What You Should Know Before Renting or Living in Peyia, Cyprus

When people think of Peyia (Pegeia), they usually picture turquoise beaches, sweeping hillside views, and the peaceful charm of a Cypriot village. And yes, after living here for over two years, I can confirm those parts are real, and they’re beautiful. But just like anywhere else, Peyia isn’t perfect, and if you’re planning to rent a holiday home here or even move long-term, there are a few things you should know before falling for the view.

Getting Here: A Test of Patience

If you’re arriving via Paphos airport and relying on public transport, brace yourself. What looks like a short trip on the map can turn into a 3-hour journey filled with transfers, long waits, and, in my case, a 40-minute walk in the midday sun with luggage. Technically, there are bus routes to Peyia (like the 607 and 616), but in practice, the current schedule makes them nearly unusable, especially if you’re arriving from the airport or trying to rely on them regularly. Even if you catch a connection, the closest stop may still leave you far from your accommodation.

A word of advice: don’t count on buses. Rent a car. Like many other travelers share this tip online too.

Without a Car? Hope You Like Hiking

If you don’t rent a car, Peyia quickly becomes a vertical workout. Many apartments, especially in upper Peyia, sit on steep hills. So if your morning coffee or dinner plans are further down, you’re in for a cardio session. Coming back up after a long beach day? Double the effort.

And with only one small shop and a few taverns in the upper part of the village, you’ll likely be walking down to Coral Bay often. At least your step count will be impressive.

Taxis: Pricey and… Unpredictable

There’s no Uber, no Bolt, and local taxis are more of a gamble than a service. They don’t use meters, so everything is negotiated, and prices often feel random. €50–90 for a ride to the airport isn’t unusual, especially if you’re traveling early morning, late evening, or with luggage.

Some drivers even charge extra if you pay by card, travel with more than two people, or leave before 9 AM or after 6 PM. The cars? Let’s just say you’re not getting a Tesla. Sometimes, it’s an old, smoky Mercedes that feels more like a rolling bar than a cab.

Weather: Not Always What You Expect

While coastal Cyprus benefits from sea breezes, Peyia has its own microclimate. Nestled among hills and banana plantations, it tends to be more humid and less windy, making hot days feel even hotter. Even in the evenings, it can stay uncomfortably warm. If you’re sensitive to heat or humidity, this might take some getting used to.

Wildlife Encounters

Love nature? Great. But nature here loves you back, maybe a bit too much. In two years, I’ve seen snakes, sandflies, bats, goats, rabbits, and even tarantulas, especially around banana fields. Yes, tarantulas! While they’re mostly harmless and relatively rare, they’re definitely real. And if you’re renting a ground-floor apartment with a garden, you may meet more critters than expected.

Prices: Not Reflecting the Experience

Like many tourist areas, prices in Peyia have gone up, but unfortunately, the quality of service hasn’t caught up. Shops know you’re far from Paphos and limited in your options, so they charge accordingly. A basic loaf of bread or milk, and veggies can cost noticeably more than in nearby towns.

Long-term residents have voiced frustrations too.

That Village Vibe – It’s Real

Peyia is a village at heart. That can sound charming, and for some it is. But it also means things move at a slower pace. Many residents are elderly retirees, and services often feel like they’re tailored for tourists or once-a-year visitors.

Don’t expect the local shopkeeper to remember you after multiple visits, even if you’ve lived here a while. The friendliness often feels surface-level. The “come as a guest, leave as a stranger” phenomenon is oddly common here.

Long-Term Rentals: More Than Meets the Eye

On paper, Peyia seems like a great place to settle: sea views, pool access, and sunshine all year. But renting long-term here isn’t always easy.

• Quality varies a lot – Many homes are built for seasonal rentals and lack insulation or proper heating/cooling systems.
• Hidden costs – Some landlords expect cash payments, don’t offer formal contracts, or pass on water/electricity bills with inflated “fees.”
• Availability is tight – Especially during high season, short-term vacation rentals take priority, and prices spike for everyone.
• Maintenance issues – It’s not unusual to deal with things like poor drainage, weak water pressure, or AC units on their last breath.

I and also expats warn online: “Do not rent a place without visiting in person. What looks like a sea-view villa might be falling apart when you see it up close.”

Quality of Infrastructure

Roads? Cracked. Sidewalks? Occasionally nonexistent. Trash bins? Often overflowing. Street lighting is hit or miss, and navigating with a stroller, wheelchair, or even just groceries can be tricky. Basic infrastructure hasn’t quite caught up with the growing population and tourism boom.

Leaving Peyia – One Last Challenge

Leaving can be even harder than arriving. Taxis know you’re in a tight spot and price accordingly. If your flight is at an odd time, you might struggle to find a driver, and when you do, they might ask for more if you have luggage, want to pay by card, or don’t speak Greek.

And no, you’re not getting a luxury car. You’re getting whatever they show up in, and often, you don’t have the luxury of saying no.

Is Peyia Still Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, but not blindly.

Peyia has incredible sunsets, beautiful nature, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. But it also has challenges, especially if you expect convenience, nightlife, or responsive service.

Whether you’re coming for a short stay or considering a long-term move, go in with eyes open. Don’t just fall for the view, plan around the reality.

In my opinion, if the price tags continue to climb without meaningful improvements in services or infrastructure, Peyia risks losing repeat visitors and long-term residents alike.

In the end, Peyia is best suited for independent travelers, nature lovers, and those who find beauty in simplicity. If that sounds like you, you might just fall in love. But if you’re expecting seamless travel, first-class service, and city conveniences… this may not be your paradise after all.