Ancient Sites

Ruins, theatres, mosaics.

Old Towns

Cobblestone lanes, stone houses.

Cultural Heritage

UNESCO sites & museums.

Landmarks, ruins, and 10,000 years of history

Cyprus sits at the crossroads of three continents – and everyone left their mark. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans. Walk through a Neolithic village older than the pyramids, stand in a Roman amphitheatre overlooking the sea, or wander a divided capital where east meets west.

Mountains, gorges, trails, and wild coastlines

Beyond the beaches, Cyprus surprises. Pine-forested mountains rise to nearly 2,000 metres. Gorges cut through limestone cliffs. Flamingos arrive each winter. Turtles nest on protected shores. Hiking trails range from gentle forest walks to scrambles through river canyons.

TROODOS MOUNTAINS | Central Cyprus

Cool forests, mountain villages, and the island's highest peak. The Artemis Trail circles Mount Olympus through ancient pines.

• Day trip or overnight

AKAMAS PENINSULA | Paphos

Cyprus's last true wilderness. Rocky coastlines, endemic plants, the Baths of Aphrodite.

• Full day

CAPE GRECO NATIONAL PARK | Ayia Napa

Rugged cliffs, sea caves, and that electric-blue water. Walking trails to hidden viewpoints. Stunning at dawn.

• 2–4 hours • Free

AVAKAS GORGE | Paphos

Dramatic limestone canyon with towering walls. The hike involves boulder scrambling and wading through shallow water.

• 2–3 hours • Free

CALEDONIA TRAIL | Troodos

Gentle forest walk following a stream to a waterfall. Shaded, cool, and the best introduction to Troodos hiking.

• 1.5 hours one way • Free

LARNAKA SALT LAKE | Larnaka

November to March, thousands of pink flamingos arrive. Sunset with flamingos and mosque silhouette is magical.

• 1–2 hours • Free

Beaches, watersports, and that impossible blue

This is the Cyprus of postcards. Turquoise water so clear it doesn't look real. White sand that squeaks underfoot. Coves carved into honeycomb cliffs. Whether you want beach bars and DJ sets or a quiet bay with just the waves, the coast delivers.

NISSI BEACH | Ayia Napa

The famous one. White sand, tiny island to wade to, beach parties in peak season. Come early or in shoulder months for calm.

• Beach bars • Sandy

FIG TREE BAY | Protaras

Regularly ranked among Europe's best. Shallow, crystal-clear water, small rocky island offshore. Ideal for families.

• Family-friendly • Sandy

CORAL BAY | Paphos

Paphos's best beach – wide sandy crescent with calm, shallow water. Busy but spacious.

• Full facilities • Sandy

KONNOS BAY | Cape Greco

Sheltered cove beneath pine-covered cliffs. Smaller, quieter, great for snorkelling.

• Snack bar • Sandy

BLUE LAGOON | Akamas

Dazzling turquoise cove reached by boat from Latchi or by jeep. The water glows. Perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

• Boat or 4x4 access

SEA CAVES | Cape Greco

Sculpted by centuries of waves. Explore by kayak or paddleboard – some caves are large enough to swim through. The light inside glows blue-green.

• Kayak rentals available

GOVERNOR'S BEACH | Limassol

White cliffs dropping to dark sand. A series of photogenic coves, less crowded than the main beaches.

• Tavernas above • Dark sand

LARA BAY | Akamas

Remote and protected – nesting ground for sea turtles. Rough drive in (4x4 recommended) but wild and beautiful.

• No facilities • Sandy

Tip: Tip: East coast (Ayia Napa, Protaras) has the best beaches. West coast (Paphos, Akamas) is rockier but more dramatic. Water is warmest June–October.

Calm beaches, waterparks, and family adventures

Cyprus is made for families. Shallow beaches, warm water, and 340 days of sunshine. Add waterparks, boat trips, animal parks, and friendly tavernas where children are always welcome – this is an easy destination for all ages.

WATERWORLD WATERPARK | Ayia Napa

One of Europe's biggest themed waterparks. Greek mythology theme, slides for all ages, wave pools, lazy rivers, dedicated kids' area.

• Full day • Entry fee

FIG TREE BAY | Protaras

Shallow, calm, crystal-clear – perfect for young swimmers. Small island to explore, full facilities, restaurants nearby.

• Family-friendly

CAMEL PARK | Larnaka (Mazotos)

More than camels – small zoo, pony rides, swimming pool, playground. A fun half-day for younger children.

• Half day • Entry fee

BOAT TRIPS | Ayia Napa

Glass-bottom boats, pirate ships, catamaran cruises from the harbour. Visit sea caves, stop for swimming. Kids love them.

• Various operators

FINIKOUDES BEACH | Larnaka

Calm, shallow water right in the city. Palm-lined promenade with cafés and ice cream. Convenient and safe for little ones.

• City centre

OCEAN AQUARIUM | Protaras

Small but well-kept aquarium with penguins, crocodiles, and Mediterranean sea life. Good for younger children or a break from the beach.

• 1–2 hours • Entry fee

PARKO PALIATSO LUNA PARK | Ayia Napa

Classic seaside funfair – rides, ferris wheel, arcade games. Old-school charm. Best in the evenings when the lights come on.

• Pay per ride

TROODOS DONKEY RIDES | Platres

Gentle donkey rides through the forest near Platres. A mountain escape when the coast gets too hot.

• Short activity

Tip: Tip: Protaras is calmer and more family-oriented than Ayia Napa. Larnaka and Paphos make great bases. Most beaches have shallow water – perfect for young ones.

Monasteries, churches, and sacred places

Cyprus is deeply Orthodox – but its sacred sites span faiths and millennia. Byzantine churches with medieval frescoes hide in mountain villages. Monasteries cling to hillsides. One of Islam's holiest sites stands beside a salt lake. Pilgrims have been coming here for centuries.

KYKKOS MONASTERY | Troodos

The richest and most famous monastery in Cyprus. Founded 11th century, home to an icon said to be painted by Saint Luke. Sprawling complex of courtyards and Byzantine art.

• Free (museum has fee) • Modest dress

CHURCH OF SAINT LAZARUS | Larnaka

9th-century Byzantine church built over the tomb of Lazarus – raised from the dead, then lived his final years in Larnaka. One of the most important churches in Cyprus.

• Free • Modest dress

PAINTED CHURCHES OF TROODOS | Troodos (various)

Ten tiny Byzantine churches with extraordinary medieval frescoes, hidden in mountain villages. UNESCO World Heritage. Some require a key – ask locally.

• Free/donation • Modest dress

HALA SULTAN TEKKE | Larnaka

A striking mosque on the shores of the salt lake – one of the holiest Muslim sites in the world. Peaceful setting with flamingos in winter.

• Free • Modest dress

AGIOS NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY | Paphos

12th-century monastery built around a cave hermitage carved by the monk Neophytos himself. Original frescoes survive inside the cave.

• Entry fee for cave • Modest dress

STAVROVOUNI MONASTERY | Larnaka

Perched dramatically on a rocky peak. One of the oldest monasteries in the world, said to hold a fragment of the True Cross.

• Free • Men only inside

CHRYSORROGIATISSA MONASTERY | Paphos

Working monastery high in the hills. Known for its icon, peaceful setting, and wine made from grapes grown on the monastery's slopes.

• Free • Modest dress

Tip: Tip: Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) for all religious sites. The painted churches in Troodos are scattered – plan your route and check opening times.

Lace, crafts, local products, and souvenirs worth keeping

Cyprus has a long craft tradition – and a growing modern shopping scene. Village workshops still produce lacework and silverware by hand. Local products like halloumi, Commandaria, and loukoumi make perfect edible souvenirs.

LEFKARA LACE | Lefkara (Larnaka)

The most famous craft village in Cyprus. Intricate lacework (lefkaritika) has been made here for centuries – Leonardo da Vinci visited. Also known for silver filigree jewellery.

• Workshops and shops

GEROSKIPOU LOUKOUMI | Paphos

Traditional Cyprus delight – rose, lemon, almond. Geroskipou has been making it for generations. Sweet souvenirs.

• Shops in village

LEDRA STREET | Nicosia

The main pedestrian shopping street of old Nicosia. Mix of chains, local boutiques, and souvenir shops. Walk all the way to the crossing point.

• Free to walk

LIMASSOL MARINA | Limassol

Upscale waterfront development with designer boutiques, international brands, and lifestyle shops. Modern and polished.

• Open daily

OMODOS VILLAGE | Limassol/Paphos

Lace, wine, preserves, and local crafts around the monastery square. Touristy but the products are authentic.

• Combine with wine tasting

COMMANDARIA & WINE | Limassol/Paphos hills

Buy directly from village wineries. Commandaria, Xynisteri, Maratheftiko – better quality and better prices than airport shops.

• Wineries open for sales

HALLOUMI & LOCAL PRODUCTS | Island-wide

Fresh halloumi, carob syrup, olive oil, honey – local food products make great gifts. Buy from village shops or markets for authenticity.

• Check luggage allowances

LAIKI GEITONIA | Nicosia

Restored neighbourhood with craft shops, souvenirs, and traditional products. Touristy but atmospheric starting point.

• Free to walk

Tip: Tip: For authentic crafts, buy from village workshops rather than tourist shops. Lefkara lace and Commandaria wine are the classic Cyprus souvenirs. Halloumi travels well if vacuum-packed.

Beach clubs, bars, and evenings that last until sunrise

When the sun goes down, different sides of Cyprus come alive. Ayia Napa is one of Europe's major clubbing destinations – loud, hedonistic, and unapologetic. Limassol offers sophisticated rooftop bars and a buzzing old town. Paphos keeps it relaxed with harbour sunsets. There's a pace for everyone.

AYIA NAPA SQUARE | Ayia Napa

The epicentre of Cyprus nightlife. Bars and clubs lining the square and Nissi Avenue – open from sunset to sunrise. Big-name DJs, themed nights, foam parties.

• Peak: July–August

NISSI BEACH CLUBS | Ayia Napa

Daytime-to-evening beach clubs with DJ sets, pool parties, and bottle service. Ibiza-lite vibes on the sand.

• Afternoon onwards

LIMASSOL OLD TOWN | Limassol

Narrow streets, courtyard bars, rooftop terraces. More sophisticated than Ayia Napa – cocktails, wine bars, live music. The city's best evening atmosphere.

• Year-round

LIMASSOL MARINA | Limassol

Waterfront bars and restaurants with sunset views. Upscale crowd, designer drinks, polished setting.

• Sunset onwards

PAPHOS HARBOUR | Paphos

Relaxed evening scene around the castle and harbour. Restaurants, bars, occasional live music. Good for sundowners, not clubbing.

• Casual

PROTARAS STRIP | Protaras

More relaxed than Ayia Napa. Sunset bars, cocktail spots, live music venues. Good for couples or families who want atmosphere without the club scene.

• Evening

LARNAKA FINIKOUDES | Larnaka

The palm-lined promenade fills with evening strollers. Cafés and bars with sea views. Gentle nightlife – more Mediterranean than club culture.

• Casual

GUABA BEACH BAR | Limassol

One of the island's most popular beach clubs. Day beds, cocktails, DJ sets as the sun goes down.

• Afternoon to late

Tip: Tip: Ayia Napa is an 18–30 destination in peak summer. If that's not your scene, visit May/June/September – or head to Limassol for a more grown-up night out. Paphos and Larnaka are low-key.