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Getting familiar with airports in Cyprus is an essential part of planning a trip to this Mediterranean gem. This stunning island country has three major international travel points, beneficial for each specific region and area. Whether you are travelling to Ayia Napa, Paphos or Nicosia, the right airport is crucial to making your travel experience easier. The main airports are well-equipped and fully serviced by modern European and Middle Eastern airlines.
Main Airports In Cyprus
Cyprus has three main airports that serve as the main gateways for tourists and business people visiting Cyprus. Here are these:
1. Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Photo: Phpeter / Wikimedia Commons
Larnaca International Airport is the largest and most modern airport in Cyprus. It serves around 8.5 million passengers every year. With a total area of 98,000 square meters, the terminal has 16 jetways that allow direct access from the terminal to the aircraft. Larnaca Airport has exceptional connectivity with over 75 destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Aegean Airlines, British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air are some of the major airlines operating here. The terminal is equipped with duty-free outlets, shops, restaurants, currency exchange and car rental services.
Location: 4 km southwest of Larnaca, Cyprus
2. Paphos International Airport (PFO)
Photo: Héctor Ochoa ‘Robot8A’ / Wikimedia Commons
Paphos International Airport is the second international entry point for Cyprus. The airport has one terminal that is compact and user-friendly. The terminal was modified in 2008 to increase passenger handling and capacity. Paphos Airport is a popular airport for holiday travellers and receives a large number of charter flights. The airport serves over 30 destinations, mainly in Europe and is popular among the UK, Russian and Scandinavian tourists. Paphos is served by Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and TUI Airways. For business activities, there is duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, car rentals and more. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal.
Location: On the southwestern coast of Cyprus
3. Ercan International Airport (ECN)
Photo: Dickelbers / Wikimedia Commons
Ercan International Airport serves as the main gateway to Northern Cyprus. The airport handles four million visitors per year. Due to the disputed political environment of the region, Ercan Airport faces certain limitations as it only enjoys direct flights from Turkey. Therefore, other international tourists have to change flights at a Turkish airport. Similarly, the airport serves as a base for international airlines including Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines, where the services offered include duty-free shopping, cafes, currency conversion, car rental, and free WiFi. The airport mostly serves people travelling to the northern areas of the island like beaches, Kyrenia, and Nicosia.
Location: Tymbou, Northern Cyprus
Top Attractions Near Airports In Cyprus
Cyprus hosts numerous airports which facilitate easy access to various popular tourist destinations. Some of the must-visit places close to each airport are:
1. Finikoudes Beach
Photo: AyianapaProtaras / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the best beaches in Cyprus is Finikoudes Beach, located just 10 minutes from Larnaca International Airport. The beach is 600 meters long and is surrounded by palm trees. Children can swim in its shallow waters. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for clean and safe beaches. Facilities on the beach include sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and water sports facilities. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants along the promenade overlooking the sea. At one end of the beach is the 12th-century Larnaca Fortress which gives some history to the area. The beautiful views are complemented by the Church of St. Lazarus and the Larnaca Marina.
Location: Larnaca, Cyprus
Best Time To Visit: May to October
2. Tombs Of The Kings
Photo: Seainme / Wikimedia Commons
This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be reached in just 15 minutes from Paphos International Airport. Despite its name, no kings were buried here. The site contains underground tombs, which are believed to have been built in the 4th century BC. The tombs were cut from solid stone and had Doric columns with frescoes on the walls. They were the burial places of important officials and nobility of ancient Paphos. The complex is spread over a wide area, with several cemeteries to visit. Their architecture is a mix of Egyptian and Greek styles. The site offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Location: Paphos, Cyprus
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
3. Kyrenia Harbor
Photo: Mark Fischer / Wikimedia Commons
This beautiful harbour is located in Northern Cyprus and can be reached via Ercan International Airport. The port is shaped like a horseshoe and dates back to the Byzantine period. Surrounding the port are magnificent buildings that are now cafes and restaurants. At one end of the port is the huge Kyrenia Castle which serves as the western end of the port and houses the Shipwreck Museum. The museum exhibits a 2300-year-old wrecked merchant ship that is the oldest in the sea. Colourful boats and barges with plaited pontoons add to the charming scene.
Location: Kyrenia (Girne), Northern Cyprus
Best Time To Visit: April to June & September to October
4. Larnaca Salt Lake
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
A natural wonder worth visiting, this salt lake complex is made up of four interlocked lakes with a surface area of 2.2 square kilometres. It is located next to Larnaca International Airport. During the winter months of November to March, the lakes fill with water and attract abundant quantities of pink flamingos. In summer, the water eventually evaporates, leaving behind a unique bladed salt layer. On the western shore of the lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke, a mosque of great significance to Islam. With over 80 species of birds, the area is a great place to spot wildlife.
Location: Larnaca, Cyprus
Best Time To Visit: December to March
5. Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra Tou Romiou)
Photo: Anton Zelenov / Wikimedia Commons
The mythical birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite is located between Larnaca and Paphos airports. The goddess of beauty and love is believed to have emerged from the sea foam in this very spot. The area still has a magnificent cliff that towers over the breathtakingly clear waters. Due to its spectacular surroundings, the pebbly beach is a perfect spot for swimming and spending your time. It is believed that swimming three times around the cliff will grant one everlasting beauty. Many photographers are attracted to the beautiful sunsets in the area. A souvenir shop and a small café are located nearby.
Location: Near Paphos, Cyprus
Best Time To Visit: April to June & September to October
Where To Stay
Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In Cyprus, there is accommodation available for every taste and budget, making it easy to find a place to stay near airports. The Golden Bay Beach Hotel is not far from Larnaca International Airport and is the epitome of luxury. Mid-range options available within 10 minutes from the terminal are the Sun Hall Beach Hotel and the Lordos Beach Hotel. Budget travellers can choose the Flamingo Beach Hotel and the San Remo Hotel, both of which offer low-cost options. If you are staying longer, consider the Florence Apartments or the Pasiana Apartments as they feature kitchen facilities. The Elysium Resort, located along the shoreline, is a five-star resort close to Paphos International Airport. In the vicinity of Ercan International Airport, the Cratos Premium Hotel and Casino offers luxury accommodations with extensive amenities.
Where To Eat
Photo: Cyprus Tourism CH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The area around airports in Cyprus is known for its delicious local and international cuisine. Militzis Traditional Restaurant near Larnaca Airport serves authentic meze platters and freshly caught seafood. Art Café and Restaurant serve breakfast specialities all day. Kazani serves kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb) and homemade desserts at the end. By Paphos Airport, Nemo Restaurant serves fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine, which can be enjoyed with a view of the sea. Pelican Restaurant serves international cuisine with local ingredients. Sabor Restaurant offers a beautiful view of the harbour while serving its seafood specialities. Typical dishes of Cyprus are souvlaki, halloumi cheese, moussaka and sweet baklava.
The attractions in the gem in the Mediterranean are easier to reach due to the airports in Cyprus. Whether you choose Larnaca International Airport, Paphos International Airport, or Ercan International Airport, you will appreciate its modern facilities and central placement. Wherever you are coming from, you can easily choose the most suitable gateway for yourself. Book your flights with TripXL and get ready for a hassle-free travel experience with these airports.
Cover Photo: Héctor Ochoa ‘Robot8A / Wikimedia Commons
