Before you go

Useful information

The basics that save time on the first day. For anything that depends on your passport or the date, we link to the official source instead of guessing.

Money

The currency is the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in towns; keep some cash for village cafés, small car parks and church candles.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left and most hire cars have red number plates. Distances are short, but mountain roads are slow and winding.

Plugs

Sockets take the three-pin British plug (type G). Bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug.

Language

Greek is the everyday language in the places we cover. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops, and road signs are in Greek and English.

Emergencies

Call 112 for police, ambulance or the fire service. Pharmacies show a green cross, and a rota keeps some open at night and on Sundays.

Time

Cyprus keeps Eastern European Time, two hours ahead of UTC in winter and three in summer.

Airports

International flights land at Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO). Check which one your flight uses before you book a transfer.

Sun and heat

July and August are very hot at midday. Plan open archaeological sites for the first or last hours of the day and carry water.

Swimming

Many organised beaches have lifeguards in season and fly flags. If the red flag is up, stay out of the water.

Dress at religious sites

Cover shoulders and knees in churches, monasteries and mosques. Some monasteries lend wraps at the gate.

Entry rules and visas

Entry rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time, so we do not summarise them here. Check the official pages before you book: Visit Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism) and your own government’s travel advice.

Tickets and opening hours

Each of our place guides lists the official ticket price and opening hours with the source and the date we checked. Hours are shorter in winter, and state sites close on a few public holidays.

Getting around without a car

Intercity buses link the main towns and local buses cover the coasts. Villages in the hills are hard to reach by bus. Our itineraries include a plan that needs no car.

Last reviewed 2026-11-09. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].