Your Essential Resource
Resehandbok för Cypern
Everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Cyprus, from flights and transport to local customs and insider recommendations.
Your Essential Resource
Everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Cyprus, from flights and transport to local customs and insider recommendations.
Flights & Airports
Cyprus is served by two international airports: Larnaca International Airport (LCA), the island's largest and busiest, and Paphos International Airport (PFO), conveniently located on the western coast. Both airports receive regular flights from major European cities, with flight times ranging from approximately three hours from London to around four and a half hours from Scandinavian capitals.
Major airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Aegean Airlines, and Cyprus Airways operate frequent services throughout the year, with increased frequency during the summer season from April to October. Charter flights also serve both airports during peak holiday months.
If you are heading to Limassol, Larnaca Airport is the closer option at approximately 70 kilometres (around 50 minutes by car). For Paphos and Aphrodite Hills, Paphos Airport is the most convenient, located just 15 kilometres from Paphos town and approximately 25 kilometres from the Aphrodite Hills resort.
Transport & Driving
The most flexible and popular way to explore Cyprus is by rental car. The island has a well-maintained motorway connecting Limassol to Larnaca, Nicosia, and Paphos, making inter-city travel quick and straightforward. Cyprus drives on the left side of the road, a legacy of British colonial rule, and road signs are in both Greek and English. An international or EU driving licence is accepted.
Car rental agencies are available at both airports and in all major towns. We recommend booking in advance during the summer months to secure the best rates and vehicle availability. Petrol stations are widespread, and fuel prices are generally lower than in most Western European countries.
For those who prefer not to drive, public buses operated by EMEL (Limassol) and OSYPA (Paphos) provide affordable local transport within towns. Intercity buses connect the main cities at reasonable prices, though services are less frequent in the evenings and on Sundays. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available.
Distances in Cyprus are manageable. Limassol to Paphos is approximately 70 kilometres along the coastal motorway (about one hour), and Limassol to Nicosia is roughly 85 kilometres (about one hour). This compact geography means you can comfortably explore different parts of the island on day trips from a single base.
Seasonal Planning
Cyprus welcomes visitors year-round, but each season offers a distinct experience.
Peak season with temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius. Perfect for beach holidays, swimming, and water sports. The sea is at its warmest (25-27 degrees Celsius), and the days are long with sunset around 8pm.
Expect the highest prices and busiest beaches during July and August. Book accommodation well in advance. Evening dining al fresco is a nightly delight, with restaurants and beach bars buzzing with activity until late.
The shoulder seasons are arguably the best time to visit Cyprus. Temperatures are a comfortable 22-28 degrees Celsius, the sea is still swimmable, and tourist crowds are thinner. This is the ideal period for combining beach time with sightseeing and hiking.
Spring brings wildflowers carpeting the hillsides, while autumn offers the grape harvest and wine festivals. Accommodation prices are typically 20-40% lower than peak summer, and you will have popular attractions and beaches to yourself.
Destination Guide
Limassol is Cyprus's second-largest city and its most cosmopolitan. Situated on the southern coast, it is a centre of culture, commerce, and nightlife. The city combines its medieval heritage, centred around the imposing Limassol Castle where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, with a thoroughly modern lifestyle defined by its stunning new marina, waterfront promenade, and thriving restaurant scene.
The Limassol Marina is a world-class development featuring luxury residences, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. Stroll along the Molos seafront promenade at sunset, explore the winding lanes of the old town, or spend a morning browsing the traditional covered market. For culture, the Cyprus Wine Museum and the Limassol Archaeological Museum offer fascinating insights into the region's heritage.
Limassol's beaches stretch for 15 kilometres along the coast, from Lady's Mile Beach in the west to the resort areas of Germasogeia and Amathus in the east. The city is also the gateway to the Troodos Mountains, offering hiking trails, mountain villages, and some of the best-preserved Byzantine churches in the world.
Destination Guide
Paphos holds a special place in both Greek mythology and world heritage. This historic coastal city on Cyprus's southwestern coast was named European Capital of Culture in 2017, and the entire town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here, according to legend, that the goddess Aphrodite was born from the sea, and the mythological connection is still evident in the ancient sites that dot the landscape.
The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is the city's crown jewel, housing remarkably preserved Roman-era mosaic floors in the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion, and Orpheus. The Tombs of the Kings, carved from solid rock and dating back to the 3rd century BC, offer a haunting glimpse into the ancient past. Paphos Harbour, dominated by its medieval fort, is the perfect place for an evening stroll followed by dinner at one of the many seafront restaurants.
Beyond the archaeological treasures, Paphos offers beautiful beaches including Coral Bay, a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach with shallow, warm waters ideal for families. The Akamas Peninsula, accessible from Paphos, is a pristine nature reserve perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and discovering secluded beaches like the famous Blue Lagoon.
Destination Guide
Aphrodite Hills is one of Cyprus's premier integrated resort destinations, set on a stunning plateau overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. Located between Limassol and Paphos, this award-winning resort spans over 200 hectares and offers a self-contained luxury lifestyle that combines sport, relaxation, and natural beauty.
The resort is centred around its championship 18-hole golf course, designed by Sir Henry Cotton and considered one of the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additional facilities include a world-class tennis academy, an equestrian centre, a luxury spa, multiple swimming pools, and a village square with restaurants, cafes, and shops. For families, there are dedicated children's clubs and activities.
What makes Aphrodite Hills truly special is its hilltop position, providing sweeping panoramic views of the sea, citrus groves, and the surrounding countryside. The resort's private beach is accessible via a shuttle and funicular, while the legendary Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) is visible from many vantage points within the development. It is the ideal choice for those seeking an active luxury holiday with everything at their doorstep.
Insider Knowledge
Make the most of your Cyprus holiday with these practical tips from our local team.
Practical Information
Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and petrol stations. ATMs are readily available throughout the island. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, village tavernas, and market purchases.
Contactless payments are increasingly common, and most establishments accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and dedicated exchange bureaux in tourist areas.
The official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken across the island, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Most signage, menus, and official documents are available in both Greek and English.
Learning a few Greek phrases is always appreciated by locals: "Kalimera" (good morning), "Efharisto" (thank you), and "Yia sou" (hello/goodbye) will earn you warm smiles. Russian, German, and French are also commonly spoken in hospitality settings.
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