Amazing beaches, family friendly resorts, fascinating ancient history, beautiful landscape - for those that have discovered Cyprus, it's obvious why it's such a popular holiday destination. But is it a good choice for your first holiday after the coronavirus pandemic?

Cyprus and Covid-19

Cyprus has only had around 1,000 virus patients in total, and just 17 deaths recorded. It was one of the very first countries to start travel restrictions; airports and borders were closed early on in the pandemic meaning the island has had great success in controlling the spread of the virus.

Cyprus holidays after coronavirus

Showing its ability to cope efficiently in a crisis, Cyprus has introduced a phased reopening of the country to ensure it will be as safe as possible. From June 9^th, tourists from countries in their “a” category – those with low rates of coronavirus – will be allowed to visit, with holidaymakers from the “b” category allowed in from 20^th June. Measures to keep holidaymakers safe are already in place, such as ensuring tables at bars and restaurants are sufficiently far apart, and routinely disinfecting sunbeds on the beach.

In a further display of consideration towards tourists and confidence in the measures taken, the Cyprus government has also offered to pay for healthcare expenses for anyone taken ill with coronavirus during their holiday.

Who is welcome in Cyprus this summer?

The first phase of visitors will include tourists from Greece, Malta, Norway, Austria, Denmark and Germany, amongst others. Visitors from Switzerland, Poland, Croatia and more will be welcomed from the second phase. A date hasn't been announced yet for when holidaymakers from the US or UK will be allowed to visit but Savvas Perdios, the Cyprus tourism minister, said that Brits would be allowed in at some point between early- and mid-July. All those arriving in Cyprus will need to provide a certificate showing that they've tested negative for Covid-19.

Will people want to go to Cyprus this summer?

Our research shows that holiday-makers have an increased confidence in travelling to Cyprus; in the past week, 21% of page views on Clickstay have been for Cyprus villas and apartments, compared to just 7% for the same period last year.

Anecdotally, there seems to be a rise in confidence too; travel blogger Samantha from Coco Travels says the measures that have been put in place mean she'd consider a holiday to Cyprus, her mind having been put at ease since Cyprus is "taking the virus so seriously.” Rowena Becker of travel blog My Balancing Act adds that “[Cyprus is] my favourite holiday destination and I feel that they have acted very responsibly. There are plenty of beaches to go to that are quieter if needed… the Troodos mountains for beautiful walks in fresh mountain air with lots of space to be apart from big crowds.”

The most popular destinations in Cyprus

Paphos	Ayia Napa / Nissi Beach
Protaras	Coral Bay
Aphrodite Hills	Latchi
Pissouri	Pernara
Limassol	Ayia Thekla
Peyia	Kyrenia