Fishing in Cyprus: A Complete Angler's Guide to the Republic of Cyprus
Cyprus is known for its sunshine, Gyros, beaches and ancient history, but it also offers some surprisingly good fishing. From harbour walls packed with a varitety of species to offshore tuna charters chasing down these powerful pelagic fish, the island provides opportunities for both casual holidaymakers and dedicated anglers.
This guide covers the Republic of Cyprus (South Cyprus), the internationally recognised southern part of the island. Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974, and all locations and advice in this guide relate to the Greek Cypriot-controlled south.
Why Fish in Cyprus?
The Mediterranean around Cyprus is warm, clear and full of life. While catches are generally smaller than those found in northern European waters, the variety of species and year-round fishing opportunities make Cyprus a rewarding destination.
Do I need a licence to fish in Cyprus?
In a nutshell, no, you can see fish without a licence, but do check you can fish the location, as some places fishing can be forbidden. A licence is required for fishing any of the freshwater dams (details below).
Common species include:
- Gilthead bream
- Mullet
- Sea bass
- Barracuda
- Bonito
- Amberjack
- Octopus
- Tuna
- Grouper
- Wrasse
Spring and autumn often provide the most comfortable fishing conditions, although sea fishing is possible throughout the year.
The Rigged & Ready X Max Combination and X Max rod are ideal travel companions for anglers who want maximum versatility without carrying bulky equipment. Super compact when packed away, the X Max fits easily into your luggage, making it perfect for flights, road trips and exploring the island’s coastline, harbours, reservoirs and hidden fishing spots. Its multi-functional design provides the power needed to tackle larger fish, while still offering the sensitivity required for lighter lure and bait fishing. Wherever your Cyprus adventure takes you, the X Max helps you Go Anywhere & Fish Everywhere.
Best Fishing Locations in South Cyprus
Larnaca Fishing Harbour
One of the easiest and most productive places for visiting anglers.
The harbour walls and surrounding rocks regularly produce:
- Gilthead bream
- Mullet
- Sea bass
- Garfish
Simple float fishing with bread paste for mullet or prawns for bream works particularly well.
Limassol Seafront
The breakwaters and promenade around Limassol offer excellent access.
Species include:
- Bream
- Mullet
- Sea bass
- Needlefish
- Small barracuda
Light spinning at dawn or dusk can be very productive.
Paphos Harbour
Paphos Harbour combines excellent scenery with productive fishing.
Expect:
- Bream
- Wrasse
- Mullet
- Sea bass
- Small grouper
The harbour is also a popular departure point for offshore fishing charters.
Konnos Point
Located between Protaras and Cape Greco, Konnos Point offers classic Mediterranean rock fishing.
Species include:
- Bream
- Sea bass
- Bonito
- Amberjack
The deep water close to shore makes this one of the best lure fishing locations on the island.
Cape Greco (Cavo Greco)
Cape Greco is one of Cyprus's most spectacular fishing locations.
The dramatic cliffs and rocky ledges hold:
- Bream
- Sea bass
- Bonito
- Barracuda
- Amberjack
Care should be taken when fishing the exposed rocks, particularly in rough weather.
Latchi Harbour and the Akamas Peninsula
Located on the north-west coast, this area offers some of the island's most natural coastline.
Target species include:
- Bream
- Mullet
- Wrasse
- Small predators
The rocky shoreline around Akamas is particularly popular for octopus fishing.
Best Baits and Methods for Fishing in Cyprus
The clear Mediterranean water often means fish can be cautious. Keeping things simple usually works best.
Bread Paste
A favourite among local anglers.
Best for:
- Mullet
- Small bream
Simply mix fresh bread with seawater until it forms a soft paste.
Prawns
One of the most effective all-round baits.
Best for:
- Gilthead bream
- Sea bass
- Wrasse
- Grouper
Prawns can be fished beneath a float or on a simple running ledger.
Squid
A classic Mediterranean sea fishing bait.
Best for:
- Larger bream
- Sea bass
- Barracuda
- Octopus
Small strips of squid are tough and remain on the hook well.
Lure Fishing
Lure fishing continues to grow in popularity around Cyprus.
Target species include:
- Sea bass
- Barracuda
- Bonito
- Amberjack
- Bluefish
Effective lures include:
- Surface pencils
- Stickbaits
- Metal jigs
- Soft plastics
- Minnow plugs
Cape Greco and Konnos Point are among the best lure fishing locations on the island.
Local Knowledge
Watch the local anglers. Most fish surprisingly light tackle. Small hooks, light line and natural baits often outfish heavy sea fishing rigs in Cyprus's crystal-clear water.
Tuna Fishing in Cyprus
For many visiting anglers, tuna are the ultimate target.
Most charter boats operate from:
- Paphos
- Limassol
- Ayia Napa
- Protaras
Best Time for Tuna Fishing
- May to July – Albacore Tuna
- June to August – Peak tuna fishing
- August to November – Skipjack Tuna and other pelagic species
A half-day or full-day charter offers the chance to battle powerful fish just a few miles offshore.
Bluefin tuna are heavily regulated and should only be targeted by operators holding the appropriate permits.
Octopus Fishing
Octopus fishing remains one of the most traditional forms of fishing in Cyprus.
Popular locations include:
- Cape Greco
- Konnos Point
- Akamas Peninsula
- Paphos coastline
Most anglers use specialist octopus jigs worked slowly across the seabed.
Many charter operators offer dedicated octopus trips during the cooler months.
Lionfish: A New Arrival in Cyprus
Before we leave the sea behind and head inland to the reservoirs, it's worth mentioning a few species that anglers should treat with caution.
One species every angler should learn to recognise is the lionfish.
Originally native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, lionfish entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and have now established large populations around Cyprus.
They are commonly encountered around:
- Cape Greco
- Protaras
- Ayia Napa
- Paphos reefs
- Rocky headlands
Lionfish are easy to identify thanks to their striped bodies and large fan-like fins.
While beautiful, they should be handled with extreme caution.
Their dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines contain venom and can cause:
- Intense pain
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Temporary weakness
If you catch one, use forceps or pliers and avoid direct contact with the spines.
Interestingly, lionfish are excellent eating and Cyprus actively encourages their removal as they are an invasive species that prey on native fish and crustaceans.
Other Species to Watch For
Cyprus also has several other species worth handling carefully:
- Scorpionfish
- Weever fish
- Moray eels
- Sea urchins
A good pair of forceps should always be part of your fishing kit.
Freshwater Fishing in Cyprus
Most visitors think of sea fishing when they visit Cyprus, but some of the island's best sport fishing can actually be found inland.
The reservoirs and dams scattered across the island hold a surprising range of freshwater species, including:
- Largemouth bass
- Carp
- Catfish
- Roach
- Pikeperch (Zander)
- Tilapia
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Pumpkinseed sunfish
Kouris Reservoir
Often regarded as Cyprus's premier bass fishery.
Located north-west of Limassol, Kouris regularly produces quality largemouth bass and also holds carp, catfish and silver bream.
Asprokremmos Reservoir
Near Paphos, Asprokremmos is one of the largest reservoirs on the island.
Species include:
- Bass
- Carp
- Catfish
- Tilapia
- Roach
Evretou Reservoir
One of the most scenic freshwater venues in Cyprus.
Species include:
- Largemouth bass
- Carp
- Catfish
- Zander
- Tilapia
Kannaviou Reservoir
Another excellent Paphos-area venue.
Known for:
- Bass
- Carp
- Catfish
- Rainbow trout
- Pumpkinseed sunfish
Arminou Reservoir
One of the few reservoirs where trout can be found.
Species include:
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Carp
- Roach
- Silver bream
Achna Reservoir
Perhaps the most famous freshwater venue in Cyprus.
Achna has developed a reputation for producing large carp and quality predator fishing.
Kalavasos Reservoir
Located between Limassol and Larnaca.
A popular venue for largemouth bass anglers.
Freshwater Fishing Licences
Unlike sea fishing, a licence is required to fish Cyprus's reservoirs and dams.
For licence information, reservoir rules and freshwater fishing updates visit:
The Cyprus Freshwater Angling Association provides information on participating reservoirs, competitions and licence applications.
Freshwater Tactics
Largemouth Bass
Cyprus has become something of a hidden gem for European bass anglers.
Popular methods include:
- Soft plastics
- Texas rigs
- Spinnerbaits
- Surface lures
- Crankbaits
Carp
Effective baits include:
- Sweetcorn
- Bread
- Boilies
- Pellet
The warm climate means carp remain active for much of the year.
Trout
While Cyprus isn't famous for trout, reservoirs such as Arminou and Kannaviou can offer something completely different from the island's sea fishing opportunities.
Recommended Rigged & Ready Rods for Cyprus
Rigged & Ready World Traveller
Perfect for:
- Harbour fishing
- Float fishing
- Mullet fishing
- Holiday travel
Rigged & Ready Predator Max
Ideal for:
- Sea bass
- Barracuda
- Bonito
- Amberjack
Rigged & Ready FishRig 180
Ideal for:
- Largemouth bass
- Trout
- Light lure fishing
Rigged & Ready S-MAX
Ideal for:
- Heavy shore fishing
- Larger Mediterranean predators
Cyprus Fishing Map
Final Thoughts
One of the unique things about Cyprus is the variety. You could spend the morning casting soft plastics for largemouth bass at Evretou Reservoir, fish bread paste for mullet in Larnaca Harbour during the afternoon, then head offshore the next day in search of tuna.
Few destinations in Europe offer that sort of variety within such short travelling distances. Whether you're travelling with a compact World Traveller in your suitcase or packing heavier gear for offshore adventures, Cyprus has enough fishing opportunities to keep anglers busy for many holidays to come.
About the Author
Martin Grove is the founder of Vildmark, an outdoor adventure platform focused on fishing, travel and human-powered exploration. He works closely with Rigged & Ready, testing compact rods across the UK and Europe from harbour walls, riverbanks, boats, kayaks and packrafts.
Cyprus holds a special place for Martin. He lived on the island for six years while working as a scuba diving instructor, giving him extensive first-hand knowledge of many of the locations featured in this guide. During his time there he explored much of the coastline above and below the water, fishing harbours such as Paphos and Larnaca, the rocky shoreline around Cape Greco and Konnos Point, and the freshwater reservoirs scattered throughout the Troodos foothills.
That local experience, combined with a lifelong passion for angling and outdoor adventure, allows him to provide practical advice for travelling anglers looking to make the most of a fishing trip to Cyprus.
Today Martin runs Vildmark, produces outdoor films, writes fishing and travel guides, and continues to test and review compact fishing equipment in real-world conditions across the UK and Europe.
Follow Martin and Vildmark
Website: https://vildmark.co.uk
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vildmark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vildmark.co.uk
The X Max fits easily into your luggage, making it perfect for flights, road trips and exploring the island. Its multi-functional design provides the power needed to tackle larger fish, while still offering the sensitivity required for lighter lure and bait fishing.
