Cyprus is a true Mediterranean jewel; a marvellous blend of natural beauty, rich and ancient history, great food, sunshine, and a wonderfully laid-back culture.
It’s been a favourite UK holiday destination since the dawn of sun holidays, with holidaymakers drawn year after year to its sun-drenched beaches, busy bars, and superb resorts.
But Cyprus has so much more going for it than beaches and sunshine. Beyond those idyllic strands, the island offers vineyards, ancient ruins, charming mountain villages, and much more. It boasts a thriving culinary scene seasoned with Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavours – it even has its own world-famous cheese.
With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to choose exactly how to spend your time here. So to help you create your perfect Cyprus holiday, we’ve pulled together a list of nine of our favourite Cypriot sights, sites, and attractions.
Here are nine experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Explore ancient Paphos, at New Paphos
Nea (New) Paphos is not at all new. But around the second or third centuries AD, it was a thriving hub, the site of a major Greek and Roman city of great wealth and opulence.
The decline of Nea Paphos began after a huge earthquake ripped through the city in the fourth century, causing destruction that was simply beyond repair. The city continued crumbling as Salamis became the new Cypriot capital, and after repeated raids in the seventh century, its fate as a ruined city was sealed.
Today Paphos Archaeological Park is still only partially excavated, yet offers its visitors a breathtaking array of incredible archaeological sites and features that tell the ancient city’s story.
You can explore the remnants of the Agora, the Odeon, the Basilica, and more. Most notable and special, however, are the famous Paphos mosaics, found in the southern part of the park just beyond the Agora. Found within the ruins of the House of Dionysus, the mosaics are beautiful, incredibly well-preserved, and tell the stories of several Greek myths in intricate detail. Discovered by accident in the early ’60s, the mosaics are now one of Cyprus’ most fascinating sites, and one we think you won’t want to miss.
2. Spend a day in a mountain village
Odomos, nestled in the Troödos Mountains in Limassol, is a beautiful little village at the heart of Cyprus’ wine country. Charming, bustling and friendly, it’s a wonderful place to while away a day, and not only for the connoisseurs among us.
The cobbled streets and traditional architecture, the monastery, the bustling cafes around the village square…it’s a place to sip fine wine (or great coffee), soak up the sunshine, eat good food, and watch the world go by. Odomos is the perfect place to do some leisurely shopping away from throngs of tourists and, with its lovely boutique shops, galleries, and stalls, you’re sure to find something a little different.
For those interested in the village’s wine history, don’t miss the Linos – the old mediaeval wine press, just down the road from the monastery.
3. Visit Aphrodite’s Beach
Cyprus has a lot of coastline, much of it consisting of perfect golden-white strands. One of the most famous beaches is Aphrodite’s, located in Paphos. The beach is immediately recognisable by the two large bright rocks that rise from its turquoise waters; a fabulous spot with paradise sands and crystal clear waters, with a little bit of ancient mythology thrown in, too.
The rocks are the stars of the show here. Legend has it that the larger rocks mark the spot where Aphrodite emerged from the sea to engage in some of her goddessly seductions. Legend also has it that if you swim out to and around the rock three times, you’ll find true love. Those of you who’ve already found it will still enjoy a swim here on these sparkling shores – maybe a little closer to shore.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants within a five-minute drive where you can get some shade, drinks, and a bite to eat once you’ve dried off, and if the timing is right we highly recommend heading back to the beach to watch the beautiful Cypriot sunset.
4. Wander the Tombs of the Kings
A few kilometres north of Nea Paphos lie the Tombs of the Kings, where the people of Nea Paphos would bury their dead back when the city was alive. Despite their name, the tombs weren’t used by royalty, but rather by 100 or so aristocrats from the city. They were grand and opulent and are thought to have housed significant treasures and jewels, which have long been plundered by grave robbers.
But the real treasure here is the tombs themselves and, thankfully, much of them remain. What’s particularly interesting about these tombs is the strong Egyptian influence that can be seen throughout, the only example of this kind in Cyprus. The Egyptians believed that burial tombs should resemble homes for the living and this belief is evidenced throughout the eight excavated rock-cut tombs at this site.
Each tomb resembles a Hellenistic house in its design, with columns and atriums, porticos and ramparts, and some sculptures, too. A magnificent step back into ancient history.
5. Walk the Venetian Walls of Nicosia
Built in the 16th century to stave off Ottoman invasions, the Venetian Walls in Nicosia are well worth a visit and still in excellent condition, despite failing to keep the Ottomans at bay. The old city of Nicosia was once contained inside the walls. But, as the city has grown, the walls have become less of a boundary and more of a feature that weaves its way through old and new architecture.
There are parts of the wall that you can walk on, offering some great vistas over the city, as well as a sense of the scale of the walls and the old town. One recommendation – visit early in the day or later in the afternoon. There’s little shade to be found on top of the walls and the full midday sun can feel extra strong up there.
6. Visit the Lara Bay turtle sanctuary
Lara Bay, on the rugged Akamas Peninsula, is a pristine, secluded beach that remains largely untouched and unspoiled by humans. The beach serves as an important, protected nesting ground for endangered loggerhead and green turtles. A visit to the sanctuary will allow you to learn about these fascinating, elusive creatures and why the work of the sanctuary is so key.
During the nesting season, you’ll be able to see protective cages punctuate the length of the sandy shore, safeguarding eggs from predators and people, while conservationists and volunteers are often on hand to share fascinating insights. The best time to visit is around August, when (if you’re lucky) you may even see some hatchlings make their way to the waves.
Beyond its ecological importance, Lara Bay’s protected peace makes it a breathtakingly serene beach escape of a different kind, perfect for walking and enjoying a quieter stretch of Cypriot coastline. Just be sure to respect and obey the rules that keep the Bay safe for turtles!
7. Cool off in Adonis Baths
Adonis Baths is a true oasis, a stunning natural escape near Kili Village in Paphos, complete with cascading waterfalls, gushing rivers and streams, and crispy cold aquamarine pools. You can join a guided tour of the park and waterfalls if you like. But many like to chart their own course here and enjoy the freedom to spend a little more time cooling off in Adonis’ fresh waters.
If you’re making your own way here, the route is well-marked from Tala Village or Coral Bay and many make the trip atop rented quad bikes. However you choose to travel, you’ll be enchanted by this exotic park and its wonderfully refreshing pools.
8. Discover Ancient Kourion
Another of Cyprus’ unmissable archaeological wonders, you’ll find Ancient Kourion perched high on a Limassol hillside, complete with spectacular sea views. It’s thought that the site was originally founded back in neolithic times, but was an important city-kingdom until an earthquake destroyed it in 365AD.
The ruins are a joy to explore; excavations have uncovered some significant archaeology, from baths and mosaics to an Agora and a Christian Basilica. But the site’s real showstopper is the Greco-Roman theatre, built in the second century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. The ancient theatre has been meticulously restored and is now used for open-air music and theatre.
Getting tickets to a performance here will be a definite highlight of your trip – well worth booking in advance.
9. Learn to make halloumi
Cyprus’ world-famous, unmeltable, delicious, salty halloumi cheese is one of the island’s biggest and best exports. But why not taste it at the source – or better yet, learn how to make it yourself?
You can join a wonderful day trip into the Troodos Mountains to visit traditional cheesemakers in their homes. You’ll learn about their lives, their industry, and the whole cheesemaking process from start to finish. Tours include a delicious lunch of cheese and other local produce, straight from the small farmers and home producers living in the mountains.
Depending on the tour you choose, you may also get to visit local producers of honey, confectionery, and even donkey milk, donkey milk soap, and other donkey milk products. A trip into the mountain villages is a fascinating and delicious way to gain real insight into more traditional island life, away from the neon and noise of the tourist strips.
Final thoughts
Cyprus might be most widely known as a party destination, the neon strip of Ayia Napa pulling in almost a million tourists every year. But the best of Cyrpus – the real Cyprus – is found off the strip. It’s in the ancient crumbling architecture, the mythical gods and goddesses and the tributes that have been written to them in stone.
It’s in the peaceful mountain villages and vineyards, the salty tang of fried halloumi and the rich buttery drizzle of local olive oil. Endless unforgettable sights and experiences are awaiting you in Cyprus, but perhaps this article has helped you to choose the things you won’t want to miss on your Cyprus getaway.
Have you visited Cyprus and been to see any of the sites and attractions on this list? Do you agree with our take, or have any different suggestions? Please let us know in the comments below – we always love to hear from you.