Travel to Cyprus
The Mediterranean's third-largest island layers Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian history over turquoise beaches and the painted monasteries of the Troodos Mountains. Larnaca and Paphos, its two tourist gateways, each open onto a different side of the island.
Cyprus in numbers
Capital
Nicosia
Population
~983,000
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek & Turkish
International visitors
~4.04M
Continent
Europe
Time zone
UTC+2
Airports covered
2
Why visit Cyprus
From pink flamingos to Roman mosaics
Larnaca & its wetlands
The Finikoudes seafront, the Byzantine Church of Saint Lazarus built over the tomb of the biblical resurrected figure, and the Salt Lake where migratory pink flamingos gather from November to March next to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.
Paphos, an entire UNESCO town
The whole historic center of Paphos is UNESCO-listed: Roman mosaics at the House of Dionysos, the rock-cut Tombs of the Kings, and Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou), the mythical birthplace of the goddess.
Troodos, painted monasteries
Less than an hour from Paphos, the Troodos Mountains hold ten UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches and monasteries famed for their frescoes, alongside mountain villages and high-altitude vineyards.
Food & wreck diving
Hearty meze spreads (15-20 dishes), grilled halloumi, and the Zenobia wreck off Larnaca, rated among the best wreck-diving sites in the world.
Getting around
A rental car is essential
Cyprus has no railway network, and while buses connect major towns, services remain infrequent. Renting a car is the most practical way to explore the island at your own pace, especially to reach the Troodos Mountains or remote sites — rates start from around €20/day, with driving on the left, a legacy of British rule. Shared service taxis offer a cheap alternative between main towns.
Before you go
When to visit Cyprus
| Period | Climate | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| April to early June | Mild, sunny, pleasant for archaeological sites | Best overall period for every activity |
| June to August | Hot and dry on the coast (25-35°C) | Great for beaches, Troodos stays cooler |
| September to October | Still warm, fewer crowds | Good weather/crowd balance |
| November to March | Mild on the coast, cool in the mountains | Pink flamingos in Larnaca, light skiing in Troodos |
Travel to Cyprus
The 2 Cypriot airports covered by SniperAir
Larnaca
The island's main air hub, gateway to the Finikoudes seafront and the pink flamingos of the Salt Lake.
Paphos
Serves the UNESCO-listed town, Aphrodite's Rock and the Troodos Mountains.
SniperAir destinations in Cyprus
Explore our destination pages
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Cyprus
Larnaca or Paphos, which airport should I choose?
Larnaca (LCA) is the island's main air hub and suits a combined trip. Paphos (PFO) is closer to the UNESCO town, Aphrodite's Rock and the Troodos Mountains if that's your priority.
What's the best time to visit Cyprus?
April to early June and September-October offer the best climate for combining beaches, hiking and archaeological visits, without the heat or crowds of July-August.
Do I need a visa to visit Cyprus?
Cyprus is an EU member but not part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens can enter with a valid ID card or passport; other nationalities should check Cyprus's specific requirements, which can differ from Schengen's.
Do I need a car to explore Cyprus?
Highly recommended: there's no train and buses are infrequent. Car rental (from around €20/day, driving on the left) lets you reach the Troodos Mountains and remote sites at your own pace.
When can I see the pink flamingos in Larnaca?
From November to March, when the Salt Lake fills with winter water and attracts these migratory birds near the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Cyprus drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert profile with your departure airport and Larnaca or Paphos as destination: we track prices for you and notify you the moment a deal matching your criteria appears.
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