Supermarkets in Cyprus: Your Guide to Shopping and Cyprus Food

Moving to a new country comes with a long checklist, and near the top is working out where to buy your groceries. In Cyprus, whether you want fresh produce, local delicacies or international brands, the supermarkets across the island have you covered. Understanding what to eat in Cyprus is also part of embracing the local lifestyle, from village bakeries to modern hypermarkets.

What are the big supermarket chains in Cyprus?

Cyprus has several supermarket chains that cater to every taste and budget. Most towns and cities have at least one major chain nearby, often with generous opening hours and plenty of parking.

AlphaMega

AlphaMega is one of the largest supermarket chains in Cyprus, known for its wide variety of local and international products. You will find fresh fish, organic fruit, imported cheeses and an extensive wine section.

Lidl

Lidl is popular with locals and expats for its competitive prices and weekly deals. It offers fewer Cypriot speciality items, but is great for household basics and quick shops.

Sklavenitis

Sklavenitis (formerly Carrefour and Chris Cash and Carry) has large stores stocked with international brands and local products. The Sklavenitis bakery section is excellent, and the produce is fresh and affordable.

Papantoniou

Mostly found in Paphos and surrounding areas, Papantoniou is a favourite for fresh meats, Cypriot cheeses and daily baked goods. Its well-stocked deli and fish counter make it a standout for everyday shopping.

Which local supermarkets are there in each city?

Nicosia

• Metro Supermarkets: a long-standing local chain with a strong reputation for customer service and fresh local produce.
• Stelios Supermarket: a convenient neighbourhood option for affordable prices and household essentials.
• Smart Supermarket: well stocked with local delicacies and international favourites, good for weekly family shopping.

Limassol

• Sunfresh Bakeries & Supermarkets: great for daily bread and snacks alongside basic grocery needs.
• Papas Hypermarket: known for a broad selection and helpful staff, with an emphasis on both imported and local goods.
• Kolios Supermarket: smaller than the hypermarkets but praised for high-quality meats and fresh produce.

Larnaca

• Stelios Supermarket (Faneromeni area): loved by locals for friendly service and a great selection.
• Kritikos Supermarket: a clean, well-stocked store with fresh produce and good weekly offers.
• Mas Supermarket: a mix of local and branded goods, including a solid bakery and deli section.

Paphos

• Papantoniou Supermarkets: several locations across the region with one of the widest selections of Cypriot and international products.
• Orthodoxou Supermarket: smaller but well equipped with everyday groceries and known for its excellent butcher section.
• Philippos Supermarket (Coral Bay): a well-loved local favourite for its extensive selection, including fresh fish, Cypriot wine and a good mix of international brands. Its delivery service is especially useful for residents and holidaymakers.
• Savvas Supermarket: tucked away in residential areas, good for everyday essentials and known for personal service.

Ayia Napa and Protaras

• Best Value Supermarket: conveniently located near tourist areas, with everyday items and regional snacks.
• Zorbas & Sons: a bakery with supermarket-style service, ideal for a quick grab of baked and packed food.
• FreshPlus Supermarket: popular with expats for its clean layout and mix of local and international items.

Where are the local markets and speciality shops?

For a more authentic experience of what to eat in Cyprus, head to local markets or speciality grocers. Every town usually hosts a weekly fruit and vegetable market where farmers bring fresh, seasonal produce. Prices are reasonable and the quality is often excellent. Markets are also good places to practise your Greek, pick up cooking tips and discover seasonal foods that may not reach supermarket shelves.

Local markets by city

• Nicosia: the OHI Farmers Market near the city centre operates several days a week and offers a wide selection of organic produce, nuts, herbs and cheeses.
• Limassol: try the Saturday market near the old hospital for fresh local fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants. Street vendors nearby often sell homemade preserves, olives and dried herbs.
• Larnaca: the municipal market, close to the city centre, is great for fresh herbs, olives and traditional Cypriot goods. On Saturdays, local producers bring finds such as carob syrup and wild greens.
• Paphos: the Old Town Market combines a produce section with local crafts and souvenirs, so you can mix shopping with sightseeing. Look at the butcher stalls for local sausages and offal cuts used in Cypriot recipes.
• Ayia Napa and Paralimni: local pop-up fruit stalls and village markets often appear on weekdays, especially in summer, selling locally grown watermelon, figs and mountain herbs.

What should you look for?

• Halloumi: a must-try. This iconic Cypriot cheese is perfect for grilling.
• Olives and olive oil: Cyprus produces rich, peppery olive oil that is perfect for drizzling over salads or fresh bread.
• Commandaria: a sweet dessert wine with roots going back to the Crusaders. Read more in our Commandaria guide.
• Lountza and sheftalia: local cured meats and sausages you will find at traditional butchers or deli counters.
• Carob products: from syrup to energy bars, Cyprus's local "black gold" is used in everything from desserts to health food.

What can you buy in bakeries and delis?

Every neighbourhood has a local bakery ("phournos"), and they are not to be missed. Try fresh tiropita (cheese pastries), koulouri (sesame bread rings) or traditional Cypriot village bread. Many bakeries double as mini-markets, selling milk, eggs and sweets.

Larger bakeries such as Zorbas or Pandora have multiple branches across the island and offer hot meals, coffee and a wide variety of sweet and savoury snacks. You can also find decorated celebration cakes and traditional seasonal treats such as tsoureki and flaounes.

Delicatessens and butcher shops are ideal for exploring Cyprus food in more depth. Staff often give tips on how to cook local dishes or pair meats with wines. Many delis stock homemade dips such as tzatziki, taramosalata and fresh hummus alongside marinated olives and pickles.

Where can you find organic and health food stores?

Organic produce is increasingly available in Cyprus, especially in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. Stores such as Bioluc Organic shop, Biopafos, Hadjipieris organic farm, M.I. All Organic Market, BioHeaven Health Food Store and Green Monday carry gluten-free, vegan and health-conscious products.

Smaller health stores are also appearing in coastal towns, offering everything from nutritional supplements and dairy alternatives to natural cosmetics and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Can you find international food in Cyprus supermarkets?

Most major supermarkets in Cyprus now cater to the growing expat population. You will find UK favourites, Eastern European goods and even Asian condiments on many shelves. AlphaMega and Sklavenitis in particular have strong international food aisles.

British residents will find PG Tips, Marmite and digestive biscuits, while Eastern Europeans will find staples such as pickled cabbage, rye bread and Polish sausages. Asian cooking enthusiasts can find soy sauce, curry pastes, noodles and sushi rice in larger supermarkets, or visit Asian grocery stores in Limassol or Nicosia.

What are the best tips for shopping in Cyprus?

• Bring your own bags: Cyprus supermarkets charge for plastic bags, which encourages reusable ones.
• Shop early: for the best selection of produce and bakery items.
• Look for "Cyprus Made" labels: these indicate local products, which are fresher and often cheaper.
• Explore village shops: they may be smaller but often carry homemade items you will not find elsewhere.
• Compare prices: weekly offers differ between chains, so checking circulars or online flyers can save money.

Why does shopping local enhance your experience?

Part of discovering what to eat in Cyprus is going beyond the shelves. Shopping in local stores connects you with the community, introduces you to new ingredients and supports small businesses. If you are planning on moving to Cyprus, your weekly shop can be more than a chore: it is a gateway into Cypriot culture and cuisine, and you will learn what is in season and how locals prepare their food.