Visit Cyprus says major cards are widely accepted in towns and tourist areas, especially at hotels, large shops and restaurants. That is a strong card network, not a promise that every mountain stop, market stall or local bus will take the same card.
Give each method a job
Read both ATM fees
An ATM can charge its own access fee while your bank adds a foreign-withdrawal or cash-advance fee. Read the machine screen before accepting, and check your card terms before the trip. A familiar bank-branded ATM is easier to investigate if something goes wrong.
Choose euros when the ATM offers a conversion
If the machine offers to turn the withdrawal into your home currency, it is setting the exchange rate itself. Choosing EUR normally leaves the conversion to your card network and issuer. Compare the wording carefully; the large, reassuring home-currency total is not automatically the cheaper option.
Prepare before a mountain or village day
Confirm how the accommodation and transport expect to be paid, break larger notes in town and protect enough cash for one meal and the return journey. That small rehearsal is more useful than carrying an arbitrary fixed amount every day.
Large cash amounts have a declaration rule
Visit Cyprus states that travellers carrying EUR 10,000 or more in cash, bearer instruments or gold must declare it to Customs when entering or leaving. The rule can also apply on journeys to and from another EU country, so check the current form and definition before travelling with a large amount.