Cyprus

Why Cyprus

There are islands that are simple scenery. Cyprus, on the other hand, is a story: that of an Eastern Mediterranean that mixes the strata of time with disconcerting casualness. The Roman mosaics of Paphos representing Dionysus are exposed in the open air, separated from the beach by a few hundred meters. On the heights of the Troodos, Byzantine frescophytes painted in the twelfth century watch over pine forests in ten small churches listed by UNESCO. In Nicosia, the green line that divides the last capital cut off from the world since 1974 passes through the middle of a shopping street, which can be crossed on foot by any traveller.

The island of Aphrodite is also a Mediterranean destination in the fullest sense of the word. Its beaches are regularly among the best in Europe: the turquoise water of Nissi Beach or Fig Tree Bay, with a transparency that even Greece does not always guarantee. The taverns serve an endless meze washed down with fresh white wine and Commandaria, the sweet amber wine that the Knights Templar already produced on these hills in the twelfth century.

All this at 3h30 flight from Paris, without a visa, without a change of currency, in a country where English is practically an official language.

When to go

Cyprus is a four-season destination, but not all for the same reasons. The key months areApril-June and September-October: the sea is already pleasant (22 to 26°C), the temperatures remain bearable even in Nicosia (25-28°C), the beaches are not yet invaded and hotel prices remain moderate. It is the ideal window to combine culture and swimming without suffering from the heatwave.

July-Augustoffer the warmest sea (up to 28°C) but the heat is oppressive in the inland cities (38-39°C in Nicosia and in the low-lying Troodos). The beaches of Ayia Napa and Paphos are reaching saturation. This is an option if you are taking a purely seaside stay with early morning trips to the archaeological sites.

Winter (December to February)is the unusual high season: pink flamingos colonize the salt lake of Larnaca, the Troodos is covered with snow (skiing on Mount Olympus possible in January-February), and the mountain villages live their authentic life, far from any tourist crowds.

How much does it cost

Cyprus is in the high range of accessible Mediterranean destinations. Count60 to 110 euros per day per personOn an independent trip: 3-star hotel (50 to 90 euros per night), meal in a local tavern (12 to 18 euros per person for a full meze), transport in a rental car (30 to 50 euros per day depending on the season).

The rental car is the essential expense: without it, the major sites (Kourion, Troodos, the Paphos coast, Petra tou Romiou) are inaccessible or require expensive taxis. It is better to anticipate it as a fixed expense of 35 to 45 euros per day.

An 8-day organized tour with accommodation, car and visits included starts at around 750 euros per person. Direct flights from Paris range from 100 euros (low season, Transavia/TUI) to 350 euros in the middle of summer.

Where to go

Cyprus is a compact island (240 km long), which makes it possible to combine the coast and the interior in the same circuit without getting lost in kilometres. The logic of travel naturally follows the geography: west coast aroundPaphos, south coast aroundLimassol, east and seaside aroundAyia Napa, mountain in theTroodosand capitalNicosiain the center.

Paphos, the gateway to antiquity

Paphos is the Cypriot city with the richest visible history. The Archaeological Park, a stone's throw from the sea, brings together extraordinarily fine second-century Roman mosaics: the mythological scenes of the house of Dionysus or Aion are displayed under shelters open to the wind. A twenty-minute drive to the south, the Rock of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou) is the most emblematic image of Cyprus: a limestone rock that emerges from a turquoise sea, where the goddess is said to have been born from the foam.

Larnaca, the living entrance

The arrival city for the majority of travelers (international airport), Larnaca deserves more than a night in transit. Its palm tree promenade, the Finikoudes, runs along the sea with a tranquility that contrasts with the busier resorts. The Ottoman aqueduct of Kamares, built in the eighteenth century to carry water from the mountains, is one of the most beautiful Ottoman ruins on the island. And the salt lake, five minutes from the center, sees several thousand flamingos land between November and March.

Limassol, the energy of the south coast

Limassol is the most modern and lively city in Cyprus: its international marina attracts yachts and trendy restaurants, its historic center is in full renewal. But its best argument remains its geographical position: 20 minutes to the west, the ancient site ofKourionoffers a Roman amphitheater that overlooks the sea with a breathtaking view.

Nicosia, the capital of paradox

Nicosia is the only capital city in the world still divided by an active military border. The Venetian Old Town, surrounded by 16th-century ramparts, is home to the National Archaeological Museum, the finest collection of Cypriot art from antiquity. Ledra Street, a lively pedestrian artery, leads directly to the checkpoint and crosses in a few minutes to the north, a unique experience in Europe.

Ayia Napa, the seaside resort without complexes

The resort is frank in what it offers: the best beaches on the island, exceptionally clear water, and a nightlife that has made its reputation. Nissi Beach is a living postcard. Cape Greco, a few kilometres away, offers a natural counterpoint: plunging cliffs, sea caves accessible by kayak, hiking trails along a wild unspoilt coast.

The Troodos Mountains, the forgotten heart

The Troodos Mountains are the great Cypriot surprise for those who have been waiting for a seaside island. Its pine forests are home to nineteen monasteries and painted Byzantine churches, ten of which are UNESCO listed. Stone villages such as Omodos or Kakopetria have been producing wine for centuries: Commandaria, an amber muscat, is one of the oldest wines in the world still on the market. A night at Troodos allows you to escape the coastal heat and return to an authentic rural Cyprus.

Our itineraries

Cyprus is best explored by rental car. The distances are short: from Paphos to Larnaca it takes 1 hour 45 minutes; from Larnaca to Nicosia, 45 minutes. An 8 to 10-day tour allows you to go around the entire island without rushing.

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004. French nationals only need their national identity card or passport (no minimum validity requirement for EU citizens). No visa, no consular procedure. The currency has been the euro since 2008.

The North-South Partition: The Republic of Cyprus controls the south of the island. The northern part has been under Turkish administration since 1974. The demarcation line (UN buffer zone) is marked by barriers and signs in several languages. Official crossing points allow tourists to cross in both directions, including Nicosia (Ledra Street), Pergamos and Dherynia. A passport or ID card is required to pass through the checkpoint.

Getting around

Left-hand driving is in force in Cyprus, a legacy of the British period. The road is well marked and the signs are in Greek and English. The speed limit is 100 km/h on motorways and 50 km/h in towns. Roundabouts are numerous and operate in one direction against the clockwise as in the United Kingdom. Fuel is significantly cheaper than in France.

Intercity buses exist but are infrequent and do not serve natural sites. AUberorBoltWorks in major cities. The rental car remains by far the best option for a tour.

Culture and uses

Greek Cypriots are welcoming and very used to international tourism. English is practically universal in tourist areas and among the under 50s. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated: 10% in restaurants is the norm.

The summer heat requires a few precautions: the open-air archaeological sites (Paphos, Kourion) are best visited early in the morning. Always bring water with you in the car.

The bathing suit stays on the beach or at the pool. Monasteries and churches require shoulders and knees to be covered: keep a scarf or sarong in your bag.

Frequently asked questions