Living in Cyprus: Understanding Time, Working Hours, and National Holidays

Time Zone

Living in Cyprus means operating on Eastern European Time (EET), which is GMT+2. This time zone ensures synchrony with other nearby European and Middle Eastern countries.

Daylight Saving Time

For those living in Cyprus, adjusting to Daylight Saving Time is a yearly occurrence:

• Clocks move forward by one hour on the last Sunday in March at 01:00 GMT (03:00 Local Time).
• Clocks revert to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October at 01:00 GMT (04:00 Local Time).

Sunrise and Sunset Times

Residents and visitors can enjoy a range of daylight hours, which vary by month. Approximate sunrise and sunset times for the 15th of each month are as follows:

Working Hours in Cyprus

• Public Sector: Government offices operate Monday to Friday, offering flexibility for those living and working in Cyprus. Working hours typically begin between 07:30 – 08:30 and end between 15:00 – 16:00.

• Private Sector: Private companies set their own hours, but most follow this general schedule:

  • September 15th – May 31st: 08:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 18:00 (Monday to Friday).
  • June 1st – September 14th: 08:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 19:00 (Monday to Friday).

• Shops: Shopping is a significant part of life in Cyprus, with hours differing based on location (urban, rural, or tourist areas):

  • Shops generally open between 07:00 – 21:00, Monday to Saturday.
  • On Sundays, they open later, typically around 11:00, with closing times varying between 14:00 – 22:00.
  • Some shops close on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday, though shops in tourist areas often remain open late, even on Sundays.
  • During the summer months (June 15th – August 31st), an optional siesta break is observed from 14:00 – 17:00.

Special Shopping Hours:

• During the holiday season (Christmas and Easter), shops may extend their hours but must close by 18:00 on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Good Friday.

Restaurant Hours:

Dining is a key part of the Cypriot lifestyle, with meals served during the following hours:

• Breakfast: 07:00 – 10:00
• Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00
• Dinner: From 19:00 until late.

Public Holidays in Cyprus

Public holidays are widely observed in Cyprus. On these days, most government offices, banks, and businesses are closed, although tourist areas may have shops and services available. Banks close on Easter Tuesday but remain open on Christmas Eve. Museums and archaeological sites close only on Easter Sunday.

Fixed Holidays:

• January 1st – New Year’s Day
• January 6th – Epiphany Day
• March 25th – Greek National Day
• April 1st – National Anniversary Day
• May 1st – Labour Day
• August 15th – Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• October 1st – Cyprus Independence Day
• October 28th – Greek National Anniversary Day
• December 24th – Christmas Eve
• December 25th – Christmas Day
• December 26th – Boxing Day

Variable Holidays:

• Green Monday – 50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter
• Good Friday – Greek Orthodox Church
• Easter Monday – Greek Orthodox Church
• Pentecost – Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)

This guide provides essential information for those living in Cyprus, including time zones, working hours, and public holidays.