Main Gateways

Fly into Larnaka International Airport (LCA) for Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras, or Pafos International Airport (PFO) for Paphos, Coral Bay and Polis/Latchi. Either airport can serve Limassol and Pissouri via road transfer. Published schedules change by season. A seasonal passenger-and-car ferry operated between Limassol and Piraeus during summer 2026, but the 2026 service is over; check the next official timetable before relying on sea arrival. Book accommodation near the actual dive-boat departure, not simply the nearest airport.

Primary air gateway for Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras; also a convenient road gateway to Limassol. Farther from western Paphos/Latchi.

Main gateway to Paphos and Coral Bay, with a longer onward transfer to Polis, Latchi and Akamas; also useful for Pissouri and western Limassol.

Renting a car simplifies a multi-coast itinerary; traffic drives on the left. Intercity and local buses connect major towns, but rural routes and Polis/Latchi connections can be infrequent. Airport shuttles operate to key towns and taxis are available. Paphos-based dive shops, Latchi boats, Limassol wreck providers and Protaras shore schools may have different pickup rules. Akamas forest tracks can be closed, rough or excluded by ordinary car-rental insurance; use authorized roads and commercial boats instead of guessing an off-road route. No island-wide passenger rail system operates.

Cyprus is an EU member but, as of the researched official guidance, is not fully in the Schengen border-free area. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can generally use accepted national ID documents; other visitors need a valid passport and nationality-specific visa or visa waiver. Many visa-exempt visitors may stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period, but confirm individual terms with the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The EU ETIAS system was not yet accepting applications on the 2026-11-08 official check; recheck before travel. The Republic recognizes Larnaka and Pafos airports and designated southern seaports as legal entry points. It does not regard flights to Ercan/Tymbou or entry through northern seaports as legal entry. Crossing the Green Line after lawful entry is a distinct process with insurance and legal complications; do not extrapolate the southern-coast travel guidance to northern dive operators.

Professional centers in Larnaca, Protaras, Limassol, Pissouri, Paphos and Latchi advertise guiding, rental equipment and tanks, but exact oxygen, nitrox, cylinder valves, transfers, insurance and training availability must be confirmed per shop. Bring certification cards and a recent dive log. Book a check dive if required for Zenobia. Ask airlines about scuba equipment allowances. Choose exposure protection for water as cool as 16°C to 17°C in winter and about 27°C in late summer. Do not transport pressurized cylinders on normal passenger flights.

The Republic of Cyprus uses euros. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at coastal hotels, restaurants and established dive shops; carry small cash for rural kiosks, parking, small boat extras and occasional cash-only services. The north has different payment practices and is not covered by this coastal guide.

Bank ATMs are widely available in Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Limassol and Paphos and in main tourist resort centers. Withdraw ahead of remote Akamas outings or rural villages and watch foreign-card fees.

UK-style three-rectangular-pin Type G outlets are standard. Bring an adapter, confirm dual-voltage chargers, and ask boats or dive shops what charging and dry storage are actually available.

Communications

Country calling code is +357. Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are generally convenient in the main coastal towns, but signal can weaken in Akamas coves, on boats and remote forest trails. Check roaming and eSIM terms, particularly if crossing the Green Line; southern network coverage and rates do not automatically apply in the north. Save an offline map and emergency numbers before boat trips.

Language

Greek and Turkish are the Republic's official languages; Greek is the everyday language in the government-controlled coastal towns covered here. English is commonly used by tourism, dive and hospitality businesses. Confirm the language of safety briefings and freediving training before booking.

Insurance

Buy coverage explicitly including the depth and type of scuba planned, wreck exteriors, any approved specialty/technical profiles, freediving if relevant, recompression, emergency medical transport and evacuation. Standard holiday policies may exclude overhead or decompression dives or certain sea activities. Confirm DAN-style diving assistance or comparable protection and how the operator handles oxygen and emergency contact.

Packing list

For June-October pack sun protection, light clothing, reef-conscious sunscreen, water shoes and a travel adapter. For diving, bring a computer, DSMB where appropriate, certification proof and any personal mask. Winter sea can be around 16°C to 17°C and late summer near 27°C; choose an operator-approved 3mm or 5mm suit, or warmer protection as needed. For Akamas walking carry drinking water and offline maps; add a rain layer in winter.

Cyprus

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Main Gateways

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Practicalities

Currency

Electricity

🇨🇾Cyprus

Quick Facts

Getting There

Main Gateways

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Practicalities

Currency

Electricity

Cyprus