Cyprus, a Mediterranean gem nestled between Europe, Asia, and Africa, offers an irresistible blend of ancient history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. This island paradise boasts archaeological treasures dating back thousands of years, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, and picturesque mountain villages waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on golden sands or adventure among ancient ruins, Cyprus delivers unforgettable experiences in every corner.
Before you start planning your Cyprus adventure, make sure you’re prepared with these essentials:
📶 Get a Cyprus eSIM to stay connected
✈️ Find the best deals for flights and hotels
1. Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
Southeastern Cyprus | Beach
Why Visit: Nissi Beach is Cyprus’s crown jewel, boasting 500 meters of fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters that create a picture-perfect setting. This Blue Flag beach offers an energetic atmosphere with beach clubs and water sports, making it ideal for both relaxation and adventure.
Highlights: The beach features a small islet accessible by a shallow water pathway during low tide, creating a unique photo opportunity. Visitors can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, and beach volleyball during the day, while the area transforms with lively beach parties as the sun sets. The surrounding area offers plenty of dining options and accommodations for all budgets.
Pro Tip: Use a Cyprus eSIM for seamless navigation to find the best spots along this extensive beach and to share your stunning photos instantly with friends back home.
2. Paphos
Southwestern Cyprus | Historical/Beach
Why Visit: Paphos seamlessly blends ancient history with modern coastal charm. This UNESCO World Heritage city features remarkable Roman mosaics, an impressive medieval castle, and beautiful beaches, all within walking distance of each other.
Highlights: The Archaeological Park houses some of the most intricate and well-preserved Roman mosaics in the Mediterranean. Paphos Castle stands proudly at the harbor entrance, offering panoramic views. Nearby, Coral Bay provides a perfect beach escape with golden sands and clear waters. The Tombs of the Kings, an ancient necropolis carved into solid rock, showcases impressive underground tombs dating back to the 4th century BC.
Pro Tip: The archaeological sites in Paphos are spread out across the city. Stay connected with a Cyprus eSIM to easily navigate between sites and access audio guides for a more enriching experience.
3. Blue Lagoon, Akamas Peninsula
Northwestern Cyprus | Natural Beauty
Why Visit: The Blue Lagoon is a breathtaking natural wonder with some of the clearest turquoise waters you’ll ever see. Located in the protected Akamas Peninsula National Park, this secluded cove offers unparalleled swimming and snorkeling experiences in a pristine environment.
Highlights: The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkeling, with colorful fish and marine life abundant in the area. The lagoon is accessible primarily by boat from Latchi or Paphos, making it feel like a special discovery. The surrounding Akamas Peninsula offers additional hiking opportunities, including the Aphrodite and Adonis nature trails that provide stunning coastal views.
Pro Tip: Book your boat trip to Blue Lagoon in advance using this link for the best deals. The most popular tours sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
4. Troodos Mountains
Central Cyprus | Nature/Cultural
Why Visit: The Troodos Mountains offer a refreshing contrast to Cyprus’s coastal areas, with pine-scented forests, charming villages, and cooler temperatures. This mountain range is home to Mount Olympus (the island’s highest peak at 1,952 meters), UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, and stunning hiking trails.
Highlights: The region boasts nine Byzantine churches with remarkable frescoes that have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Kykkos Monastery, the wealthiest and most famous on the island, houses a silver-covered icon of the Virgin Mary. Nature lovers can explore numerous hiking trails, including the Artemis and Atalante trails that circle Mount Olympus. In winter, the area even offers skiing opportunities – a rare experience in the Mediterranean.
Pro Tip: Use a Cyprus eSIM for reliable navigation in the mountains where signage can be limited. The temperature difference between the coast and mountains can be dramatic (up to 10-15°C cooler), so check weather conditions before your visit.
5. Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
Southwestern Cyprus | Natural/Mythological
Why Visit: Aphrodite’s Rock is one of Cyprus’s most iconic landmarks, steeped in mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This dramatic sea stack rising from the Mediterranean creates a mesmerizing seascape that’s especially magical at sunset.
Highlights: The striking geological formation stands proudly in the sea against a backdrop of rugged cliffs. Legend has it that swimming around the rock three times will bring eternal beauty, youth, or true love. The pebbly beach offers a perfect vantage point for photographs, while the surrounding area provides scenic coastal walks with panoramic views.
Pro Tip: Visit during sunset for the most spectacular photos. The area can get crowded, so arrive early to secure parking. Book accommodations nearby to enjoy this magical spot without rushing.
6. Limassol
Southern Cyprus | Urban/Beach
Why Visit: Limassol offers the perfect blend of historical charm and cosmopolitan energy. Cyprus’s second-largest city boasts a beautiful old town, a stunning marina development, excellent beaches, and a vibrant food and nightlife scene.
Highlights: Limassol Castle, dating back to the 14th century, houses the Medieval Museum and offers insights into the island’s rich history. The recently developed Marina area features upscale shopping, dining, and luxury accommodations. Lady’s Mile Beach and Governor’s Beach provide excellent swimming spots with distinctive landscapes. The city is also famous for its wine production, with numerous wineries in the surrounding villages offering tours and tastings.
Pro Tip: Use a Cyprus eSIM to navigate Limassol’s mix of narrow old town streets and modern developments. The city hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the famous Wine Festival in September, so check the calendar when planning your visit.
7. Konnos Beach
Southeastern Cyprus | Beach
Why Visit: Konnos Beach offers a more secluded and intimate beach experience compared to nearby Ayia Napa beaches. This picturesque cove features golden sand, crystal-clear azure waters, and is framed by lush greenery and rocky cliffs that create a natural amphitheater.
Highlights: The sheltered bay creates calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Water sports equipment rentals are available for more active visitors. The beach is accessible via a scenic road with panoramic viewpoints along the way. Its location between Protaras and Cape Greco makes it an ideal stop as part of a coastal exploration day.
Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during peak season. Stay connected with a Cyprus eSIM to find the best parking spots and nearby dining options, as the main parking area can fill up quickly.
8. Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Central Cyprus | Historical/Cultural
Why Visit: Nicosia is the world’s last divided capital, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cyprus’s complex history and politics. The city combines impressive Venetian walls, colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and excellent museums with the unique experience of crossing between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides.
Highlights: The walled Old City features narrow streets, traditional houses, and significant landmarks like the impressive Selimiye Mosque (formerly St. Sophia Cathedral). The Cyprus Museum houses the island’s most important archaeological collection. Ledra Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, includes a crossing point to the northern part of the city. The Green Line, which has divided the city since 1974, offers a sobering but educational experience.
Pro Tip: When crossing to the northern side, you’ll need your passport and potentially different currency (Turkish Lira). A Cyprus eSIM will work on both sides of the border, ensuring you stay connected throughout your exploration of this unique capital.
9. Larnaca
Southeastern Cyprus | Urban/Beach
Why Visit: Larnaca offers an appealing mix of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. As home to Cyprus’s main international airport, it’s often visitors’ first impression of the island, but it’s worth exploring beyond the arrival hall.
Highlights: The Church of Saint Lazarus is an impressive 9th-century stone church built over the tomb of Lazarus. The palm-lined Finikoudes Beach promenade creates a Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. Larnaca Salt Lake hosts thousands of flamingos during winter months, creating a spectacular natural display. Hala Sultan Tekke, an important Muslim shrine, sits peacefully by the salt lake in a palm grove.
Pro Tip: Book your accommodation in Larnaca for your first or last night in Cyprus to minimize transfer times to the airport. The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore in a day.
10. Cape Greco
Southeastern Cyprus | Natural Beauty
Why Visit: Cape Greco National Forest Park offers some of Cyprus’s most dramatic coastal scenery, with sea caves, natural rock bridges, and crystal-clear waters. This protected headland between Ayia Napa and Protaras provides excellent hiking, swimming, and photography opportunities.
Highlights: The area features numerous sea caves that can be explored by boat or by swimming. The “Kamara tou Koraka” (Crow’s Bridge) is a natural rock arch that creates a perfect photo frame. Well-marked hiking trails offer stunning viewpoints across the Mediterranean. The Blue Lagoon area provides excellent snorkeling opportunities with exceptional water clarity.
Pro Tip: Use a Cyprus eSIM to access trail maps and navigate between the various points of interest at Cape Greco. Early morning visits offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.
11. Avakas Gorge
Western Cyprus | Natural/Hiking
Why Visit: Avakas Gorge offers an adventurous escape into a dramatic limestone canyon carved by centuries of flowing water. This natural wonder features towering cliffs reaching up to 30 meters high and narrows to just a few meters wide in some sections.
Highlights: The gorge trail takes hikers through varying landscapes, from the narrow canyon with its impressive rock formations to open plains with panoramic views. Unique flora thrives in this microclimate, including rare centauria akamantis flowers found nowhere else in the world. The surrounding area features traditional villages and unspoiled countryside that provide a glimpse into rural Cypriot life.
Pro Tip: Wear appropriate footwear as the trail involves crossing streams and navigating uneven terrain. The gorge holds water year-round, so be prepared for wet conditions. Find accommodations nearby to start your hike early in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
12. Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
Eastern Cyprus | Historical
Why Visit: Famagusta offers a compelling mix of medieval architecture, tragic recent history, and golden beaches. Located in Northern Cyprus, this once-glamorous resort town features impressive Venetian walls, Gothic churches, and the haunting sight of Varosha, the abandoned “ghost city” frozen in time since the 1974 division of the island.
Highlights: The old walled city contains numerous historical buildings, including the impressive Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral). The Othello Tower, mentioned in Shakespeare’s play, offers panoramic views from its battlements. Varosha, once a glamorous tourist destination, can now be partially visited after decades of being completely off-limits. The nearby beaches feature golden sand and clear waters.
Pro Tip: You’ll need to cross to Northern Cyprus to visit Famagusta. Ensure your Cyprus eSIM has coverage in both parts of the island to stay connected throughout your visit. Bring your passport for the border crossing.
13. Kykkos Monastery
Troodos Mountains | Religious/Cultural
Why Visit: Kykkos Monastery is the wealthiest and most famous monastery in Cyprus, renowned for its stunning architecture, valuable artifacts, and religious significance. Nestled in the Troodos Mountains, it offers both spiritual and cultural experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
Highlights: The monastery houses a silver-covered icon of the Virgin Mary, said to be painted by St. Luke himself. The interior features elaborate frescoes, gold-plated iconostasis, and impressive mosaics. The attached museum displays religious artifacts, manuscripts, and antiquities. The surrounding forest provides scenic hiking opportunities and cooler temperatures during summer months.
Pro Tip: Modest dress is required when visiting (shoulders and knees covered). The monastery is located at high elevation, so temperatures can be significantly cooler than coastal areas. Use a Cyprus eSIM to navigate the mountain roads, which can be winding but offer spectacular views.
14. Omodos Village
Troodos Mountains | Cultural/Wine
Why Visit: Omodos is one of Cyprus’s most picturesque mountain villages, with cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and a rich wine-making heritage. This charming village offers an authentic glimpse into Cypriot rural life and traditions.
Highlights: The Timios Stavros Monastery (Holy Cross) contains religious relics and a impressive wood-carved iconostasis. The village is surrounded by vineyards and is famous for its wine production, with several wineries offering tastings. Traditional workshops produce local specialties like lace, bread, and sweets. The village square, lined with cafes and tavernas, creates a perfect setting to experience local hospitality.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with other nearby wine villages for a self-guided wine tour of the region. Book accommodations in the village to experience its charm after day-trippers have left.
15. Akamas Peninsula National Park
Northwestern Cyprus | Natural/Ecological
Why Visit: The Akamas Peninsula is Cyprus’s last remaining large unspoiled coastal area, offering pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and spectacular landscapes. This protected wilderness area provides opportunities for hiking, swimming, and connecting with nature away from developed tourist areas.
Highlights: Lara Beach serves as an important nesting site for endangered green and loggerhead turtles. The Baths of Aphrodite is a picturesque grotto where the goddess is said to have bathed. The Aphrodite Nature Trail offers panoramic coastal views and diverse Mediterranean vegetation. The area’s biodiversity includes nearly 600 plant species, 168 bird species, and 20 reptile species.
Pro Tip: A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for exploring the peninsula’s rough dirt roads. Use a Cyprus eSIM to navigate and access emergency services if needed, as the area is remote with limited facilities.
16. Coral Bay
Western Cyprus | Beach
Why Visit: Coral Bay offers one of western Cyprus’s best sandy beaches in a sheltered bay framed by limestone cliffs. This Blue Flag beach combines natural beauty with excellent facilities, making it perfect for families and those seeking both relaxation and water activities.
Highlights: The 600-meter crescent-shaped bay features soft golden sand and shallow waters ideal for swimming. Water sports operators offer activities including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. The surrounding area provides numerous dining options ranging from traditional tavernas to international cuisine. Nearby sea caves and the Pegeia Sea Caves add exploration opportunities beyond the beach.
Pro Tip: Book accommodations within walking distance to avoid parking challenges during peak season. The beach gets crowded in summer months, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
17. Fig Tree Bay
Protaras | Beach
Why Visit: Fig Tree Bay consistently ranks among Europe’s top beaches for its combination of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and excellent facilities. Named after a lone fig tree that has stood there since the 17th century, this beach offers a more family-friendly alternative to Ayia Napa’s party atmosphere.
Highlights: The beach features a small island just a short swim from shore, creating a natural swimming destination. Water sports facilities offer activities for all ages and adventure levels. The surrounding area provides numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance. A scenic coastal path connects to other nearby beaches and coves for those wanting to explore further.
Pro Tip: Use a Cyprus eSIM to locate the best spots along the beach and find highly-rated restaurants nearby. The underwater Museum of Underwater Sculptures Ayia Napa (MUSAN) is just offshore and worth exploring for snorkelers.
18. Ancient Kourion
Southwestern Cyprus | Archaeological
Why Visit: Ancient Kourion offers one of Cyprus’s most impressive archaeological sites, dramatically positioned on a coastal cliff with panoramic Mediterranean views. This Greco-Roman city features remarkably preserved structures that provide insights into life during the island’s classical period.
Highlights: The Greco-Roman theater, restored and still used for performances, offers spectacular sea views. The House of Eustolios contains well-preserved mosaic floors depicting scenes from daily life. The early Christian Basilica showcases the island’s Byzantine heritage. The site’s clifftop location provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
Pro Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, as the site offers limited shade. Book a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance of the ruins.
19. Caledonia Waterfall
Troodos Mountains | Natural
Why Visit: Caledonia Waterfall offers a refreshing natural escape in the heart of the Troodos Mountains. This 12-meter cascade is one of Cyprus’s highest waterfalls and provides a cool retreat during hot summer months, surrounded by lush vegetation and tranquil forest.
Highlights: The 3-kilometer Caledonia Trail follows the Kryos Potamos (Cold River) through dense forest. The path crosses the stream several times via wooden bridges, creating a varied hiking experience. The waterfall itself creates a natural pool at its base where visitors can cool off. The surrounding area features diverse plant life, including plane trees, golden oaks, and pine forests.
Pro Tip: Wear appropriate footwear as the trail can be slippery, especially near the waterfall. Use a Cyprus eSIM to download trail maps and access emergency services if needed, as mobile coverage can be spotty in mountain areas.
20. Lara Beach
Akamas Peninsula | Beach/Ecological
Why Visit: Lara Beach offers a truly unspoiled natural experience on Cyprus’s wild Akamas Peninsula. This protected beach serves as a vital nesting site for endangered green and loggerhead turtles, combining ecological significance with pristine natural beauty far from developed tourist areas.
Highlights: The golden sandy beach stretches along a beautiful bay with crystal-clear waters. During nesting season (May to August), visitors might witness turtles laying eggs or hatchlings making their way to the sea. The beach’s remote location means it remains uncrowded even during peak season. The surrounding Akamas Peninsula offers additional hiking and exploration opportunities.
Pro Tip: A 4×4 vehicle is necessary to access the beach via unpaved roads. There are no facilities, so bring everything you need for the day. Book a guided eco-tour to learn about the conservation efforts and increase your chances of seeing turtles.
Plan Your Perfect Cyprus Adventure
Cyprus offers an incredible diversity of experiences within its compact island geography. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, mountain villages to vibrant cities, there’s something for every traveler to discover. The island’s rich history, natural beauty, and Mediterranean charm create memories that will last a lifetime.
Essential Travel Resources
Before you finalize your Cyprus itinerary, make sure you’re prepared with these must-have travel essentials:
📶 Get your Cyprus eSIM before arrival
Stay connected throughout your journey with reliable mobile data for navigation, translation, and sharing your amazing experiences.
✈️ Book your flights and hotels now
Secure the best rates and availability, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (June-September).
