC’), the official currency is the **Turkish Lira (TRY)**, although Euros/GBP may be accepted sometimes (likely poor rates).
Is Cyprus safe? Yes, the Republic of Cyprus is generally very safe with low crime rates. Take normal precautions against petty theft. Driving is on the left. Check FCDO advice for any specific concerns and regarding travel to/in the north where UK consular support is limited.
Can I travel between the South and North? Yes, typically UK passport holders can cross the Green Line at designated checkpoints (e.g., Ledra Street pedestrian crossing in Nicosia) without issue. Passports are checked by authorities on both sides.
Can I take a hire car from the South to the North? Generally **no**. Most RoC car rental companies **prohibit** taking vehicles north, and their insurance is invalid there. You may need separate transport or hire another car in the north if needed. Check rental terms carefully. Basic third-party insurance for the north might be purchasable at some crossings, but comprehensive cover is unlikely.
What language is spoken? Greek is spoken in the south, Turkish in the north. English is widely spoken across the island, especially in tourist areas in the south.