Night Pharmacies Open Now in Cyprus (2026)

Finding an open pharmacy late at night in Cyprus can be challenging if you don't know how the system works. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about night pharmacy services (Διανυκτερεύοντα Φαρμακεία) across all major cities including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta.

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How the Night Pharmacy System Works in Cyprus

Cyprus operates a rotating duty system (διανυκτερεύοντα φαρμακεία) mandated by the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Services under the Ministry of Health. Each district assigns pharmacies to remain open outside normal business hours on a rotating schedule, ensuring that residents and visitors always have access to essential medications.

The duty rotation is organized by the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association in coordination with local pharmacy associations in each district. This system has been in place for decades and is designed to provide equitable coverage across all regions while distributing the responsibility fairly among pharmacies.

Night Duty Hours (Ωράριο Διανυκτέρευσης)

Night pharmacies typically operate during these extended hours:

Weekday Nights

19:00 - 08:00 (next day)

After regular pharmacies close, duty pharmacies take over until morning.

Saturdays

14:00 - 08:00 (Monday)

Weekend coverage begins Saturday afternoon and continues through Sunday.

Sundays & Public Holidays

08:00 - 08:00 (24 hours)

Full 24-hour coverage on Sundays and all Cyprus public holidays.

Summer Hours (June-September)

Extended coverage in tourist areas

Coastal areas often have additional pharmacies on duty during peak season.

Services Available at Night Pharmacies

Night pharmacies in Cyprus offer comprehensive services, though some may be limited compared to regular hours. Here's what you can expect:

Available Services

Prescription medication dispensing (with valid prescription)
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain, fever, allergies
First aid supplies and wound care products
Baby formula and infant care essentials
Basic medical devices (thermometers, blood pressure monitors)
Emergency contraception
Diabetic supplies (insulin, test strips, syringes)

May Be Limited

Compounding medications (may require advance notice)
Specialty or rare medications (may not be in stock)
Cosmetics and non-essential beauty products
Veterinary medications
Medical equipment rentals

Costs and Fees at Night Pharmacies

Night pharmacies in Cyprus may charge a small surcharge for after-hours service. Here's what to expect:

Night Duty Fee: €1.71 - €3.42 (regulated by law, varies by time of day)
Medication Prices: Same as daytime prices (government-regulated)
GESY Patients: No additional fees if registered with the General Healthcare System
EU Health Card Holders: May be eligible for reduced costs with EHIC card

The night duty surcharge is set by the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Services and is the same across all pharmacies. This fee compensates pharmacists for working outside regular hours.

How to Find a Night Pharmacy Near You

There are several ways to find an on-duty night pharmacy in Cyprus:

Use our pharmacy finder: Our website shows real-time duty pharmacy information for all Cyprus cities.
Call 1400: The Cyprus Citizens' Line provides information about on-duty pharmacies in your area.
Check local media: Daily newspapers and local news websites publish the duty schedule.
Look at pharmacy windows: Regular pharmacies display a notice showing the nearest night duty pharmacy.

Emergency Situations

For genuine medical emergencies, night pharmacies are not a substitute for emergency medical care. Know these important numbers:

112

European Emergency

199

Cyprus Ambulance

1400

Citizens' Health Line

Tips for Visiting Night Pharmacies

Call ahead: If you need a specific medication, call the pharmacy first to confirm availability.
Bring your prescription: Electronic prescriptions (GESY) can be verified instantly; paper prescriptions must be original.
Have ID ready: You may need identification for certain controlled medications.
Bring cash: While most accept cards, having cash ensures you won't face payment issues late at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do night pharmacies open in Cyprus?

Night pharmacies begin their duty at 19:00 on weekdays and 14:00 on Saturdays. On Sundays and public holidays, they operate 24 hours starting from 08:00.

Do I need a prescription to buy medicine at night?

No, you can purchase over-the-counter medications without a prescription. However, prescription medications require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.

Are night pharmacy prices higher than daytime prices?

Medication prices are the same day and night (government-regulated). However, pharmacies may charge a small duty fee of €1.71-€3.42 for after-hours service.

Can tourists use night pharmacies in Cyprus?

Yes, night pharmacies serve everyone including tourists. Many pharmacists speak English, especially in tourist areas. Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable.

Find a Night Pharmacy Now

Use our pharmacy search tool to find the nearest on-duty pharmacy in your area. Our database is updated regularly to show current duty schedules.

Search Night Pharmacies

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