Cyprus Travel Guide | Itineraries and Highlights
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The new season of Occupation Double takes contestants and viewers to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. This year, the island of Cyprus serves as the backdrop for love stories, plot twists, and dreamlike landscapes. But beyond reality TV, Cyprus is a fascinating destination to discover for your next vacation.
Where is Cyprus?
Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is the third-largest island in the region, just south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. It’s a destination at the crossroads of Greek and Turkish cultures, giving it a unique historical, culinary, and cultural richness. With its spectacular beaches, picturesque villages, and archaeological sites, Cyprus appeals to both relaxation seekers and history enthusiasts.
What to Do in Cyprus?
The island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. For beach lovers, the fine sandy beaches of Protaras and Ayia Napa are ideal for swimming in turquoise waters. For hiking enthusiasts, the Troodos Mountains offer trails lined with monasteries and lush green landscapes. Cyprus is also a true open-air museum, featuring the ancient ruins of Kourion, the fortified city of Famagusta, and the UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of Paphos. Finally, you can’t miss Cypriot cuisine, with delicious mezzes, grilled halloumi, and local wines.
Explore Paphos and its Mosaics
A UNESCO World Heritage city, Paphos is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. Its Roman villas feature remarkably well-preserved mosaics that depict Greek myths. The Tombs of the Kings site, carved into the rock, is impressive for its architecture. Add to that a charming harbour lined with restaurants, and you have one of the most beautiful stops on the island.
Relax on Ayia Napa’s Beaches
Ayia Napa is renowned for its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters worthy of a postcard. Nissi Beach is the most famous, lively by day and festive by night, ideal for travellers who enjoy a summer atmosphere. But there are also quieter coves like Konnos Bay, perfect for a peaceful swim. With its water activities and beach bars, Ayia Napa attracts both families and young travellers.
Hiking in the Troodos Mountains
If you’re looking for some fresh air, head to the Troodos Mountains. This lush green region offers hiking trails lined with waterfalls and pine forests. You’ll also discover traditional villages like Omodos or Kakopetria, where time seems to stand still. As a bonus, the region is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Byzantine monasteries and its vineyards producing excellent local wines.
Discover the Fortified City of Famagusta
Famagusta is a fascinating city marked by its eventful history. Protected by imposing Venetian walls, it is filled with medieval churches and historic buildings that reflect its rich past. Its historic center invites you to stroll through its narrow streets and small squares. Not far away, you can also visit the “ghost town” of Varosha, an abandoned district since the 1970s that still fascinates visitors.
Visit the Capital Nicosia
Nicosia is unique in the world as it remains the last capital divided by a border. You can explore the old city, surrounded by Venetian walls, then cross the « Green Line » that separates the Greek from the Turkish side. Each side has its own unique character, with markets, traditional cafés, and historic mosques or churches. This visit offers a striking immersion into the contemporary history of Cyprus.
Admire Aphrodite’s Rock
Just a few kilometres from Paphos is the famous Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty. This natural site, also known as Petra tou Romiou, is one of the most photographed on the island. It is said that swimming in these waters brings luck in love and eternal youth. Even if you don’t believe in the legend, the view is well worth the trip, especially at sunset.
Taste Cypriot Mezzes
Cypriot cuisine is a true blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. The mezze, made up of a variety of small shared dishes, is a great way to discover grilled halloumi, souvlaki, kleftiko, and dips like taramasalata and tzatziki. Meals are often accompanied by local wines or zivania, a traditional spirit. It’s a friendly, social experience that is an essential part of any trip.
Boat Excursion
To admire Cyprus from the sea, there’s nothing better than a boat tour. Several companies offer cruises departing from Larnaca, Protaras, or Ayia Napa. You can explore sea caves, swim in dazzling blue lagoons, and sometimes even spot sea turtles. It’s an opportunity to discover the island from another angle and enjoy a relaxing day in the heart of the Mediterranean.
How to Prepare?
Insurance
soNomad is an ideal travel insurance option for Canadians, especially Snowbirds and those planning extended stays. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, and even certain sports activities. Available to travellers of all ages, it includes COVID-19 coverage and can provide protection even with pre-existing medical conditions. Thanks to its direct-to-consumer model, soNomad offers simple, fast, and competitively priced insurance.
eSIM
An eSIM is a practical solution to stay connected abroad without paying high roaming fees. It can be set up before your departure and gives you internet access as soon as you land, without the need to manage a physical SIM card. You save on your mobile provider’s travel plans while enjoying uninterrupted access to your apps, maps, and services like Uber. Flexible, it also allows you to easily change providers according to your needs.
Our recommendations for reliable eSIMs for your next trip: Saily, Holafly, and Airalo.
How to Save on Foreign Currency Transactions
The ideal is to use credit cards that do not charge conversion fees, like some cards offered by specialized financial institutions. These cards help you avoid hidden 2.5% foreign transaction fees that are added to the official exchange rate when making purchases abroad.
Additionally, comparing exchange rates, prioritizing payment in local currency, and inquiring about fees applied by your bank are also effective tips to limit costs when spending or withdrawing foreign currency.
How to Get There?
Cyprus is mainly accessible via its main international airport, Larnaca (LCA), located on the island’s southeast coast, or via Paphos (PFO) for those who want to land closer to beaches and historic sites. Direct flights from Canada are limited, but several airlines offer connecting flights through Europe, making it easy to travel from Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver.
To optimize your spending before you leave, some credit cards offer specific benefits for international travel and points accumulation. In addition to traditional programs like Aeroplan, the Chexy platform has partnered with Aeroplan to allow members to convert essential payments such as rent, bills, and taxes into Aeroplan points. This innovation allows you to accumulate even more points on daily expenses, which helps to fund your travels faster.
To find the best flights to Cyprus, you have several options: there are many Star Alliance connections from Montreal (YUL), making it a great starting point, especially if you use Aeroplan to earn and redeem your points.
With the British Airways Club Avios, you can check availability via London with British Airways. With SkyTeam, there is a route with a layover via Amsterdam if you use Flying Blue. Finally, if you wish to travel with travel points, you can consider a « gateway to Europe » strategy, by choosing a European hub and then travelling to Cyprus.
Note that it is possible to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to these three airline programs. Use a tool like Roame during your searches to get the best points price according to your dates!
Cyprus – Best Hotels: Where to Stay According to Your Budget
Cyprus offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to more affordable options. For a high-end stay, Marriott is well represented with the Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limassol as well as the future Landmark Nicosia which will join the Autograph Collection. The Hilton Nicosia is also a popular choice for travellers, while Hyatt plans to open the Grand Hyatt Limassol in 2025, further strengthening the international offering.
If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, these establishments allow you to earn and redeem points to reduce your accommodation costs. The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is especially valuable: it offers an annual free night certificate each year, automatic Elite status, and accelerated points for every dollar spent at Marriott hotels. Ideal for maximizing your stays in Cyprus or elsewhere.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
For travellers preferring local and authentic options, independent hotels are numerous in Cyprus. They allow for a more immersive and welcoming experience, often at a better price. Discover our complete guide to independent hotels
to learn how to book them smartly while continuing to earn rewards.
And for those who prefer to rent an apartment or a house, you can do so with Airbnb. It is not possible to directly earn Scene+ points, but by paying with certain cards like the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card or the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card you benefit from several advantages:
- no foreign currency conversion fees,
- comprehensive travel insurance (cancellation, interruption, emergency medical care),
- airport lounge access for certain cards,
- and of course, the possibility to use your Scene+ points to reimburse your Airbnb expenses.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $120 |
By combining the right accommodation with a credit card that offers travel benefits, you can not only lower the cost of your stay but also enjoy perks such as included insurance, bonus points, and extras like complimentary breakfast or lounge access. Cyprus then becomes a destination that is both affordable and luxurious, depending on your priorities and travel style.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are several ways to reduce the cost of your stay in Cyprus. Don’t hesitate to use:
- Aeroplan points or British Airways Avios for your flight to Larnaca or Paphos.
- Marriott Bonvoy points or other affiliated hotel loyalty programs for your stays at luxury or mid-range hotels.
- Travel points accumulated via your credit cards such as the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card or the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card.
By combining these different options, you can enjoy Cyprus at a lower cost while maximizing the comfort and benefits offered by your loyalty programs.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 |
When is the Best Time to Visit Cyprus?
The best time is spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when the climate is mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds than in summer.
What are the Temperatures in Winter and Summer in Cyprus?
In winter, temperatures are around 15°C on the coast, while in summer they can exceed 30°C, especially in July and August.
What Precautions should You Take before Travelling to Cyprus?
Protect yourself from the sun, especially in summer, and drink plenty of water. Also, be sure to check the driving requirements if you rent a car, as driving is on the left side of the road.
Are Credit Cards Accepted in Cyprus?
Yes, most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, but it is advisable to have some cash for small purchases.
Using travel-optimized credit cards, such as the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, or the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite* Card, allows you to maximize your points while enjoying included purchase protection and insurance.
Which place should you visit first in Cyprus?
Many travellers start in Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital city, or in Paphos, known for its archaeological sites and beautiful beaches.
