Whilst living and working in Cyprus you will naturally want to make the most of your free time. It would be a waste to go and live in another country for a few months, especially one with so many beaches and 330 days of sunshine and not enjoy the leisure and sports activities available. Cyprus has so much to offer whatever your age or interests. Explore and enjoy!
A Few Activities to Try
Cyprus has something for everyone. Whether you want to party, play, eat, swim, shop, watch movies, go to museums, see historic sites, watch football or even go snow skiing (Jan – March) you can do it in Cyprus. You can even take a 2-day mini cruise and visit the Pyramids in Egypt or the holy sites in Israel. A good point of reference to get an overview of what Cyprus has to offer for fun and leisure is the official tourist information website Visit Cyprus or browse some of our suggestions below:
Getting about in Cyprus
Distances are relatively small, therefore it is quite achievable to travel from one town to the other and back again in the same day. Depending on where you end up living whilst in Cyprus you may be fortunate enough to have the free use of a swimming pool within your apartment complex. Alternatively there are great beaches in all the towns except the capital city Nicosia, as it is located inland. Even from Nicosia it is only a 30-minute drive to the beach at Larnaca.
There are several inter-town bus services, which run between most of the major towns and cities. Alternatively you can purchase a seat in a shared air-conditioned taxi. Prices are relatively cheap. One of the main companies offering this service is Travel Express
If you want to be a little adventurous and tour around on your own or with some friends it is very affordable to hire a car for a day or two especially if you share the cost. At off peak times i.e. not July & August you can hire a small car for about €20.00 per day and this will give you the freedom to visit remote villages, mountain resorts and general places of interest at your leisure. Car rental offices are located in all the main tourist areas. Prices are always negotiable so do not take notice of the prices displayed, these are for tourists! Try Cyprus Car Rentals
Beaches
All the seaside towns have public beaches – the majority are Blue Flag therefore guaranteeing the cleanliness and quality of the beaches. All have sun beds and umbrellas for hire and usually offer cheap snacks and drinks.
Bowling
You will find bowling alleys in all the main towns. Have a look at KMax Bowling for more information
Cafes
Cyprus has had a café culture forever. It is one of the favourite pastimes of young Cypriots. The choice and quality of cafes is vast. The offering varies considerably however there are many sophisticated and smart cafes in every town but prices are extremely affordable. Some offer basic drinks and snacks whilst others have menus more extensive than many a restaurant. If you miss your old favourites most towns also have a Costa Coffee or Starbucks.
Cinemas
If you want to watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters don’t worry every town has a selection of cinemas showing the latest releases from around the world.
Concerts/Music Festivals
Over the last few years more and more international stars and bands have been holding one off concerts or participating in music festivals in Cyprus. In past years artists such as Diana Ross, Elton John, Simply Red and Bryan Adams have performed. These are always well advertised. You can be sure if a big star is appearing you will know about it.
Eating/Drinking
Cyprus eating is not just about Kebabs although they are a good affordable meal and you can get them everywhere. Every conceivable cuisine from around the world is available. Whether you want Indian, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican or indeed anything you can think of Cyprus has it. All you have to do is walk down any of the main streets and you will be spoilt for choice. You can even go to KFC, Burger King and of course McDonalds. Many offer a take away and delivery service also. For more ideas have a look at Cyprus Eat Out. Bars and pubs are everywhere, the highest concentration being in Ayia Napa – however all the other towns are well catered for.
Football
If your passion is football then you will get on very well with the Cypriots. They are very passionate about the game. You can watch live UK Premier league matches in many bars and pubs in all towns. If there is a major World or European tournament on, you can be sure that you will be able to follow all the action.
Like most countries Cyprus has it’s own football league. Tickets are cheap and unlike the UK they can easily be purchased at the gate on match day
Go Karting
It seems every town has at least one go-kart track.
- Nicosia: Formula Kart Center
- Limassol: Limassol City Go-Karts
- Larnaca: Karting Center
- Ayia Napa: Napa Karts
- Paphos: Coral Bay Karting
Gyms
If you like a good workout in the Gym then you can rest assured that all towns are well catered with good quality gyms. Many are to the same standard as those found in the UK with the same level of fitness equipment and qualified instructors. The majority can be visited on a pay as you go basis. Two of the most popular are: GymNet and Fitness First
Historic / Archeological Sites
Cyprus is one of the oldest inhabited parts of the world steeped deep in history. There are sites of interest all over the island. A good place to start is the Nicosia Museum. See Visit Cyprus for more information.
Internet / Wi Fi
If you want to surf the Internet or keep in touch with home you will find numerous Internet cafes in all the towns. If you are fortunate enough to have your own laptop there are many wi fi zones (often free of charge) in cafes and hotel lobbies. All the Costa Coffee and Starbucks cafes have wi fi connections.
Mini Cruises
If you really want to be adventurous and can spare 2 – 3 days perhaps when you have finished working prior to returning home, then you can take an unforgettable mini cruise to the Greek islands, Egypt, Syria or Israel and visit the Pyramids or the Holy Land or just experience another Island. These cruises are both efficient and reasonable in cost and provide a memorable end to your stay in Cyprus. Try Cruise Cyprus
Nightclubs
There are many nightclubs to choose from again they can be found in all the towns located primarily within the main tourist areas. Many often have guest performances by internationally renowned DJ’s. Some of these clubs do not close until 8.00am
Scuba Diving
If you have ever wanted to learn to dive, Cyprus is the perfect place. There are numerous diving schools at all the resorts, that are fully equipped and have instructors qualified to international standards. Cyprus is the perfect place to learn as it boasts crystal clear waters and numerous shipwrecks which offer a memorable and rewarding diving experience. Two good schools to try are: Dive in Cyprus and Alpha Divers
Shopping
If your favourite pastime is shopping then you are in good company, the Cypriots love to shop!. Every town is well catered for. Cyprus has two indoor shopping malls, one in Nicosia: The Mall of Cyprus and the other one in Limassol: MY MALL.
Water Parks
There are 3 main water parks in Ayia Napa, Paphos & Limassol, all of international standards. In fact Waterworld in Ayia Napa is the largest themed water park in Europe.
- Ayia Napa: WaterWorld Waterpark
- Paphos: Aphrodite Waterpark
- Limassol: Fasouri Watermania