★ Top sights 20
Medieval fortress of the Johannites from the 15th century, center of production of the famous sweet wine Commandaria. A well-preserved tower overlooking the surrounding vineyards.
The ruins of a Byzantine castle on the rocky ridge of the Kyrenia mountain range at an altitude of 954 m. Fantastic view of the Kyrenia coast and Nicosia.
The easternmost of the three medieval castles in the Kyrenia Mountains in northern Cyprus with breathtaking views of the Karpaz and Famagusta Gulf.
One of the many Gothic and Ottoman monuments of the walled city of Famagusta showing a rich layered history.
A secluded beach on the Akamas Peninsula where the rare sea turtles Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas nest. Access by dirt road only, wilderness at its best.
A dramatic beach with white chalk cliffs and a dark pebble coast east of Limassol. Picturesque still life with several fishing taverns.
A quiet pebbly cove surrounded by steep limestone cliffs near the picturesque village of Pissouri. Clear water, excellent for snorkeling and diving.
The largest salt lake in Cyprus at the British base of Akrotiri, breeding ground for wintering flamingos and other rare birds. An excellent place for ornithologists.
One of the most important ancient cities of Cyprus with an admirably preserved Roman theater above the sea. The views of the sea are unbeatable, the theater still in operation.
An impressive underground burial ground of the Hellenistic and Roman eras carved out of the living rock near Paphos. Columned halls and rich decorations fascinate.
A Byzantine-medieval castle in the heart of Limassol, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was married. Today it houses the Museum of the Cypriot Middle Ages.
One of the best-preserved medieval fortified cities in the world with Venetian walls and dozens of Gothic churches. Once one of the richest cities in the Mediterranean.
Gothic cathedral from the 14th century. rebuilt after the Ottoman conquest into a mosque. The facade is reminiscent of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims, the monumental interior.
Mysterious abandoned quarters of a once luxurious seaside resort closed after 1974. Partially accessible from 2020, a chilling atmosphere of a forsaken world.
The last divided capital of the world with 16th century Venetian walls, lively bazaars and great museums. The UN Green Line divides the city into two parts.
The richest collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Neolithic to the Byzantine era. The famous clay army from Agia Irini and unique gold jewelry.
The ancient column where, according to tradition, the apostle Paul was scourged during his missionary stay in Cyprus. In the Paphos Archaeological Park.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautifully preserved Roman mosaics from the House of Dionysus, Theseus and Aion. The mosaics are among the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean.
An imposing medieval castle above the idyllic harbor of Kyrenia in northern Cyprus. Inside a unique museum with an ancient ship 2400 years old.
Sheltered cove beach in Cape Greco Bay with golden sand and calmer waters. Surrounded by pine forest, excellent for snorkeling.
Activities & local 21
Prestigious golf course overlooking the sea near Paphos, rated as one of the most beautiful in Europe. A luxury resort with top services.
A scenic 7.5 km circular hiking route of the Akamas Peninsula via the Baths of Aphrodite and Pyrgos tis Rigainas. Sea views and endemic flora.
Traditional carob mill turned museum. Cyprus was once the world's largest carob exporter. Products: carob syrup, powder, chocolate, spirits.
A large water park near Limassol with waves, water slides and children's sections. A popular trip for families with children in the hot Cypriot summer.
Traditional cheese dairy in the Troodos foothills. Watch halloumi being made by hand. Direct sale of fresh and matured halloumi.
Popular off-road vehicle trips to mountain villages, wine regions and inaccessible natural corners of Troodos or Akamasu.
Historic winery producing Commandaria — the world's oldest named wine (since 800 BC). Museum, cellar tours, tasting.
Romantic walk to the rock arches and sea bridge at Cape Greco - popular with couples. Beautiful sunset over the sea.
The best place for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Cyprus thanks to the regular lines at Kiti Beach near Larnaca. Schools and facilities available.
Premium Cypriot wine cellars in the village of Agios Amvrosios with vineyard tours and wine tastings of the endemic Maratheftiko variety.
The most picturesque port of Cyprus with Venetian buildings, taverns and fishing boats. One of the most photographed views on the entire island.
Modern harbor and promenade with restaurants, boutiques and cruises. A stylish meeting place for the cream of Cyprus and tourists.
A cultural and arts center in Limassol's Old Port with galleries, theater and summer festivals. The annual Limassol Wine Festival is legendary.
Family distillery producing Zivania — traditional Cypriot spirit (PDO) distilled from grape pomace. Tasting and direct sale.
A popular 12 km circular route in the central Troodos with views of the whole island. Forest path around the Adelphi peak (1612 m).
Historic Ottoman baths from the 16th century. in the center of Nicosia, still in operation as a luxury wellness centre. A unique experience with a traditional Turkish bath.
A picturesque harbor near Paphos, starting point for boat trips to the Blue Lagoon and Akamas. Fish restaurant and sale of fresh catch.
A picturesque mountain village with traditional stone houses converted into hostels. A model of successful Cypriot agritourism, peace and authentic culture.
A popular 14 km route around the peak of Olympos in a pine forest with views of the valley. Reasonably challenging for the average tourist.
Small winery reviving indigenous Cypriot grape varieties (Xynisteri, Maratheftiko). Mountain village setting, stunning views. Wine tasting.
One of the largest water parks in Europe with a Greek mythological theme, dozens of water slides and attractions for the whole family. Great fun in the summer heat.
Beaches & coast 19
A secluded beach in northern Cyprus protected as a nesting site for Caretta caretta sea turtles. Organized security patrols at night.
A quieter and less touristy beach between Ayia Napa and Larnakoya with nice water and a small chapel carved into the rock.
A hidden wild beach in the bay of Cape Greco accessible only by a narrow footpath. Incredibly clear water and an isolated atmosphere for those looking for peace.
An exclusive beach at the luxury Aphrodite Hills resort with great infrastructure and clear water. The surroundings offer a golf course with a view of the sea.
A popular semi-circular beach north of Paphos with blue flags and plenty of facilities. A quieter alternative to crowded resort beaches.
The main beach of Protaras with fine white sand and calm shallow sea, ideal for families with children. Blue flag awarded beach with all facilities.
A quiet sandy beach in the north of Larnaca, less frequented and popular with locals. Calm waters ideal for families with children.
A popular city beach near Larnaca with a view of landing planes and a lively promenade full of tavernas. Sandy beach with good facilities.
An attractive beach on the edge of Ayia Napa with white sand, clear water and close to tavernas and shops. Less chaotic than Nissi Beach.
The most famous beach of Cyprus at Ayia Napa - white sand, shallow turquoise water and a lively atmosphere. Very crowded in summer, ideal for young tourists.
The most famous snorkeling spot in Cyprus - the turquoise lagoon in the Akamas nature reserve with underwater caves.
Clear turquoise lagoon at the tip of the Akamas Peninsula, accessible by boat or ATV. One of the most beautiful natural corners of Cyprus.
An underwater cave at Cape Greko with a fascinating rock arch - one of the island's most iconic dive sites.
One of the most beautiful and remote beaches of Cyprus on the northern tip of the Karpaz - golden sand and clear water without crowds of tourists.
A shallow beach with a small island - easy to snorkel with rich underwater vegetation and colorful fish.
White cliffs contrasting with dark sand – interesting rock formations and shoals of fish underwater.
A rocky cove with underwater caves and rich marine fauna – popular with divers and snorkelers.
A sheltered bay between the rocks at Cape Greko with clear water and underwater rock formations.
The legendary birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite - a rocky outcrop jutting out of the turquoise sea. A picturesque pebble beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Culture & history 28
An underground cave church carved out of limestone in Paphos, decorated with frescoes and a wishing tree. According to tradition, Agia Solomoni and her children hid here.
British military base on the Akrotiri peninsula, access to the public salt lake and nature reserve is possible. Interesting historical context.
A huge complex of ancient ruins of the largest ancient city of Cyprus with an amphitheater, gymnasium, baths and basilicas. History from the Greeks to Byzantium.
Picturesque Benedictine monastery from the 15th century. carved out of a rock outcropping, surrounded by a fountain and old plane trees. An oasis of calm in a tourist center.
A popular mountain village in the northern Troodos with old stone houses along the Kargotis River. Restaurants and cafes by the stream, excellent for relaxing.
One of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Middle East dating back to the 7th millennium BC, listed on the UNESCO list. Reconstruction of round houses.
A sacred Orthodox monastery at the very tip of the Karpaz peninsula, restored after decades of decay. Place of pilgrimage and legend of St. Andrew.
Museum dedicated to the struggle for Cypriot independence EOKA from the 1950s. in the building by the Green Line. A look at Cyprus' modern history.
The fourth holiest place in the Islamic world - the mosque and tomb of Umm Haram bint Milhan, the Prophet Muhammad's aunt. On the shore of a salt lake.
Monastery from the 12th century hidden in the virgin hills of Troodos with an excellent museum of Byzantine icons and its own wine production.
The richest and most famous Orthodox monastery of Cyprus from the 11th century, hiding the icon of the Virgin Mary attributed to St. Luke. Golden Byzantine mosaics.
A small church from the 12th century. with some of the most beautiful Byzantine frescoes in the world, registered on the UNESCO list. Prior appointment required for entry.
Byzantine church from the 9th century built over the grave of St. Lazarus, resurrected by Jesus. Magnificent iconostasis and golden icons.
A small Ottoman fort from 1625 guarding the port of Larnaca with a museum of medieval sites. From the terrace a view of the sea and the Phinikoudes promenade.
The main crossing of the UN Green Line dividing Nicosia, Cyprus. A unique experience – crossing the border of two worlds and their intermingling on Ledra street.
An ancient Phoenician and Greek city east of Limassol with an acropolis, temples and marketplace. One of the six ancient kingdoms of Cyprus.
A picturesque mountain village famous for traditional lace (lefkaritika) and silver jewelry. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci himself bought the lace here.
A large han (caravanseray) from the Ottoman period converted into an artisan center with studio, galleries and café. One of the most beautiful Ottoman buildings on the island.
Byzantine monastery from the 12th century in the hills of northeastern Troodos, holding an icon of the Virgin Mary. The center of worship of the national hero Grigoris Afxentiou.
Museum dedicated to the struggle for the independence of Cyprus 1955-1959 in the grounds of the old police station. Documents, photographs and exhibits from the era of British colonial rule.
The ruins of the most famous sanctuary of Aphrodite in the ancient world at Kouklia - the center of the cult of the goddess of love. A museum with exceptional exhibits.
One of the most beautiful mountain villages of Cyprus with cobbled streets, vineyards and the monastery of Timios Stavros. Great local wines and traditional sweets.
Monastery from the 12th century with cave cells carved out of limestone by the hands of St. A neophyte. The Byzantine frescoes in the enclister are extremely valuable.
In the fortress of Kyrenia there is a museum that preserves the world's oldest preserved merchant ship (4th century BC) with a cargo of wine and almonds.
An ancient Greek temple dedicated to Apollo in the sacred grove near Kourion, dated to the 8th century. BC Preserved columns and foundations of buildings.
Orthodox monastery from the 13th century dedicated to the Virgin Mary, hidden in a dense pine forest on the southern slopes of Troodos. A revered icon and a peaceful atmosphere.
A UNESCO-listed group of ten painted Byzantine churches in the Troodos Mountains. Exceptional frescoes from the 11th–16th centuries. desk in unique mountain churches.
Byzantine Monastery of St. Barnabas in the northern part of Cyprus near ancient Salamis, today a museum of icons and antiquities. Picturesque monastery complex.
Getting there 3
Car rental and tickets · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Search for the cheapest flights to Cyprus
Car rental and tickets · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Search for the cheapest flights to Cyprus
Ferry port · Connection with Greece, cruise port
Nature 15
A charming botanical garden near Paphos with tropical plants, waterfalls and bizarre trees from around the world. A pleasant refreshment from the summer heat.
The most preserved natural area in Cyprus - wild nature, endemic plants, sea turtles and secluded bays. Accessible by foot, 4x4 or boat.
A new underwater park in Ayia Napou with artificially sunken sculptures and an attractive bay for snorkeling and diving. Modern tourist attraction.
A dramatic limestone gorge on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula with naturally formed rock formations and a rapid. The transition takes about 2 hours.
Fascinating sea caves and rock arches on the north coast of Cape Greco - popular with photographers and kayakers. Clear water and dramatic rocks.
The highest waterfall in Cyprus (12 m) hidden in the green gorge of the Troodos mountains. Accessible by a pleasant 3 km trail along the Kryos mountain stream.
A dramatic white limestone cliff face falling directly into the sea between Limasso and Paphos. The sea views are stunning, popular with photographers.
A dramatic limestone headland on the south-eastern tip of Cyprus with natural sea caves and clear water. Popular spot for snorkeling, diving and hiking.
The wildest and most remote part of Cyprus - a long peninsula with wild donkeys, empty beaches and preserved nature. A true paradise for nature lovers.
One of the largest salt lakes in the Mediterranean, home to thousands of pink flamingos in winter. In the summer it turns into a white salt wasteland, still breathtaking.
A modern zoo near Paphos with over 1,500 animals including giraffes, tigers and zebras. Friendly environment for family trips.
Mountain botanical garden near Troodos with endemic Cypriot plants, old cedars and picturesque nature. Perfect for naturalists.
A romantic natural spring in dense vegetation on the Akamas peninsula, where, according to legend, Aphrodite bathed. The starting point of the Aphrodite trail.
A mountain station in the Paphos Forest Reserve, home to the endemic Cyprus mouflon (Ovis orientalis ophion). Forest hiking trails and breeding station.
The highest point of Cyprus with a panoramic view of the entire island. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer through a forest full of cedars and pines.