COVID-19: Cyprus to allow vaccinated Brits to holiday in the country without restrictions from 1 May

This means visitors who have had both jabs will not need to supply a negative coronavirus test or have to quarantine, according to plans unveiled by Cypriot deputy tourism minister Savvas Perdios.

Cyprus’ recent announcement that vaccinated UK travelers would be able to enjoy restriction free travel to Cyprus from May 1 has further fueled a travel industry recovery sparked by Boris Johnson’s announcement of an exit roadmap from lock down. Easy Jet acknowledged an evident ‘pent up demand’ with bookings soaring in wake of the announcement, while Loveholidays.co.uk, an all-inclusive travel provider told the Cyprus Mail that bookings to Cyprus were up 840 per cent in just the last week.

What to do when you get there.

Cyprus is a stunning island located in the Mediterranean Sea, just kilometres away from the tip of the Egyptian peninsula, Biblical Israel and the archipelago of Greece.

It's easily accessible from countries within Europe, with many tourists flying to the south of the island on a regular basis.

Flights from Athens to Larnaca are under 2 hours, making it an easy place to visit when you are in the Aegean!

Stuck on what to do once arriving? Here is the ultimate guide!

Stunning beaches

Beaches are located all over the island. For those who love water and the gloss of the sun, there are plenty of spots that are accessible and fun! Protaras Beach in Ayia Napa is the best known and one of the most amazing in Cyprus. With jet skis being able to take you around the vicinity and floatable devices, this beach is the hotspot for all types of beachgoers. The sand is soft, and the sun is bright, so tanning isn’t an issue. The blissful scenery makes a stressful day smooth!

Screaming at the Sports

Cyprus isn’t only a tropical paradise, but also a sporting heaven. Football is the most popular sport on the island and the stadiums are easily accessible, just hire a car and zoom down the highway that runs across the whole of the south of the island and takes you to the stadiums. The GSP Stadium is the nation’s capital stadium and is home to the most successful Cypriot team, APOEL Nicosia. Match days usually incorporate drinking, screaming fans, marches to the game with the ultras and high-quality football. In Cyprus, you can make a day out of watching a game. So, head to any of the major cities and you can embark on a footballing memory! The best games to watch are the Limassol and Nicosia derbies. APOEL v Omonia and Apollon v AEL.

Vibrant Nightlife

Sleeping is overrated in Cyprus, especially in summer! Most Cypriots spend their night's dining, wining, partying or just simply having a coffee with mates. For the ultimate night life experience, Ayia Napa is the place to be! With strips of shops open till late, bars operating next to the beach and festivals, it’s a go-to for night owls. Even big music stars step foot onto the island to experience the vivid and vibrant nightlife. For those looking to party the night away, Ayia Napa is something that will immerse your partying adventures! Limassol follows second on the nightlife scale followed by Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras and of course Nicosia.

Monasteries and Churches

Scattered among the island are churches, monasteries and religious shrines. In Larnaca, the church of Saint Lazarus is the ultimate shrine of religious sanctification. With the church also holding a burial spot of the saint and holy relics, it is a must visit. The Troodos Mountains holds a range of monasteries. Kykkos Monastery is home to many friendly monks who offer tours in your native tongue and a restaurant as well. Churches are located on every corner, even in the heart of Ayia Napa.

Road Tripping

Road trips are essential in Cyprus! Hiring a car and exploring all the tiny villages is something different and uplifting, as the highway runs through the whole of the south part of the island and here you will discover many hidden treasures. Particularly in Larnaca. Villages like Athienou, Troulli, Xylotympou and Voroklini present an authentic village vibe and are also within 10-minute driving distance from the beaches in Larnaca. These villages offer an array of restaurants, cafes and everything else you need. Athienou has plenty of those, as well as tiny churches. Troulli has 3 small churches all present within the town centre and these villages are a must!

By Chrisos Mavromoustakos