Cyprus : Safety by CityCyprus is a Mediterranean island positioned south of Turkey, the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, right after Sicily and Sardinia.
Geographically, this island is in Asia though politically it belongs to Europe and is even a member of the EU.
This gorgeous island is most famous for its archeological findings, its turquoise beaches, and beautiful coastal drives.
Divided into a Turkish North and a Greek South, it is a place that invites many tourists to visit each year.
There are about one million British nationals that visit Cyprus every year, and with this staggering number of tourists, it is no surprise that most visits go by smoothly and with no troubles, however, one should be cautious since this country has some safety issues.
Warnings & Dangers in Cyprus
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The risk is low, and there are a lot of beautiful places to see. However, the low risk still comes with all the basic safety expectations you would have as a tourist in a new country.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
The tourism website for Cyprus has a list of transportation options, which include bus routes, car drivers for hire, car rentals, and motorcycle rentals. If you plan to take your car to the island, check the customs requirements. All options are low risk.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
The risk is low, or at least no higher than any other tourist destination. Common sense and smart personal safety steps go a long way.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Cyprus, but summers can have extended periods of hot weather. That can also lead to wildfires. Typical thunderstorms are possible throughout the year, and there's a slight risk of a minor or moderate earthquake. Keep an eye on the forecast and weather conditions, but this risk shouldn't deter your interest in visiting.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Burglaries are more common than robberies, and the risk is low. Of course, that comes with standard guidance, such as not walking around at night alone or flashing expensive personal items.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The U.S. State Department says that most European nations should be on alert for potential terrorist attacks, and Cyprus has seen some tension or violence near the UN Buffer Zone. However, the risk is low overall for a tourist.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Aside from the typical scam warnings that happen everywhere, Cyprus is known for a nightclub scam that lures in unsuspecting patrons and then exponentially inflates the bill. Payment is demanded by the threat of force. Sometimes, these scams include visiting topless bars where victims of sex trafficking are forced to perform. If you don't plan on enjoying the nightlife, the risk is low. If you are, be suspicious of anyone being unseeingly nice and inviting you to a party.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cyprus is considered very safe for women travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming culture. Basic precautions, like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing belongings, are recommended but not unique to Cyprus. Even with the sex trafficking issues in the country, it's rare that a tourist is a victim.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Health inspectors oversee the water quality in Cyprus, and you should have no concerns about drinking tap water here. Some visitors do prefer the taste of bottled water.
Safest Places to Visit in Cyprus
Visit Cyprus is the name of the tourism website for the Republic of Cyprus.
There’s a separate website (since it’s a separate part of the island) for Northern Cyprus, and that is visitncy.com.
We can’t talk about things to do in Cyprus without talking about the idyllic beaches.
Home to some of the Mediterranean¡¯s most beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, you’ll have several options to consider.
Organized beaches like Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay come with lifeguards, calm waters, and well-maintained facilities.
Safety is a priority.
August visitors should strongly consider working their way to Lara Bay, known for its nesting sea turtles.
This is the month when the baby turtles break free from the nest and waddle their way to the water.
Conservation experts are there to protect the turtles.
Of course, water activities like surfing, boating, and fishing are popular on the coastline too.
Head to the Larnaca beaches for the best windy conditions.
With 11,000 years of history, there’s a museum waiting to be explored across the country.
The Paphos Archaeological Park is an open-air museum of sorts featuring incredible ruins, including renowned Roman mosaics depicting mythological tales.
At the Kourion Museum in Episkopi, visitors can explore artifacts from the ancient city of Kourion.
The country¡¯s largest archaeological museum is the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia.
Artifacts cover extensive history, including Neolithic tools, ancient pottery, and intricate Roman mosaics.
The Byzantine Museum in Nicosia preserves a stunning collection of Orthodox religious art, including icons, frescoes, and manuscripts from the Byzantine Empire.
The Pierides Museum in Larnaca, housed in a 19th-century mansion, showcases an impressive array of artifacts, including pottery and jewelry, spanning prehistoric to medieval Cyprus.
At the Limassol Castle and Medieval Museum, visitors can delve into the island’s medieval and Ottoman history through exhibits of weapons, armor, and tombstones in a dramatic castle setting.
One of the world’s oldest shipwrecks (2,300 years ago!) is on display at the Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum, located within Kyrenia Castle.
Most cities will have guided or self-guided history walking tours available, too.
Wine lovers should look at some of the themed routes across various regions, like the Commandaria Wine Route or the rural Diarizos Valley Wine Route.
Nearly a dozen national parks or forests are waiting to be explored.
Some of the top spots are as follows:
- The Troodos National Forest Park, located in the Troodos Mountains, is the largest natural reserve in Cyprus, featuring lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails like the popular Caledonia Trail.
- The Cape Greco National Forest Park, on the southeastern coast, offers dramatic sea cliffs, turquoise waters, and nature trails, making it a haven for snorkeling, hiking, and photography.
- The Akamas Peninsula National Park, in the island’s northwest, is a protected area known for its wild beauty, featuring the famous Blue Lagoon, the Baths of Aphrodite, and diverse wildlife.
- The Cavo Gkreko National Forest Park, also known as Cape Greco, features stunning natural arches, sea caves, and panoramic viewpoints, perfect for exploring by foot, bike, or kayak.
- The Machairas National Forest Park, near the village of Lythrodontas, is home to the historic Machairas Monastery and offers scenic trails through its rugged, pine-covered hills.
- The Stavrovouni National Forest Park, located near the iconic Stavrovouni Monastery, combines natural beauty with religious significance, offering views of the surrounding plains and coast.
Of course, the food scene in Cyprus is incredible, with a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options.
Check out the website “Taste Cyprus” to get a better look at the culinary landscape.
Places to Avoid in Cyprus
While Cyprus is largely known to be a safe country, there is some safety guidance to understand, especially as it pertains to visiting a country at odds with half of the islands.
We talked a little bit earlier in the scams section about the nightclub concerns.
The U.S. State Department suggests avoiding “so-called nightclubs.”
This would be any location billing itself as a ¡°Cabaret¡± or ¡°Gentlemen¡¯s Club.¡±
Most nightclubs in tourist destinations should be safe, but check locally and read reviews before you visit anywhere at night.
If you visit Nicosia or any part of the UN Buffer Zone between Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, please heed these warnings.
Stick to official crossing points and avoid entering restricted or unmarked areas, as they are off-limits and monitored.
Photography in the buffer zone is often prohibited, so respect posted rules to avoid trouble.
This is especially true for military installations or government buildings.
The “No Photography” rules are strictly enforced.
The same goes for crossing anywhere but an official checkpoint to Northern Cyprus.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Cyprus
- The Police Force is the name of the law enforcement agency in Cyprus. If you have an emergency at any time, please dial?112 to be connected with help.
- Check with the safety agency or state department in your country for additional safety guidance. For example, U.S. travelers can sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get free alerts.
- Always know where the closest embassy is to your current location in Cyprus.?While Cyprus is not an active war zone, the island remains politically divided, making it wise to stay informed and prepared for any unexpected situations.
- If you’re debating renting a car in Cyprus, you should know that traffic moves on the left side of the road, not the right, as you find in America. That also means roundabouts will flow clockwise.
- All distance and speed limit signage is displayed in kilometers, not miles. Also, the island is known for aggressive drivers, but if you’re from places like Florida, you won’t notice a difference! (I can say that as a former Floridian!)
- Bring sunglasses and wear them, especially near the sea. The bright landscape and reflexive water can cause eye strain or temporary blindness¡ªit’s like snow blindness but in the Mediterranean!
- While immunization is not required to enter Cyprus, the World Health Organization recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
- Don’t ask or discuss the political distress between Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. The division has been ongoing since 1974 and has caused decades of conflict and personal loss. It’s a sensitive topic, so avoid it. Instead, steer conversations to the island’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.
- Divers should check locally for certification requirements, though many vendors offer beginner experiences for divers in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea waters. Just remember, put at least 24 hours between diving and flying to avoid?decompression sickness (DCS), also known as “the bends.”
- Visitors from outside the European Union can claim back VAT (Value Added Tax) on eligible goods purchased in Cyprus, provided the items are exported out of the EU, and the minimum purchase amount is met by local regulations. You’ll need to get forms from every store where you make a purchase. Sorry, EU residents don’t qualify.
So... How Safe Is Cyprus Really?
The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom all give Cyprus “use normal precautions” guidance for visitors.
This is the least risky ranking possible.
I did find some crime statistics across the country, but they are not spelled out in a way that would be beneficial to detail here.
It is also helpful to know that Global Finance Magazine says Cyprus is one of the safest countries globally.
Cyprus is considered very safe for tourists, with no significant concerns about terrorism or active fighting.
The division between the north and south is a longstanding political issue managed peacefully under UN supervision.
There have been no outbreaks of violence in decades.
The island¡¯s strategic location and effective security measures make it a low-risk destination, allowing visitors to enjoy its beaches, history, and culture without worry.
However, I want to add a potentially major concern about visiting Northern Cyprus: Most countries (like the U.S. and Canada) don’t recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
That means you’ll have little to no country protection for tourists who might need help.
Canada goes as far as to call traveling to Northern Cyprus a place to use a “high degree of caution” since they cannot offer consular assistance there.
How Does Cyprus Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cyprus | 75 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visa requirements for Cyprus depend on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries, the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Others may need a Schengen or Cyprus-specific visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
Currency
Cyprus uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. Introduced in 2008, it replaced the Cypriot pound. Banknotes and coins are the same as those used across the Eurozone. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to carry cash for smaller businesses or rural areas. If you plan to visit Northern Cyprus, you'll need?Turkish lira.
Weather
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with sunny summers from May to October and mild winters from November to March. Summer temperatures range from 86¨C95¡ãF (30¨C35¡ãC), while winters average 50¨C59¡ãF (10¨C15¡ãC). Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. Coastal areas remain milder, and mountains occasionally see snow in winter.
Airports
Cyprus has two main commercial airports: Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO). Larnaca, the island's primary hub, serves most international flights, while Paphos caters to budget airlines and tourists heading to western Cyprus. We do want to warn anyone considering entering Cyprus through Northern Cyprus (such as through?Ercan Airport) that you can be fined for illegal entry.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn¡¯t mandatory for visiting Cyprus, but we highly recommend it. Policies should cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and theft. EU visitors with an EHIC card can access basic healthcare, but insurance offers broader protection.
Cyprus Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High ¡ãC |
17 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 17 |
| Low ¡ãC |
9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 8 |
| High ¡ãF |
63 | 64 | 70 | 77 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 82 | 75 | 68 | 63 |
| Low ¡ãF |
48 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 64 | 57 | 50 | 46 |
Cyprus - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Limassol | 69 |
| Nicosia | 71 |
Not mentioned but be cautious when driving as the standards are poor in Cyprus. Signals are rare, speeding and driving whilst using a phone is common although illegal. They also frequently ignore pedestrian traffic lights.
It’s a lovely place but just drive defensively.
Driving
Spot on, a very accurate observation regarding the standard of driving. Watch out for scooters passing on the inside! Keep your eyes open and wits about you.
My daughter leaves on the 18th of September to study at University of Nicosia, I’m worried about racism, how are blacks treated?
Beautiful Country
I have not been to Cyprus since 2014 but when I went, I had a wonderful time. The sights and food were fantastic. There is surprisingly a lot to see and do there. Most locals were friendly and helpful. I did run into a group of fellas that were not so friendly but they didn¡¯t intimidate me. I am planning on going again in 2020 with my brother in law.
Beware!
Isn’t Cyprus the country where if you’re raped and go to the police they jail the victim? Not really safe for women.
Absolutely untrue
Melsy is liars!
Dangerous for girls
Yes. Amnesty International has pointed out that sex crimes are way up in Cyprus, far beyond the European average.
That’s not a lie, check with Amnesty International who obtained the details from the government’s own statistics.
The recent notorious case is basically kidnapping.
Under both Cypriot and European Human Rights law, no statement should be relied upon where there is no lawyer OR where a possibility of coercion exists.
In this case, the rape victim was held incommunicado for seven hours before making the retraction.
Under severe stress, a LOT of rape victims retract initial statements just to try and get away and put it behind them.
Her lawyers were refused the possibility of bringing any evidence that the rape took place even though she had bruises that were consistent with force being used.
Due to the nature of the illegal statement, her arrest and detention were illegal and legally, in fact, kidnapping.
Defend your daughters, boycott Cyprus
Every year in south , hundreds of people are thought to be victims of drink spiking, where alcohol or drugs are added to someone’s drink without them knowing.
In some cases, so-called “date rape drugs” may be used to spike a drink before a sexual assault.
Many more incidents happen abroad or go unreported because of embarrassment or memory loss.
Thats rubbish. Untrue safe to walk around even at night
Very UNSAFE for women
exactly – is very UNSAFE for women
This website is dangerously miss-leading
A girl got raped by 12 people and then had to suffer more abuses from the police and a corrupt judge. And it’s not the first time this happen in Cyprus
Hope the editors will take this into account so women who travel there know that they might be drugged and attacked and there’s no one there to protect them
https://twitter.com/No_DNC_No_GOP/status/1274350609114845184
Very good place
Yeah, I wouldn’t believe anything written by “the sun” and the protesters are wearing Corona masks tells the tale. They have no clue what really happened. Fake news. I will go to Cypus with my daughters. I won’t allow any racists to spread false rumours. These other women are just jealous no one want to have sex with them lol. The self proclaimed “rape victim” was a dirty whore and now she feels bad about it. Shame. Go back to Western society if you can’t handle it.
Generally safe and friendly but use some common sense.
What you miss out is that very many local Cypriots were also completely outraged by this case and the manner in which it was mishandled by the police. This went as far as public demonstrations outside of the courts in support of the girl. Unfortunately this case was a political issue as the attackers were Israeli boys and the Cyprus government was negotiating a deal with the Israeli government at that time to exploit natural gas reserves. It stank to high heavens and a lot of Cypriots were disgusted by the outcome. I have lived here 20 years and it is one of the safer places to be. Male and female visitors should, however, as they should anywhere in the world, exercise some common sense. Don’t get so drunk that you can’t stand up or remember where you are staying and don’t go off alone with a stranger you have just met.
Napa
I am from
Cyprus and my experience is its very safe for women.
Apart from in ayia Napa where mostly locals don¡¯t go – it¡¯s full of the kind of people who would go on Jeremy Kyle- get blind drunk and act disgustingly.
I would not let me daughters go there and to be honest I¡¯m sure they wouldn¡¯t want to as it¡¯s been ruined by the type of tourists they get there.
I lived in Cyprus for my first 14 years and visited the island every second year since
My uncle is a chief policeman and according to him the crimes that happened in Cyprus are due to the surrounding countries trying to go through to their next destination.
Refugees from everywhere come with boats and bring drugs and guns with them.
The police are aware of the situation and they¡¯ve got it covered.
And to answer your dilemma about the safety of women traveling alone on our island is safer than your own home.
Unless you want to drug yourself and lose your mind.
rapists are indeed prosecuted
I have been living in Cyprus for many many years and it is a very safe place and of vourse rapists are sentenced to quite long pruson sentences-so not true
I am from Cyprus and have never seen any crime happening but you definetly should drive defensively as driving and using mobile phones is common
Safe, but roads can be dangerous
I have lived in Cyprus and been there several times a year for 13 years. I have never been a victim of crime, nor witnessed anyone else be a victim. Of course petty crimes do occur but on a minor scale. Drivers can be dangerous. Lack of signalling and generally breaking speed limits and other road rules occur in Cyprus. A lot of parents fail to use car seats for their children and use mobiles whole driving. This I would say, is the biggest concern at the moment.
Unsafe for women
how about this?
https://twitter.com/No_DNC_No_GOP/status/1274350609114845184
Kay are you travelling there this year looking for someone to travel with me I’ve never been n want to go
Hey Kay
Can you recommend the best place in Cyprus please? Eg Pharos where there is an airport making it easy to travel for the first time ?
Safe
Put in perspective. Firstly the men were tourists themselves, not locals. Any tourist destination in the world is therefore at risk from this kind of thing. Cyprus is as safe a place as anywhere in the world can be where tourists gather and drink and can be left vulnerable. Cyprus itself has a low crime rate. It¡¯s not like say India which has a high violent crime rate against women both to locals and tourists. So saying Cyprus is an unsafe country is not accurate. If you are referring to that one isolated case where a tourist was allegedly pushed into signing a confession that it didn¡¯t happen, I agree that does look fishy but until you can give me more cases like this that makes it systemic, it still doesn¡¯t make Cyprus unsafe. Plus they drive on the correct side of the road. I say drive loosely though.
To say the risk for women is low is dangerously irresponsible.
Cyprus is sensational!
My girlfriend and I visited Cyprus for 8 days in May 2019. Honestly, she is a very attractive woman, we had NO problems.
Furthermore when I did SCUBA she chose to stay onshore alone. It is true we were always together outside after sunset
I drove on Cyprus and we are from rural Midwest USA. Absolutely drive cautiously, and defensively, no issues.
Cyprus is a gem! It’s hard to believe that less than 100km is war-torn Syria.
Cyprus is sensational!
My girlfriend and I spent 8 Days on Cyprus in May 2019. I’m very lucky, my girlfriend is attractive. When I did Scuba she chose to stay onshore alone and had no problems.
We did however always stay together after the sunset.
I did drive there and had no problems of course you should drive cautiously and defensively, be aware of your surroundings.
We encountered no scams, pickpockets or anything of the sort. In fact even though there are a lot of Brits, haha friendly people everywhere excellent food andwine.
It’s hard to believe that war-torn Syria is less than 100 km away but it truly is out of sight out of mind.
Safe country
Went to Cyprus in 2019.stayed in protarus wonderful place great food and fantastic beaches never saw any crime place was spotless .people very friendly and the weather was very hot in September will be going back in September 2020
I¡¯m beyond excited about our trip to Cyprus in September but should I be worried coming from USA?
You will be very safe in Cyprus and the people are wonderfull.
I love Cyprus!
I have lived in Cyprus for 3 years, left in 2006 but since, I go back once a year. I absolutely love Cyprus! I have a young daughter and the locals are always so sweet to her, they are very family oriented. I have always been made to feel extremely welcome. The food is amazing and so are the beaches. I have always felt very safe in South Cyprus. I do drive there but not late at night and mostly in Paphos. And yes, there have been a couple of ¡®hairy¡¯ situations. BUT CYPRUS IS MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD!!!
I will let to travel in Cyprus but not know anyone.if anyone can help me…
Boycott Cyprus
Avoid holidays to Cyprus, the treament of a young rape victim was appalling. To be raped by 12 men who walked free because of poor investigation says everything you need to know. It is not a safe place for women. Support your mothers, sisters, daughters and nieces BOYCOTT CYPRUS. Hit them where is hurts and it will bring about positive change.
The Truth
Do you mean the girl who intentionally had sex with twelve men, who didn’t even know each other, and when forensics finished with her they found semen from three other men?
MY experience:
I¡¯ve been there and it was kind of safe i¡¯d say.
I wouldn¡¯t level it ¡°low¡± for solo women travelers, cause it does happen quite often (i¡¯ve witnessed it many times) that women are getting unwanted attention a lot. Catcalling in bars is an issue too..
If you¡¯re taking your kids with you, i¡¯d keep vigliant and keep an eye at your local surroundings, to make sure nothing is suspicious. Why im saying that is because there have been quite a lot reports for children missing, (mostly age group of 10-15).
However, i do recommend to visit Cyprus because of its very interesting history and the very beautiful beaches, and especially their culture!
Do keep im mind that everyone experiences something diffrent. But what i can ensure you is that its very sunny and ideal summer holiday location ?
Rape victims are prosecuted instead of rapists in cypress. Do not trust them. Do not go there.
I visited Cyprus around January to mid February,it was a wonderful experience during my stay,I never encountered any difficulty.iam planning my next trip in March 2021.such a lovely place to visit
Overall, safer than most
My wife and I have holidayed in Cyprus on over 12 occasions. Whilst I cannot speak for what goes on on in “clubby,”Ayia Napa, I can assure everyone who wishes to travel to the Paphos area of Cyprus, that we found it safer than any holiday destination. The locals are very friendly, honourable and respectful and appreciate that tourism is a very important aspect of the Cypriot economy. Like everywhere else, if you wake up in the morning, not remembering the night before, it’s because you were that drunk – holidays abroad are never ideal for those with zero common sense.
Cyprus is interesting
I had a good time while I was here. I agree that the drivers here are not the best and you need to take care but I didn’t have any problems otherwise. Plenty of things to do but if you want to travel as a single woman I would advise against it. Come with some friends or get a guide at least. It’s not the safest place for single women.
Very Safe!
Very safe, even for new and younger travellers. I had my first holiday alone without any family here at 18. I visited the Paphos area. It’s very secure and safer than everywhere I’ve been in the UK. Apply common sense and you will have 0 issues here. Even after dark in Kato Paphos I’ve not felt unsafe once. The locals are friendly and helpful, the taxi’s are safe and reliable and the police are active here. Driving standards aren’t as good as the UK’s, but they are generally the road users aren’t too bad here.
A very safe holiday paradise
My personal opinion is that Cyprus is much safer than most European countries. Beaches, weather and food are excellent. Locals speak English and are helpful and friendly. If you are driving exercise caution, drive within speed limits and don’t worry.
Yikes!
Oh great, I’m due in Cyprus this week! I had so little time to research but wish I saw this sooner as I will be on my own for touring the island, and staying on the Turkish side when I make it to Nicosia, a bit of a walk from the Old Wall area. I was sure there were local buses there!! Agh. I’ll have to go and see for myself. I get harassed enough when I travel alone, especially in France and Italy but so far nothing as bad as having gotten kidnapped in Medellin! ^fingers crossed for Cyprus*!
Greek side is safe
I can’t speak for the north side of the island, but the south side is very safe, especially for visitors. If there is crime, it usually effects native and not tourists. All major cities in the world will have their bad neighborhoods. For insurance, in Paphos, I would definitely recommend avoiding the area west of the bus station. Overall the island is quite safe; take the same precautions you would anywhere else.
Safest place
Cyprus is the.safest place to visit…but please do not mention Greek part and turkish part…Cyprus is just one. the north part is occupied by turkish troops since 1974 and that fake state is not recognized by any country but turkey.
rest my case