Cyprus Sets a Short-Term Rental Record: 1.7 Million Nights in a Single Quarter

According to Eurostat data published on July 2, 2026, Cyprus recorded a record 1,711,525 guest nights booked through short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia) in Q4 2025. It is the highest quarterly figure in the island's history.

What Is Happening in the STR Market

Short-term rentals in the EU grew 9.7% year on year in Q1 2026 and 16.6% compared with Q1 2024. Cyprus is outpacing this trend — thanks to a longer tourist season and growing year-round demand from corporate and family travellers.

Short-term rental yields in the island's coastal areas reach 10–17% per year depending on location and management. Paphos and Ayia Napa consistently rank among the top Mediterranean destinations for STR yields.

The Licensing Nuance Works in Investors' Favour

According to the Cyprus Ministry of Tourism, of roughly 12,300 active Airbnb listings, only 8,248 are officially licensed. The authorities are steadily tightening enforcement: unlicensed properties are being removed from the platforms. This means STR supply is structurally shrinking — while demand keeps growing.

For an investor entering the market with a properly licensed property, this creates a competitive edge: fewer competitors, higher occupancy, more stable income.

Why This Matters Right Now

1.7 million nights is verified statistics, not a forecast. Cyprus is showing real consumer demand for short-term rentals even in Q4 — the low season. For a long-term investor this means the property works all year round, not just in summer.

Combined with the new 2026 tax reform (abolition of the SDC levy, automatic 20% expense deduction), the net yield on STR investments in Cyprus is becoming one of the best in the EU.

*Source: Cyprus Mail, Eurostat data Q1 2026*