Upvote:1
According to the Cypriot Embassy in Finland, you can use a multi-entry Schengen visa to enter Cyprus if you have already used that visa to enter a Schengen country:
Third country nationals, holders of a valid Schengen visa (type: double or multiple entry), who have already entered the Schengen area in accordance with the terms upon which their Schengen visa was issued, may travel to Cyprus without a Cypriot national visa
This suggests that Cyprus cannot be the first destination you visit with the visa. You could in theory stop off in a Schengen country on the way, although it's probably best if that's the country that issued the visa.
EDIT: Timatic (the database of visa requirements used by airlines) doesn't mention needing to have used the visa already:
Passengers with a double or multiple entry C visa issued by Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania or a Schengen Member State valid for the period of intended stay. They are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.