Newsroom
For many families and pensioners in Cyprus, even a few nights away can be difficult to afford. Hotel prices, meals, and transport quickly add up, especially when household budgets are already stretched.
However, two government schemes help eligible pensioners and workers pay for short breaks at hotels in the mountains and Pyrgos Tyllirias. Around 9,500 people benefit each year, according to figures given to the Cyprus News Agency by Ministry of Labour officials.
Demand is much greater than the available funding, so knowing when and how to apply is important.
Low-income pensioners: This year’s scheme is already full
The first scheme is intended for low-income pensioners, including recipients of the Guaranteed Minimum Income. The published income limits include €15,500 a year for a single pensioner and €20,000 for a pensioner household, although applicants should always check the conditions for the relevant year.
Successful applicants receive a subsidy of €57.50 per person per night, including accommodation and full board, for up to three nights at participating hotels.
More than 7,500 applications were submitted in just 23 days this year. The €1.165 million budget covered 5,400 applications, representing around 6,400 people.
Applications for 2026 closed on June 5 after the available funding was exhausted. Pensioners interested in next year’s scheme should monitor the official government service page and apply as soon as applications open, because places are allocated in order of application.
Workers covered by the Central Holiday Fund
A separate scheme is available to workers entitled to holiday pay from the Central Holiday Fund.
To qualify for the 2026 program, the employee must be entitled to payment from the fund for the 2025 leave year. Neither the employee nor their spouse should have used the subsidized holiday scheme during 2025.
Spouses and dependent children under 18 can also be included. Adults over 18 are generally not subsidized, apart from eligible people with certified disabilities.
The subsidy is €55 per person per night for up to five nights at one of 17 participating hotels. If the hotel charges more than the subsidy, the guest must pay the difference. Prices are shown before a booking is confirmed, so applicants can see their possible contribution in advance.
Applications can be submitted through the online holiday-scheme form. Applicants may need to provide:
- Their identity card and social insurance number
- Marriage or civil-partnership documents, if applying as a couple
- Birth certificates for children
- A disability certificate, where applicable
- Their preferred hotels and travel dates
Forms can also be emailed to holidays@orthodoxou.com.cy. Information is available by calling 24 841061. The online form remains available, but applicants should confirm that places and funding are still available before making plans.
People who do not qualify for either program may still have options. The Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities operates a year-round holiday scheme, while some unions and workplace welfare funds provide access to subsidized holiday accommodation.
The main lesson is simple: check whether you belong to the relevant fund, get your documents ready, and apply early. With demand so high, waiting even a few weeks could mean missing out.
