Cyprus' short-term rental market continues to expand at a strong pace. According to the latest Eurostat data, the island ranked second among European Union member states for the fastest growth in overnight stays booked through short-term accommodation platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia.
During the fourth quarter of 2025, the number of overnight stays in Cyprus increased by 30.1% compared with the same period a year earlier. Only Malta recorded stronger growth, at 37.5%, while Slovakia ranked third with an increase of 26.3%. By comparison, the EU average growth rate in the first quarter of 2026 was just 9.7%, highlighting the exceptional performance of the Cypriot market.
Tourists Are Choosing Cyprus for Longer Stays
Another distinctive feature of Cyprus' short-term rental market is the length of visitors' stays. The average booking reached 18 nights, making it the second-highest figure in the European Union. Only Malta recorded a longer average stay, at 20 nights. By comparison, visitors stayed an average of 14 nights in both Croatia and Spain. Experts attribute this trend to the island's unique tourism profile. Cyprus remains a popular destination not only for traditional beach holidays but also for winter stays, remote working, and extended vacations. An increasing number of Europeans are renting apartments and villas for several weeks or even months, combining work with leisure.
Although the largest overall booking volumes continue to be recorded in Europe's most popular tourist destinations—including Andalusia (9.9 million overnight stays), the Canary Islands (8.2 million), and the Île-de-France region around Paris (7.2 million)—Cyprus and Malta are currently regarded as the fastest-growing short-term rental markets.
The island's growing popularity is being driven by several factors. Cyprus continues to expand its air connectivity with European destinations, invest in tourism infrastructure, and attract foreign investment into its real estate sector. Additional demand is coming from digital nomads, families, and travellers who increasingly prefer apartments and villas over traditional hotels.
What This Means for Property Owners
Strong demand for short-term rentals is making residential property investment in Cyprus increasingly attractive. Properties in Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, and Protaras remain particularly sought after, as these destinations continue to attract visitors throughout most of the year.
At the same time, the authorities continue to strengthen regulation of the sector. To legally rent out a property on a short-term basis, owners must register it in the official registry maintained by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and comply with the relevant legal requirements. These measures are intended to improve market transparency, protect tourists, and ensure fair competition across the industry.