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18.06.2025
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20 June 2025

What souvenirs can you bring back from Cyprus? What gifts do tourists usually buy?

Although Cyprus is a small island, it is a real treasure trove of cultural traditions, culinary delights and craftsmanship. Its fertile land and centuries-old history have given rise to many unique products and flavours, which you can easily take home to friends as a souvenir of the Mediterranean sun, hospitality and colour.

Wine

Cyprus's legendary drink is its local wine, Commandaria, which is said to be one of the oldest in the world. It makes an excellent gift for connoisseurs and collectors, especially if it is an old vintage. However, Cypriot wineries offer a much wider range. There is the refreshing white Xynisteri, the rich red Mavro, and the semi-sweet sparkling Bellapais. Each wine is made from selected grapes and is full of southern flavour. You can buy a bottle from farm shops, winery boutiques, and specialist shops.

Tip: it is best to look for wines made in private wineries rather than factory-produced ones.

Another well-known drink is zivania. In short, it is vodka made from grape pomace. Strong drinks are not particularly popular on the island, but zivania is loved by both locals and tourists alike.

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Halloumi cheese

It's hard to think of a more iconic Cypriot souvenir than halloumi cheese. This local product is semi-hard and elastic with a delicate, salty texture and a distinctive, creamy taste. Halloumi can be fried, baked or served fresh.

Interesting! In Cyprus, halloumi is a popular snack served with watermelon. It's worth trying – it's really delicious!

You can purchase authentic halloumi in Cypriot supermarkets, village shops, or from local artisans at the market. Gift sets of vacuum-packed halloumi cheese are also available in shops.

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Unusual sweets

If you have a sweet tooth and like traditional food, check out Cypriot sweets such as sudzuko (a local version of churchela with different nuts), gliko (fruit in syrup), loukoumi and carob products.

Tip: Carob is a natural substitute for both cocoa and sugar. Chocolate made from carob fruit can even be eaten by people with diabetes and does not taste overly sweet.

All of these delicious local desserts are traditionally handmade and often contain nuts, almonds, cinnamon and citrus fruits. Therefore, they are definitely worth buying for those watching their diet or planning to give them as a gift to children. Sweets that are very similar to jam, called gliko, are especially popular. These are pieces of Cypriot fruit infused in a fragrant syrup, such as feijoa, medlar, strawberry, cherry, peach, plum, lemon and rose petal.

However, bear in mind that you can only bring them home in your luggage as glyko will be considered a liquid in hand luggage. You can buy these sweet treats in souvenir shops, on farms, at markets, and in village shops selling handmade edible gifts.

Many sellers will let you try them first to introduce tourists to unusual flavours. Make sure the sweets are well packaged for transport.

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Exotic fruits

Cyprus's nature is a feast for the eyes, surprising visitors with its variety of flavours. Among the exotic fruits, the medlar, prickly pear and feijoa are particularly popular. These exotic fruits are rich in vitamins and their taste, ranging from sour to honey-sweet, is unforgettable. It is best to bring these gifts of nature home in the form of jam, syrup or juice. You can find these products in local village shops, farmers' markets and stalls.

Tip: You can also bring fresh fruit home, but bear in mind that it ripens at different times of the year. It is best to try them right there.

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Olive oil

Cyprus is famous not only for its cheese, but also for its olives and olive oil, which are of the highest quality. Local olives are harvested by hand, which is why the cold-pressed oil retains its bright taste and natural properties. Products from the mountainous regions of Cyprus, where olive trees have grown in their natural environment for decades, are particularly prized.

Interesting fact! Cypriots use olive oil in all their food, even pies and sweets.

A variety of olives, pasta and flavoured olive oils with herbs and citrus fruits can be bought in souvenir shops, markets and regular shops.

Private producers (small olive farms) are worth seeking out, as all their products are processed by hand.

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Lefkara lace and silver

The craft of the Cypriot village of Lefkara is a real treasure of Cyprus. The lace, called 'Lefkaritika', is distinguished by its delicate pattern, created through hand embroidery, a technique passed down through the generations. These items are more than just souvenirs to be bought and taken home as gifts; they are part of the cultural heritage.

Interesting fact! According to legend, Leonardo da Vinci once received lace from Lefkara as a gift.

No less famous than the lace are the silver jewellery items produced in Cyprus, such as bracelets, earrings and pendants, as well as souvenir items like candlesticks and spoons. All of these items are the work of local craftsmen and are made from pure silver using a special openwork technique. You can buy silverware in both the village and city shops.

Tip: The village of Lefkara is beautiful, so visit not only to buy lace and silver, but also to take a walk and experience the local culture and cuisine.

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Something with a cat

A popular souvenir is a picture of cats, as according to legend, Cyprus was saved from an invasion of snakes by cats brought to the island by order of Saint Helena. Since then, these animals have been revered on the island and cat figurines are one of the most popular souvenirs. Figurines, magnets, candlesticks, oil containers, jewellery and other items featuring cat images can be found in souvenir shops, monastery shops and even museums.

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Natural cosmetics

Botanical farms and centres producing high-quality natural cosmetics are developing rapidly in Cyprus. Popular products include lavender-scented items, carob soap and oils with added olives, herbs and citrus fruits. Leading non-local cosmetics brands include the Greek brands Apivita and Korres, which are well known throughout Europe. Cosmetics, scented candles and natural oils can be purchased in pharmacies, shops in botanical gardens, olive farms and even wineries, where fragrant scrubs and creams made from grape seeds are produced.

Photo 10The Pythagorean Bowl

This unusual souvenir with philosophical undertones is a real find. The Pythagorean bowl is designed so that if you pour too much into it, it will spill out completely — perhaps the wittiest symbol of moderation of all. It makes an excellent gift for friends with a sense of humour and an interest in science. You can buy one in museums, souvenir shops and craft workshops selling clay and wood products.

Tip: The Pythagorean bowl makes an excellent decoration for a Mediterranean-style interior.

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Fur coats and designer clothing

Of course, the climate on the island is predominantly hot and sunny. However, Cyprus is also renowned as one of the best places to purchase fur coats and designer clothing. There are many shops and boutiques where fur products and high-quality leather clothing are cheaper than in other EU countries. The best places to buy clothes at favourable prices are the large shops in Larnaca, Paphos and Limassol, especially out of season.

Tip: You can find the cheapest fur coats and leather jackets during the November sales. Icons from local churches

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Icons

Religion plays an important role in Cypriot culture. Carved icons painted in the Byzantine style will adorn your home and make meaningful souvenirs. They are often handmade on wood using gold leaf. These items are sold at monasteries, in church shops, and in specialised stores. You can also buy blessed olive oil, jams, wine, juice and other products in churches at the same price as those sold at the market.

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Unusual honey

The island produces unusual flavours of honey for Russian tourists, such as lavender, eucalyptus and citrus nectar honey, which are particularly popular among visitors. In the mountains, you can buy rare Cypriot varieties of exceptional quality, sometimes with the addition of almonds, walnuts or cinnamon. They cost more, but are definitely worth paying for. The honey is sold in jars and gift boxes, making it an excellent souvenir to bring to friends and relatives to give them a taste of Cyprus.

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Spices

Spices, especially oregano: the flavours of Cyprus are inextricably linked to the rich aromas of spices. Oregano stands out among them — powerful and vibrant, it instantly evokes Mediterranean cuisine.

Other popular spices include:

  1. cinnamon,
  2. rosemary,
  3. dried citrus fruits and
  4. pink pepper

All of these spices can be purchased in delicatessens, markets and shops that specialise in natural products.

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What you can't take out of Cyprus

Despite the wide selection of souvenirs, not everything can be taken out of Cyprus by law.

Prohibited items include:

  1. archaeological finds and valuable antiques,
  2. rare items of religious significance,
  3. unprocessed coral, live plants and fruit without certificates,
  4. products made from protected wood species.

Violation of these rules may result in the confiscation of items and fines. Serious offences may result in a ban on entering Cyprus.

Photo 16Therefore, before making a purchase, you should check the restrictions with local guides or in shops. Souvenirs from Cyprus truly reflect the soul of the island: sunny, fragrant, and generous. Whether it's a bottle of wine, a box of loukoumades, silver bracelets or a jar of honey, every item is a reminder of a warm holiday, delicious food and a hospitable culture. They may be inexpensive, but this does not detract from their value or quality. And they are easy to take with you, both in your heart and in your luggage.

Read also:

  1. Things to do in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus
  2. Best summer festivals in Cyprus
  3. Greek language exam in Cyprus: oral part
  4. Useful mobile apps in Cyprus
Source: DOM
Photos: Flickr, free.images.google, freepic, pixabay, DOM

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