The destinations Cypriots are choosing for their summer holidays

Economy GreeceTop NewsTourismtravel The destinations Cypriots are choosing for their summer holidays travel-tourism Relevant News The destinations Cypriots are choosing for their summer holidays 14 July 2026 Ecologists call for action over repeated animal shootings in Nicosia 14 July 2026 Psychological state alone does not bar detention, lawyer says on Paphos toddler death case 14 July 2026 Newsroom 14 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cypriots continue to favour the Greek islands above all other summer destinations, with Italy and France drawing the most interest elsewhere in Europe, travel agents say. Cruises are also becoming increasingly popular among Cypriot holidaymakers this year. Former travel agents’ president Akis Kelepeshis said Cypriot summer holiday preferences have changed little since last year. The bulk of travellers head to the Greek islands first, followed by Europe, particularly Italy and France. Kelepeshis said no significantly new destinations have gained ground compared to last year, though some variations have emerged, such as combining Italy with Switzerland, or Germany with France. Kelepeshis said Cypriots traditionally travel to Rhodes, Crete, Skiathos and Preveza, the latter serving as a gateway to islands such as Lefkada. This year, however, interest has grown in longer-haul destinations including the Far East, the United States, Northern and Eastern Europe, and countries such as Poland. Japan has also entered Cypriot travel preferences this year, as the country continues to draw tourists from around the world. Kelepeshis said cruises have become increasingly popular among Cypriots in recent years, with tourism office figures confirming a rise in demand. He noted a marked increase in the number of Cypriots choosing cruises departing from either Piraeus or Rome, covering the eastern and western Mediterranean respectively. When Cypriots prefer to travel As usual, July and August see the highest travel volume. An estimated 370,000 to 480,000 Cypriots are expected to travel abroad during these two months, compared with 120,000 to 140,000 per month during the rest of the year. The most affordable destinations this year Kelepeshis said there is little overall cost difference between Greek island and European destinations, noting that islands such as Mykonos and Santorini are more expensive than destinations such as Rome or Florence. However, islands such as Rhodes, Lefkada and Crete can be considered more affordable options. He added that larger islands such as Rhodes and Crete, which offer bigger hotels with facilities and activities suited to children, are best for families. Younger couples, by contrast, tend to prefer Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, as well as more distant exotic destinations such as Bali. Are Cypriot travel numbers rising or falling? Kelepeshis said travel numbers are slightly down this year compared to last year, as the Iran war affected bookings in March and April, the months when Cypriots typically finalise their summer holiday plans. He said, however, that last-minute bookings have picked up recently, though they remain limited compared to last year. Read more: Why your power bank could be a fire hazard on your next flight — and what the rules say Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Ecologists call for action over repeated animal shootings in Nicosia Psychological state alone does not bar detention, lawyer says on Paphos toddler death case Spotted owlets perch on a wall near Kathmandu Limassol man found carrying 13 bullets in bag while trying to enter court European Commission wants 13+ age restriction for social media Unions sound alarm over illegal sub-renting of foreign workers On this day: Parisian crowd storms the Bastille, igniting the French Revolution in 1789 Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.