World Guide

Cyprus

Country · Asia, Western Asia

Cyprus
Photo: Aerra Carnicom, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cyprus is a country located in Western Asia with a population of about 1.4 million and an area of 9,242 square kilometers. Its capital is Nicosia. The country offers travelers a mix of historic cities and archaeological sights.

Highlights

The site covers 15 sights across cities including Famagusta, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, and North Nicosia. Top sights include archaeological remains such as Salamis, Kourion, Amathus, Khirokitia, and the Tombs of the Kings. Religious and historic structures feature the Church of Saint Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekke, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Kolossi Castle, Sanctuary of Aphrodite Paphia, Büyük Han, Othello Castle, Cyprus Museum, Shacolas Tower, and Sarayönü Square.

Food and drink

Local dishes and beverages include Souvlaki, Commandaria, Zivania, Anari cheese, Afelia, Sheftalia, and Flaouna.

When to go

Based on climate figures at the capital Nicosia, temperatures range from daily highs of 36 °C in July and August down to highs of 15 °C in January and February. The rainiest months are January and December, with 13 and 12 rainy days respectively, while July and August have virtually no rain. Travelers looking for drier and warmer conditions may prefer the months from May to September.

Practical notes

The currency used is the euro. Official languages are Modern Greek and Turkish. Plugs are type G with a voltage of 240 V. Driving is on the left side of the road. The time zone is UTC+02:00.

Cities

Food and drink to try in Cyprus

  • Souvlaki
  • Commandaria
  • Zivania
  • Anari cheese
  • Afelia
  • Sheftalia
  • Flaouna

Top sights in Cyprus

  1. SalamisSalamisFamagusta
  2. Tombs of the KingsUNESCOTombs of the KingsPaphos
  3. Church of Saint Lazarus, LarnacaChurch of Saint Lazarus, LarnacaLarnaca
  4. Hala Sultan TekkeHala Sultan TekkeLarnaca
  5. KourionKourionLimassol
  6. Kolossi CastleKolossi CastleLimassol
  7. KhirokitiaUNESCOKhirokitia
  8. Lala Mustafa Pasha MosqueLala Mustafa Pasha MosqueFamagusta
  9. AmathusAmathusLimassol
  10. Sanctuary of Aphrodite PaphiaUNESCOSanctuary of Aphrodite Paphia
  11. Büyük HanBüyük HanNorth Nicosia
  12. Othello CastleOthello CastleFamagusta
  1. Cyprus Museum · Nicosia
  2. Shacolas Tower · Nicosia
  3. Sarayönü Square · North Nicosia

UNESCO sites in Cyprus →

Weather by month

The warmest month is July, with an average high of 36 °C. The wettest is January, with about 74 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C151518232933363633272116
Average low, °C77912162023232117129
Rainfall, mm74603621269427244673
Rainy days13883310014812

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Nicosia (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

Neighbouring countries and territories