Public Holidays
Most public holidays in Cyprus are of religious origin. Shops, banks, and offices may also be closed on the eve of a holiday. The following are annual public holidays in Cyprus:
New Year’s Day – January 1
Epiphany – January 6
Green Monday – First day of Lent. Different date every year; for 2018 the date was 19 February, and for 2019 the date is 11 March.
National Holiday – March 25
National Holiday – April 1
Greek Orthodox Good Friday – Different date every year; for 2018 the date is 6 April
Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday – Different date every year; for 2018 the date is 8 April
Labour Day – May 1
Orthodox Pentecost / Whit Monday (‘Kataklysmos’) – Fifty days after Easter Sunday
Assumption of Mary – August 15
Cyprus Independence Day – October 1
National Holiday – October 28
Christmas Day – December 25
Getting around
Driving in Cyprus
Cyprus follows the British driving system; the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car, and driving is on the left side of the road.
If you arrive with a driving license from your country, you can apply to convert it to a Cypriot driving license. The procedure on how to do this is outlined on the Road Transport Department’s website.
Transfer to and from Larnaca and Pafos airports
The Kapnos Airport Shuttle
Tel.: 24 008718 or 77 771477
Website: kapnosairportshuttle.com
Public Transport
In Cyprus buses are the only form of public transportation around town. There are also intercity buses that connect the main towns and villages. See these links for more information:
In addition, there are FREE minibuses in Nicosia that connect the old walled part of the city with the modern city centre. These minibuses have bicycle transport and assisted access for passengers with physical disabilities.
Intercity Transport
Travel Express is a private company that offers intercity transport between the five main cities in the Republic of Cyprus in the form of shared taxis or minibuses that run on a fixed schedule. You can book online or by telephone.
Private Taxis
Private taxis are readily available for any journeys within town, and can also be hired for intercity transportation, including to the airport. It is advisable to agree the fee at the time of booking. Bookings are easily made by telephone. A taxi ride in the city can easily cost anywhere from EUR 5-15. A private taxi from Nicosia to Larnaca airport for example normally costs around EUR50.
Car Rental
Several companies offer car rental services all over the island. Rates vary according to the season, duration of hire and the type of vehicle. Car rental information can be found here.
Travel outside Cyprus
Ports of entry to and from the Republic of Cyprus are the Larnaca and Pafos international airports, and the Limassol seaport.
Many international airlines fly in and out of both airports. These include Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways. Other budget airlines include Ryanair, Wizzair and Easyjet.
For more information about Larnaca and Pafos airports click here.
For more information about Limassol seaport click here.
Making telephone calls
Cyprus phone numbers have eight digits, the first two of which are the area codes for the different districts:
22 is for Nicosia
25 is for Limassol
24 is for Larnaca
26 is for Pafos
23 is for Protaras and Paralimni
Mobile phone numbers start with 99, 96, 97, or 95.
Some new business numbers start with 77.
To call Cyprus from abroad, dial 00 357 followed by the 8-digit number.
The main mobile phone service providers in Cyprus are:
Electricity plugs
Electrical plugs and sockets (outlets) in Cyprus are of the three-pin British type. If your appliance’s plug does not match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter. These are widely available in home appliance shops and even supermarkets.