Nicosia has been ranked among Europe's most affordable city-break destinations, according to a study by travel insurance company InsureandGo, which analysed the cost of a typical day for visitors in 124 European cities.
The Cypriot capital placed 14th among the 15 cheapest destinations, with an estimated daily cost of €62.83, well below the €100 threshold often regarded as a benchmark daily travel budget.
The study examined the cost of a day's travel, including an inexpensive restaurant meal, a three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant, coffee, water, a soft drink, local beer, public transport and admission to each city's most popular tourist attraction.
Nicosia ranked just ahead of Porto, where the estimated daily cost was €63.31, reinforcing its position as one of Europe's more affordable capital-city getaways.
Wide range of options
Despite Cyprus often being viewed as an expensive destination because of airfares, the day-to-day visitor experience in the capital remains relatively affordable.
Speaking to Politis, Christiana Iacovides, chair of PASYXE Nicosia District Committee and owner of the Cleopatra Hotel, said the ranking is particularly significant given the travel costs many visitors face before reaching the island.
According to Iacovides, the result reflects the variety of experiences available in Nicosia, including dining, entertainment, nightlife, cafés, museums and cultural activities.
She said PASYXE continues to promote Nicosia internationally while supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the city's appeal as a tourism destination.
Iacovides also highlighted Nicosia's recent distinctions, including being named the second-best European destination of 2026 and its selection as European Capital of Culture 2030.
She added that public authorities should make greater use of such findings to demonstrate to European travellers that Nicosia offers quality experiences at an affordable cost for both short and extended stays.
New hotel investment
The city's tourism offer continues to expand with the recent opening of the Leonardo Boutique Hotel Venetian Nicosia, which officially began commercial operations on 21 October.
According to the company, the investment marks another milestone in the continuing expansion of the Leonardo Hotels & Resorts Mediterranean portfolio in Cyprus and Greece.
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos previously outlined plans to strengthen the capital's tourism profile, stating that a dedicated tourism brand for the city is expected to be developed during 2027.
The goal is to double Nicosia's contribution to Cyprus' tourism sector by 2029.
Prountzos has said hotel capacity in the city has already doubled compared with 2024, driven by developments including the reopening of the Landmark, investment by the Fattal Hotels Group on Makarios Avenue and a new boutique hotel on Arnaldas Street.
The upcoming opening of the new Archaeological Museum is also expected to boost visitor numbers.
Europe's cheapest destinations
According to the InsureandGo study, the three cheapest city-break destinations in Europe are:
- Skopje, North Macedonia – €33.98 per day
- Chișinău, Moldova – €41.91 per day
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – €45.45 per day
