Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and a member of the euro zone since the start of 2008. More and more people are moving here long-term, sometimes after retirement. Living in Cyprus has plenty of advantages, but it is not a particularly cheap place to live any more. In addition, the Summer weather is not very pleasant. The temperatures often reach 32-35C or more, with high humidity.
People here talk about ‘Cyprus time’, which is usually rather later than chronological time. Hardly anything starts – or is completed – when it is supposed to be. Supermarkets sometimes run out of imported products, although less so since the island joined the EU. Driving is haphazard at times, positively dangerous at others. Yet in any accident, the locals are considered correct, those with rental cars automatically at fault. Mosquitoes are a problem in the Spring, and cockroaches in the Summer. When bizarre things happen, the local people shrug, smile wryly, and say, ‘This is Cyprus!’
So what IS the appeal of this island?
Living in Cyprus is relaxing, on the whole, so long as you don’t feel stressed about time. The pace of life is slower than in much of the rest of Europe. Family life is important, with grandparents often living close to their children and grandchildren. People stop and chat, taking an interest in each other’s lives. It’s pretty safe for children, too, so long as they don’t stray into the road. We lived here during the time our sons were teenagers. We didn’t worry much if they were out late, walking home from the town.
Cyprus is a great place for visitors. There are high quality beaches, nature walks, historic sites and tourist shopping galore. We very much enjoyed having many friends and relatives to stay over the years. Besides all that, it is a convenient location if you want to travel to the Middle East and Northern Africa, or to Asia and indeed most of Europe.
You can find pages on this site covering topics such as education, religion, weather and supermarkets in Cyprus. Please use the site map or the menus to find your way around.
General information about living in Cyprus
To find out more from others who have moved here, or to ask any questions, you might like to join one of the online forums which focus on living in Cyprus. If you prefer just reading, there are many accounts of daily life here from the point of view of ex-pats. There are links to some sites where you can find these on the page about expat forums and blogs in Cyprus.
In addition, you can find plenty of information about subjects such as car hire, hotels, sailing and property at the Window on Cyprus site. Official government information can be found at the Republic of Cyprus site, including up-to-date news links and frequently asked questions about living here. There is also a lot of useful information, particularly geared towards tourists and visitors, at the Cyprus home page, or – specifically geared towards ex-pats – the Anglo-info site.