Nightlife and Entertainment in Cyprus
The nightlife in Cyprus can be as energetic, as low key or as romantic as you desire. The beauty of Cyprus lies in its diversity. Known as a clubbers paradise, you can pretty much party for 24 hours at a stretch if you choose, but for those keener on a laid back break, Cyprus offers plenty of alternatives.
In the rural areas, nightlife in Cyprus takes on a more local feel and is wonderful for candlelit dinners in the tavernas of fishing villages and inland towns. For a dose of culture and tradition, be sure to visit Cyprus during one of its many festivals where you can party Cypriot style!
Nightlife
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa on the east coast of Cyprus is legendary in the club scene. There are some twenty or so nightclubs packed around this ancient town, along with a hefty helping of bars, English pubs, restaurants and cafes. Many of clubs stay open until 6am and play host to some of the most well-known DJ's in the world. This is not the place to come for an early night…unless by early you mean dawn!
Larnaca
The nightlife in Larnaca centres around the seafront and the palm-lined promenade, making for a more relaxed and wholesome evening out. Tavernas, cafes and bars are plentiful, many of which have live music for those who are of a dancing persuasion! The town also has three cinemas and some excellent restaurants, making it perfect for a romantic night out with dinner and a film followed by a moonlit stroll along the beach.
Limassol
Before the spectacular rise of Ayia Napa to its standing as party capital of Cyprus, Limassol was the crowning glory of nightlife on Cyprus. Today, Limassol is a slightly more refined and sedate version of Ayia Napa. For those who'd like the pubs and clubs, just minus the crowds, this is the ideal place to come!
Paphos
If you like eating, Paphos is the place to be! Many fine restaurants and tavernas are to be found dotted around this family-oriented town. There is a small selection of bars and clubs too for the young and young at heart while fish and seafood restaurants serving the freshest and most delicious of cuisines are the major draw! This is a great spot for families with teenage kids in tow.
Nicosia
Less bikini, more bohemian, Nicosia has a cosmopolitan feel to its nightlife in comparison with many other towns in Cyprus. There are clubs, discos, restaurants and bars offering a refreshing alternative to the likes of Ayia Napa. The feel in Nicosia is of an urban scene but with the same quality of Euro DJs mixing house tracks. There is even a bowling alley and fair ground in Nicosia which is brilliant for families with children, while the African disco is a nice change from the mainstream.
Festivals
The Limassol Carnival (February - March)
The Limassol Carnival is an institution in Cyprus and well-loved tradition for those who live in Limassol town. The festival lasts for ten days and is filled with exciting events from photography competitions, live music, performers, speakers, workshops, carnivals, parades and a whole host of other activities. This is a fantastic time to visit Limassol!
Anthestiri Flower Festival (May)
This cultural festival takes place in May. Anthestiri was first organised in Athens, in honour of the God Dionysus, the divine protector of the theatre. It was also the festival of souls and plants celebrating the rebirth of man and nature. Natural beauty is celebrated during this flower festival held in Limassol, with flower parades and exhibitions of exotic and beautiful plants and flowers combined with three glorious days of feasting!
Kataklysmos Festival of the Flood (June)
A Greek Orthodox festival with strong pagan roots focusing primarily on water, Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood marks the day of the Holy Spirit. The custom of throwing sea, river or lake-water at one another carries on both in areas near the sea and inland towns like Limassol. Coastal cities make the most of the opportunity, staging concerts and games near the waterfront, but even inhabitants of inland can have their water guns at the ready! On Sunday and Monday, a variety of dance and song competitions take place while the sea front promenade takes on the appearance of an open-air fair with dozens of stalls selling traditional food.
Shakespearean nights (June)
The Shakespeare festival is a charity event annually organized by the Society for Chest Diseases. They stage different productions of Shakespeare's works each summer at the stunning, ancient outdoor amphitheatre of Curium. The performances attract large audiences from locals to tourists; who all love to enjoy a night of culture under the stars! Book your flights to Cyprus for the summer!
The Wine Festival (September)
Near the beginning of September, the great Wine Festival of Cyprus takes place in the Municipal Garden of Limassol. Every evening, during the festival visitors can taste the best of Cyprus' wines, free of charge! There is even folk dancing and live music on many of the evenings. In ancient times, Greeks would have spectacular celebrations dedicated to Dionysus, the God of Wine, and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Some 15,000 visitors come each year to attend the festival and to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, feast on delicious food and be entertained by local dancers, songs and plays.
Ancient Greek Drama Festival (July - August)
This cultural event is organized by the Cyprus Tourism Organization and the Cyprus Theatre Organization. Performances of ancient dramas and comedies are presented in Greek and are held in the ancient Theatre of Curium, 19 km west of Limassol. Another chance to enjoy this breath-taking outdoor experience!
In the rural areas, nightlife in Cyprus takes on a more local feel and is wonderful for candlelit dinners in the tavernas of fishing villages and inland towns. For a dose of culture and tradition, be sure to visit Cyprus during one of its many festivals where you can party Cypriot style!
Nightlife
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa on the east coast of Cyprus is legendary in the club scene. There are some twenty or so nightclubs packed around this ancient town, along with a hefty helping of bars, English pubs, restaurants and cafes. Many of clubs stay open until 6am and play host to some of the most well-known DJ's in the world. This is not the place to come for an early night…unless by early you mean dawn!
Larnaca
The nightlife in Larnaca centres around the seafront and the palm-lined promenade, making for a more relaxed and wholesome evening out. Tavernas, cafes and bars are plentiful, many of which have live music for those who are of a dancing persuasion! The town also has three cinemas and some excellent restaurants, making it perfect for a romantic night out with dinner and a film followed by a moonlit stroll along the beach.
Limassol
Before the spectacular rise of Ayia Napa to its standing as party capital of Cyprus, Limassol was the crowning glory of nightlife on Cyprus. Today, Limassol is a slightly more refined and sedate version of Ayia Napa. For those who'd like the pubs and clubs, just minus the crowds, this is the ideal place to come!
Paphos
If you like eating, Paphos is the place to be! Many fine restaurants and tavernas are to be found dotted around this family-oriented town. There is a small selection of bars and clubs too for the young and young at heart while fish and seafood restaurants serving the freshest and most delicious of cuisines are the major draw! This is a great spot for families with teenage kids in tow.
Nicosia
Less bikini, more bohemian, Nicosia has a cosmopolitan feel to its nightlife in comparison with many other towns in Cyprus. There are clubs, discos, restaurants and bars offering a refreshing alternative to the likes of Ayia Napa. The feel in Nicosia is of an urban scene but with the same quality of Euro DJs mixing house tracks. There is even a bowling alley and fair ground in Nicosia which is brilliant for families with children, while the African disco is a nice change from the mainstream.
Festivals
The Limassol Carnival (February - March)
The Limassol Carnival is an institution in Cyprus and well-loved tradition for those who live in Limassol town. The festival lasts for ten days and is filled with exciting events from photography competitions, live music, performers, speakers, workshops, carnivals, parades and a whole host of other activities. This is a fantastic time to visit Limassol!
Anthestiri Flower Festival (May)
This cultural festival takes place in May. Anthestiri was first organised in Athens, in honour of the God Dionysus, the divine protector of the theatre. It was also the festival of souls and plants celebrating the rebirth of man and nature. Natural beauty is celebrated during this flower festival held in Limassol, with flower parades and exhibitions of exotic and beautiful plants and flowers combined with three glorious days of feasting!
Kataklysmos Festival of the Flood (June)
A Greek Orthodox festival with strong pagan roots focusing primarily on water, Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood marks the day of the Holy Spirit. The custom of throwing sea, river or lake-water at one another carries on both in areas near the sea and inland towns like Limassol. Coastal cities make the most of the opportunity, staging concerts and games near the waterfront, but even inhabitants of inland can have their water guns at the ready! On Sunday and Monday, a variety of dance and song competitions take place while the sea front promenade takes on the appearance of an open-air fair with dozens of stalls selling traditional food.
Shakespearean nights (June)
The Shakespeare festival is a charity event annually organized by the Society for Chest Diseases. They stage different productions of Shakespeare's works each summer at the stunning, ancient outdoor amphitheatre of Curium. The performances attract large audiences from locals to tourists; who all love to enjoy a night of culture under the stars! Book your flights to Cyprus for the summer!
The Wine Festival (September)
Near the beginning of September, the great Wine Festival of Cyprus takes place in the Municipal Garden of Limassol. Every evening, during the festival visitors can taste the best of Cyprus' wines, free of charge! There is even folk dancing and live music on many of the evenings. In ancient times, Greeks would have spectacular celebrations dedicated to Dionysus, the God of Wine, and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Some 15,000 visitors come each year to attend the festival and to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, feast on delicious food and be entertained by local dancers, songs and plays.
Ancient Greek Drama Festival (July - August)
This cultural event is organized by the Cyprus Tourism Organization and the Cyprus Theatre Organization. Performances of ancient dramas and comedies are presented in Greek and are held in the ancient Theatre of Curium, 19 km west of Limassol. Another chance to enjoy this breath-taking outdoor experience!
