There are few practical things to know before you visit Cyprus, so you can enjoy what the island has to offer. Planning ahead for your trip to Cyprus will help you make the most of your visit.
1. What is the best time to visit Cyprus?
The best time to visit Cyprus is from April to June and then from September to November, when the weather is pleasantly warm.
2. What is the cheapest month to go to Cyprus?
January. And if you are lucky enough, like we were, the temperature was around 22 C mid-January, while the rest of Europe is well below the freezing point.
3. What are the Travel and Entry Requirements?
Cyprus is part of the EU, but not in the Schengen Area. EU citizens can enter without a visa. Non-EU citizens should check visa requirements specific to their nationality.
4. Cyprus is Divided
It’s been 50 years since Turkish forces landed and occupied the northern third of Cyprus, claiming to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority, which constituted about 20% of the island’s population. Despite ongoing UN-led peace talks, efforts to reunify the island have been unsuccessful, leaving Cyprus divided. The southern part is the Republic of Cyprus, predominantly populated by Greek Cypriots, while the north is the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The TRNC is not recognized by the UN, although some countries maintain diplomatic relations with the region.
During our visits, we never crossed the border to TRNC and honestly, we tried to avoid military zones altogether. We focused on extensive travel in the Republic of Cyprus and felt safe at all times.
5. Currency
The official currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most places.
6. Language
Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken, probably due to the fact that Cyprus was part of the British Empire in one way or other until 1960.
7. Driving
In Cyprus, you drive on the left side of the road, similar to the UK and Australia. Strange for everyone else, who is not used to it, but we managed it. Also, rental cars have a red sign, so the locals know that it might be your first time driving on the left side of the road. Drivers did not seem overly agressive either.
Driving in Cyprus can be a pleasant experience if you follow local rules and regulations. Remember to drive on the left, obey speed limits, and stay vigilant for road signs and traffic cameras. Renting a car is a very convenient way to explore the island. In this way, you have the chance to visit more remote areas at your own pace.
Driving License
If you visit Cyprus, you can drive with your national driving license for up to six months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English.
Speed Limits
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Rural areas: 80 km/h (50 mph)
- Highways: 100 km/h (62 mph), with a minimum speed limit of 65 km/h (40 mph)
Seat Belts
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, both in the front and rear seats.
Alcohol Limits
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 mg/ml. For professional drivers and those with less than two years of experience, the limit is 0.2 mg/ml.
Mobile Phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you have a hands-free system.
Roundabouts
Traffic in the roundabout has the right of way. Always yield to vehicles coming from the right.
Roundabout navigation can be tricky in the beginning. Approach slowly and be prepared to yield. Signal your intention to exit the roundabout well in advance.
Cyclists and Pedestrians
Be vigilant for cyclists and pedestrians, especially in urban areas and near tourist spots. In the old town of Larnaca for example, as a pedestrian you basically share the road with cars, so it’s pretty unpleasant experience for everyone walking or driving.
Mountain Driving
If driving in the Troodos Mountains or other elevated areas, be cautious of steep gradients and sharp bends. It can feel like a little rollercoaster and for those who tend to feel nauseous on windy roads, take deep breaths. I felt all the time I needed to vomit.
Road Conditions
Roads are generally in very good condition, especially highways and main roads. Be cautious when driving in rural or mountainous areas as said, as roads can be very narrow and winding.
Toll Roads
There are currently no toll roads in Cyprus, so you don’t need to worry about toll payments.
Traffic signs follow international standards and are usually in both Greek and English.
Traffic Cameras
Speed and traffic cameras are in operation, so adhere to speed limits and traffic laws to avoid fines.
Parking
Park only in designated areas. Illegally parked cars can be fined or towed.
Kids in Cars
Children under 5 years old must not sit in the front seat. Children aged 5-10 must use an appropriate child restraint system in the rear seat.
8. Health Insurance
Ensure you have travel insurance that covers health care. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency medical treatment.
9. Emergency Numbers
In case of emergency, dial 112 or 199 for police, fire, and medical services.
10. Tap Water
We were told that tap water is generally safe to drink, but we did not risk it. Island in general (especially Greek islands), have horribly tasting water after desalination. Therefore, bottled water is preferred by many locals and tourists.
11. Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10% tip is common in restaurants if service is not included.
12. 24/7 Bakery-Shop
We simply loved the 24/7 Zorbas Bakery-Shop, where you can basically buy everything you need from water, milk and eggs to sandwiches and cakes. Very practical when you travel late in the night and especially with sleepy kids. Arriving from Austria, Cyprus was such an upgrade in this regard.
13. Greetings
A handshake is a common form of greeting. It is polite to say “Kalimera” (Good morning) or “Kalispera” (Good evening).
14. Internet and Mobile
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Consider getting a local SIM card for mobile data, if you are not from EU.
15. Electricity
The voltage is 240V with a 3-pin plug (Type G). Bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug type. If you forgot an adapter, it costs about 10 EUR at the gas stations.
16. Budgeting
Cyprus can range from affordable to moderately expensive. Accomodation for a family of four is about 200 EUR a night. Dinner for 4 about 120-160 EUR. In generally, Cyprus seem to be slightly cheaper than Greece.
17. Earthquakes
Cyprus experiences earthquakes and tremors. Make sure you know safety procedures and follow advice given by the local authorities.
18. Wildfires
Well, wildfires are both dangerous and unpredictable and frequently occur during the summer months due to hot, dry weather conditions.
Exercise caution when visiting or driving through wooded areas. Ensure cigarette ends are completely extinguished, if you are a smoker and only light barbecues in designated areas. If you spot a fire, immediately call emergency services at 112 or 1407.
19. What we love about Cyprus?
Cyprus is a unique place to visit, besides its history, hospitality and cultural diversity, there are 3 things we simply loved there:
The Food
With the locally produced herbs, fruits and vegetables and dairy, Cyprus seems to be self-sufficient. Fresh is everywhere, even in the winter months. Food quality is just amazing.
Cleanliness
We love, how clean, well maintained and tidy almost everything is. Not so typical for south and south-east Europe.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure is one of the best in south and south-east Europe, making it safe for tourist to explore the island in just few days.
20. What we don’t like so much
Empty houses/ Over-development in rural areas by the sea. Most of the houses are not inhabitated and its kind of creepy.
Manure stench in Larnaka, that you can smell direcly arriving at the airport.
Nevertheless, Cyprus has it all. Cyprus is a top holiday destination in the Mediterranean and a very safe destination to visit.
