A guide to Cyprus

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Cyprus depends on the location and type of property. You’ll find everything from new-build villas and city centre apartments to rustic dwellings that need some renovation.

On the whole, rental accommodation is cheaper than it is in the rest of Europe. A one-bed apartment in 2024 could cost anywhere between €500 and €2,000 a month.

Buying is comparable to other countries, with an average house price in 2024 of around €215,000. You might also find properties below €100,000 in some of the smaller villages. 

When it comes to location, many expats find their way to Paphos on the southwest coast. The outlying villages of Peyia and Tala are particularly popular. Apart from the modern transport links to the rest of the island and an airport just 10 miles away, the quaint villages and wide beaches also appeal to those seeking to relocate.

Cyprus’s capital is often overlooked as a destination for expats. But it shouldn’t be. Nicosia is a cosmopolitan business hub about an hour from the coast. Because of that, it’s off the tourist radar and offers a more authentic experience than some of the more visited locations. It has the same modern infrastructure you’d expect to see in any city – schools, businesses, restaurants, hospitals and shops – but with a lower price tag than other capitals.

Limassol district is one of the largest cities in Cyprus and has a thriving business district, which attracts expats. And Larnaca is also a popular destination for those who prefer a slower pace, beautiful beaches, and historical sites.

Arts

The story of the island’s six-thousand-year history is told through the art, folklore and ancient sites that can be explored in its galleries, museums and culture trails.   And, for breathtaking views of Cyprus, you could climb the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory in Nicosia.

For those interested in local culture and history, the Avgorou Ethnographic Museum shouldn’t be missed. But, if you’re more interested in contemporary artwork, you could visit the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. There are many more museums exploring everything from underwater archaeology to folklore traditions, such as shadow theatre.

Cyprus also hosts various seasonal events, like the famous Cyprus Rally,  which started back in 1970. This motor sport event takes place annually in the Troodos mountain range.

The warm, year-round weather is perfect for the open-air Paphos Aphrodite Opera Festival in October, and, in May, the island goes into full bloom for the Anthestiria Flower Festivals.

Culture

Family is considered very important in Cyprus and it’s not uncommon to see large extended family groups socialising and eating together. Families will help each other and care for elderly relatives, who are afforded a great deal of respect due to their advanced age. In social situations, the oldest person should be served and introduced first.

As well as age, people are also respectful of hierarchy and position. So, in meetings, you should wait to be invited to use someone’s first name and make sure to say goodbye to each person before you leave. Face-to-face meetings are preferred as relationship building is considered important.

It’s not unusual for locals to offer hospitality to strangers, offering them a drink or meal at their home. They show a real interest in getting to know people, which might result in numerous personal and in-depth questions. If you’re invited to someone’s home, you can bring a gift like pastries.

Food

Cypriot cuisine is similar to Greek food due to its proximity to the country, but it’s also influenced by Arabic and Turkish flavours too. On the menu, you’ll find things like souvlakia (grilled meat prepared on skewers), moussaka (an eggplant or potato dish), kleftiko (slow roasted lamb), and Cyprus’s famous halloumi cheese. 

Food is a big part of the culture in Cyprus as shown by the many restaurants, cafes and taverns located across the island. Dinner tends to be eaten later in the evening, with restaurants filling up around 8pm. Tavernas are very social, with tables outside for people to drink and eat meze, which is similar to Spanish tapas. These small plates allow you to try a wide range of foods, sometimes up to twenty different dishes, as they’re brought out.

At the end of a meal, the restaurant owner may give you a complimentary glass of a local liqueur to try, such as Zivana, a pomace brandy usually served with meze, or Filfar, an orange-flavoured liqueur.

Cyprus has also been making wine for thousands of years, so you might want to visit some of the wineries in the region or the Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi.

Health

Cyprus offers a good standard of healthcare with modern facilities and skilled professionals.

Permanent residents, including expats who qualify, have access to a two-tier healthcare system:

• The General Health System (GHS or GESY) – paid for by a combination of the state and patient contributions called co-payments.

• Private medical healthcare – paid for by health insurance or the individual.

You’re entitled to several free GHS visits to your GP each year. Once you’ve used them up, you’ll have to pay for future visits. Here are some examples of how much your GHS co-payments might cost based on the prices in 2024 :

• Up to 15 EUR per GP visit outside your free allowance

• 10 EUR for a visit to A&E

• 1 EUR for a prescription

• 6 EUR to see a specialist after a referral from your GP

• 25 EUR to see a specialist without a referral.

If you don’t register for GHS, you might want to consider private healthcare or health insurance. Prices will vary depending on the provider you choose and your specific medical needs. 

Pets

Cats and dogs brought into Cyprus don’t need to be quarantined, but they must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have a health certificate that’s been issued and signed by a government-approved vet at least 48 hours before arrival.

Pets travelling from EU countries will need a European pet passport, as well as the health certificate. There’s a chance your pet might be inspected by a vet when it arrives in Cyprus, which could cost around 30 EUR.

The only legal points of entry to Cyprus for animals are Larnaka and Pafos international airports, and Lemesos and Larnaka sea ports.

Restricted items

The list of items it’s illegal to take into Cyprus is fairly standard.

Shipping

The cost and time it takes to move belongings to Cyprus will depend on if you’re shipping them by air or sea. Sea generally takes longer, but costs less. It also depends on if you’re sharing a shipping container or have one to yourself. Sharing will probably work out cheaper, but it might take an extra few weeks due to logistics.

Transport

There are several bus services run by independent providers on the island. Routes between rural villages might only run a couple of times a day, while services linking bigger towns and cities are more frequent and reliable.

Taxis are usually available around the clock in cities and urban areas, but the most effective way to get around is by car. There are plenty of petrol stations on the main routes and roads are generally well maintained. Some petrol pumps accept international credit cards, but in rural areas you might have to pay by cash.

If you’re crossing the border into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the main crossing point is Agios Dometios in Nicosia.