Cyprus Travel: 15 Beautiful Places To Visit
Updated: Aug 17
The island nation of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, just to the south of Turkey. With pristine beaches, ancient ruins, dramatic mountains, and year-round sunshine, it’s a great destination for relaxing and exploring. Above all, Cyprus is steeped in history and culture, enjoying a mix of Greek, Turkish, and British influences. Since 1974, the island has been divided into a Greek Cypriot south and a Turkish Cypriot north. In this travel guide, we share our top 15 places to visit in Cyprus. We'll also share a map with great places to stay, eat, and drink.
Check out our video about Cyprus to see these fascinating places to visit through our camera!
Best Places To Visit In Cyprus
15. Larnaca
Larnaca is a vibrant coastal city situated on the south-eastern shores of Cyprus. Steeped in 10,000 years of history, Larnaca seamlessly blends ancient charm with modern energy. Explore remnants of its past in the Old Town, such as the Saint Lazarus Church and the Medieval Fort. Besides that, the city is also famous for its palm tree-covered seafront, called Finikoudes, where friendly cafes and tavernas line the walkway and the marina bustles with yachts and boats. One of our favorite activities here was a sunset cruise along the coastline.
Where to stay: Larnaca Bay Suites ($$)
14. Limassol (Lemesos)
Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus and is located on the southern coast. This lively hub offers a vibrant mix of beaches, history and cosmopolitan energy. The Old Town is the heart of the city, with its picturesque streets diverging from the old fishing harbor. This is also where you find the medieval Limassol Castle. But it's true magic lies in the sandy beaches and beautiful promenade, connecting the old to the new side of town.
Where to stay: Pier Beach Hotel Apartments ($$)
13. Kykkos Monastery
Sitting high up on a peak in the Troodos Mountains, Kykkos Monastery is Cyprus’ wealthiest and most famous monastery. This 12th-century architectural highlight is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and consists of elaborate courtyards, chapels adorned with frescoes, and a museum showcasing religious artifacts. While the monastery is free to visit, the museum does charge a small fee. Besides getting a glimpse into Cypriot Orthodoxy, Kykkos also boasts breathtaking mountain views and a serene atmosphere.
Where to stay: Rifugio Retreat Bed&Breakfast ($$ - located in Kakopetria)
12. Nicosia
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, located in the center of the island. This unique city boasts a fascinating history and a taste of both Greek and Turkish culture due to its division along the United Nations-patrolled Green Line. This line was drawn by a British Army officer in 1963 to define the boundary between the Greek and Turkish communities in Nicosia, during a period of inter-communal violence. Ledra Street checkpoint is the easiest access point to cross into the Turkish side on foot. On this northern side, you’ll find many mosques, Ottoman architecture, and typical Turkish restaurants. It feels like a completely different world! Make sure to bring your passport or valid identification when crossing the border. Beyond this cultural experience, Nicosia also boasts Venetian Walls, museums, and a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evening.
Where to stay: Eclectic Business & Leisure ($)
11. Κourion Archeological Park
Sitting to the southwest of Limassol, Kourion Archaeological Park stands as one of the most impressive archeological sites in Cyprus. Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this ancient city-kingdom thrived for centuries until it was destroyed around the year 370. Today, remnants of the Greco-Roman era remain. These include the stunning amphitheater, which has magnificent sea views; the intricate mosaics in the House of Eustolios, which was a luxurious Roman villa; the agora; and the nymphaeum.
Where we stayed (Limassol): Pier Beach Hotel Apartments ($$)
10. Famagusta
Situated on Cyprus’ east coast, Famagusta holds a unique place in the island's history. Its medieval walled city, which is now part of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. The majestic Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, a former Gothic cathedral, stands at its center. However, Famagusta's heart lies in its deserted Varosha district, a ghost town left frozen in time since the 1974 invasion.
9. Polis
Nestled on the northwest coast, Polis is a charming town. Offering a tranquil atmosphere, Polis offers a relaxed pace of life and few crowds. Stroll around the cute Old Town, visit the quaint Latchi harbor for fresh seafood and boat trips, or simply relax at one of its many beaches, like popular Latsi Beach. Our highlight in the area was watching the sunset from Mauralis Beach.
Where we stayed: King Square Holiday Apartments ($$)
8. Kakopetria
Kakopetria is located in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. This charming village offers a taste of authentic Cypriot life. We highly recommend wandering Old Kakopetria with its cobbled streets and traditional stone houses. Or you can step inside the small Olive Mill Museum to learn more about the importance of olives to the survival of this community. Soak in the fresh mountain air that surrounds this town and take in the scenery along the Karkotis River. A visit to Kakopetria can easily be combined with some other mountain activities in the area.
Where we stayed: Rifugio Retreat Bed&Breakfast ($$)
7. Aphrodite's Rock
Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou) is a sea stack located off the coast of Paphos. Legend says this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, who emerged from the sea foam near the rock. The rock itself is a beautiful geological formation, and the surrounding area is known for a rugged coastline and crystal clear waters. It’s possible to swim around the rock and relax on the nearby beach, which mainly consists of small pebbles.
6. Lefkara
Tucked into the Troodos Mountains’ southern foothills, Lefkara is one of the most picturesque villages in the country. The name translates to “white hills” due to the limestone rocks that dot the area. From the main road leading into the town, you can soak in these beautiful landscape views. But the village itself is also a visual treat, with narrow streets and flower-filled balconies. Lefkara also enjoys an age-old tradition of lace-making and olive oil production. In fact, on the edge of town, you can visit the organic Terra Oliva Farm. Here, we did a tour of the olive groves, including a tasting. We also spoke with Jacob about what you can expect to find at this fascinating farm.
Before or after reaching Lefkara, a detour to Choirokoitia is a must. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and here, you explore the remains of a Neolithic settlement dating back to the 7th millennium BC.
Where we stayed: Lefkara Luxury Suites ($$$)
5. Cape Greco National Park
Located at the southeastern tip of Cyprus, Cape Greco National Park boasts the island’s most dramatic and unique coastline. Explore a network of hiking and cycling trails, unfurling breathtaking sea views and hidden coves. Marvel at natural wonders like the sea caves, blue lagoon, the iconic Crow’s Arch (Kamara tou Koraka), and the shallow waters of Konnos Bay. We passed all these sights while hiking the Cape Greko Loop trail, a 10.8 km or 6.7 mi moderate route that takes a couple of hours to complete. Since there’s no shade on the trail, make sure you bring lots of water and sunscreen.
Cape Greco National Park can also be easily reached from the lively resort town of Ayia Napa, where you can find a vibrant nightlife scene.
4. Troodos National Forest Park
Dominating the center of Cyprus, Troodos National Forest Park covers an area of over 9,000 hectares. Here, you can find Mount Olympus, the island’s tallest peak with an elevation of 1,952 meters or 6,404 feet. The area is known for its great natural beauty, consisting of fragrant pine forests, rich flora and fauna, refreshing waterfalls, and charming mountain towns like Kyperounta. In the winter, a ski resort opens at the top, while during the summer the trails turn into a hiking mecca. Our favorite waterfalls include the cascading Kaledonia Falls and mesmerizing Millomeris Falls, both of which require short hikes to get to. The Artemis Nature Trail was our favorite overall hike, and it winds its way around Mount Olympus in a full loop. The trail is about 7.5 kilometers or 4.5 miles total and took us a little over 2 hours to complete. With only 150 meters or 492 feet of elevation gain, we considered this an easy hike.
3. Paphos
Bathed in sunshine on Cyprus' southwest coast, Paphos is the most popular tourist destination on the island. This is thanks to its wealth of beautiful resorts, historic attractions, and golden beaches. Most of the action takes place in the charming Paphos Harbor, lined with cafés, restaurants, and the medieval castle. Paphos Archaeological Park is also next to the harbor and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can find Roman villas with stunning mosaics as well as a small amphitheater. Further along, you can also find the Tombs of the Kings, a large ancient burial site that dates back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Where we stayed: Liberty by the sea ($$)
2. Omodos & Wine Region
Located among the rolling vineyards of the Troodos Mountains, Omodos is a charming village famed for its wine production. Explore the village's heart, which is dominated by the grand Monastery of the Holy Cross, a Byzantine relic. Strolling around its picturesque cobbled streets is also a must, where you can soak in the welcoming atmosphere. But to get a true taste of this area, you should delve into the world of Cypriot wine. There are many wineries lining the outskirts of Omodos where you can sample local wines and learn about the Cypriot winemaking traditions. We especially recommend visiting Linos Winery for its idyllic landscape views and Lion Spirit Winery (Lambouri on Google Maps) for its variety of delicious wines.
1. Akamas Peninsula
Our favorite place to visit in Cyprus was the Akamas Peninsula, sitting on the northwest coast. This protected area is untouched by large-scale development and boasts a rugged coastline, dramatic gorges, and a rich flora and fauna. Highlights include hiking the Avakas Gorge, which is a scenic trail carved by a river; visiting Lara Bay, a protected beach known for its nesting loggerhead turtles; and swimming in the secluded Blue Lagoon, likely the most pristine and crystal-clear waters in the country. As Akamas Peninsula is only accessible by 4x4, most travelers visit as part of a day tour from Paphos.
Map Cyprus
Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Cyprus on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:
Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Cyprus will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.
Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Cyprus
Booking.com for places to stay
Skyscanner for cheap flights
GetYourGuide for local tours
Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals
Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Cyprus? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Cyprus:
