Cyprus (CY)
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.
Country Profile
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The third-largest island in the Mediterranean, it offers year-round sunshine, excellent English proficiency, a business-friendly tax environment, and a high quality of life. Cyprus is uniquely attractive to expats due to its Non-Domicile tax status, 60-day tax residency rule, IP Box regime, and deep English-language infrastructure across government, banking and business. Note: the northern third of the island is under Turkish control; this guide covers only the Republic of Cyprus.
Climate
March–May: 16–24°C. Mild and pleasant with occasional showers in March. Ideal travel and outdoor season.
June–August: 30–38°C. Very hot and dry. Coastal areas slightly cooler. Peak tourist season. Air conditioning essential.
September–November: 22–30°C in September, cooling to 16°C by November. The sea remains warm through October. Excellent weather for expats.
December–February: 10–18°C on the coast. Can rain significantly December–February. Troodos Mountains see snow. Mild by European standards.
Demographics
Religion
Social Culture & Etiquette
Warm and friendly. Two kisses on the cheek (one each side) are standard between acquaintances and friends. Handshake for formal first meetings. First names are used quickly. "Yia sou" (informal) and "Yia sas" (formal/plural) are universal greetings.
Cyprus runs on "Mediterranean time" — social events start 30–60 minutes late and business meetings may begin 15–30 minutes after the scheduled time. However, government appointments and formal business meetings increasingly run on time. Arriving 10–15 minutes late to a dinner invitation is normal.
Smart casual in most contexts. Beaches and tourist areas are relaxed. When entering churches or monasteries, shoulders and knees must be covered. Business attire is smart casual to business formal. Evening dining is slightly smarter than Northern Europe but not overly formal.
- ✕ Do not discuss the 1974 Turkish invasion or the division of the island casually — it is a deep emotional wound for many Greek Cypriots.
- ✕ Avoid referring to northern Cyprus as "Turkish Cyprus" or acknowledging it as a separate state in conversation with Greek Cypriots.
- ✕ Do not be overly direct or blunt in disagreements — Cypriot social culture values indirect communication and face-saving.
- ✕ Avoid excessive noise late at night — neighbours can file noise complaints and quiet hours are legally enforced.
- ✓ Hospitality (filoxenia) is deeply embedded — you will be offered coffee, food and drinks when visiting someone's home; refusing can cause offence.
- ✓ Sharing food is central to Cypriot culture — meze dishes are communal by definition.
- ✓ Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 10% in restaurants if service is good; round up for taxis.
- ✓ Sundays are family days — expect reduced business hours and busy family restaurants.
- ✓ English is widely understood across all generations in urban areas, making daily life very accessible for English-speaking expats.
🍽️ Traditional Food & Drink
A spread of 20–30 small dishes including dips, grilled meats, seafood, halloumi and salads. The quintessential Cypriot dining experience, best enjoyed at a traditional taverna.
Cyprus's most famous export — a semi-hard cheese made from sheep and goat milk that can be grilled or fried without melting. Eaten at breakfast, in salads, or grilled at barbecues.
Large chunks of pork, lamb or chicken slow-cooked on a rotisserie over charcoal. The centrepiece of Cypriot Easter and family celebrations.
Minced pork and onion sausages wrapped in caul fat, grilled over charcoal. A staple of barbecues and tavernas.
Slow-cooked lamb marinated in garlic and lemon, traditionally sealed and baked in a clay oven (fourno). Tender, flavourful and deeply Cypriot.
Deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon. A popular street food and festival sweet.
One of the world's oldest named wines, produced in villages on the southern slopes of Troodos from Xynisteri and Mavro grapes. A sweet dessert wine with Protected Designation of Origin status since 1993.
Cyprus's national spirit — a clear grape pomace distillate similar to grappa, typically 45–55% ABV. Shared among friends, used medicinally and poured at every village celebration.
Similar to Greek or Turkish coffee — strong, thick, served in a small cup with grounds in the bottom. Ordered as 'sketo' (no sugar), 'metrio' (medium sweet) or 'glyki' (sweet). A cultural ritual.
📍 Tourist Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Site containing mosaics, tombs and ruins spanning 2,000 years of history. The Tomb of the Kings is particularly impressive.
Cyprus's mountain range offering Byzantine monasteries, wine villages, hiking trails and skiing in winter. Kykkos Monastery is the most important Orthodox monastery in Cyprus.
Petra tou Romiou — the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love. A dramatic sea stack on the southwest coast with striking views.
The world's last divided capital. The old city within the Venetian walls contains the Green Line, the Cyprus Museum, Laiki Geitonia and excellent traditional restaurants.
Dramatic natural sea caves in turquoise waters, Cape Greco national forest park, snorkelling and dive sites. The area combines natural beauty with the famous Ayia Napa nightlife.
📖 Brief History
Cyprus has one of the oldest recorded histories in the world, with settlements dating to 10,000 BC. Colonised by Mycenaean Greeks, ruled by Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, and Ottomans, Cyprus came under British administration in 1878 and became a Crown Colony in 1925. Independence was granted in 1960. Intercommunal tensions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots led to the Turkish military intervention of 1974, which divided the island along the Green Line. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the Euro in 2008. The division of the island remains unresolved and is the central geopolitical issue of the country.