The Copenhagen Post was invited on a press trip by The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
Despite the geopolitical ripples in the Middle East, Cyprus remains a remarkably safe, alluring, and resilient destination.
In 2026, life on the “Divided Island” continues peacefully. While recent regional tensions—including a missile incident involving a British base—have caused a temporary dip in bookings, the local reality remains calm.
For the savvy traveler, this means a chance to experience the island’s legendary hospitality with a bit more breathing room.
A culinary journey: The Heart of the Meze
You don’t just visit Cyprus; you eat your way through it. The island’s cuisine is a masterclass in Mediterranean flavors. To truly understand the local soul, head to Forsos just outside Limassol and order a traditional Meze.
The ritual begins with the bread:
- Koulouri Village Bread: A golden, nutty loaf made with durum wheat and generously topped with sesame and black nigella seeds (mavros kokkos).
- Cypriot Pita: Unlike the round Greek version, this is long, thin, and charred over hot coals to create a smoky “edible spoon” for the dips.
The Essential Dips
- Talattouri: Cyprus’s answer to Tzatziki, using dried mint instead of dill for a cooler, fresher finish.
- Tahini (Tashi): An intense, creamy sesame puree balanced with garlic and lemon.
- Hummus: Silky smooth, topped with paprika and whole chickpeas.
Travel Tip: Pace yourself! A full Meze can consist of 20 to 30 small plates. Don’t let the delicious bread fill you up in the first ten minutes.
Meze
A traditional Cypriot meze is less a single meal and more a gastronomic journey that celebrates the island’s rich history and diverse culinary influences.
Embraced as a national tradition in Cyprus, the meze reflects Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The underlying philosophy is that variety is key and sharing is essential, similar to Spanish tapas.
A meze spread consists of a large array of small dishes, which can be either hot or cold, savory or spicy, often forming a full meal in itself.
The meal is served gradually, allowing diners to appreciate the full range of flavors and textures. Dishes typically start with lighter fare such as salads, breads, fresh vegetables, and dips, before moving on to heavier meat or fish preparations.
Typical components of a Cypriot meze often include
- Dips and Salads: Hummus (chickpea dip), Tzatziki (Jajik in some contexts, made with cucumber and yogurt), Melitzanosaláta (mashed eggplant dip), and Taramosaláta (fish roe dip).
- Cheese and Starters: Halloumi cheese is a staple, often fried until golden brown. Other dishes include Dolmades or Koupepia (leaves, usually grape leaves, rolled around a rice-based filling), olives, and fresh bread.
- Meat Dishes: Inland regions often lean toward meat-based specialties. Examples include sheftalia (Cypriot sausage) and afelia (pork cooked in wine and often seasoned with crushed coriander seeds). Other common items are Kofta (meatballs) and Kibbeh (meatballs made of bulgur and chopped meat).
- Seafood: If ordering a fish meze, the spread will include various grilled or fried seafood dishes such as calamari, octopus, and fresh local fish.
Due to the sheer amount of food offered, it is not expected that every dish be finished, but rather that everything is shared at ease.
The dishes served often reflect the seasons, though the core pattern of gradual progression remains the same. Meze is frequently accompanied by spirits such as arak or local beer
Beyond the beach: Gardens and mountains
If you want to escape the coastal heat, head east to the Cyherbia Botanical Garden. Here, you can wander through aromatic herb gardens, get lost in the island’s only hedge maze, and stroll through lavender fields.
Founded by Adam and Miranda, the garden is a labor of love inspired by their daughter Melina’s health journey.
Many people know the large and, in high season, noisy tourist towns of Aiya Napa and Protaras, but visit the beautiful beach towns in spring or autumn, when the heat is also not suffocating.
Sporting activities all year long
Locals themselves sweat quite a bit in June, July, and August, so the suggestion to visit Cyprus in other months is well-intended. And less busy.
“We have a number of programs for Sports tourists, for conference tourists, a lot of experiences especially up in the mountains where there are a lot of attractions. Usually in Cyprus the weather is good all year round for cycling, for walking, for trekking and even skiing,” says Constantinos Letymbiotis, spokesperson of the Cyprus’ government.
Take a hike in the mountains
A spot for the outdoors i the Troodos Mountains offering a cool sanctuary.
Make sure to visit Kakopetria, a charming village perched at 667 meters.
Be taken back in time in the narrow, cobbled alleys of the old quarter, Palia Kakopetria. It is a protected heritage site where the houses are built of local stone and wood with traditional wooden balconies hanging over the narrow streets.
Many of the houses have been carefully restored and now function as small boutique hotels or workshops. The streets are often filled with pots of geraniums and grapevines winding up the walls.
- The Sound of Water: Built between the Karkotis and Garillis rivers, the village is incredibly lush. Follow the walking trail along the river to hear the rustling plane trees and trickling water.
- Don’t Miss: A lunch at Linos Inn followed by Glyko tou koutaliou (Spoon Sweets)—preserved fruits in syrup, ranging from cherries to walnuts.
Nearby: Visit the 11th-century UNESCO church Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, famous for its stunning Byzantine frescoes.
The rise of Paphos and Limassol
While Larnaca remains the main flight hub, Paphos is the island’s rising star. With its football team reaching the Champions League and a beautifully modernized “Upper Town” (Ktima) full of wine bars and galleries, it offers a sophisticated alternative to the beach resorts.
Paphos highlights
- UNESCO Treasures: The Roman mosaics at the Archaeological Park and the subterranean Tombs of the Kings.
- Nature & Myth: Visit Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) or take a 4×4 to the Akamas Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon.
- The Edro III: A photogenic shipwreck stranded near the stunning Sea Caves.
Further east, Limassol has transformed into a cosmopolitan “boom town.” The old port area and the new marina offer world-class dining against a backdrop of high-rise luxury.
Where to stay in 2026
- The Four Seasons Hotel: Perfectly situated on a Blue Flag sandy beach east of Limassol, only a few minutes’ drive from the city center. The hotel grounds are designed with lush flora, fauna, and water features.
- Amathus Beach Hotel: The pinnacle of classic elegance. Perfect for families who want five-star service and a top-tier spa.
- The Old Port Hotel: A boutique gem located in the heart of the old town. Ideal for those who want to be steps away from the castle and the vibrant nightlife.
Before you travel to Cyprus
Visit Visitcyprus.com.
Here you will find the latest details on safety and travel, suggestions for places to see, and personal stories from others who have recently been to Cyprus.
Final advice
June through August can be scorching. Consider visiting in the Spring or Autumn. The weather is perfect for cycling, trekking, and exploring the mountains—and you’ll have the island’s beauty almost to yourself.
