Cyprus, the sun-drenched jewel of the Eastern Mediterranean, has quietly become a haven for retirees seeking affordability, beauty, culture, and ease of life. For Mark and Linda Thompson, a retired couple from Oregon now living in the coastal town of Paphos on the Greek side of the island, each day offers a mix of relaxation, discovery, and subtle adventure.

Here’s what a typical day looks like for them—and how retirement in Cyprus blends the best of tradition, nature, and modern comfort.

8:00 AM – Morning Rituals with a View
The day begins on the terrace of their two-bedroom apartment overlooking the sea. While the sun rises over the terracotta rooftops, Mark brews a strong Cypriot coffee (served with the grounds at the bottom), while Linda opts for a cold, frothy frappé, a local staple.

They read news on their tablets and chat with family back home via WhatsApp, taking advantage of Cyprus’s widespread, fast internet. Since Cyprus is 10 hours ahead of Oregon, they chat first thing in the morning before their family goes to bed. The island’s mild climate—boasting over 300 sunny days a year—means the mornings are nearly always suitable for outdoor lounging.

9:30 AM – Morning Market or Local Errands
A short walk or drive brings them to the old town market in Paphos, where stalls overflow with seasonal produce—juicy tomatoes, fresh figs, and fragrant herbs. Prices are modest, and the sellers often offer a few extra lemons “for luck.”

Other days, they drive to Larnaca or Limassol for errands or doctor’s appointments. Healthcare on the Greek side of Cyprus is affordable and high-quality, and many services are available in English thanks to the country’s large British expat population.

11:30 AM – Nature Walk or Cultural Excursion
After errands, they often enjoy a walk on one of the many scenic trails. Cyprus offers everything from seaside promenades to pine-covered mountain paths in the Troodos Mountains, which are cool even in the summer.

On cooler days, they might explore cultural sites—Kourion, an ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater near Limassol, or the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, both UNESCO-listed gems that they never tire of revisiting.

1:00 PM – Leisurely Lunch, Cypriot Style
Lunch is the main meal of the day. Sometimes they dine out at a taverna, enjoying grilled halloumi, sheftalia (spiced meat sausages), or a meze spread that could include olives, dips, vine leaves, and seafood.

Other times, it’s lunch at home with locally baked bread and olive oil. Cyprus’s Cost of Living remains favorable—especially outside of tourist centers—so they can afford fresh, high-quality ingredients daily without breaking the budget.

3:00 PM – Siesta or Hobbies
As the sun climbs, they take a cue from locals and rest indoors. Mark often naps or works on his photography, while Linda may read or crochet. She recently joined a book club with other expats and locals.

Cyprus offers a wide range of expat activities—choir groups, bridge clubs, and volunteer opportunities abound. The island’s long British history has helped keep English widely spoken and culturally influential, making integration smoother.

5:00 PM – Crossing to the Turkish Side
Every few weeks, they plan a day trip to Northern Cyprus via the checkpoint in Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital. Crossing is simple with a passport. They stroll through the historic center of Lefkoşa, explore the Selimiye Mosque, and shop for handicrafts in the Büyük Han.

They may drive to Kyrenia, where the harbor looks like a movie set and dinner comes with views of the castle and bobbing sailboats. Prices in the north are even lower, and the experience is like stepping into a different version of Cyprus.

7:30 PM – Sunset and Wine
Back home in the evening, the couple often sips local Commandaria wine on the balcony or joins neighbors—other expats and friendly Cypriots—for a chat. They’ve picked up a few key Greek phrases and have been embraced by their community.

In summer, they may head to a nearby beach for a late swim. In cooler months, they light a small fire indoors and plan future island road trips: maybe to Lefkara for lace shopping, or to Akamas Peninsula to watch wild goats among blooming wildflowers.

10:00 PM – Reflections and Rest
Before bed, they take a final stroll through their neighborhood. It’s quiet, safe, and peaceful. Life here moves slower, in a good way. There’s no pressure to constantly be doing, only to be enjoying.

A Life Reimagined

For American retirees like Mark and Linda, Cyprus offers a life of simplicity and richness. The ability to cross cultures, live affordably, and stay active in a warm, welcoming environment makes this island more than just a retirement spot – it’s a reinvention of daily living.

From the whitewashed villages of the south to the minarets of the north, Cyprus isn’t just a destination. It’s a lifestyle – balanced, beautiful, and deeply fulfilling.