Compare Cyprus holiday packages

Over its long history, Cyprus has been ruled by dozens of different civilizations, each of which has left their mark. Bronze Age tombs, Byzantine castles and churches, Islamic mosques and Roman temples are just some of the archaeological treasures to be found.

Put on your boots and head into the forested interior of Cyprus to trek along breathtakingly beautiful nature trails. Top spots include the Troodos Mountain range nature reserve, and the Akamas Peninsula, an untouched expanse of rugged wilderness with amazing sea views.

There’s no denying the appeal of all-inclusive holidays in Cyprus. Beach bums will love the summer, with its highs of up to 40C and an average of 14 hours of sunshine each day. But swimsuit weather begins as early as April, when temperatures can rise to 20C and wild flowers carpet the inland landscapes.

Autumn breaks are also popular, as the hot weather continues well into October and you’re most likely to find cheap Cyprus sunshine deals in the shoulder seasons of March to June and September to October.

The weather in November begins to cool, but temperatures remain pleasant throughout winter, rarely dropping below 13C. The weather in December can be stormy, with rainy season continuing through to March, so this is when you can nab the cheapest Cyprus holiday deals. Bring your skis and hit the slopes in the Troodos Mountains or just savour the peace and quiet.

Anthestiria Flower Festival: May’s Anthestiria Flower Festival celebrates the arrival of spring in Cyprus with parades of flower-decked floats.

• Currency: Euro (€) in south Cyprus; Turkish lira (₺) in north Cyprus (although euros, pounds sterling, and US dollars are widely accepted)
  
  
• Capital city: Nicosia
  
  
• Language: Greek (Turkish in the north)
  
  
• Key phrase to learn: Den katalavéno. (I don’t understand.)
  
  
• Time difference: Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of the UK
  
  
• Average flight time: 4 to 5 hours
  
  
• International phone code: +357 (south Cyprus); 90 392 (north Cyprus)
  
  
• Emergency services number: 112
  
  
• Public holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), Independence Day (March 25), Clean Monday (seven weeks before Easter), Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday), Easter Monday (Monday after Easter Sunday), Greek Cypriot Day (April 1), EU Accession Day (May 1), Kataklysmos (50 days after Easter), Peace and Freedom Day (north Cyprus) (July 20), Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15), Victory Day (north Cyprus) (August 30), Cyprus Independence Day (October 1), Ohi Day (October 28), Turkish National Day (north Cyprus) (October 29), Proclamation of the TRNC (north Cyprus) (November 15), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26).
  
  
• Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus