Attraction in Cyprus
Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca
This 9th-century Byzantine church was built by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI over the reputed second tomb of Lazarus, the biblical figure raised from the dead by Jesus, who according to tradition became the first Bishop of Kition. The triple-aisled stone church survives largely intact and houses an ornate gilded iconostasis and a small museum of ecclesiastical artefacts. It remains an active place of Orthodox Christian worship in the centre of Larnaca.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cyprus
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Cyprus page at Yoogo.
The Republic of Cyprus uses the euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted throughout the island. ATMs are plentiful in all towns and tourist resorts. Cash is useful for markets, village tavernas, and tips.
Cyprus is one of the safest destinations in the Mediterranean. Crime against tourists is rare. The island remains divided between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-administered north; the main crossing points at Nicosia and Famagusta allow movement between the two. The situation is stable, but be aware of the different rules and currencies in the north.
Car hire is the most practical way to explore Cyprus, as public transport is limited outside main towns. Traffic drives on the left and roads are generally well-maintained. Intercity buses connect main towns. Taxis are available but should have their meter running. Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos are the main urban centres.
April, May, and October are ideal for combining beach and sightseeing, with warm temperatures without the extreme summer heat. June to September is peak beach season, with sea temperatures at their warmest but daytime temperatures often exceeding 38°C. Winter (December to February) is mild and green but wet and unsuitable for swimming.
Greek is the official language of the Republic of Cyprus and is spoken by the Greek Cypriot majority. Turkish is the official language of the north. English is very widely spoken across the island due to Cyprus's history as a British colonial territory and remains an effective second language in government, business, and everyday life.
No vaccinations are required for standard travel to Cyprus. Routine immunisations should be up to date. Tap water is safe to drink, though desalination is used on the island and some prefer bottled water. Healthcare is of a good standard in major towns.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, leaving 10% for good service is customary. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides appreciate a modest gratuity. A service charge is sometimes included in bills at upscale establishments.
Cyprus has excellent mobile coverage from Cyta, MTN, and Epic. 4G is available island-wide and 5G is expanding. EU roaming rules apply. Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport and phone shops. Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, cafes, and restaurants.