The medieval Paphos Castle located on the edge of Paphos Harbour in Cyprus
The eathquake struck western Paphos, but there were no reports of injuries or damage to structures. Ankur P, Wikimedia Commons

Cyprus has been hit by a 5.6-magnitude earthquake.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck just off the Mediterranean island's west coast, about four miles from the village of Peyia.

It was mainly felt in the western Paphos region, but also in the capital Nicosia at 11.25am local time. The tremor was also felt at a shallow depth of 3km west of Kissonerga, a village popular with European and British retirees.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage across the rest of the island.

Paphos district officer Yiannakis Mallourides reported no major damage to structures or injuries, but said authorities are monitoring the situation.

Local residents described the impact of the quake.

Sarah Ktisti, a journalist living in the region, told Reuters news agency: "The chair I was sitting on started moving and my sister came running down the stairs to tell me the wardrobes and doors were rattling."

@michelleuk87 wrote on Twitter: "So weird feeling the #earthquake in #Cyprus this morning whilst on my sunbed. #nicosia"

The island's highest-recorded earthquake in recent years was a 6.3-magnitude quake in 1996.

More about earthquakes