Whether you're dreaming of a slower-paced Mediterranean lifestyle, looking to grow your business, or just chasing the sun, Cyprus is a pretty amazing place to call home. Ask anyone who lives here and they'll tell you—there’s just something about Cyprus.
Life moves at a slower, more enjoyable pace. People are warm and welcoming, and with gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear sea, scenic mountains and charming little villages—not to mention over 300 days of sunshine a year—it’s perfect if you love being outdoors.
The beaches? Unreal. There are 78 blue flag beaches in total, with the biggest concentration right here on the east coast. We honestly forget sometimes how lucky we are to have all this right on our doorstep. Winter here is something else too—sunny skies, quiet beaches, and mild temperatures. Bliss.
One of our favourite places? The Blue Lagoon. Crystal-clear water, amazing snorkelling, and perfect for paddleboarding or a lazy boat trip. It’s especially magical at sunset. Speaking of sunsets—Ayia Napa has some of the best you’ll ever see. Living on the east coast means we’re treated to some serious golden-hour moments. And if you love a good beach bar (who doesn’t?), you’re in for a treat. There are so many dotted along the coastal paths—perfect for a drink or bite to eat as you walk along the water’s edge. It’s one of our favourite ways to spend a summer day.
A Family-Friendly Island.
With low crime rates, kids have the kind of freedom most of us grew up with—riding bikes, playing outside, even heading off early to go fishing on their own (a local favourite!). It’s safe, laid-back, and gives them a real sense of independence.
Plus, children are welcomed everywhere. Cypriot culture genuinely adores kids—they’re part of daily life, not tucked away or restricted. You won’t see signs saying “no children after 6pm” here. Kids are just allowed to be kids, and it’s honestly one of the best things about living here.
There’s so much more to Cyprus than just sun, sea and sand. Whether you like to stay active or prefer to take it easy, there’s something here for everyone.
Gyms – You’ll find plenty of well-equipped gyms across the island, and they’re generally pretty affordable with great instructors.
Water sports – Cyprus is a dream for anyone who loves the water. You’ve got indoor and outdoor pools, SUP, kayaking, and sailing. We love Begafigo Sailing Club—it’s super friendly, offers lessons, and has a real community feel. They even have a sailing team that competes! There’s also a national SUP team and classes if you’re up for trying performance-level paddling. Most beaches have water sports like jet skiing, paragliding, and banana boats too! You can also find water aerobics and other aqua fitness classes if you want something low-impact.
Walking & hiking – Whether you’re into morning walks, trail running, or full-on hikes, there are loads of scenic routes to explore—from the coast to the mountains. There are local running clubs, races of all distances (including triathlons and half Ironman events), and hiking groups that head into the hills for cooler temps and amazing views.
Cycling – Cyprus has had a big upgrade when it comes to roads and cycle paths, making it a great place to get out on two wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking to explore the island or just want a relaxed ride with some great views, there are now plenty of safe and scenic routes for everyone to enjoy.
Fitness groups – The fitness scene here is buzzing. Yoga studios and outdoor classes are really popular, and Pilates is a favourite with locals and expats alike. Protaras has its own tennis club, and paddle courts are popping up everywhere thanks to the sport’s growing popularity. CrossFit and Hyrox are on the rise too, with established gyms and friendly communities. Into bodyweight workouts? Calisthenics has taken off, and there’s even a brand-new calisthenics park nearby – an impressive spot which allows you to enjoy calisthenic movement whilst overlooking clear, turquoise waters! You’ll also find Zumba, spin classes, pole fitness, Les Mills and more. Whatever you're into, Cyprus makes it easy to get active—and meet great people while you’re at it.
No problem. There’s still plenty to get involved in:
If you’re into food, Cyprus will make you very happy. The local tavernas are an absolute must—often family-run, always welcoming, and serving up proper homemade dishes. Whether you’re in a quiet mountain village or by the sea, the meze experience is a must-try.
And if you’re after variety, there’s loads of it. From fresh seafood to sushi, Indian, pizza, and everything in between, you’ll find restaurants from all over the world. There’s something for every mood—casual beach cafés, cosy wine bars, family-run gems, and special night-out spots.
When it comes to shopping, the supermarkets are packed with international favourites—British, Irish, Polish and more. So yes, you’ll still find your go-to staples. But honestly, the local produce is where it’s at. Cyprus’ famous red soil grows the most amazing tomatoes, juicy cucumbers, and of course, those world-famous Cyprus potatoes. You’ll find fresh fruit and veg everywhere at great prices. Add in local halloumi, olive oil, raw honey, pulses and more, and you’ve got the perfect setup for top-quality, healthy, affordable living. There’s even food and supermarket delivery available now, which makes life even easier.
Cyprus is incredibly welcoming, especially for people thinking about making a fresh start abroad. English is widely spoken, driving’s on the left (just like the UK and Ireland), and there’s a big expat community that’s easy to connect with.
Moving somewhere new can be a bit scary, but Cyprus has a way of making you feel settled fast. The people, the sunshine, the lifestyle—it all just clicks.
There’s loads more to explore when it comes to living in Cyprus—like healthcare, Education, the tax system, and safety. Check out our other guides for the full picture.
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