A little more
Cyprus.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Cyprus: what to know before you go

Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, with long hot summers, mild winters, Roman mosaics, Byzantine painted churches in the Troodos mountains and beaches from Paphos to Ayia Napa. Its food mixes Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern influences. It suits beach holidays, history lovers, hikers in spring and autumn, and anyone looking for winter sun in Europe.

Where to go

• Paphos Archaeological Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site on the harbour of Paphos, with Roman villas whose mosaic floors show scenes from Greek mythology, an ancient theatre and a fort.
• Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou). A sea stack on the coast between Paphos and Limassol, linked in legend to the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
• Troodos Mountains. Pine-covered mountains in the centre of the island, with hiking trails, cooler summer air and occasional winter snow.
• Nicosia. The capital's old town lies within Venetian walls and is divided by the Green Line, a UN-patrolled buffer zone.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with warm sunshine, swimmable seas and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and hiking. July and August are very hot and busy on the coast.

Staying online in Cyprus

Mobile coverage is good in towns, resorts and along main roads, with 4G and 5G in the cities. Signal can drop in the Troodos valleys, the Akamas Peninsula and other remote areas. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, apartments and cafés. In the Republic of Cyprus EU roaming rules apply for EU plans; in the north, phones may connect to networks outside the EU arrangements, which can be costly. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.