Shopping in Cyprus: where, when and how to pay

Cyprus isn’t a shopping destination in the London or Milan sense, and I wouldn’t go for that. But a few things are worth knowing so you don’t find the shutters down, pay the right price and come home with something genuinely Cypriot. Here are the hours, streets and markets that official sources mention, and one perk British visitors often miss, the VAT refund. What to buy, with the story behind each item, is in what to buy in Cyprus.

When are the shops open?

The Limassol Tourism Board gives the island’s general hours. On weekdays shops usually open from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm, and some stay open until 9pm. On Saturdays they open from 9am to 1pm, and a few also open on Sundays and public holidays. The surprise for most British visitors is the lunchtime break and the quiet Saturday afternoon, when many smaller shops are closed.

Banks keep their own hours. From May to September they serve customers on weekdays between 08:15 and 13:30, and from October to April from 08:30 to 13:30, with an extra Monday afternoon slot from 15:15 to 16:45. Post offices open on weekdays from 07:30 to 13:00. On public holidays, expect almost everything to close; the dates are in public holidays in Cyprus.

Where to shop in each town

In Nicosia, the old town’s shopping spine is Ledra Street and the streets around it, pedestrianised and inside the Venetian walls. The bonus is the checkpoint at its northern end, leading into north Nicosia, so you combine a browse with one of the island’s most memorable walks. More in Ledra Street.

In Limassol, the tourism board picks out Anexartisias Street in the centre as its main shopping street, plus several malls it shows in its virtual tour. In Larnaca, the thing to do is the municipal market, open Monday to Saturday, with farmers selling outdoors every Saturday. For crafts, nowhere beats Lefkara, home of the lace UNESCO listed as intangible heritage in 2009.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Nicosia before prices climb.

How do I pay?

Mostly by card. The Limassol Tourism Board says most shops accept cards, though Spain’s Foreign Office warns that some businesses don’t, so carry a little cash. Cash machines work well but may charge fees. If a card terminal offers to bill you in sterling, choose euros, because the conversion the terminal applies rarely works in your favour.

Claiming your VAT back

Cypriot VAT runs at 19% as standard, lower for some goods, according to the European Commission, and it’s included in the price you see. Since Britain left the EU, UK residents count as living outside it, and that means you can claim VAT back on goods you take home. Hermes Airports sets out the process. Ask the shop for a tax refund cheque when you buy, as there’s a minimum amount per receipt. At the airport, go to the customs office near the boarding pass control, or before you check in if the goods are in your hold bag, and get the stamp. Then collect your refund, minus a service fee, from the Global Blue or Planet Tax Free desks before passport control. It’s one of the few post-Brexit changes that works in a holidaymaker’s favour.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Nicosia and choose by the reviews.

Buying in the north

You can cross and shop, but there are limits on the way back. The Green Line Regulation allows up to €260 of goods per person into the south, plus a litre of spirits and 40 cigarettes. Spain’s Foreign Office warns that branded goods can be confiscated to combat fakes, and gov.uk adds that you could be fined. I’d leave any bargain-price designer handbag or watch where it is. Everything to know before you go is in crossing to northern Cyprus.

My advice

Buy what’s only made here, and buy it where it’s made. Lace in Lefkara. Commandaria, the sweet wine, in the hill villages that make it. Halloumi, PDO for the whole island since 2021, at any market, checking the label. Bottles and cheese are heavy, and liquids have limits in hand luggage, so I’d pack them in the hold, wrapped in clothes, or buy them at the end of the trip.

A car frees you from timetables: search car hire in Nicosia on DiscoverCars and compare companies.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Nicosia before prices climb.