Even as a seasoned traveller, Cyprus was never high on my list. I booked it expecting the usual island vibes – sun, sand and a few chilled beach bars. But it turned out to be much more charming than that.
You might start your day paddle-boarding at the beach, then end it in a hillside taverna with a glass of local wine, a beautiful view and a plate of souvlaki you can’t get off your mind.
Planning a visit or just curious? These are the eight things I wish I knew before visiting Cyprus – and why you might fall for the island, too.
1. Driving is familiar, but the roads are rough
If you’re coming from the UK, you’ll feel right at home driving on the left, with quite a few roundabouts to navigate. But don’t be fooled. Once you’re off the main roads, conditions get a bit rough, so you’ll need to be prepared. Or else…. Opa! You’re in for a bumpy ride, or worse, damage to your car.
If you’re planning to explore properly, it’s worth hiring something with good clearance. A small 4×4 or SUV will do the trick. Not knowing this, my mates and I (not pointing fingers) may or may not have wrecked a bumper… Learn from us. Save yourself the stress – and your undercarriage – with a proper ride and some insurance. Those remote beaches? Absolutely worth the effort.
2. The beaches live up to the hype
Speaking of beaches, you’ve got plenty of options depending on your mood. Some days, I spent hours at Dasoudi Beach. It has parking, cafés nearby, shady spots under the trees, showers, and even paddleboard and jet ski rentals. Then, there are the more secluded gems, like Zapallo Bay. It takes a short walk to reach, which keeps the crowds away, so we arrived to find clear water, towering golden cliffs and almost no one around. Pack some snacks and stay for sunset.
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3. Local wine is cheap and good
Cyprus has been making wine for literal millennia, so they really know what they’re doing here. Xynisteri is the go-to white – crisp and fresh. Or, if you’re more into your reds, Maratheftiko brings bold, rich flavour. You’ll spot them on restaurant and bar menus everywhere.
One of my favourite wine stops was Ktima Gerolemo in Omodos, a small, charming mountain village with cobbled streets. The standout pick at the winery was Morokanella. This award-winning white wine is refreshing, slightly floral and complex. If you see it, try a glass before I buy all the bottles myself!
4. English is understood but Greek never hurts
You’ll be fine with English in Cyprus. The vast majority of locals speak English to a conversational level and it’s perfectly common to find menus, signage and hear shop announcements in both English and Greek. It made things like picking my dinner or figuring out the bus way less stressful.
That said, learning a few Greek words is a good idea. A quick “kalimera” (good morning) or “efharisto” (thank you) shows you’ve made a bit of effort. And honestly, it’s always fun picking up other languages as you travel.
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5. The mountains are worth leaving the coast for
Move a bit inland, and suddenly you’re in another world of pine forests, cooler air and sleepy villages. Don’t skip the Troodos Mountains. They’re perfect for a weekend camping trip if you fancy a change of pace. I even found a stargazing event there one evening.
Want an easy hike? Hit the Artemis Nature Trail, a mostly flat eight-kilometre loop around Mount Olympus. It’s great if you’re like me and enjoy a good view without too much effort.
6. Meals are for sharing
Meals in Cyprus tend to be long and social, and ordering meze is an obvious must. Consider it a parade of plates – grilled halloumi, dips, olives, souvlaki, stews… It just keeps coming. You never really know what’s next, and that’s part of the fun.
The halloumi deserves its own moment. Yes, try it with watermelon. It might sound like an interesting combo, but trust me, it works! Also, expect a meowing guest or two. Most tavernas have a few regular cats hanging around waiting for some scraps. I caved, obviously…
7. Coffee is kind of a big deal
It doesn’t take long to notice that coffee is a key part of the daily routine in Cyprus. Most mornings, I grabbed a freddo cappuccino or freddo espresso – think iced coffee, but bolder and smoother. It’s the go-to coffee order here. Of course, don’t forget traditional Cypriot coffee. It’s thick, slightly gritty, and brewed in a little copper pot. You don’t rush it, and you definitely don’t drink the grounds at the bottom!
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8. You can walk through ancient history
Cyprus is steeped in ancient history. One minute you’re ordering a freddo, the next you’re standing in a Roman amphitheatre. Check out Kourion, once one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms. You’ll find remnants of an open-air theatre, baths, villas and more. I could barely believe that the colourful mosaics had survived thousands of years.
I also particularly enjoyed the Adonis Baths, where legend says Aphrodite and Adonis – the goddess of love and her very handsome (and very mortal) fling – used to bathe. The water is appropriately cool for a hot day, surrounded by lush greenery.
Cyprus surprised me with its rugged terrain and low-key lifestyle. I left with a tan, mildly over-caffeinated, and far too invested in the lives of the local taverna cats. But no complaints. The pace is slow, and that’s exactly what a lot of us need. So, if it’s been sitting in your ‘maybe’ pile, I hope this gave you a nudge to go explore Cyprus for yourself!
Now you know what to expect, browse our best deals to get that Cyprus trip booked.
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Author: Tej Naga (she/her)
Last updated: 22/08/2025
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