How Many Hotels Are Operating in Cyprus?

The tourism industry of Cyprus is demonstrating steady development and expansion of accommodation infrastructure. Recently, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism published a list of operating hotels and tourist facilities within the island state.

The number of hotels and available accommodation capacity has increased compared to last year, and additional growth is expected in the coming months thanks to the opening of new hotel complexes.

As of the end of January 2026, 280 hotels are operating in Cyprus with a total capacity of 32 245 rooms and 63 782 beds. For comparison, in February 2025 there were 274 hotels with 31 843 rooms and 62 959 beds. Thus, the sector demonstrates positive dynamics both in the number of properties and accommodation volume.

Hotel categories: growth of the premium segment

According to the updated classification, Cyprus has 37 five-star and 76 four-star hotels. There are 81 three-star hotels, 41 two-star hotels, and 20 one-star hotels. Seven hotels operate without a star category, and another 18 properties have not yet passed final classification, likely due to incomplete inspections by relevant services and government authorities.

The growth in the number of high-class hotels reflects Cyprus’s strategy to attract tourists with higher purchasing power. The five-star segment is actively developing in coastal areas, where new resort complexes are being built with expanded infrastructure, including spa centers, conference halls, and premium-class apartments.

Geography of the hotel business: Ayia Napa leads

Analysis of hotel distribution shows that the highest concentration of properties is observed in Ayia Napa, while the lowest is in Polis Chrysochous. In more detail:

1. In Nicosia there are 13 hotels with 975 rooms and 1 891 beds. Among them: 2 five-star, 2 four-star, 4 three-star, 3 two-star, and 2 one-star hotels.
2. In Limassol there are 33 hotels with 5 313 rooms and 10 597 beds. The region includes 8 five-star, 9 four-star, 9 three-star, 3 two-star, and 1 one-star hotel. One property operates without category, and 2 are not yet classified.
3. In Larnaca there are 37 hotels with 2 260 rooms and 4 452 beds. There are 2 five-star, 6 four-star, 10 three-star, 15 two-star, and 2 one-star hotels, 1 without category and 1 without classification.
4. In Paphos there are 52 hotels with a total capacity of 9 014 rooms and 17 871 beds. The region includes 12 five-star, 24 four-star, 11 three-star, 1 two-star, and 3 one-star properties, while 1 hotel has not been classified.
5. In Ayia Napa there are 60 hotels with 7 976 rooms and 15 697 beds. Among them: 10 five-star, 18 four-star, 24 three-star, 6 two-star, and 2 one-star hotels, and 2 remain without classification.
6. In Paralimni there are 38 hotels with 5 103 rooms and 10 120 beds. The structure includes 2 five-star, 16 four-star, 14 three-star, and 4 two-star hotels, while 2 are not classified.
7. In Polis Chrysochous there are 10 hotels with 581 rooms and 1 168 beds, including 1 five-star, 2 three-star, 4 two-star, and 3 one-star properties.
8. In the mountainous areas of Cyprus there are 37 hotels with a total capacity of 1 023 rooms and 1 986 beds. Among them: 1 four-star, 7 three-star, 5 two-star, 7 one-star, 5 without category, and 12 without classification.

Hotel licensing: extension until November 30, 2026

The issue of licensing deserves special attention. On January 23, Parliament adopted amendments allowing the issuance of special permits for hotels and tourist facilities that cannot yet fully comply with the requirements of the 2019 legislation. The deadline for obtaining a license has been extended until November 30, 2026, and other timeframes provided by law have also been extended by 1 year.

The need for such changes is related to the fact that only a small percentage of hotels were able to meet all requirements for licensing due to difficulties in obtaining mandatory certificates and documentation. The absence of a transitional period could have led to the closure of a significant number of properties and negative consequences for the country’s economy.

At the same time, the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, exercised his constitutional right and returned the law for reconsideration in Parliament. Discussion of the issue is scheduled for February 17 in the relevant Parliamentary committee.

Prospects of Cyprus tourism

The increase in the number of hotels to 280 and capacity growth to 63 782 beds confirms that Cyprus continues to strengthen its position in the international tourism market. In 2025, the island also demonstrated a high flow of foreign visitors, which stimulates investment in hotel infrastructure. The development of the premium segment, modernization of existing properties, and flexibility in licensing matters allow the sector to remain competitive and ensure a stable contribution to the economy, measured in billions of euros in annual tourism revenue.