For Tommy Lundberg, Cyprus was never just a holiday destination. His first visit came in 1994, when he was just four years old, and even then, something about the island felt like home. In 2019, he made it official: leaving behind higher wages and an easier work life in Sweden, he moved to Cyprus for good.
Today, Tommy lives in Latsia, near Nicosia, and drives buses in Larnaca. His day starts at 4am, often with hectic traffic, but it ends with sea swims and dinners with family. “You learn to stay calm,” he says. “Drivers here honk for fun. If you react, it gets worse. A neutral expression is best. Don’t smile, don’t get angry.”
Despite lower wages- he estimates he earns about 20,000 SEK (€1,800) less than he would in Sweden- Tommy insists the lifestyle makes up for it. “In Sweden, you pay for everything yourself. Here, people invite you in, share meals, and life has a rhythm.”
He has fully embraced the culture, the food (souvla, sheftalia, meze), and even the bureaucracy, which he describes as “smelling like old paper.” His Cypriot colleagues say he’s “already a local.”
When he misses Sweden? He lives just four minutes from IKEA- and makes vaniljbullar for his Cypriot family, who love them.
Would he recommend it? “Depends on the person. If you can handle the heat, traffic, and slower pace, then yes. If you want sunshine, company and simplicity, Cyprus wins- no contest.”
Also read: The reason why tourists are choosing Greece for their holidays
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
