Malta gave me the dream. But it was Cyprus that gave me the reality check — this Cyprus travel guide helped me answer a very real question: what would retiring in Cyprus actually feel like?
After my first “I could live here” moment on a quiet residential street in Sliema, I knew I had to test the idea properly. Not as a tourist — but as someone seriously thinking about retiring abroad.
No more hotel-hopping or weekend escapes. This time I wanted to live like I was already living there. Rent an apartment. Shop locally. Make tea in my own kitchen. Walk to the beach with no plans. A true retirement scouting trip.
Because if I’m going to commit a significant chunk of my retirement pot to a new life overseas — possibly to meet visa minimums or buy property — I need more than sunshine and pretty photos. I need to know what retiring in Cyprus might actually feel like.
If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss my picks of the best things to do in Cyprus to get a feel for day-to-day life on the island.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book or buy through them — at no extra cost to you.
A Midnight Arrival and a Kebab Rescue
I landed into Larnaca late on a Saturday night. British Airways 0660 arrived just after 11pm. A €20 taxi brought me to a budget hotel I’d booked through Expedia — the sort of place you choose when you’re testing life abroad, not chasing comfort.
The room was dated. No kettle, no hot water, no drinking glasses. But the hotel owner pointed me toward a nearby kebab shop. For €5, I got a hot meal, a bottle of water, and my first taste of Cyprus — cheap, friendly, and down-to-earth.
The Morning That Changed Everything
The next morning, I slipped out through a side door (the main one was locked) and wandered down toward the beach, still half-asleep and caffeine-deprived.
And then, suddenly, I was standing by the edge of a medieval fort, looking at the most spectacular Mediterranean beach I’d ever seen. No crowds. No noise. Just early light and endless calm.
That moment hit hard. I wasn’t on holiday — I was imagining life here. The way the place made me feel, instantly calm and centered, reminded me why I’m doing this — not to tick destinations off, but to find one I could actually live in.
I sat at a beachfront café with breakfast and a coffee, just looking out and thinking, what if this was my Tuesday morning? This, I thought, is what retiring abroad is supposed to feel like.
Cyprus Travel Guide Transit to Paphos — and a Sharp Contrast
Getting around Cyprus turned out to be easier than expected. I used the Kapnos airport shuttle for the journey from Larnaca to Paphos. It was simple and reliable. For longer journeys, Intercity Buses connect most towns and are a good budget option, though services can be limited on Sundays. If you’re planning to drive, your UK photocard licence is valid for short visits — but many rental companies still insist on having an International Driving Permit (IDP), so check their small print before you go.
I checked out, grabbed the shuttle, and settled into a short-term apartment hotel I’d booked through Expedia.
This was my first real shot at retiring in Cyprus — from making tea in my apartment to walking the seafront with no plans.
The apartment was ideal for testing living in Cyprus long-term — supermarket across the road, a kettle, a balcony. I made a sandwich, had a cup of tea, and relaxed.
Behind the Scenes: A Town in Decline?
The next day, I wandered just behind the tourist zone, expecting a few closed shops — it was off-season after all. What I found was far worse.
Whole blocks of businesses boarded up. Empty buildings. Half-finished construction. Some completely pulled down. This wasn’t seasonal — it was structural.
If retiring in Cyprus means ending up in a ghost town six months of the year, I needed to see it now — not after moving in.
Cyprus Travel Guide Looking for Something More
I climbed the hill to check out the upper part of Paphos — hoping to find a town centre with some life. Cafés, banks, bits of local life… but no core. It felt hollow.
Eventually, I found the Kings Avenue Mall — modern, clean, and filled with international brands. If I wanted chain stores and inflated prices, I could stay in the UK.
Paphos, at least for me, was a reminder that retiring abroad isn’t about facilities — it’s about soul.
A Final Attempt
I walked around the Tombs of the Kings. Explored the Agia Solomoni Catacomb. Visited local estate agents. The properties were okay. Prices were okay. But the vibe? Not for me.
I wanted to like it — I really did. But everything I saw confirmed that this wasn’t a place I’d want to try before I buy. I booked a return to Larnaca and left early.
Back to Larnaca — and Back to Myself
I was back in Larnaca by midday. Immediately, the feeling returned — lightness, possibility, calm.
I checked into the Amorgos Boutique Hotel booked through Expedia. I don’t usually go for more upmarket places, but after the Paphos detour I felt like I’d earned a bit of comfort — and it was the right call. The little extras made a real difference: a proper robe, a more spacious bathroom, luxurious bedding, free bottled water, and a full selection of teas in the room. Nothing extravagant, just thoughtful touches that helped me wrap up the trip on a calmer, more positive note.
That afternoon I took a short boat trip. Explored the town. Had a quiet dinner. Got a free brandy. Sat in the evening warmth and felt — for the first time since that beach moment — genuinely happy again.
Is Retiring in Cyprus Still Worth It in 2025?
Despite the emotional highs and disappointing lows, Cyprus remains a strong contender for many British retirees. The low cost of living, warm winters, and relaxed pace still appeal — but only if you choose the right town and test it in the off-season. My advice? Take your time. Visit twice. And remember: retiring in Cyprus isn’t a fantasy — it’s a decision that demands honesty, not hype.
What Retiring in Cyprus Really Teaches You About Retiring Abroad
Cyprus wasn’t the dream. But it was the wake-up call I needed.
This trip reminded me that you don’t choose a retirement location based on a nice beach or a sunny week. You test it, You live it, You walk the streets tourists skip.
Because when you’re using a lifetime’s savings — or applying for visas that require financial commitment — that decision deserves more than good weather and a brochure.
Cyprus also helped me shape my new Top 10 Retirement Try-Out List — places I want to spend proper time in before ever calling them “home.” And next on that list is Vietnam.
Cyprus taught me that you don’t move for the view — you move for the feeling. And if a place doesn’t give you that, no price tag makes it worth it.
If retiring in Cyprus is on your list, make sure you test the ordinary days — not just the sunny ones.
🧰 Cyprus Travel Guide Travel Tools I Used
✈️ Flights and hotels booked via Expedia UK — consistently the best all-rounder
🚌 Larnaca–Paphos shuttle and local transfers via 12Go Asia
🛥️ Tours across Larnaca, Paphos and the East Coast booked through GetYourGuide
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🌍 Cyprus Travel Guide – Things to Do in Cyprus
For more inspiration and planning resources, explore my Cyprus Travel Shop section with tours, day trips, and activities handpicked for retirees.
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Thinking of retiring in Cyprus or scouting your own shortlist? Get in touch here to share your plans — or ask how I planned mine.
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