Cyprus Bank Holidays 2026: Essential Guide for Travellers
Cyprus, a popular Mediterranean destination for UK holidaymakers, observes a mix of Christian Orthodox, national, and international public holidays that double as bank holidays. These are days when banks, government offices, and many businesses close, impacting travel, shopping, and services. With its rich history and stunning beaches, Cyprus attracts over a million British visitors annually. Knowing the 2026 bank holidays helps you avoid disruptions, especially around peak times like Easter in April 2026.
This guide lists all Cyprus bank holidays for 2026, provides context for each, and compares them to UK equivalents for British travellers. Dates follow the Republic of Cyprus calendar (Greek Cypriot side), as it’s the primary holiday spot for UK tourists. Turkish Northern Cyprus has slightly different observances, noted where relevant.
Full List of Cyprus Bank Holidays 2026
Cyprus has around 13-14 public holidays annually, most of which are bank holidays. Here’s the complete 2026 schedule with weekdays for easy planning:
January
- 1 January 2026 (Thursday) - New Year’s Day: Celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, and feasts. Banks closed nationwide.
- 6 January 2026 (Tuesday) - Epiphany (Theophania): Orthodox blessing of the waters ceremony. Diving for a cross is a highlight in coastal towns like Limassol.
March
- 2 March 2026 (Monday) - Green Monday (Kathara Deftera): Start of Orthodox Lent. Families picnic with traditional foods like lagana bread and olives. A public holiday with outdoor activities.
- 25 March 2026 (Wednesday) - Annunciation of the Virgin Mary & Greek Independence Day: Commemorates the 1821 Greek revolution. Parades in Nicosia and school events.
April
- 10 April 2026 (Friday) - Good Friday (Orthodox): Sombre services and processions. Note: This is a week later than Western Good Friday due to the Julian calendar.
- 13 April 2026 (Monday) - Easter Monday: Post-Easter celebrations with magiritsa soup and red eggs. Beaches and tavernas buzz with locals.
May
- 1 May 2026 (Thursday) - Labour Day (May Day): Unions organise marches; countryside picnics are common. Similar to UK May bank holiday vibes.
June
- 1 June 2026 (Monday) - Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday): 50 days after Easter, marking the Holy Spirit’s descent. Church services and family lunches.
August
- 15 August 2026 (Saturday) - Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Assumption): Major feast with all-night vigils. Weekend timing means extended celebrations.
October
- 1 October 2026 (Thursday) - Cyprus Independence Day: Marks 1960 freedom from Britain. Military parades in Nicosia; fireworks and concerts.
November/December
- 28 October 2026 (Wednesday) - Ohi Day: Remembers 1940 Greek ‘No’ to Mussolini. School parades echo Greek heritage.
- 25 December 2026 (Friday) - Christmas Day: Family-focused with church services and feasts. Lights and markets in Paphos and Ayia Napa.
- 26 December 2026 (Saturday) - Christmas Holiday: Extra day for festivities, akin to UK Boxing Day.
Note: If a holiday falls on a weekend, it’s usually not shifted, but check local announcements. Banks like Bank of Cyprus confirm closures on these dates.
Focus on April 2026: Easter Bank Holidays
With the context of April 2026, Easter is pivotal. Orthodox Easter Sunday falls on 12 April 2026, differing from Western Easter (5 April). Expect:
- 10 April (Fri): Quiet streets, shops partially open.
- 12 April (Sun): Midnight services, lamb roasts.
- 13 April (Mon): Holiday extension; ferries and rentals busier.
UK visitors should book flights early—Easter coincides with school holidays. Flights from London to Larnaca (e.g., British Airways, easyJet) may surge 20-30% in price.
Comparison with UK Bank Holidays 2026
As a UK-focused guide, here’s how Cyprus holidays align (or clash) with Britain’s 2026 calendar for dual planning:
| Date | Cyprus Holiday | UK Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan (Thu) | New Year’s Day | New Year’s Day (all UK) |
| 6 Jan (Tue) | Epiphany | None |
| 2 Mar (Mon) | Green Monday | None |
| 25 Mar (Wed) | Annunciation | None |
| 10 Apr (Fri) | Good Friday | Good Friday 3 Apr (all UK) |
| 13 Apr (Mon) | Easter Monday | Easter Monday 6 Apr (Eng/Wales/NI) |
| 1 May (Thu) | Labour Day | Early May: 4 May (Mon, all UK) |
| 1 Jun (Mon) | Whit Monday | Spring: 25 May (Mon, all UK) |
| 15 Aug (Sat) | Assumption | Summer (Eng/Wales/NI): 31 Aug (Mon) |
| 1 Oct (Thu) | Independence | Scotland Summer: 3 Aug (Mon) |
| 28 Oct (Wed) | Ohi Day | None |
| 25 Dec (Fri) | Christmas | Christmas 25 Dec; Boxing 26 Dec (Sat), substitute 28 Dec (Mon) |
Scotland extras: 2 Jan, 30 Nov (St Andrew’s). Cyprus offers more mid-year breaks, ideal for long weekends from UK bases.
Planning Travel from the UK
Flights and Airports
Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) see peak traffic around Easter and Christmas. From Manchester or Gatwick, expect 4.5-hour flights. Book via Skyscanner for deals—avoid 10-13 April for lower fares.
Accommodations
Hotels in Protaras or Pissouri fill fast on holidays. Use Booking.com; aim for all-inclusive to sidestep closures.
Driving and Ferries
Rentals from Hertz; note quieter roads on holidays. Greece ferries pause on major dates.
Currency and Banking
Euros (EUR). ATMs work, but banks shut—carry cash. Revolut app ideal for UK expats.
Business and Daily Life Impacts
On bank holidays, supermarkets like AlphaMega open limited hours (9am-6pm), but tourist spots thrive. Pharmacies rotate openings. Public transport runs reduced; taxis reliable. For businesses, these are non-trading days—plan imports/exports around them.
Historical and Cultural Insights
Cyprus’s holidays blend Byzantine Orthodoxy and post-colonial identity. Independence Day nods to 1960 UK handover, while Ohi Day ties to Greek roots. UK visitors appreciate Boxing Day parallel on 26 Dec.
Turkish Cyprus adds Atatürk commemorations (e.g., 29 Oct), but shared dates like New Year.
FAQs on Cyprus Bank Holidays 2026
Do banks open on Easter Monday?
No, fully closed 13 April.
Is 26 December always a holiday?
Yes, regardless of weekday.
How does Orthodox Easter differ?
Julian calendar shifts it; 2026 gap is one week from UK.
Northern Cyprus differences?
Adds 20 July (Peace Operation), skips some Greek ones.
Final Tips for 2026 Visits
Sync Cyprus Easter (April) with UK Spring bank (25 May) for extended trips. Download the Bank of Cyprus app for updates. With 300+ sunny days, holidays enhance cultural immersion—join a vasilopita cutting on New Year!
This 2026 guide ensures hassle-free planning. Safe travels from the UK!
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