Why Cyprus should be on your Avios travel wish list

It’s also a tempting addition to the Avios travel wish list. British Airways flies to the island, and an off-peak Economy return reward flight between London and Cyprus costs just 30,000 Avios plus £5.

Here are our top three reasons to put Cyprus on your holiday shortlist.

Beautiful Beaches and Coastline

Travel holiday 101: a beach holiday needs a good beach, otherwise, you may as well stay on the sofa. Thankfully, Cyprus has plenty to choose from. The island is known for the most gorgeous beaches, and the weather in Cyprus makes spending time watching the waves roll in a very tempting way to spend the day. The east coast is especially popular with sunseekers.

Ayia Napa is top of the list, especially if your idea of a holiday involves spending the day on a beautiful beach and the night making questionable decisions on the dance floor. Its famous Nissi Beach has gorgeous white sand, turquoise water, beach bars, and lots of watersports for anyone who gets restless after a few hours of doing absolutely nothing.

A little further along the coast, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras has lovely sand and clear blue water. It's a popular choice for families, although don't expect to have the place to yourself in the middle of August.

If you're keen to swap the beach towel for your walking shoes, Cape Greco National Forest Park is a good excuse to get moving. Its dramatic limestone cliffs and sea caves are among the island's most impressive sights. And if all that walking leaves you longing for the water again, there are some lovely swimming spots along the way, so don't retire the swimsuit just yet.

Over on the western coast, Paphos is a great choice if you like a little history with your beach holiday. The waterfront is lined with restaurants and cafés, and ancient ruins and archaeological sites are practically on its doorstep. You can spend the morning exploring Roman history and be back enjoying lunch overlooking the harbour before your feet start complaining.

Larnaca will be more your speed if you prefer a more laid-back coastal break. Its palm-lined Finikoudes promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with lots of beachfront cafés and restaurants tempting you to stop every few steps. While you’re there, try to visit the historic Church of Saint Lazarus in the old town. A little sightseeing should help justify another long lunch by the water.

There's no shortage of things to do in Cyprus along the coast. The difficult part might be persuading yourself to leave the beach in the first place.

Cypriot Food Is Half the Holiday

Some destinations are remembered for their scenery. Others are remembered for what you ate. Cyprus has a very good chance of making both lists.

Cypriot food is inspired by Greek, Turkish and wider Mediterranean traditions, with grilled meats, fresh seafood, local cheeses, vegetables and olive oil being the star ingredients. And if there's one experience food lovers shouldn't miss, it's a traditional meze.

A Cypriot meze is a succession of small dishes brought to the table for everyone to share. Olives, dips, salads, grilled halloumi, vegetables, meat and seafood can all make an appearance. Just when you think the meal is coming to an end, another plate arrives.

Your best strategy is to arrive hungry and avoid making ambitious dinner plans afterwards. Halloumi is another local favourite, although the version served in Cyprus might make you question what you've been buying at your supermarket back home. Try it freshly grilled, and order a village salad or bread with it.

Meat lovers should look out for souvla, large pieces of meat slowly cooked over charcoal, and kleftiko, tender lamb traditionally slow-cooked with garlic, lemon and herbs. Coastal tavernas are excellent places to enjoy fresh fish, including sea bream and sea bass. A simple grilled fish with lemon, olive oil and a view of the water can be every bit as satisfying as an elaborate restaurant meal.

Save some room for loukoumades, small fried doughnuts served with honey or syrup. They're dangerously easy to keep eating, especially since somebody always suggests ordering another portion for the table. Cyprus also has a long winemaking tradition. The island produces wines from indigenous grapes such as Xynisteri and Maratheftiko, while Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine, has centuries of history behind it. The villages around Omodos and the Troodos foothills are excellent places to explore local wineries and sample regional varieties.

If your idea of a holiday revolves around deciding where to eat next, Cyprus could keep you very happy indeed.

Ancient Ruins, Mountain Villages and a Lot of History

It’d be a shame to visit Cyprus and spend the entire holiday on a sun lounger, especially when it has so much history to explore. The island has seen its fair share of civilisations come and go, and thankfully, they've left a lot behind for us to admire. Ancient Greek and Roman sites, Byzantine churches, medieval castles and traditional villages give curious travellers plenty to explore.

The Romans certainly knew a thing or two about decorating their homes. If you need proof, head to the UNESCO-listed Paphos Archaeological Park, where you'll find some of the island's most impressive Roman mosaics. The House of Dionysus is the biggest highlight, with intricate floor mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology that have survived for centuries. Not bad for artwork that's been around longer than most countries.

Nearby, the Tombs of the Kings are equally fascinating. Despite their rather grand name, they weren't built for royalty. These rock-cut underground tombs date to the Hellenistic and Roman periods and feature courtyards, chambers and impressive stone columns. History lovers could easily spend hours wandering through the site. Just don't forget a hat and some water if you're visiting in summer.

Another fascinating stop is Lefkara, a traditional village in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. Its stone houses and workshops are famous for handmade lace and silverwork, crafts passed down through generations. Take your time wandering around the village, watching craftspeople at work and stopping for coffee. It's a very pleasant change of pace after a few days on the coast.

And finally, save some room on the itinerary for the Troodos Mountains. Pine forests and winding roads make this feel like a completely different Cyprus. The mountains are also home to UNESCO-listed painted Byzantine churches, many of which are decorated with remarkable frescoes dating back hundreds of years. Some look fairly modest from the outside, which makes the artwork inside all the more surprising.

You can also explore the island's wine heritage here, with local wineries and villages that make a leisurely afternoon of tasting regional wines. Travellers looking for things to do in Cyprus could easily find that a day exploring these becomes one of the highlights of the holiday.

What Kind of Cyprus Holiday Suits You?

They say that the best way to get to know a person is to travel with them. One of the best things about Cyprus is how easily it accommodates different travel styles.

Couples:

Cyprus knows how to turn up the romance. Couples can spend their days exploring quiet coves and enjoying long dinners overlooking the Mediterranean. Throw in a charming hotel, and you've got all the ingredients for a romantic getaway. Scenic drives through the countryside can add more “just us” time without requiring an elaborate itinerary.

Families:

Cyprus can easily keep the whole family entertained, especially around Ayia Napa, Protaras and Paphos. Sandy beaches, boat trips, swimming and watersports can fill several days, while archaeological sites can help sneak a little history into the kids’ holiday without them noticing.

Food lovers:

You could plan your entire Cyprus holiday around eating and still feel you've barely scratched the surface. Start with the traditional meze, explore local bakeries and make time for a long lunch in the mountains.

Active travellers:

If lying on a sun lounger all day isn’t really your idea of a great trip, you can explore coastal paths, cycle through the countryside, hike in Troodos or try scuba diving. A famous attraction is the Zenobia shipwreck off Larnaca, a popular dive site for suitably qualified divers.

History enthusiasts:

Cyprus is practically an open-air history museum, with ancient Roman villas, underground tombs, medieval castles and centuries-old churches scattered across the island. You’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.

That's what makes Cyprus holidays so interesting. A family wanting a relaxed week by the sea and a couple planning a food-and-culture escape could visit the same island and come home with completely different stories.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Cyprus?

Cyprus enjoys a long stretch of warm, sunny weather, but choosing the right time to visit can make a big difference to the type of holiday you'll have.

Season	What to Expect	Best For
Spring (March to May)	Pleasant temperatures, greener landscapes and wildflowers	Hiking, sightseeing and exploring villages
Summer (June to August)	Hot weather, warm seas and busy beach resorts	Swimming, watersports and classic beach holidays
Autumn (September to November)	Warm early-autumn weather and a more relaxed atmosphere as the season progresses	Coastal breaks, winery visits, taverna lunches and outdoor activities
Winter (December to February)	Cooler weather, occasional rain and quieter resorts	Culture, historic sites, village stays and countryside walks when the weather allows

May to October is usually considered the best period for sunshine and beach activities, but we'd also suggest giving spring and early autumn a serious thought. You'll still have opportunities to enjoy the coast, and exploring archaeological sites or walking through mountain villages is much more pleasant when you're not battling the peak summer heat.

Autumn is a lovely time to explore the island's food and wine. With the busiest summer crowds beginning to thin, you could easily have a quiet afternoon visiting wineries followed by a long taverna lunch.

Summer is the obvious choice for travellers planning to spend most of their time swimming and sunbathing.

Winter has its own appeal, especially for a quieter cultural break. You can enjoy coastal walks, historic sites, and village visits on milder days, although rain is more likely and some seasonal restaurants and resort businesses may have reduced opening hours. Don't forget that the mountains can be a lot cooler than the coast. Cyprus occasionally even gets snow at higher elevations, which isn't quite the image most people have in mind when booking a Mediterranean holiday.

How to Get to Cyprus With Avios

British Airways serves both Larnaca and Paphos, so you have two possible Avios routes to Cyprus. An off-peak Economy return reward flight between London and Cyprus costs 30,000 Avios plus £5.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Begin your search by checking both airports. Larnaca is convenient for the east coast, including Ayia Napa and Protaras, while Paphos is a natural starting point for exploring the west coast.
• Don't forget to check which UK departure airports have eligible British Airways reward flights to Cyprus on your dates. A convenient departure can make a big difference, especially if getting to Heathrow would mean an extra train journey or an overnight hotel stay.
• Compare several departure dates if your plans are flexible. Travelling outside the busiest summer weeks could give you a better chance of finding suitable reward seats, and potentially a more relaxed holiday once you arrive.
• Remember to check the Avios required alongside the taxes, fees and other charges. British Airways can present different Avios and cash combinations, so the option using the fewest points isn't automatically the best deal.
• Compare reward flight prices against ordinary cash fares, especially during airline sales.
• If you've decided that Cyprus is next on the holiday calendar, Reward Flight Finder can help you search for available seats and set up Availability Alerts for your preferred routes and dates.

Is Cyprus a Good Destination to Spend Avios?

That depends on what you want from your points. The best way to spend Avios isn't always to save them for an extravagant Business Class redemption halfway around the world. Sometimes it's getting yourself to a lovely Mediterranean island for a week of sunshine, good food and absolutely no interest in checking your work emails.

Cyprus is a great example of how rewarding short-haul Avios travel can be. With two destination airports to explore and Economy redemptions at a relatively accessible points price, the island gives you another option to turn everyday spending into a holiday.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, there's a lot to like about Cyprus. Its beaches are beautiful, its history runs deep, and the food alone could justify booking a flight. You can spend your mornings walking through ancient ruins, your afternoons swimming in the Mediterranean, and your evenings working through a meze that seems determined never to end.

Better still, you don't need an enormous Avios balance to start looking at flights. If you've been searching for fresh Avios travel inspiration, give Cyprus some attention. Check the available Avios flights to Cyprus, compare the dates and see just how far your points could take you.

After all, collecting Avios is great fun, but eventually you have to spend them. Preferably somewhere sunny, with a plate of grilled halloumi waiting for you.