While Nicosia is the capital and home to the Cy Checkpoint testing center, the primary hub for HIV and PrEP care in Cyprus is actually located in Larnaca. Navigating sexual health outside the capital requires understanding which hospitals offer specialist care.

📍 Larnaca (The Primary Hub)

Larnaca is the most important city in Cyprus for specialized sexual healthcare because it hosts the Grigorios Clinic at Larnaca General Hospital.

  • The Grigorios Clinic: This is the national epicenter for HIV care and PrEP provision. Whether you live in Nicosia, Limassol, or Paphos, you will likely be referred here for your initial PrEP setup, HIV baseline testing, or follow-up after receiving emergency PEP.
  • PEP Emergencies: You can go directly to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at Larnaca General Hospital.
  • STI Testing: For standard 3-site swabs, you use the standard GeSY lab pathway or private clinics in the city.

📍 Limassol & Paphos

Limassol (Lemesos) and Paphos (Pafos) are major coastal cities with significant local populations and high tourist footfall.

  • Testing: There are no permanent peer-led community testing hubs (like Cy Checkpoint) in these cities. You must rely entirely on private laboratories or your GeSY Personal Doctor for STI screening.
  • PrEP & HIV: You will generally need to travel to the Grigorios Clinic in Larnaca or the infectious disease unit in Nicosia for specialist HIV care and PrEP prescriptions.
  • PEP Emergencies: In an emergency (within 72 hours of exposure), go immediately to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at Limassol General Hospital or Paphos General Hospital. They will provide the initial starter pack of PEP, but they will instruct you to follow up at the Grigorios Clinic in Larnaca for the remainder of the treatment.

📍 Ayia Napa / Famagusta Area

Ayia Napa is a major party destination, meaning sexual health emergencies are common during the summer months.

  • PEP Emergencies: Go to the A&E department at Famagusta General Hospital (Paralimni). Again, you will likely be given a starter pack and referred to Larnaca for the full course.
  • Chemsex Emergencies: Dial 112. The ambulance service prioritizes saving lives, not drug policing. See the Tourist Access Guide for more details.
  • Routine Testing: Use local private labs. There is no specialist HIV/STI clinic in this district.

🚗 Travel and Transport

Cyprus lacks a comprehensive national train network. Traveling from Paphos or Limassol to the Grigorios Clinic in Larnaca for PrEP appointments requires driving or using the intercity bus network (Intercity Buses). Factor this travel time into your routine testing and prescription refill schedule.

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