Cyprus and Eastern Mediterranean often experience high ozone levels, yet long-term measurements of the gases responsible for its formation are scarce, and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remain poorly characterized in the region. To address this gap, we conducted continuous measurements for three years (April 2022-June 2024) at the rural background site of the Cyprus Atmospheric Observatory, monitoring 76 VOCs with a high-resolution proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer and analyzing their seasonal, daily, and transport-driven variability. The observations revealed large variability in VOCs level and sources with highest level during summer for most of the compounds. Among VOCs, oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) dominated the total VOC burden (~79%), reflecting strong contributions from secondary formation, primary emissions, and long-range transport. Many VOCs increased during warm daytime conditions, highlighting the role of heat and photochemistry. Plant-related emissions such as isoprene rose with temperature up to about 35–38 °C and then declined, suggesting heat-stress effects, while several oxygenated gases increased during hot, dry periods. Combustion-related aromatic compounds were generally higher in winter, influenced by air masses from the Middle East, whereas most transported pollution originated from Europe and Northwest Asia. Model simulations reproduced seasonal patterns but underestimated many VOCs, indicating gaps in current emission inventories and chemistry. Overall, the results show that heat, seasonal changes, and regional transport are key drivers of VOC variability in the Eastern Mediterranean.