Sunday, July 12, 2026
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| Summary | ⛅️ Clear throughout the day. |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F) |
| Feels Like | Low: 76°F | High: 100°F |
| Humidity | 71% |
| Wind | 11 km/h (7 mph), Direction: 234° |
| Precipitation | Probability: 0%, Type: No precipitation expected |
| Sunrise / Sunset | 🌅 05:44 AM / 🌇 08:02 PM |
| Moon Phase | Waning Crescent (92%) |
| Cloud Cover | 4% |
| Pressure | 1009.3 hPa |
| Dew Point | 70.69°F |
| Visibility | 5.91 miles |
A contract signed last month for a large-scale, centrally managed storage batteries system is anticipated to be followed by other such projects, the Cyprus Mail is told, as the island gradually transitions to accommodate a growing penetration of renewables in the energy mix.
Back in June the Transmission System Operator (a state entity) and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (a state-run organisation) entered into a contract to deploy storage batteries.
The €50 million project is expected to see the batteries delivered in January 2027 and installed within two to three months, allowing them to enter operation by the summer of that year.
It covers 120 MW of centralised storage capacity to be managed by the Transmission System Operator (TSO).
The storage systems are intended to capture excess renewable electricity during periods of overproduction and release it when demand rises, helping to reduce the controversial – and highly unpopular – curtailments currently imposed on solar generators across the island.
The project involves installing and operating three battery energy storage systems, located at transmission substations – one in Nicosia, one in Paphos and one in Larnaca.
The locations were selected so the storage systems can be directly connected to the transmission system.
Why was CyTA involved? First, because in March this year parliament had green-lit legislation allowing the telecoms company to expand its activities into the energy sector. During a hotly debated session at the House plenum, lawmakers passed an amendment restricting CyTA to green energy without conventional fuel production, setting up direct competition with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
Second, because for this particular 120 MW battery project, CyTA partnered up with Huawei. The latter will provide so-called Smart Battery Energy Storage Systems (Bess) which utilise AI to optimise, automate and monitor energy storage. Algorithms predict weather patterns, solar generation and facility demand to dictate exactly when to charge – for example during low-cost or peak solar hours – and when to discharge.
We reached out to the EAC, asking what’s next, and also the relevance of battery storage to the grid in general.
In an emailed response, the organisation’s generation unit said battery storage energy systems “are expected to play a key role in the transition of Cyprus towards a cleaner, more sustainable and resilient electricity system”.
“Their importance is particularly significant because the Cyprus power system is electrically isolated and is not currently interconnected with neighbouring countries. As a result, the electricity system must continuously maintain the balance between generation and demand using only domestic generation resources.”
Over the past few years, said the EAC, Cyprus has experienced a rapid increase in electricity generation from renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic systems. Since solar generation is highly dependent on weather conditions and peaks during the middle of the day, there are periods when renewable electricity production exceeds the amount that the power system can safely absorb.
Absent sufficient storage or interconnections with neighbouring electricity markets, part of this renewable generation has to be curtailed to ensure the secure and reliable operation of the power system.
“Battery storage provides the flexibility needed to address this challenge,” the EAC stated.
During periods of high renewable generation and lower electricity demand, batteries can store surplus energy that would otherwise be curtailed. This stored energy can then be discharged during the evening peak or at other times when renewable generation decreases and electricity demand remains high. In this way, storage helps shift renewable energy from periods of generation surplus to periods of higher demand, improving the overall utilisation of clean energy.
Nevertheless, the state-run organisation stressed, the role of battery storage extends well beyond reducing interruptions or curtailments affecting household photovoltaic systems.
At system level, battery storage enhances grid stability by providing fast-response services that help maintain the balance between electricity generation and consumption. It can contribute to frequency regulation, reserve capacity, voltage support, improved system flexibility and increased operational reliability. These services become increasingly important as the share of variable renewable energy sources continues to grow.
Also, battery storage reduces the need to rely on conventional generation units solely for balancing purposes, thereby improving the efficiency of the electricity system and supporting the country’s decarbonisation objectives. It also facilitates the integration of additional renewable energy projects in the future, allowing a greater share of clean electricity to be accommodated while maintaining the high standards of security and reliability required for the operation of the power system.
We next asked what other large-scale battery storage projects are currently in the pipeline.
The EAC is undertaking a major utility-scale battery storage project at the Dhekelia power plant. The project consists of an 80 MW/160 MWh battery energy storage system (Bess), making it one of the largest battery storage installations currently being developed in Cyprus.
“The Dhekelia Bess forms part of the EAC’s strategy to modernise the electricity system and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon energy sector. Once commissioned, the system will provide fast-response balancing services, improve frequency stability, enhance operational flexibility and enable greater integration of renewable energy sources into the national electricity grid. By storing excess renewable electricity during periods of high generation and supplying it back to the grid during periods of increased demand or reduced renewable output, the project will contribute to reducing renewable energy curtailments and improving overall system efficiency.”
According to the state-run power utility, this project is currently at the early stages of construction and is expected to become “an important asset” in supporting the secure and reliable operation of the electricity system as renewable energy penetration continues to increase.
Regarding future or coming ventures, the EAC said only that “a number of potential projects are currently at different stages of development” – including preliminary planning, engineering design, feasibility studies, licensing, environmental assessment, regulatory approvals and other preparatory activities. The scale, configuration and implementation of each project will be determined according to the operational needs of the electricity system and the applicable regulatory framework.
In terms of power output/production, is there some ‘cap’ from renewable energy that the grid in Cyprus can take?
The EAC said there’s no hard-and-fast number one can quote.
“The capability of the grid to absorb renewable generation varies continuously according to real-time operating conditions, including electricity demand, weather conditions, network constraints and the level of conventional generation that must remain online to provide essential system services and ensure security of supply.”
In practical terms, the amount of renewable generation that can be accommodated also varies seasonally. During the summer months, when electricity demand is high due to air-conditioning loads, the system can generally absorb substantially higher levels of renewable generation, typically in the range of 700-900 MW under favourable operating conditions.
During the spring and winter, particularly on weekends and public holidays when demand is lower, this may drop to approximately 350-550 MW. These figures are indicative only and vary depending on the prevailing operating conditions.
When renewable generation exceeds the level that the system can safely accommodate, curtailments may become necessary to maintain the balance between electricity generation and demand and to preserve the stability and reliability of the electricity system.
The practical maximum amount of renewable energy that the Cyprus electricity system can safely hold will continue to increase through investments in battery energy storage systems, reinforcement of the transmission and distribution networks, advanced grid management technologies, greater demand-side flexibility and, in the longer term, electrical interconnections with neighbouring countries.
Temperatures are expected to hit 40C inland on Sunday, meteorologist Matthaios Papadakis said on Saturday, and the met office has issued a yellow warning for extreme maximum temperatures.
According to a warning posted on the department’s official X account, the warning will be in effect from 11:00am on Sunday, July 12, until 5:00pm.
Papadakis acknowledged that while temperatures are currently higher than average for the time of year, it is not yet officially a heatwave.
Additionally, he said that hot weather is expected to continue through Wednesday.
Asked about the humidity, he said that it is “generally at low levels” except for during the night in coastal areas.
He added that so far, summer “has been good for us, and not heavy”, but said that higher temperatures are expected in the coming weeks.
Fiscal council member Marios Clerides on Saturday said that Cyprus’ markets require “ethical banking”, as he weighed in on the prospect of a new cooperative bank being opened on the island.
He said that Cyprus’ fiscal markets need banks “which think not only about profits but also about the borrower”, and “take into account the repayment capacity of their customers and do not only rely on collateral”.
However, he said, “the problem of cooperatives lies in their governance”.
“With the principle of ‘one member, one vote’, which is a basic tenet of cooperatives, the weaknesses of the political system begin to appear, especially with each political party wanting to put its own people on the inside,” he said.
He also said he was “concerned” over whether it is “fair” for “an investor who invested €100,00 to have the same voting rights as someone who invested €100”.
“They must handle governance issues and the board of directors which will lead this organisation must not have political agendas, and must implement ethical banking,” he said.
Asked whether it is “feasible” for the Central Bank of Cyprus and the European Central Bank to issue such a bank a licence, he said “they should try”, and pointed out that other countries in Europe also have cooperative banks.
He offered the Netherlands’ Radobank as an example, with other well-known cooperative banks in Europe including France’s Credit Agricole and the Austrian Raffaisen Banking Group. Bulgaria’s Central Cooperative Bank, which operates an office on Nicosia’s arterial Makarios Avenue, is, despite its name, not a cooperative.
“The issue is how we can make it work in Cyprus,” Clerides said.
The Cyprus cooperative holdings and promotion company Ltd was on Friday authorised by the Cyprus securities and exchange commission (Cysec) to begin selling shares, and will as such begin doing so on Wednesday.
That company will own 60 per cent of a new Cyprus Cooperative Bank, with the remaining 40 per cent belonging to legal entities and companies which form the cooperative sector.
Shares are to be sold for a nominal fee of €1, with 42 million shares to be publicly available, and a minimum purchase of 100 shares set.
The European Central Bank had previously told the Cyprus Mail that it considers “four main areas” when a bank applies for a licence.
Those include “the amount, quality, origin, and composition of the applicant credit institution’s capital and other regulatory requirements” and its “programme of activities, structural organisation, and business plan”.
In addition, it considers “fit and proper assessments” of the management of the bank in question, as well as a “suitability assessment” of direct and indirect shareholders.
These factors, it said, are assessed in cooperation with national supervisory authorities.
Cyprus’ original cooperative banking system collapsed under the weight of non-performing loans in the wake of the financial crisis which hit the island during the first half of the last decade, despite being bailed out to the tune of €1.7 billion.
Its performing assets were in 2018 sold to the Hellenic Bank, which later became Eurobank.
Sitting in the spokesperson’s office at the Filoxenia Conference Center, the desk stacked with piles of leftover CY2026 stickers and notepads, we’re suddenly distracted by the sound of someone down the hall bursting into loud, lusty song.
Marilena Raouna looks a little bit startled – then laughs. “You see?” she tells me. “Happiness. Day zero!”
It’s the last day of June, and the last day of the Cyprus EU presidency. Not the mission as a whole, which extends till July 31 (they still have to write a report, and present it to parliament). As we sit in the office, however, we’re just 15 hours away from Cyprus officially relinquishing the presidency of the Council of the European Union – handing over to Ireland – after six busy months.
Actually, it’s been longer than six months. The 42-year-old woman sitting opposite me was appointed on January 17, 2024, the presidency being such a massive job (“That’s the scale of the project”) it requires a two-year run-up just to get things in order. “Should I call you ‘Deputy Minister for European Affairs?’,” I ask, bearing in mind that there’s no actual deputy ministry.
“Call me Marilena,” she replies sweetly.
She is indeed very sweet, warm and bubbly from the first moment. One could easily forget her top job and daunting CV, headlined by a glittering education – law at Oxford (Exeter College), then a postgraduate degree in Public International and European Law at the LSE as a Chevening Scholar, later a diploma in French from the Sorbonne, followed by a high-flying career as a technocrat and civil servant. Heading the secretariat of the Cyprus EU presidency is almost an anti-climax.
We jest, of course. If anything, the opposite is true – and indeed Marilena’s been ubiquitous over the past six months, the face of the project, piling up public appearances from the moment she stepped onto the podium to welcome the various VIPs at the opening ceremony.
“President Christodoulides,” she began, showing none of the butterflies she must’ve been feeling on the inside. “President Costa, President Von der Leyen, President Zelensky…” – and she even thought to pronounce ‘Costa’ with a soft sibilant ‘s’, in the Portuguese fashion.
Even if she weren’t such a sweetheart, harsh and/or antagonistic questions wouldn’t really be appropriate today. This is a day of celebration – and perhaps slight relief, a burden lifted, a day for bursting into song like that unseen colleague down the hall. I have questions, like most people, especially about the whole EU project (the most recent Eurobarometer showed that only 39 per cent of Cypriots trust the EU) – but, for the most part, I let them go.
Marilena herself, of course, is a massive Europhile. “I’ve really believed, since a young age, in the European project, what it stands for, what it brings to countries…
“And I was fascinated also by the evolutionary nature of this project, which is not static. The EU is not static. It started as coal and steel – and then over time it became an economic and monetary union, and then it became a political union. And the evolution of the treaties… It’s legally really interesting how the treaties come and expand the project.”
“Should it always keep expanding, though?” I ask, unable to resist a slight heresy. Isn’t there an optimal size for EU power, as there is for most things? Shouldn’t it perhaps contract occasionally?
Her eyes flash, amused. “It’s a good point to argue and discuss,” she concedes – her whole demeanour adding ‘… but perhaps not today’.
“But I also think we’ve proven, as a political entity, that the bigger we grow, the stronger we are,” she points out. Enlargement, after all, is “living proof that the European Union is attractive. This is a political entity that other countries aspire to join… I really believe it’s the greatest place to live, to raise a family, to study, to grow.”
She herself has done all those things – now in Cyprus for the past 10 years (she lived in Brussels for eight years before that, initially with the European Commission’s Daphne programme combating violence against women and children) and the mother of two kids, aged nine and six. She and Seth, her American-born husband, met at Oxford – he was on an exchange programme – and have been together ever since, her ‘pillar of stability’ as our president likes to say about Cyprus.
“He has been my biggest source of support and encouragement. Believes in me more than I believe in myself, always pushes me when I want to take a step back…” The past two years wouldn’t have been possible without her support system, affirms Marilena – not just Seth but also, for instance, her dad, who lives in Larnaca (where she grew up) but drove to Nicosia every day to help with the kids.
This raises a whole other question – and it’s not one she’s willing to soft-pedal. “I meet a lot of young mums who always tell me – they send me messages and say, ‘Oh, we’re so encouraged that a young professional woman with young children can do so much, how do you do it all?’. And I tell them, ‘I don’t do it all’.
“This is a narrative that’s been told to us, that we feel the need to fulfil – and I’m not going to perpetuate that narrative. It’s a struggle! It’s a struggle for young mothers to do it all… I’m not going to present a picture that’s not realistic.”
This, more or less, is her general style: charming but also down-to-earth, disarmingly honest, often somewhat self-deprecating – and resisting any grand triumphal brags or sweeping statements.
Partly it’s her background, her parents (both civil servants, both refugees from Famagusta who lost everything and started from scratch) having been very firm about Marilena and her older sister being “grounded” – the general philosophy they imparted being “that you’re never more important than anyone else, you treat everyone with respect”. Partly, too, it’s her personality – Marilena’s greatest strength, along with a capacity for hard work, being apparently that she’s detail-oriented.
She never lost her temper, working seven-day weeks for the past six months; “I don’t explode… I despise rudeness, I despise screaming”. But she attended to every detail – presumably the same mindset that allowed her to pass exams at those top universities back in the day, and ensured that she remembered to pronounce Mr. Costa’s name in the Portuguese fashion.
“There was no task that I thought ‘Oh, it’s a task I’m too senior to do’. We worked on every detail. Every detail. The seating arrangement, the menu – everything. We do the rehearsals, I’m there. We do it together.”
Is she a workaholic? The question is pointless. This is simply the work you’re required to do, as a high achiever. Does she get stressed, though? She does, “but I think kind of in a productive way,” pleads Marilena.
How does she relax? “Family. Nature… We take long walks with the kids. The sea, I love the sea.” Cooking is another hobby, though her husband does the bulk of it, “I’m kind of the sous-chef”. Seth is also in the art business (his company Visto curates art collections for prestigious hotels and other venues), and she’s grown to love art herself – including through the cultural programme of the EU presidency.
Ah yes, the presidency. Mustn’t forget about that – though it’s actually (as an institution) quite forgettable, that’s the problem.
Marilena also worked in the first Cyprus presidency of the EU Council, back in 2012. It was actually a life-changing job for her – because it led her to work for the Permanent Representation of Cyprus (positions had opened due to the presidency), which was where she met Nikos Christodoulides who later invited her to come to Cyprus and join his team, initially at the Diplomatic Office. No-one’s ever suggested that Cyprus did a bad job in 2012 – yet it was nowhere near as big a deal as it was this year.
“So much has changed since then,” says Marilena. “The European Union is different. Cyprus is different. We’re a more mature member state. It took an incredible amount of hard work by the whole civil service.”
Maybe so – but it was a choice, too. Much was made, from beginning to end, of the presidency; there were even radio ads touting its accomplishments. A conscious decision was taken to present it as a big deal. It’s not that we didn’t work hard, but perhaps we worked harder than was strictly necessary – because the government was determined to make it a success, a feather in its cap.
“You become the voice of the 27,” she explains, then you have to “square the circle when you go to what we call ‘trilogues’” with the Commission and Parliament. That, in a nutshell, is the role of the country holding the presidency – and “I think we were truly able to act as honest brokers, [meaning] we were able to get member states to trust that the compromise proposals we put on the table could be the solution… And those were solutions, and proposals, that we formulated”.
Thus, for instance, the revised regulation on air passengers’ rights “was a file that had been in a stalemate for over 10 years” – but Cyprus went beyond the call of duty, not just putting pressure to solve the issue by triggering the so-called ‘conciliation procedure’ but also working “since day one with everyone… We were a presidency that was very inclusive”. And we always kept trying, she points out: “We never cancelled a trilogue. Because that happens too”.
And of course she herself, Marilena Raouna, wasn’t just the public face but the workhorse, the front-line general, the ubiquitous technocrat who was in meetings “all the time… With counterparts, with experts, with members of the European Parliament, with rapporteurs, with Commission officials, with Commissioners. I would meet anyone who we needed to talk to, to get the job done.”
The result, she insists, is far more than a glorified PR stunt; it’s had real benefits. “It leaves us with a stronger voice – within the EU, but also in our region. It leaves behind a Cyprus that has a stronger role within the EU… We’ve expanded our footprint, through the presidency.”
And what of Marilena herself? Is she happier, for instance, than she was 14 years ago, during the first EU presidency? Hard to say, she demurs – but she is, again, surprisingly self-deprecating: one thing’s for sure, “if you’d asked me back then, 14 years ago in Brussels, if I saw myself in this position 14 years later, I would’ve answered, ‘No chance. That’s ridiculous’.”
That glittering CV – suggesting a ruthlessly ambitious woman with an overarching life-plan – is a bit misleading, it turns out. Life tends to happen, Marilena goes with the flow – then devotes herself full-throttle to wherever it happens to take her. “This is also a characteristic I have. I’m very focused on my goal, on my mission… I work hard in the moment”. Her success may be due, above all, to being good with tasks: a bringer-to-fruition, a problem solver. Being charming, and good with people, doesn’t hurt either.
Meanwhile, the celebrations continue. Day zero, a six-month mission brought to a successful conclusion. It’s enough to make you want to burst into song.
Outside, the parking lot is overflowing – because there’s one last event coming up, a grand ceremony to thank everyone, across all the various departments, who’s helped with the presidency. Marilena’s already told me (more than once, in fact) how grateful she is to the small army of helpers, and how much she values each and every one of them. “Everyone brings something to the table… There’s no team member who is less or more important than the other.” Just like the EU, at least that’s the idea.
Planning a holiday in Cyprus without a car is entirely possible — but whether it’s the right choice depends on the type of trip you’re planning. If you’re staying in one or two coastal resorts, buses, taxis and organised excursions are usually enough. However, if your itinerary includes mountain villages, remote beaches or national parks, renting a car offers far greater flexibility.
This guide will help you decide which option best suits your holiday.
| Holiday style | Is a car needed? |
|---|---|
| Beach holiday | Usually no |
| City break | No |
| Resort stay | No |
| Family holiday | Sometimes |
| Road trip | Yes |
| Troodos Mountains | Recommended |
| Remote beaches | Recommended |
| Cultural sightseeing | Depends |
The answer depends on how much of the island you want to see.
Travelling without a car in Cyprus has several advantages. It can significantly reduce holiday costs, eliminates the need to find parking and avoids the challenge of driving on the left for visitors from countries where traffic keeps to the right. For shorter breaks, public transport is often sufficient.
There are drawbacks, however. Journey times can be longer, rural areas have fewer transport options and evening bus services may be limited outside major towns. Without your own vehicle, spontaneous detours and off-the-beaten-track discoveries are also more difficult.
Public transport in Cyprus relies almost entirely on buses, as there are no trains or metro services.
The Cyprus bus network is reliable within the main towns and offers regular intercity services connecting Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Protaras. Tourist areas generally see increased services during the summer season, although frequencies decrease in winter.
Intercity Cyprus buses provide comfortable coaches with luggage space and air conditioning. Routes between the major cities typically operate every 30 to 60 minutes during the day, making them a practical option for day trips.
Within towns, local buses connect beaches, hotels, shopping areas, airports and popular attractions. Tickets can usually be purchased onboard, and services are particularly useful in Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol and the Ayia Napa-Protaras area. Evening services are available in larger resorts but become less frequent later at night.
However have in mind that on the buses can be purchased with cash only
Both international airports offer convenient transport options.
From Paphos Airport, visitors can use local buses, airport shuttle services or take a taxi in Cyprus directly to nearby resorts.
Larnaca Airport has regular airport buses serving Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol and other destinations, alongside taxis and extensive car hire facilities.
As a general rule, Larnaca Airport suits visitors heading east or to the capital, while Paphos Airport is the better choice for western Cyprus.
| Destination | Car-free rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Larnaca | ★★★★★ | Walkable promenade, airport access, excellent buses |
| Paphos | ★★★★★ | Harbour, archaeological sites, organised tours |
| Limassol | ★★★★☆ | Restaurants, shopping and good transport |
| Protaras | ★★★★☆ | Beaches and walkable resort centre |
A rental car becomes more useful if you plan to explore inland villages or multiple regions.
Many of Cyprus’ best-known archaeological sites, beaches and museums are accessible by bus or organised excursion.
Cape Greco is reachable from Ayia Napa and Protaras, while guided tours regularly visit the Akamas Peninsula and the Troodos Mountains.
By contrast, independent visits to wine villages, remote beaches and smaller archaeological sites are considerably easier with your own vehicle.
Hiring a car is especially worthwhile if your plans include:
These areas are difficult to explore fully using public transport alone.
A taxi in Cyprus is widely available in towns, airports and tourist resorts. Ride-hailing apps operate in some areas, although traditional taxis remain the most common option.
Many visitors combine buses for longer journeys with taxis for shorter local trips, providing a good balance between cost and convenience.
If you enjoy walking, several destinations work particularly well without a car.
Paphos Harbour, the Larnaca promenade, Limassol’s seafront and the coastal paths around Protaras are all pedestrian-friendly. Guided transport also makes it possible to enjoy many nature trails. For more inspiration, see Cyprus Mail’s guide to hiking and mountain trails in Cyprus:
Walking is ideal within towns, but travelling between destinations on foot is generally impractical.
Visitors relying solely on buses may miss secluded beaches, hidden mountain villages, scenic inland roads, boutique wineries and lesser-known archaeological sites.
That said, organised excursions cover many of these highlights without requiring visitors to drive.
For many travellers, renting a car in Cyprus for just one or two days is the ideal compromise.
It allows easy access to the Troodos Mountains, Akamas Peninsula and inland villages while avoiding the expense of hiring a vehicle for an entire holiday.
| Transport | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bus | Lowest |
| Taxi | Moderate to expensive |
| Rental car | Moderate (plus fuel) |
| Fuel | Additional daily expense |
| Parking | Often free outside city centres |
If you’re wondering, do you need a car in Cyprus? The answer is no for most resort holidays, city breaks and beach escapes. Cyprus travel without driving is straightforward in the island’s main tourist areas thanks to an extensive bus network, readily available taxis and organised excursions.
However, if exploring the mountains, remote coastlines and traditional villages is high on your list, hiring a car — even for just a day or two — will open up parts of the island that public transport simply cannot reach.
Both President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman have demonstrated their “commitment to building a relationship based on trust” in recent months, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote in an advance copy of his latest report on the status of the UN’s good offices in Cyprus seen by the Cyprus Mail on Saturday.
“The intensification of dialogue between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders over the reporting period remains positive. It demonstrates their commitment to building a relationship based on trust and to finding a path forward on the Cyprus issue,” he said.
He did, however, note that there are “several trust building initiatives” which were agreed upon at enlarged meetings on the Cyprus problem in March and July last year which “remain unimplemented”.
“Implementation of these initiatives would improve the daily lives of Cypriots and demonstrate concretely that the sides possess the political will to make progress,” he said, before warning that “in the absence of progress on these initiatives … a lasting solution may continue to be elusive”.
He said that he encourages both leaders to “continue their constructive engagement” with one another and with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin.
“I urge the leaders to avail themselves of the current window of opportunity for making progress, which should not be taken for granted, and encourage both sides to engage with determination to construct a future together by reaching an agreement that takes into account the interests and rights of all Cypriots,” he said.
On this front, he made reference to UN security council resolution 2723, which called on both sides of Cyprus to demonstrate the required “openness, flexibility, and compromise” to bring about a solution.
He then praised the ongoing work of the bicommunal technical committees, and urged both leaders to “support progress in the areas of education, crisis management, and the environment”.
“I once again stress the importance of education to instil reconciliation, forgiveness, and cooperation among school-aged children,” he said, while saying that likewise, “sports have shown a unique capacity to bring together individuals who might not otherwise interact”, and urging the leaders to “work in this area”.
In less positive news, he said that he is “deeply concerned by unilateral actions [undertaken] by both sides in and around the buffer zone”, and by “the lack of progress in taking de-escalatory steps”.
He also called on both leaders to “consider ways to move past the impasses around the opening of new crossings on the island”, and said that he urges “the full implementation” of the European Union’s Green Line regulation “to help increase the volume of intra-island trade and cooperation”.
Additionally, he said he welcomes the agreement reached in May regarding a plan for the conduct of religious services.
“Religious leaders have, in the past, been a powerful joint voice towards peace and in support of dialogue,” he said.
He added that he is “grateful for the support” of the island’s three guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom, “to finding a mutually acceptable way forward in Cyprus, including in view of the volatile regional environment”.
Christodoulides and Erhurman both also wrote updates in the report, with Christodoulides writing that he holds “the steadfast conviction that a solution to the Cyprus problem on the mutually agreed federal basis … constitutes the only viable and sustainable path forward”.
He also wrote in his updates that “I represented the Republic of Cyprus through my capacity as president … while also representing the Greek Cypriot community” – an assertion which Erhurman has described as a “provocation”, and one which he has promised not to “fall for”.
On the matter of Green Line trade, Christodoulides said that it “continues to maintain the strong trend of recent years”, and that “the unobstructed trade of products from the government-controlled to the non-government-controlled area is further required to enhance confidence between the two communities”.
However, he said that “the creation of an appropriate environment, conducive to the resumption of negotiations, continues to be undermined by Turkey’s policies”, including the “illegal exploitation of properties in the occupied part of Cyprus belonging to displaced persons”.
In addition, he decried “the continuation of the upgrading of Turkey’s military capabilities and infrastructure in the occupied part of Cyprus” and “the continuation of ‘moves forward’ violations in the buffer zone, south of the ceasefire line”.
He also made reference to a “move forward” on the plateau near the buffer zone village of Pyla, near Larnaca, saying that there is now a “static presence and patrols of the occupation forces in a big part of the buffer zone” since April.
This, he said, has “expanded the occupation over four square kilometres of Cyprus’ territory”.
Nonetheless, he said that he is prepared to discuss “the establishment of a mechanism for military contacts between the opposing forces in Cyprus”, as had been suggested by Erhurman in January.
Erhurman, meanwhile, wrote that “when I assumed my duties as president, I was convinced that we, as the two sides, had the responsibility, first and foremost, to reverse [the] negative dynamic [following the collapse of talks at Crans-Montana in 2017] and begin building trust in order to create new momentum that could lead to a new process”.
He also made reference to his four-point collection of ideas which he said must be met for negotiations to resume, and said that it was “devised with a view to ensuring meaningful negotiations, rather than negotiations for the sake of negotiations”.
“It represents the culmination of lessons learned from past experiences and is fully in line with the expectation that ‘this time must be different’, a point emphasised by [Guterres] numerous times following the collapse of the Crans-Montana conference in 2017,” he said.
He said that he had “availed myself to meet as much as possible with my Greek Cypriot counterpart”, and that his undersecretary Mehmet Dana has been holding “weekly meetings” with Greek Cypriot chief negotiator Menelaos Menelaou.
Later, he expressed regret that the Greek Cypriot side had rejected a proposal for a bicommunal children’s football match to be played, and warned that in the absence of direct contact between the two communities, “the gap between the two sides continues to widen across many aspects of life”.
“Indeed, both [Guterres] and the security council have repeatedly drawn attention to the widening socio-economic disparity between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, warning of the risk of further estrangement on the island and underscoring the importance of addressing this challenge through meaningful contacts,” he said.
He also decried “politically motivated property-related arrests [conducted] by the Greek Cypriot side”, saying that the issue “undoubtedly poisons the relations between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots”.
On the matter of property, he wrote that “yet another example of the Greek Cypriot side’s efforts to undermine the Turkish Cypriots’ economy and their wellbeing was witnessed” following last month’s ruling made by the Council of Europe’s committee of ministers.
The committee had chosen not to close its monitoring of certain property-related cases in Cyprus, with Erhurman saying that “the outcome reflected the politicisation of the European convention system through the increasing pressure exerted by the Greek Cypriot side on Council of Europe member states”.
“My Greek Cypriot counterpart subsequently went so far as to declare on social media that the results of the said voting at Strasbourg ‘contribute decisively to the Greek Cypriots’ negotiating power on the Cyprus issue’,” he said.
He added that “such unabashed attempts to impose on the Turkish Cypriot side its terms for a solution raise serious doubts about the Greek Cypriot side’s sincerity as regards a settlement and further erode trust”.
A 19-year-old male has been arrested in Limassol after the pickup truck he was driving collided with a police motorcycle and unseated the officer riding it, the police said on Saturday.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon, with officers signalling the man to pull over, as the pickup truck was not fitted with registration plates.
According to the police, the driver stopped his vehicle before reversing into a police motorcycle which was behind him, causing the officer riding it to suffer a “minor injury”.
The officer then pulled out his weapon and opened fire at the pickup truck, hitting one of its tyres three times, with the teenager driving away.
Following the incident, the officer went to the Limassol general hospital, where he was given first aid and discharged.
Investigations into the matter led the police to the 19-year-old, with officers finding the pickup truck parked outside his house at 11.15pm on Friday.
Upon noticing that the police had arrived, he attempted to flee the scene, but was arrested.
He is expected to appear in court later on Saturday. The police’s investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman was discharged from hospital on Saturday morning, having remained under observation overnight, after having fallen ill at an art exhibition on Friday.
His office said that is “general condition” is “good”, and that he will now “rest for a while in accordance with the recommendations of his doctors”.
Meanwhile, his wife Nilden Bektas Erhurman said in the early hours of Saturday morning that “both Tufan and that beautiful heart of his are well”, and thanked those who offered their well-wishes to him after he fell ill.
Among those who offered messages of support was Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, who had met Erhurman in Nicosia just hours before.
Yilmaz said that he was “deeply saddened to learn” that Erhurman had fallen ill, and added, “I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to his excellency the president and hope he regains his health as soon as possible”.
Likewise, Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel wished Erhurman a “speedy recovery and a quick return to his duties”, adding that “it is our greatest wish that Erhurman continues his work in good health”.
His ‘deputy prime minister’ Fikri Ataoglu said that “I hope he will overcome this period in good health and return to his duties as soon as possible”, while ‘parliament speaker’ Ziya Ozturkler said that “I extend my best wishes to President Tufan Erhurman for a speedy recovery from his recent illness and hope he regains his health as soon as possible”.
While in hospital, Erhurman was visited by a large number of high-ranking officials, including Ustel, Ozturkler, Turkish ambassador in Nicosia Ali Murat Basceri, and numerous members of the CTP, the political party he led between 2016 and his election in October last year.
An ambulance had been called to the Quirini bastion mansion in Nicosia’s old town, where the exhibition was being held, at around 9pm on Friday, and Erhurman was taken to northern Nicosia’s Dr Burhan Nalbantoglu hospital.
Late on Friday evening, Turkish Cypriot ‘health minister’ Hakan Dincyurek explained that Erhurman had suffered a drop in blood pressure, and as such had been taken to the hospital’s cardiology department.
“Following the initial assessments, blood tests were performed, examinations of the aorta were conducted, and a contrast-enhanced CT scan was taken. No anomalies were detected in the aorta during these tests. As a precaution, an emergency angiography was performed, and no findings were observed,” he said.
The Quirini bastion mansion was the official residence of Turkish Cypriot leaders until last year, when the new official residence, in the northern sector of the Nicosia suburb of Ayios Dhometios, was opened.
Choosing where to stay in Cyprus can feel overwhelming because the island offers far more than one typical beach destination. From lively nightlife resorts to peaceful villages, each region has its own character. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach escape, a family holiday, or a cultural adventure, this guide will help you find the best place to stay in Cyprus for your travel style.
| Destination | Best for | Beaches | Nightlife | Families | Without Car | Luxury |
| Paphos | History & couples | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Limassol | Luxury & dining | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Larnaca | Short stays & local life | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Protaras | Families & beaches | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ayia Napa | Nightlife | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Troodos | Nature & hiking | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
The best area to stay in Cyprus depends on your priorities. Consider whether you’re visiting for beaches, sightseeing, nightlife, fine dining, luxury hotels, family-friendly attractions, or a budget holiday. Think about whether you’ll rent a car, as some destinations are easier to explore on foot or by public transport, and remember that coastal resorts are busiest in summer while the Troodos Mountains offer a refreshing escape during warmer months.
Paphos combines beaches, a picturesque harbour, UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, waterfront restaurants and excellent hotels. It’s ideal for couples, history lovers and anyone wondering where to stay in Cyprus for first time. Those seeking vibrant nightlife may prefer Ayia Napa or Limassol.
Pros: Historic attractions, walkable harbour, great sunsets.
Cons: Quieter evenings than eastern resorts.
Cyprus’ largest coastal city offers luxury hotels, a stylish marina, excellent shopping, fine dining and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It suits business travellers, food lovers and visitors looking for the best resort in Cyprus with urban convenience.
Pros: Luxury accommodation, restaurants, nightlife.
Cons: Less traditional and more expensive.
Relaxed, affordable and home to Cyprus’ main international airport, Larnaca offers an attractive promenade, sandy beaches and an authentic local atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for travellers without a rental car.
Pros: Airport convenience, affordable hotels, local feel.
Cons: Smaller resort scene.
Known for calm, crystal-clear waters and Fig Tree Bay, Protaras is one of the island’s top Cyprus resorts for families. Villas, apartment hotels and superb snorkelling make it perfect for relaxed beach holidays.
Pros: Safe beaches, family-friendly, peaceful.
Cons: Limited nightlife.
Famous for its nightlife, Ayia Napa also boasts some of Cyprus’ finest beaches and quieter areas ideal for couples. Younger travellers love its energetic atmosphere, while nearby Cape Greco offers scenic escapes.
Pros: Best nightlife, beautiful beaches.
Cons: Busy during peak summer.
For authentic Cyprus, head inland to the Troodos Mountains. Traditional villages, wineries, hiking trails and cooler temperatures offer a completely different experience from the coast.
Although not the obvious choice for a beach holiday, Nicosia rewards visitors with museums, historic streets and fascinating culture, making it ideal for city breaks.
| If you’re looking for… | Best destination |
| Beaches | Protaras |
| Luxury | Limassol |
| Families | Protaras |
| Couples | Paphos |
| Nightlife | Ayia Napa |
| History | Paphos |
| Local atmosphere | Larnaca |
| Food | Limassol |
| Short stay | Larnaca |
| Winter sun | Paphos |
| Hiking | Troodos |
| Traveller | Best Place |
| First visit | Paphos |
| Family | Protaras |
| Couples | Paphos |
| Luxury | Limassol |
| Nightlife | Ayia Napa |
| Budget | Larnaca |
| No car | Larnaca |
| Beaches | Protaras |
| History | Paphos |
| Authentic Cyprus | Troodos |
Ultimately, there is no single best place to stay in Cyprus—only the one that best matches your holiday. For most first-time visitors, Paphos offers the strongest combination of history, beaches and convenience. Families will appreciate Protaras, luxury travellers should head to Limassol, nightlife lovers will enjoy Ayia Napa, while Larnaca and the Troodos Mountains provide authentic alternatives away from the busiest resorts.
President Nikos Christodoulides on Saturday said that Cyprus remains “ashamed” of the Mari explosion, as he made a speech at a memorial event to mark its 15th anniversary.
“We are here to pay, with respect and with pride, the due tribute to the martyrs of that shameful day, who reported for duty and fought an unfair battle against an unbalanced danger, which proved fatal,” he said.
He then named each of the 13 people who died, and said that they all “honoured until the last moment of their lives the oath they took to their homeland”.
“Unfortunately, however, we must be completely honest. Our homeland will be forever embarrassed because it was unable to provide them with the appropriate safety, and this unfulfilled debt torments the collective memory and conscience of the Cypriot people,” he said.
He then spoke directly to the relatives of the dead, saying that “you, more than anyone, experience the pain of this loss every day”, before offering his “sincere apologies on behalf of the state” and asking for “forgiveness for the mistakes and omissions which led to the deadly explosion”.
“Beyond this anniversary’s significance and value, today serves as an opportunity to set our priorities so that we never experience a similar tragedy again. It is a day for which, as a state, we feel ashamed, but at the same time, reflective,” he said.
He said that the explosion’s memorial site constitutes a “venerable landmark which reminds us that the state must ensure the safety of human life and critical infrastructure”, and that this matter is much more pressing “in a country which has been under occupation for 52 years”.
“Thirteen of our fellow human beings lost their lives completely unjustly in the deadly explosion which destroyed this country’s energy centre, caused enormous economic damage, and led our homeland into an unprecedented crisis,” he said.
“Today is not a day for grand statements, nor is it a day for proclamations,” he added.
“With great sincerity, on behalf of the state, I want to apologise to you again, to apologise and to convey the assurance that through institutionalised procedures and continuous training, based on strict protocols and international practices, we are doing everything humanly possible to limit potential risks,” he said.
To this end, he said that “July 11 also reminds us that taking responsibility is the supreme virtue of those who serve the public”.
The Mari explosion occurred on July 11, 2011, and was caused by munitions which had been haphazardly stored in 98 containers at the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari for over two years. It also severely damaged the nearby Vasiliko power station, causing rolling power cuts across the island.
The munitions had been confiscated in 2009 from a Cyprus-flagged ship en route to Syria and were then stacked in an open space at the base and left exposed to the elements for two years until the explosion occurred, despite repeated warnings about risks.
Following the disaster, the government of the day, under late president Demetris Chrisfotias declared the deceased to be heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Meanwhile, lawyer Polys Polyviou was appointed, as a one-man committee, to carry out an investigation into the circumstances that led to the blast and establish who was politically responsible.
Polyviou found Christofias to be mainly responsible, while the foreign and defence ministers of the day, Marcos Kyprianou and the late Costas Papacostas, were also found culpable.
However, Christofias rejected the findings and accused Polyviou of overstepping his mandate.
A three-judge panel ruled that Papacostas had been responsible for safeguarding the containers and was aware of the danger posed by the manner of their storage but failed to take any action.
Papacostas was sentenced to five years in jail for manslaughter in 2013, with the Larnaca court saying he had “closed his eyes to the danger”. He died in hospital in 2015.
Temperatures on Saturday will hit 39C inland, 31C on the western coast, rising to 33C along the rest of the coastline and 27C in the mountains.
The weather will be mostly clear with increased cloud in the mountains in the afternoon.
Winds will initially be variable, weak 3 Beaufort gradually becoming weak to moderate 3 to 4 Beaufort. At times on the south coast winds could be strong 5 Beaufort.
In the evening mainly clear but with increased low clouds and light fog likely in some areas.
Temperatures will drop to around 22C inland and on the coast and 18C in the mountains.
On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the weather will be mainly clear but with some cloud.
Temperatures will rise slightly on Sunday
“Surf, kite, party, repeat,” says Kahuna Surfhouse as it organises a two-day beach party once more. This year, the King of Kite event is set for July 18 and 19 at Softades Beach in the Larnaca district, as part of the Cyprus Kitesurfing Championship 2026.
Just as the wave crashes onto the sand, Kahuna will host DJs, party-goers and water-sports enthusiasts for a weekend of connection, community and fun.
“The 13th edition is going to be the loudest weekend Softades has ever seen,” they add, sharing that the two-day agenda will include non-stop music from some of the island’s favourite DJs. The event will kick off from early afternoon until late in the evening as the clock hits midnight. On Sunday, another eventful day awaits in the golden afternoon hours.
Performing at the beach party on the first day is Mr Panaman, Dr Cordoba and The Professor, while on the second evening Dr Cordoba and The Professor will continue the sunset party mood with more summer tunes.
King of Kite – Beach Party
Two-days of DJ sets and seaside fun. July 18-19. Kahuna Surfhouse, Larnaca. Saturday: 2pm-12am. Sunday: 2pm-10pm
Planning the perfect one week in Cyprus itinerary is easier than you might think. Although the island is compact enough to explore in seven days, each region has its own distinct character, from ancient archaeological sites and mountain villages to golden beaches and vibrant waterfronts. This itinerary is designed to help first-time visitors experience the best of Cyprus at a comfortable pace, balancing sightseeing with time to relax. A rental car is highly recommended, but if you’d rather not drive, we’ve included alternative options later in this guide.
| Day | Overnight | Highlights |
| 1 | Paphos | Harbour, Castle, Archaeological Park |
| 2 | Paphos | Akamas Peninsula & Blue Lagoon |
| 3 | Troodos | Villages, wineries, mountains |
| 4 | Limassol | Old Town, Marina, seafront |
| 5 | Larnaca | Salt Lake, Finikoudes, Hala Sultan Tekke |
| 6 | Protaras | Cape Greco & Fig Tree Bay |
| 7 | Nicosia, Larnaca | Old City, Ledra Street, museums & departure |
For the smoothest Cyprus itinerary 7 days, fly into Paphos Airport and depart from Larnaca, or vice versa. Driving is on the left, roads are well maintained and daily journeys rarely exceed 90 minutes. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for sightseeing, while summer is ideal for beach lovers but considerably busier.
Ease into your Cyprus vacation itinerary by exploring Paphos. Spend the morning strolling around the picturesque harbour and Medieval Castle before wandering through the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park. If time allows, visit the nearby Tombs of the Kings before settling into one of the harbour’s seafood restaurants for sunset.
Leave early for the Akamas Peninsula, one of Cyprus’ most spectacular natural landscapes. During turtle nesting season, Lara Beach is worth a stop, while the Blue Lagoon is best experienced on a boat trip or with a refreshing swim. Return via Coral Bay for dinner before spending a second night in Paphos.
Swap the coast for the cool air of the Troodos Mountains. The scenic drive takes you through traditional villages such as Omodos and Kakopetria, where stone houses, local wineries and family-run tavernas reveal a slower side of Cyprus. Visit a monastery, enjoy a short nature trail and spend the evening sampling regional wines before overnighting in the mountains or continuing to Limassol.
Limassol blends contemporary Cyprus with historic charm. Wander around the Marina, Old Town and Castle before enjoying lunch on the seafront promenade. Depending on your interests, spend the afternoon shopping, relaxing on the beach or visiting a nearby winery before experiencing the city’s lively dining scene after dark.
Larnaca offers a more relaxed pace. Begin with breakfast along Finikoudes Beach before exploring the old town and the Church of Saint Lazarus. Later, visit the Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke, particularly rewarding during winter when flamingos gather on the water. End the day with dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.
Drive east to Cape Greco National Forest Park, stopping at the famous Sea Caves before heading to Konnos Beach or Fig Tree Bay for an afternoon of swimming or snorkelling. Finish your day with fresh seafood in Protaras, one of Cyprus’ best family-friendly beach resorts.
Before heading home, spend your final day exploring Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital. Wander the atmospheric streets within the Venetian Walls, browse the shops and cafés along Ledra Street, and visit one of the city’s excellent museums. If time allows, cross the Green Line to experience another side of the capital before enjoying a leisurely lunch in the old town.
If you’re flying from Larnaca Airport, allow around 45–50 minutes to reach the terminal. Travellers departing from Paphos Airport should allow approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
| Route | Approximate drive |
| Paphos → Akamas | 45 mins |
| Paphos → Troodos | 1.5 hrs |
| Troodos → Limassol | 1 hr |
| Limassol → Larnaca | 1 hr |
| Larnaca → Cape Greco | 1 hr |
| Larnaca → Protaras | 1 hr |
| Protaras → Nicosia | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Nicosia → Larnaca Airport | 45 mins |
Without a rental car, base yourself in Larnaca or Limassol and combine Intercity buses with organised day trips.
Families should minimise hotel changes by splitting their stay between Paphos and Protaras, where calm beaches, boat trips and water parks are within easy reach.
Couples may prefer boutique hotels in Paphos, wine villages in the Troodos Mountains and a luxury stay in Limassol, allowing more time for spa experiences and sunset dinners.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| One hotel | Simple | Longer day trips |
| Two hotels | Good balance | One hotel move |
| Road trip | Maximum variety | Frequent packing |
For most first-time visitors, two bases—Paphos and either Protaras or Larnaca—offer the ideal balance between convenience and seeing the island’s highlights.
| Traveller | Estimated budget (excluding flights) |
| Budget | €600–900 |
| Mid-range | €1,000–1,600 |
| Luxury | €2,000+ |
Accommodation will usually account for the largest expense, followed by meals, car hire, fuel and attraction fees. Travelling outside the peak summer season can significantly reduce costs while making popular sights less crowded.
Whether you’re planning a Cyprus road trip or looking for the best itinerary Cyprus has to offer, this route provides an excellent introduction to the island’s history, landscapes and coastal lifestyle without feeling rushed. It’s a practical, flexible itinerary that leaves plenty of room for spontaneous discoveries—the hallmark of any memorable holiday in Cyprus.
A team of teenagers from Limassol has secured third place in Europe after transforming an ordinary lip gloss into a discreet tool designed to help women detect potentially harmful substances in their drinks.
HerShield, created by nine students from St Mary’s School, finished third in the upper-secondary category of the JA Europe of the Year 2026 competition at GEN-E in Riga. Slovakia’s Lipigo claimed first place, while Greece’s Enalion finished second.
The award places the Cypriot company among Europe’s leading student-led businesses, following a journey that began with a classroom brainstorming session and developed into a fully operating enterprise.
Held in Latvia from July 7 to 10, GEN-E brought together national champions from across Europe to pitch their ideas before business leaders, investors, educators and international judges. The event is organised by JA Europe and is described as the continent’s largest youth entrepreneurship festival.
At first glance, HerShield looks and functions like an everyday lip gloss. However, its casing contains a concealed compartment holding five drink-testing strips, allowing users to check a drink quickly and without attracting attention.
Each strip includes two testing pads. Drops from the drink are placed on the pads, with a colour change potentially indicating the presence of substances associated with drink spiking. According to the company, the strips are designed to detect GHB, ketamine, cocaine and scopolamine, with results appearing within around 10 seconds.
However, the product is intended as an additional personal safety measure rather than a guarantee that a drink is safe. Testing strips may not identify every substance or concentration, while anyone who suddenly feels unwell or suspects that a drink has been tampered with should seek help immediately.
The concept emerged as the young entrepreneurs considered how to make a safety product both discreet and practical. Rather than designing something that users might leave at home, they focused on an item already carried by many women and girls.
Lip gloss became the answer.
The team then began working on the casing, concealed compartment and overall appearance, using 3D printing during the development of the prototype. The design had to resemble a genuine cosmetic product while keeping the testing strips protected and easily accessible.
In a recent TV interview, members explained that developing the physical product was only one part of the process. They also had to build an entire company, assign responsibilities and handle marketing, sales, production, purchasing, finance and quality control.
Ioanna Christina Petrou serves as chief executive, while Andrea Marselina Pelentride oversees operations. Iro Christou is responsible for human resources, Erika Vasili manages sales and Mikaela Tranta leads marketing.
Meanwhile, Paschalis Alatzoglou manages accounting, Zoe Michael oversees purchasing, Emmelia Marina Mitrofanous leads production and Despina Michael is responsible for research, design and quality assurance.
The project began in October 2025, when the team registered through the Junior Achievement Cyprus. The idea took shape in December, followed by the first prototype in January after several rounds of research and design work.
HerShield was later introduced to the public at the Junior Achievement trade fair at the Mall of Cyprus in March, where the founders demonstrated the product and received their first direct feedback from potential customers.
The company’s national breakthrough came on April 29, when it was named JA Cyprus of the Year 2026.
HerShield was selected from 89 student companies involving around 550 participants aged between 15 and 18, with 15 teams reaching the national final. The victory earned the company the opportunity to represent Cyprus at GEN-E.
The group developed the project under the guidance of teachers Maria Kythreotou and Maria Papas, together with mentor Annita Petrou, before taking the product and business plan to the European stage.
Interest in HerShield also grew following television appearances and wider media exposure. According to the company, its initial production batch sold out, prompting work on additional units and improvements to the casing.
The idea responds to an offence that remains difficult to measure because many suspected incidents are never reported. Research in the UK has also shown that women account for a large proportion of reported drink-spiking cases, while bars and clubs remain among the locations most frequently associated with suspected incidents.
For the HerShield founders, the European award marks the latest step in a rapid journey from a school-based project to an internationally recognised safety product.
Their message is captured in the company’s own slogan “Shielding her since the first sip.”
I'm creating an app to convert images and I want to validate the request body to create my DTO, but I don't know the best way to do it in Go; I have experience with Nestjs.
| submitted by /u/kkajla12 [link] [comments] |
I'm building a Go REST API and discovered that encoding/json matches JSON object keys case-insensitively.
For example:
type CreateUserRequest struct { FirstName string `json:"firstName"` LastName string `json:"lastName"` Age int `json:"age"` } All of these populate FirstName:
{"firstName":"John"} {"FirstName":"John"} {"FIRSTNAME":"John"} {"firstname":"John"} For my API, I want to bind a value only if the JSON key exactly matches the tag, so:
firstName → populate FirstNameFirstName → ignoreFIRSTNAME → ignorefirstname → ignoreI’m learning more about Go concurrency, and I keep seeing goroutines described as “lightweight threads.”
That explanation helped me at first, but now I think it may have created the wrong mental model in my head.
When I write:
go handleRequest() I used to imagine that Go creates a very small OS thread and runs handleRequest on it.
But from what I understand now, that is not what happens.
A goroutine is managed by the Go runtime, while an OS thread is created and scheduled by the operating system. The Go runtime can have a very large number of goroutines and multiplex them over a smaller number of OS threads.
So if my program has 100,000 goroutines, it does not mean the process has 100,000 operating-system threads.
Is that correct?
My current understanding is that an OS thread normally has a relatively large reserved stack, while a goroutine starts with a small stack that can grow when necessary.
That seems to be one reason creating many goroutines is much cheaper than creating many threads.
However, I don’t understand what “the stack grows” means in practice.
If a goroutine starts with a small stack and later calls deeply nested functions or creates large local variables, does the runtime allocate a larger stack and copy the current stack into it?
If so, how does Go safely update pointers that referred to locations inside the old stack?
Does stack growth pause only that goroutine, or can it affect other goroutines as well?
The scheduling part is also confusing me.
Suppose I have:
func main() { for i := 0; i < 100000; i++ { go doSomething(i) } } I understand that all these goroutines become runnable, but only a limited number can execute at exactly the same time.
If GOMAXPROCS is 4, does that mean at most four goroutines can execute Go code in parallel, even though the runtime may use more than four OS threads for blocking syscalls and other runtime work?
I’m also trying to separate concurrency from parallelism.
My current understanding is:
GOMAXPROCS.So creating 1,000 goroutines for a CPU-heavy calculation on a two-core machine does not make the calculation 1,000 times faster. It may actually become slower because of scheduling overhead and contention.
Is that the right way to think about it?
Blocking operations are the next part I don’t understand.
Suppose a goroutine performs a network read:
conn.Read(buffer) I’ve read that Go can use the network poller, so the goroutine can be parked while it waits for data. The OS thread can then run another goroutine instead of waiting.
But does this happen for every kind of I/O?
For example, what is different between:
I assume some operations integrate with the netpoller while others actually block the OS thread.
If an OS thread becomes blocked, does the runtime create or wake another thread so that the other runnable goroutines can continue?
This is also why I’m unsure what the practical limit on goroutines is.
People often say that you can create hundreds of thousands or even millions of goroutines, but surely “possible” does not mean “good design.”
For example, if every goroutine is waiting on a network connection, the limit may come from:
So when should someone create one goroutine per task, and when should they use a bounded worker pool?
For example:
for job := range jobs { go process(job) } This is simple, but if jobs arrive faster than they finish, the program can keep creating goroutines indefinitely.
Would this usually be safer?
for i := 0; i < workerCount; i++ { go worker(jobs) } I’m guessing the worker pool is not mainly about saving goroutine creation cost. It is about backpressure and limiting access to a scarce resource such as the CPU, database connections or an external API.
One final thing: are goroutine context switches always cheaper than OS-thread context switches?
I assume they are usually cheaper because the Go runtime has more control and does not always need a full kernel context switch. But if two goroutines are running on different OS threads, or a syscall is involved, I imagine the situation becomes more complicated.
Sorry if these are basic questions. I can repeat the usual definition that “goroutines are lightweight,” but I’m trying to understand what actually makes them lightweight and when that advantage stops mattering.
Where is my mental model incorrect?
goast is a small linter where the rules are data, not code. A fixed engine parses each Go file and hands every AST node to a policy written in Rego (OPA); if the policy returns a violation, goast reports it.
Generic linters (go vet, staticcheck, golangci-lint) only know rules common to any Go project, not team conventions like "wrap errors with our helper, not fmt.Errorf" or "call Init on this client before use". Writing a go/analysis pass or a golangci-lint plugin for a handful of those is a lot of machinery, so here a rule is just Rego:
package goast fail contains res if { input.Kind == "ExprStmt" input.Node.X.Fun.X.Name == "fmt" input.Node.X.Fun.Sel.Name == "Println" res := { "msg": "use the logging package, not fmt.Println", "pos": input.Node.X.Fun.X.NamePos, "sev": "ERROR", } } goast dump prints a node's JSON shape so you can see what to match, and goast test checks rules against sample files so they don't rot. It matches one node at a time, so it fits syntactic/structural conventions, not rules that need type info or data flow.
I've been profiling a high-throughput internal backend service we're writing to optimize some hot paths. Coming from a C/C++ background, my default instinct has always been to pass structs by pointer down the stack to avoid copying memory overhead.
However, after checking our build profiles using escape analysis (go build -gcflags="-m"), I realized that a ton of these structs were actually escaping to the heap instead of staying on the stack. The resulting heap allocation and subsequent garbage collection cycles were creating a noticeable latency tax.
I ran a test where I switched the hot path functions to pass the data entirely by value (copying the struct). To my surprise, the performance increased and the GC pause times dropped significantly.
I realized the CPU was just spinning much faster on contiguous stack frames (cache locality) than it was chasing random pointers all over the heap. It turns out copying small-to-medium structs is incredibly cheap in Go, and letting things default to pointers just to "save memory" can completely backfire by triggering escape analysis.
Just wanted to share this data point for anyone else profiling their backend services. If you haven't checked your escape analysis flags lately, it might be worth a look.