50 Essential Questions About Cyprus for First-Time Travelers (With Local Tips!)

Planning your first trip to Cyprus? Whether you’re looking for the best beaches, wondering about local rules, or simply curious what power adapter you’ll need — this guide has you covered.

We’ve gathered 50 of the most common questions about Cyprus that people are often too shy to ask — and added quick, honest, and helpful answers based on real experience.

From travel tips and local etiquette to car rentals and family fun, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

🌍 General Travel Info

1. Is Cyprus part of Greece or Turkey?
   No — it’s an independent country. The island is divided into the Greek-speaking south (Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish-controlled north (TRNC).
2. What currency is used in Cyprus?
   Euro (€) in the south, Turkish Lira in the north.
3. Do I need a visa to visit Cyprus?
   EU citizens: no visa. Ukrainians: visa-free with biometric passport. Other travelers: online pro-visa or Schengen visa accepted.
4. What languages are spoken?
   Greek and Turkish officially, but English is widely spoken. Staff in tourist areas often understand Russian and Ukrainian too.
5. What’s the weather like in Cyprus?
   Hot summers, mild winters. Swim season is April–November. Winter sea temps around +15–16°C.
6. Can you visit Northern Cyprus?
   Yes — bring your passport. If driving, you’ll need to buy extra car insurance at the border (approx. €20).
7. Time zone?
   Same as Ukraine and Eastern Europe — no time difference.
8. Power plugs?
   UK-type (Type G). Bring an adapter!
9. What religion is practiced?
   Orthodox Christianity in the south, Islam in the north. The island is religiously tolerant.
10. How to get to Cyprus?
    Fly into Larnaca or Paphos. Budget airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair offer direct flights. Ferries also operate from Greece.

📅 Before You Go

11. When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
    May, June, and September are ideal — warm but not too hot. July-August can reach 40°C. October-November still great for swimming.
12. Do I need travel insurance?
    Yes — medical care is expensive. Buy online and save it to your phone.
13. What documents should I bring?
    Passport + driver’s license if renting a car.
14. Best mobile operators?
    Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic are reliable.
15. What to pack?
    Light clothes, swimwear, modest outfits for churches, and walking shoes.
16. Bring cash or card?
    Euro is best. Exchange rates in towns are better than at the airport. Most places accept cards, but cash helps in markets and villages.

🌴 On the Island

17. Best beaches in Cyprus?
    Fig Tree Bay, Nissi Beach, Konnos Bay (Protaras/Ayia Napa), Coral Bay (Paphos), Governor’s Beach (Limassol).
18. Are beaches free?
    Yes! Sunbeds and umbrellas cost around €2.50/day.
19. Is there nightlife in Cyprus?
    Ayia Napa is party central. Other towns go quiet after 10 PM.
20. Can I swim year-round?
    Yes — if you don’t mind cool water in winter!
21. Are there nudist beaches?
    A few unofficial spots, like Pissouri and around Germasogeia.
22. What’s the service quality like?
    Tourist zones meet European standards. Friendly and efficient.
23. Is Cyprus expensive?
    Moderate. Meals: €10–15. Rental cars: €25/day (summer), €10/day (off-season). Hotels: from €50/night.

🧆 Cyprus Food Guide

24. Must-try dishes?
    Halloumi, souvlaki, meze, kleftiko, stifado, loukoumades.
25. Is local wine good?
    Yes — especially Commandaria (one of the oldest wines in the world). Visit wineries near Paphos.
26. Is vegan food available?
    Yes, especially in tourist restaurants and cafes.
27. What’s the street food like?
    Gyros, pitas, souvlaki — tasty, quick, and cheap.
28. Should I leave a tip?
    5–10% is appreciated, though not required.

👨‍👩‍👧 Cyprus With Kids

29. Is Cyprus child-friendly?
    Very! Shallow beaches, warm sea, and safe atmosphere.
30. Are there waterparks?
    Yes — in Ayia Napa, Paphos, and Limassol.
31. Best places to stay with kids?
    Protaras, Larnaca, Paphos (quiet & clean). Ayia Napa is fun but a bit busier.
32. Is baby food available?
    Yes — all standard products are easy to find.
33. What to do with kids beyond the beach?
    Zoos, aquariums, mini golf, boat trips, camel rides, and even ostrich farms.
34. Do I need a car seat?
    Yes — and you can rent one with your car.

🚘 Renting a Car in Cyprus

35. What side of the road do they drive on?
    Left-hand side, like the UK. Rental cars have red license plates for visibility.
36. Can I rent a car with a Ukrainian or Belarusian license?
    Yes — plastic (new format) licenses are accepted.
37. Is parking easy?
    Free spots are rare in cities. Paid parking: ~€1/hour.
38. How much is fuel?
    Around €1.40/liter. Plenty of gas stations — except in the mountains. Fill up early!
39. What about traffic rules and fines?
    Speed cameras are everywhere. Fines for speeding, seatbelts, and phone use can hit €100 or more.
40. Can I drive to Northern Cyprus?
    Yes — but get extra insurance (€20) at the border. Most rental companies won’t cover you otherwise.

Here’s more about car rental in Cyprus based on personal experience.

🌐 Internet & SIM Cards

41. Is Wi-Fi available?
    Yes — in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some beaches.
42. Where to buy a SIM card?
    Airports, malls, and convenience kiosks.
43. How much is mobile data?
    €5–10 for 3–5 GB. Weekly packages are common.

🛍 What to Buy in Cyprus

44. Best souvenirs to bring home?
    Halloumi, olive oil, local wine, loukoumades, and donkey milk skincare.
45. Are there local markets?
    Yes — in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol. Great for handmade goods and local products.
46. Are shops open on Sundays?
    Mostly closed, except in tourist zones.

🧳 Bonus Travel Tips from Locals

• Lunch hours are sacred – Siesta from 1–4 PM is real. Plan accordingly.
• Order meze like a local – One order feeds two people. Delicious and diverse.
• Slow down – Island time means no one’s rushing. Relax!
• Village taverns > tourist traps – For real food and local wine at €2–3/glass.
• Ask questions – Locals are kind and helpful (and might offer discounts).
• Refuel during the day – Some gas stations switch to card-only mode at night.
• Shop at AlphaMega or Lidl – Cheaper than tourist mini-markets.
• Buy wine directly from villages – Tastes better and costs less than Duty Free.
• Always carry €20–30 in cash – Especially for markets and small towns.
• Don’t take photos in churches without permission – Respect local customs.

✅ Final Tip: Travel Smart

Even though Cyprus is one of the safest countries in Europe, travel insurance is still a must. We recommend Hotline Finance (UA) — quick, cheap, and easy to use.

Book Your Trip to Cyprus:

• ✈️ Flights via Aviasales
• 🏨 Accommodation via Booking.com
• 🚗 Car rental via Local Rent-Cyprus
• 🎟 Tours & activities via GetYourGuide

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family — Cyprus has everything: sun, sea, culture, and hospitality.

More about Cyprus:

• Cyprus by car in seven days: route and places to see
• Where to Stay and Enjoy a Holiday in Cyprus
• How to Travel to Northern Cyprus — Personal Experience