Cypriots are sticking with familiar holiday choices this summer, with the Greek islands remaining the most popular destination, while Italy and France continue to lead demand across Europe. At the same time, one travel trend is gaining momentum: cruises are becoming an increasingly popular way to spend a summer holiday.

Familiar Destinations Still Lead The Market

According to former Association of Cyprus Travel Agents president Akis Kelepesi, travel preferences have changed little from last year. Greek islands continue to dominate outbound holiday bookings, followed by European destinations, particularly Italy and France.

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Rather than shifting to entirely new destinations, travellers are increasingly combining countries within the same trip, such as Italy and Switzerland or Germany and France.

Among the most popular Greek destinations are Rhodes, Crete, Skiathos and Preveza, which also serves as a gateway to nearby islands including Lefkada.

Longer-Haul Travel Is Regaining Interest

Demand is also recovering for long-haul destinations. Kelepesi pointed to growing interest in the Far East, the United States, Northern and Eastern Europe, as well as Poland. Japan has also become a more popular choice this year, reflecting travellers’ willingness to venture beyond the Mediterranean in search of new experiences.

Cruises Move Into The Mainstream

Cruise holidays continue to gain popularity among Cypriot travellers. According to Kelepesi, more holidaymakers are choosing cruises departing from Piraeus for Eastern Mediterranean itineraries or from Rome for routes across the Western Mediterranean.

The appeal lies in the convenience of visiting several destinations within a single trip, combined with predictable costs and fewer logistical arrangements than a traditional multi-city holiday.

Summer Remains Peak Travel Season

July and August continue to account for the bulk of outbound travel. Between 370,000 and 480,000 Cypriots are expected to travel abroad during the two months, compared with an average monthly outbound travel of between 120,000 and 140,000 passengers during the rest of the year.

Price Still Shapes Destination Choices

Kelepesi said holidays on many Greek islands now cost roughly the same as trips to major European cities. While destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini remain among the most expensive, islands including Rhodes, Lefkada and Crete continue to offer better value.

Larger islands such as Rhodes and Crete remain particularly attractive for families thanks to their hotel infrastructure, while younger couples continue to favour destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos and long-haul options including Bali.

Last-Minute Bookings Help Offset Softer Demand

Overall, outbound travel remains slightly below last year’s levels. Kelepesi attributed the softer market to geopolitical uncertainty during March and April, when many Cypriots typically book their summer holidays.

More recently, however, travel agencies have seen an increase in last-minute bookings. Although volumes remain below those recorded a year ago, the trend suggests travellers are delaying decisions rather than cancelling their holidays altogether.