Cyprus is an island country on the Northeastern side of the Mediterranean basin. It is the third-largest island in this region and is officially known as the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus has been known for its mineral wealth, great wine, goods, and exquisite scenery.
The island consists of broad fertile valleys, beautiful beaches, and tall mountains. Its main cities incorporate a cosmopolitan and provincial atmosphere.
Today, Cyprus is a popular tourist destination commonly attracting young honeymooners and Europeans. Let’s dive into the ten most exciting cities to live in Cyprus for.
Next read: Learn how to save money for long-term travel
Best Places to Live in Cyprus for…
- Expats: Limassol
- English Speakers: Nicosia
- Digital Nomads: Ayia Napa and Protaras
- Solo Travelers: Larnaca
- Couples: Paphos
- BGroups: Kyrenia
Top 10 Places to Live in Cyprus
1. Nicosia
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living:
$$$
Nicosia is a lively and cosmopolitan city offering a relaxed lifestyle mixed with modern urban life. It is located inland, bringing hotter temperatures than coastal cities in summer.
The Cypriot character is preserved due to tourists preferring seaside towns. This prevents overcrowding of the city. Nicosia is also Cyprus’s financial and business center, offering great entertainment, shopping, and nightlife. About ninety percent of the population in Nicosia speaks English.
Tip: Visit the Cyprus Museum and Selimiye Camii Mosque.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers and Expats.
Pros:
- Diverse culture
- Great weather
- Beautiful nature and sightseeing
Cons:
- No beaches
- Unreliable public transport
- Very hot summers
2. Limassol
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living:
$$$
Limassol is located on the southern coast of Cyprus and has a contemporary atmosphere. It is treasured by expats from across the globe. The Neapolis area is equipped with amenities for day-to-day living and is close to the Anexartisias shopping district.
Limassol has a great promenade called Molos for long beach walks, trendy cafés and English pubs. This city is great for providing a healthy, active lifestyle.
Tip: Visit Limassol Castle, the Amathus Ruins, and the Djami Kebir mosque.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Beautiful beaches
- Close proximity to the other towns
- Cyprus Ski Club for skiing in winter
Cons:
- Expensive
- Poor traffic
- An influx of tourists from June to October
3. Larnaca
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living:
$$
Larnaca is a small city that offers easy access to other parts of the island. The popular airport is located here, which makes this the first point of contact and adventure for travelers to Cyprus.
Larnaca is located along the coast and is full of bars and cafes where locals and expats work together. It offers a more relaxed, easy-going lifestyle with all the necessary amenities and facilities to live comfortably.
Tip: Read more about flight schedules to Larnaca airport here.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Close to airport
- Easy access to other parts of the island
- Career opportunities
Cons:
- Noise from airport
- Pollution
- Unreliable public transport
4. Paphos
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living:
$$$
Paphos is otherwise known as the birthplace of Aphrodite. There is modern infrastructure and facilities in this city, with Paphos Airport being located 15 minutes from the city center. Paphos consists of charming villages and is preferred by British expats.
It is home to beautiful beaches, luscious countryside, and lovely villages. There are also mountains and hills located nearby, offering something for everyone.
Tip: Visit the famous Coral Bay and the fishing harbor.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expat families and Couples
Pros:
- Great education options
- Excellent healthcare options
Cons:
- Expensive lifestyle
- Tough job market
- Busy tourist destination in summer
5. Paralimni
Best Place to Live for Families
Cost of Living:
$
Paralimni is a city with less hustle and bustle and is not usually attractive to tourists. It’s a residential city with modern houses built on the outskirts of the center. There is an accessible shopping center and various cafés, bars, and supermarkets nearby.
The city is attractive because it offers excellent amenities and facilities without the high cost of tourist cities.
Tip: Visit Nisi and Malama Beach, ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expat families
Pros:
- Affordable living
- Quieter city
- Great amenities
Cons:
- Residential city
- Greek-speaking
- Poor traffic
6. Ayia Napa
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living:
$$
Ayia Napa is a vibrant and trendy town. It is a famous international seaside resort with all the amenities that come with it. This area has many tourist activities, including a crowded, energetic, and loud atmosphere.
Ayia Napa has 14 beaches that have all been awarded Blue Flag status.
Tip: Take a trip to the WaterWorld-Themed Waterpark Ayia Napa for the day. Discover more information about ticket prices and facilities.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads and Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Blue Flag beaches
- Tourist activities
- Party destination
Cons:
- A busy tourist resort destination
- Noisy
- Limited job opportunities
7. Kyrenia
Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of Living:
$$
Kyrenia is a city filled with history and culture. It offers a calm, tranquil atmosphere resulting from Bellapais Village’s and Kyrenia Harbor’s architecture.
It is an excellent destination for family holidays and expat families because of the water sports, scuba diving, beach activities, delicious food, and amazing weather.
Tip: Try scuba diving in the Mediterranean Sea with Amphora Dive Center.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups and Digital Nomads
Pros:
- Affordable living
- Many expat communities
- Great amenities
Cons:
- Limited shopping options
- Fewer flights
- Lower salaries for residents
8. Famagusta
Best Place to Live for Travelers and Couples
Cost of Living:
$
Famagusta is considered Cyprus’s marine capital and a great place to live because of its busy nature. It has many tourists visiting because of the historical wall structures maintained from the past.
It has the largest shipping port and is also an industrial production and economic hub. Famagusta is considered a controversial place to live in because it was once controlled by the Turkish Army and became a ghost town until 2020.
Tip: Visit the famous Famagusta Walled City.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and Couples
Pros:
- Business investment opportunities
- Home to The Eastern Mediterranean University
- Great healthcare
Cons:
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Some decaying buildings
- Isolating
9. Peyia and Tala
Best Place to Live for English Speakers and Expats
Cost of Living:
$
Peyia and Tala are two towns creating a district on the outskirts of Paphos and have an established expat community. They are very popular amongst expats for full-time living. There are various restaurants and cafés in both places and they are close to famous beaches.
The nice areas in Peyia are found on the outskirts because it is overbuilt. Tala is closer to Paphos, but offers fewer amenities.
Tip: Visit Coral Bay to soak up some sun.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers and Expats
Pros:
- Established expat community
- English speaking
- Close to Paphos
Cons:
- Fewer amenities
- Outskirts of city
- Isolating
10. Erimi
Best Place to Live for Couples and Solo Travelers
Cost of Living:
$
Erimi is a twelve-minute drive from Limassol, providing a relaxing atmosphere away from the city’s business district. It is close enough to enjoy all the facilities while appreciating a quieter lifestyle.
Curium Beach is a proud attraction and there are small shops, banks, and pubs to provide day-to-day needs.
Tip: Take a trip to The Cyprus Wine Museum and enjoy a tasting.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples and Solo Travelers.
Pros:
- Tranquil atmosphere
- Close to Limassol
- Beautiful scenery
Cons:
- Fewer amenities
- Outskirts of city
- Quiet