Introduction
Cyprus has a rich history combining Greek, Christian and colonial influences, and its holiday calendar is full of special days. From religious celebrations to commemorating important historical events, holidays in Cyprus not only have a deep cultural meaning, but also affect the everyday lives of residents.
Are you wondering which holidays are non-working days? How do shops, transport, and museums operate during the holidays? If you want to learn how to best plan your time in Cyprus in 2025, this post is just for you. You will find answers to these and other questions below - enjoy reading!
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| Public Holidays in Cyprus |
Public Holidays in Cyprus - 2025
Public Holiday → official non-working day.
Holiday → religious or traditional holiday, but a working day.
January 1, 2025 - New Year's Day (gr. Πρωτοχρονιά)
January 6, 2025 - Epiphany Day (gr. Θεοφάνεια)
February 20, 2025 - Tsiknopempti (Fat Thursday) (gr. Τσικνοπέμπτη)
February 20 - March 2, 2025 – Cyprus Carnival (gr. Απόκριες)
March 3, 2025 (moving date) - Green Monday (also known as Clean Monday) (gr. Καθαρά Δευτέρα)
March 25, 2025 - Greek Independence Day (gr. Εικοστή Πέμπτη Μαρτίου)
April 1, 2025 - Cyprus National Day (Cyprus Independence Day) or EOKA Liberation Struggle Day (gr. Εθνική Επέτειος της 1ης Απριλίου)
April 17, 2025 (movable date) - Holy Thursday (gr. Μεγάλη Πέμπτη)
April 18, 2025 (movable date) - Good Friday (gr. Μεγάλη Παρασκευή)
April 19, 2025 (movable date) - Holy Saturday (gr. Μεγάλο Σάββατο)
April 20, 2025 (movable date) - Easter Sunday (Orthodox Easter) - this year, exceptionally, Catholic and Orthodox Easter fall on the same day! (gr. Κυριακή του Πάσχα)
April 21, 2025 (moving date) - Easter Monday (gr. Δευτέρα του Πάσχα)
April 22, 2025 (moving date) - Easter Tuesday
May 1, 2025 - Labor Day (gr. Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά)
June 9, 2025 (moving date) - Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood) (gr. Κατακλυσμός)
August 15, 2025 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary (gr. Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου)
October 1, 2025 - Cyprus Independence Day (gr. Ημέρα Ανεξαρτησία της Κύπρου)
October 28, 2025 - Ohi Day (Greek National Anniversary Day) (gr. Επέτειος του "Όχι")
December 24 2025 - Christmas Eve (gr. Παραμονή Χριστουγέννων)
December 25, 2025 - Christmas Day (gr. Χριστούγεννα)
December 26, 2025 - Boxing Day (gr. Σύναξις της Θεοτόκου)
The full holiday guide, including detailed descriptions and variations of the holiday names, will be available soon!
When are holidays in Cyprus non-working days and when are they not?
There are many holidays in Cyprus, but not all of them are public holidays.
Public Holidays are official non-working days (days off) – banks, government offices, schools, and most businesses and shops are closed. Some supermarkets and restaurants may remain open, but businesses and stores that are not closed on public holidays usually have reduced opening hours.
Other holidays may be religious or culturally significant but do not automatically grant a day off.
For example, Holy Thursday and December 24 (Christmas Eve) are observed holidays, but they are not official public holidays – government offices and shops usual are open as normal.
December 31 (New Year’s Eve) is not a public holiday in Cyprus, so shops, offices and banks are open as usual. It is a regular working day, although many businesses close earlier, and supermarkets or shops may be busier due to New Year’s preparations.
What is closed and what is open during Public Holidays in Cyprus?
What is closed?
• Banks – always closed on Public Holidays. Also closed on the Easter Tuesday, but not on Christmas Eve.
• Offices – all government institutions are closed.
• Schools – closed on Public Holidays.
• Some shops – especially small shops, boutiques and local businesses may be closed. It is best to check in advance at the store to see when they will be open on public holidays or use Google Maps (the data is usually up-to-date, but there are exceptions).
What might be open?
• Supermarkets – may remain open on some holidays, especially outside of major celebrations like Christmas or Easter, but often with reduced opening hours.
• Bakeries - some are open 24/7 and remain open most Public Holidays. However, on New Year's Eve or Christmas Day, they may be close earlier.
• Restaurants, cafes and bars – usually open, as many people celebrate by dining out with family and friends. Some schedules may vary (call in front to check).
Some programs are subject to change (it is best to call to check the details and reserve your table!). Many restaurants on major holidays such as Christmas or New Year's Eve may have a Gala Dinner with Set Up Menu.
• Tourist shops – in tourist areas, many stores and attractions may remain open, even on Public Holidays.
• Gas stations – usually closed, but fuel vending machines operate 24/7 (payment by credit card or cash – note that no change is given). The shop and car wash at the station are unavailable.
How does public transport operate during holidays in Cyprus?
On Public Holidays and other religious holidays in Cyprus, bus services are usually limited. Most routes operate on a “Sunday & Holiday” schedule, meaning fewer buses run throughout the day, or services may be suspended entirely.
It is always worth checking the local bus schedules around public holidays, as they may differ from the normal days.
On national holidays, such as March 25th (Greek Independence Day) or October 1st (Cyprus Independence Day), parades take place, and bus routes may be diverted or delayed.
Museums and Historical Sites in Cyprus during Public Holidays: What is open and what is closed?
Closed on Select Public Holidays
All museums, historical sites, and archaeological sites (those requiring an entrance ticket) are closed on the following days:
• January 1st (New Year’s Day)
• Easter Sunday
• December 25th (Christmas Day)
This applies regardless of whether the holiday is public, religious, or traditional.
Museums and Historical Sites that may be open on some Public Holidays
On other public holidays (not listed above), some museums and archaeological sites may remain open, but with reduced hours. It’s recommended to check in advance.
(not listed in point above)
- Cyprus Museum in Lefkosia - except for holidays falling on Monday
- Larnaka Castle
- Local Archaeological Museum of Palaipafos in Kouklia
Where can you check the exact opening hours on public holidays?
On the Department of Antiquities website (→ PUBLIC HOLIDAYS).
Museums closed on Public Holidays
The following museums are closed on public holidays:
- Ethnological Museum House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios
- Local Ethnological Museum of Fikardou
- Local Archaeological Museum of Ancient Idalion
- Cyprus Railways Museum in Evrychou
- Archaeological Museum of Larnaka District
- Local Ethnological Museum of Lefkara
- Archaeological Museum of Lemesos District
- Lemesos Castle Medieval Museum
- Local Archaeological Museum of Kourion - Episkopi
- Archaeological Museum of Pafos District
- Local Ethnological Museum of Geroskipou
- Local Archaeological Museum of Maa-Paliokastro
- Local Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe in Polis Chrysochous
Archaeological Sites and Ancient Monuments open on Public Holidays in Cyprus
- Choirokitia Neolithic Site
- Amathous - Agios Tychon
- Kourion
- Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
- Nea Pafos - Mosaics
- Tombs of the Kings - Nea Pafos
- Kolossi Castle
- Hala Sultan Tekke
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