Newsroom
Despite rising travel costs, Cypriots are going full steam ahead with their summer holiday plans, and this year, cruises are leading the way.
According to Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, demand for cruise trips has jumped by 20% compared to last summer, according to data from the Cyprus Travel Agents Association. The once-niche holiday option is now a booming trend among locals, with most cruise packages nearly sold out for July and August.
Cruises from Piraeus and Malta remain the top picks, taking Cypriot travelers to Greek islands and Central Europe. Many are opting for “fly and cruise” packages, which bundle airfare and cruise fare into all-inclusive deals that can cost up to €3,000 per couple.
Travel agents say cruises have become more attractive thanks to upgraded onboard services, safety, comfort, and the appeal of exploring multiple destinations in one trip. The surge in bookings is also giving a boost to the broader Eastern Mediterranean tourism sector.
But it’s not just cruises that are making waves. Traditional Greek destinations like Rhodes, Skiathos, Lefkada, Parga, and Meteora continue to draw Cypriot holidaymakers, with a 10% rise in bookings over last year. Still, competition is fierce, as many travel agencies report that most summer holiday packages are already snapped up.
At the airports, traffic is just as busy. Passenger numbers at Larnaca and Paphos airports reached over 1.28 million in May, up more than 20% from 2024, according to Hermes Airports. April also saw record numbers, with over 1.15 million passengers, and the upward trend continues.
“The momentum is strong,” said Maria Kouroupi, Director of Aviation Development at Hermes. “We’ve added new routes to Spain, France, Italy, even Poland and Armenia are gaining popularity. But Greece remains the top destination for Cypriot travelers.”
If the current pace continues, 2025 is expected to close with a record-breaking 13 million air passengers, a milestone Kouroupi attributes to expanded connectivity and long-term planning.
Cypriots, it seems, aren’t letting higher prices stand in the way of their summer escape. And whether by sea or air, they’re going places.
