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Pine forests, waterfalls, sandy beaches and ancient villages. This is what awaits in Cyprus, a beautiful island country in the Mediterranean Sea.
But you already know that. Cyprus has long been a popular holiday destination for Brits and international tourists.
In 2025, the nation welcomed a record-breaking 4.5 million visitors — a 12.2% increase compared to 2024.
However, earlier this year, arrivals dropped sharply due to regional instability in the Middle East.
And while tourism in Cyprus has all but returned to normal, it’s worth reminding travellers of everything the island has to offer.
On top of a string of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 27°C temperatures well into October, it also boasts an exciting culinary scene that blends Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern traditions. What’s not to love?
What caused Cyprus’ tourism decline?
First, the situation. Back in March, the US-Israel war on Iran and a drone strike near the British RAF base Akrotiri raised safety concerns across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The strike caused travel chaos, with around 70% of schedules serving Cyprus disrupted or cancelled overnight. Hotel reservations followed suit, as summer bookings all but ground to a halt.
Travel influencer Nastia, who lives in Cyprus and works in tourism, was on the ground during this time. She told Metro that, from what she personally witnessed, ‘tourism definitely dropped when the situation first started.’
According to Nastia, the first weeks of March saw a flurry of booking cancellations.
‘This included bookings for summer and even autumn, because people were scared and didn’t really know what to expect or whether the situation would escalate further,’ she explained.
‘I was worried at that time, because in the Ayia Napa and Protaras area, where I live, a huge number of people work in tourism and depend on tourists directly or indirectly, just like the Cypriot economy in general.’
Currently, the UK Foreign Office does not have active travel warnings for Cyprus, but it reminds travellers that ‘the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable’.
A perfect October holiday destination
Cyprus is rich in fascinating culture.
The island has been shaped by its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over thousands of years, it has been conquered, settled, and influenced by many major civilisations, creating a layered heritage.
Ancient Greek and Roman remnants can be found across archaeological sites such as the amphitheatre of Kourion and the mosaics of Paphos.
UNESCO-listed terraced churches in the Troodos Mountains showcase the Byzantine era.
Meanwhile, the Ottoman era is alive and kicking in the form of Büyük Han, the largest caravanserai in Cyprus, in the old walled city of Nicosia, famously known as Europe’s last divided capital.
History and architecture aside, though, Cyprus is an outdoor lovers’ dream.
Dozens of beaches across the island regularly earn international Blue Flag eco-labels, from Fig Tree Bay in Protaras to Nissi Beach in party-central Ayia Napa.
A 40-minute drive from that party city is Larnaca, aka the ‘city of peace.’
Hailed for its laid-back atmosphere and connection to Ancient Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium, it’s also home to Zenobia Wreck, a famous dive site from the 1980s.
Elsewhere, take on one of Cyprus’ many scenic wooded trails past waterfalls like Caledonia Falls, or explore the Tombs of the Kings, 4th century BC underground burial sites carved out of solid rock near Paphos.
More into your food and drink? Head to traditional mountain villages like Omodos for local wine-tasting, followed by sampling must-eat dishes such as Kleftiko, Souvla and Halloumi cheese.
Has Cyprus’ tourism industry recovered?
The impact of regional tensions that Cyprus felt in March did not last long.
And, when April came, ‘the weather started getting better, people saw that there wasn’t really any escalation, and things became calmer’, Nastia said.
In May, she said the tourist flow ‘felt pretty similar to previous years’.
Fast-forward to October, and Visit Cyprus has said tourism services are now operating normally, too.
‘At this moment I wouldn’t say I notice a significant decline anymore,’ Nastia added.
Rather, she said holiday hotspots like Ayia Napa and Protaras are growing. Renovations are happening everywhere, new hotels and projects are being built, and the ‘tourist areas feel very alive.’
Getting to Cyprus
There are plenty of direct flights to Cyprus from the UK. The route you take depends on the type of holiday you want.
In October, Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Paphos for as little as £38. easyJet flies from Gatwick for around £47.
Heading to Larnaca? Take a £61 Wizz Air from Gatwick.
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