Holiday Pharmacy Schedule Cyprus (2026)
Cyprus celebrates numerous public holidays throughout the year, many tied to the Greek Orthodox calendar. While these holidays bring festive celebrations and family gatherings, they also mean most pharmacies close their doors. This guide helps you plan ahead and find open pharmacies during every public holiday in Cyprus.
Whether you need medication during the Easter break, over Christmas, or any other holiday period, our comprehensive guide and directory will help you access the pharmacy services you need.
Complete List of Cyprus Public Holidays
Cyprus observes 14 official public holidays, combining religious, national, and international celebrations. Here's the complete list for planning your pharmacy needs:
Fixed-Date Holidays
Moveable Greek Orthodox Holidays
These holidays follow the Greek Orthodox calendar and change dates each year:
- Green Monday (Kathara Deftera): 50 days before Easter
- Good Friday: Friday before Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday: Day after Easter Sunday
- Pentecost (Kataklysmos): 50 days after Easter
Easter Period Pharmacy Schedule
Easter is the most important religious holiday in Cyprus, and the Greek Orthodox Easter often falls on different dates than Western Easter. The extended Easter period requires special planning for pharmacy access.
Easter Week Pharmacy Hours
- Holy Week (Mon-Thu): Normal hours, may close early Thursday
- Good Friday: All pharmacies closed; duty pharmacies 24 hours
- Holy Saturday: Morning only; duty pharmacies available
- Easter Sunday: All closed; duty pharmacies 24 hours
- Easter Monday: All closed; duty pharmacies 24 hours
- Tuesday after Easter: Normal hours resume
Tips for Easter Period
- Stock up on regular medications before Holy Thursday
- Note that many people travel during Easter - pharmacies in tourist areas may be busier
- Duty pharmacy rosters often change for the Easter period
- Allow extra time as duty pharmacies may have longer queues
Christmas and New Year Pharmacy Schedule
Holiday Season Schedule
- December 23: Normal hours
- December 24 (Christmas Eve): Morning only; duty pharmacies from afternoon
- December 25 (Christmas Day): All closed; duty pharmacies 24 hours
- December 26: All closed; duty pharmacies 24 hours
- December 27-30: Normal hours
- December 31 (New Year's Eve): Morning only; duty pharmacies from afternoon
- January 1 (New Year's Day): All closed; duty pharmacies 24 hours
- January 6 (Epiphany): All closed; duty pharmacies 24 hours
Winter Holiday Tips
- Refill chronic medication prescriptions before December 24
- Keep a small stock of OTC medications at home (fever reducers, cold medicine)
- Note that winter flu season overlaps with the holiday period
- Tourist areas may have different hours - verify before visiting
Summer Holiday Pharmacy Hours
August 15 (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) is a major holiday and peak of the summer season. Many Cypriots take their annual holidays during this period.
August 15 - Assumption Day
- • All regular pharmacies closed
- • Duty pharmacies operate 24 hours
- • Tourist areas may have extended coverage
- • Higher demand for suncare products
Summer Considerations
- • Tourist area pharmacies may extend hours
- • Stock up on sunscreen and after-sun
- • Higher demand for insect repellent
- • Heat-related medications in demand
How to Find On-Duty Pharmacies During Holidays
During public holidays, finding an open pharmacy is straightforward with these resources:
1. Cyprus Pharma Directory
Our online directory shows real-time duty pharmacy information for all five districts. Updated daily during holiday periods.
2. Phone Hotline 1412
Call for automated information about on-duty pharmacies. Available 24/7 in Greek.
3. Local Media
Newspapers and local news websites publish holiday pharmacy rosters before major holidays.
4. Hotel Concierge
If you're staying at a hotel, staff can help locate the nearest duty pharmacy during holidays.
Emergency Services During Holidays
24/7 Emergency Contacts
These services operate without interruption on all holidays:
- 112 – European Emergency Number
- 199 – Cyprus Ambulance
- 1400 – Health Information Line
- 1412 – Pharmacy Information
Hospital emergency rooms operate 24/7 throughout the year, including all holidays. For genuine medical emergencies, don't hesitate to use these services.
Planning Ahead for Holiday Periods
Before the Holiday
- • Refill regular prescriptions 3-5 days early
- • Stock basic OTC medications at home
- • Note the nearest duty pharmacies
- • Save pharmacy contact numbers
- • Check your travel insurance coverage
Essential Home Stock
- • Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
- • Fever reducers for children
- • Antihistamines
- • Digestive remedies
- • First aid supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pharmacies open on public holidays in Cyprus?
Regular pharmacies are closed on public holidays, but duty pharmacies (Διανυκτερεύοντα Φαρμακεία) operate 24 hours. At least one pharmacy in each district is always available, even on Christmas, Easter, and other holidays.
What are the main public holidays in Cyprus when pharmacies close?
Major holidays include New Year's Day, Epiphany (Jan 6), Green Monday, Greek Independence Day (Mar 25), Good Friday through Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1), Pentecost, Assumption (Aug 15), Cyprus Independence Day (Oct 1), Ochi Day (Oct 28), and Christmas (Dec 24-26).
Is there an extra charge for using a pharmacy on a public holiday?
Duty pharmacies may charge a small service fee of €1-3 for holiday and after-hours service. Medication prices remain the same as during regular business hours.
When is Greek Orthodox Easter in relation to Western Easter?
Greek Orthodox Easter can fall on the same date as Western Easter or up to 5 weeks later, depending on the year. Cyprus follows the Orthodox calendar, so plan accordingly if you're visiting during the Easter period.
Are duty pharmacies busier during holidays?
Yes, duty pharmacies can be busier than usual during major holidays as they serve entire districts. Allow extra time and call ahead if you need specific medications to ensure availability.
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