Cyprus, the jewel of the Mediterranean, offers a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. From the UNESCO-listed mosaics of Paphos to the pristine shores of Ayia Napa, this island paradise beckons travelers with year-round sunshine, delicious cuisine, and warm Cypriot hospitality.
Local currency: Euro (€, EUR).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Cyprus.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $15-25
- Budget
- $40-70
- Midrange
- $80-150
- Luxury
- $250-1000+
Food
- Street
- $3-5 (souvlaki pita, bougatsa pastry)
- Local
- $10-16 (taverna lunch with meze, local wine)
- Midrange
- $25-45 (restaurant dinner with wine)
- Fine
- $70-150+ (fine dining with wine pairing)
Transport
- Bus
- $1.50-2 (city bus single fare)
- Taxi
- $8-15 (typical city taxi ride)
- Airport
- $15-20 (taxi Larnaca airport to city), $30-60 (Larnaca to Limassol)
- Daytrip
- $20-35 (car rental per day, economy)
Activities
- Museum
- $2.50-5 (Cyprus Museum, medieval castles)
- Sites
- $5.50 (Paphos Archaeological Park, Kourion)
- Tour
- $45-65 (guided half-day archaeological tour)
- Excursion
- $60-85 (full-day wine tour, Akamas jeep safari)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Cyprus costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$315-455/week (7 days at $45-65/day)
Midrange traveller
$840-1260/week (7 days at $120-180/day)
Luxury traveller
$2450-4200+/week (7 days at $350-600+/day)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Rent a car rather than relying on taxis for day trips - a €20-35/day economy rental covers entire day excursions that would cost €150+ in taxis
Eat where locals eat - tavernas in residential neighborhoods serve better food at half the price of harbor and tourist-area restaurants
Buy fresh produce and halloumi at local markets (especially Saturday morning markets) for self-catering; supermarket prices are competitive with southern Europe
Visit museums and archaeological sites on the first Sunday of the month for free admission
Book accommodation in Nicosia and use the city as a hub with day trips - Nicosia hotels are 30-50% cheaper than coastal resort hotels
Look for package deals combining accommodation and car rental, which often undercut booking separately
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
Cyprus's most iconic landmark where Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea, with dramatic rock formations and beautiful pebble beach. Free to visit and spectacular at sunset.
Cape Greco National Forest Park
Dramatic limestone coastal scenery, sea caves visible from clifftop paths, nature trails, and the famous Love Bridge natural arch. Free to enter and explore on foot or by bicycle.
Nicosia Old Town and Venetian Walls
Walk the historic walled city of Nicosia, explore the Laiki Geitonia quarter, cross the Ledra Street checkpoint, and admire the remarkably preserved Venetian fortification walls - all completely free.
Larnaca Salt Lake
A large natural salt lake just minutes from Larnaca airport, where hundreds of flamingos gather from November through March. The lakeside walk passing the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque is scenic and free year-round.
Paphos Harbor and Medieval Castle Exterior
Paphos Harbor with its compact medieval castle, Byzantine fortress ruins, and colorful fishing boats is free to stroll. The harbor promenade at sunset is one of Cyprus's most atmospheric free experiences.
Troodos Mountain Hikes
The Cyprus Forestry Department maintains free marked hiking trails throughout the Troodos Mountains, including the popular Caledonia Falls trail, Artemis circular trail near the summit, and numerous forest walks.
Public Beaches
All beaches in Cyprus are legally public and free to access. Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay, Coral Bay, Mackenzie Beach, and dozens of other beautiful beaches cost nothing to visit (sunbed hire is optional extra).
Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca
The remarkable Byzantine church (9th century) built over the tomb of Saint Lazarus is free to enter, with an adjacent museum of Byzantine artifacts (small donation appreciated). Beautiful carved wooden iconostasis.
Free Museum Sundays
The Department of Antiquities offers free admission to all state archaeological sites and museums on the first Sunday of every month. This includes Paphos Archaeological Park, Kourion, and the Cyprus Museum.
Venetian Column and Ataturk Square Nicosia
Nicosia's historic central square in the walled city area, featuring a Venetian marble column brought from Salamis. Free to visit and surrounded by historic architecture in the divided city center.