Cyprus is an island located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and stunning beaches, I have been lucky enough to call this Island my second home. With so many places to see in Cyprus, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.
In this blog post, I’m going to highlight the best places to visit in Cyprus, from the most beautiful beaches on the island to the most famous sights you can’t miss.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo, Safety Wing, and Travel Insurance Master
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $39. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. I also use Travel Insurance Master for short trips.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Top Places to Visit in Cyprus
1. Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos
Dating back to the 4th century BC, Nea Paphos is one of the most important places of interest in Cyprus and a must-see in Cyprus for history lovers with spectacular, well-preserved mosaics and four large Roman villas discovered at the site.
It’s perfectly located just at the end of the main beach in the center of Pathos so I’d recommend grabbing an early breakfast at one of the many restaurants along the seafront and then taking a stroll down. I say early as you aren’t going to want to be visiting the ruins during the mid-day heat! There is little to no shade in the complex so be sure to put on plenty of sunscreen and take lots of water with you.
It’s quite a lot of walking to get between the different sights within the complex.
2. Tombs of the Kings
This UNESCO World Heritage site lies just outside of Paphos and is a Cyprus must-see! The huge tombs were actually used for aristocracy rather than kings but their extravagant size is amazing to see – especially as they’re carved out of solid stone underground.
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3. Aphrodite’s Rock
Mythology states that this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, making this sea stack one of the most famous places in Cyprus. It’s also one of the most popular Cyprus tourist destinations for swimming and snorkeling as it’s easy to reach off the road between Paphos and Limassol.
To beat the crowds go there early in the morning before the coaches full of tourists arrive!
4. Cape Greco
This nature reserve in southeast Cyprus is one of the top places to visit in Cyprus thanks to the incredible sea caves and clear turquoise waters. It’s a popular sunset spot on the island as well as being the easternmost point of the EU.
5. WaterWorld Waterpark Ayia Napa
One of the top things to do in Cyprus for families, the waterpark in Ayia Napa is a great whole family day out with rides, slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more. Plus food and drink options for a fun day out in Cyprus make this one of the best places to visit in Cyprus for families and one of Cyprus’s top attractions.
6. Paphos
No visit to Cyprus is complete without a trip to Paphos. As well as ancient ruins like the Tomb of Kings, Paphos is also a charming harbor city with a picturesque old town, great Cypriot cuisine options, and plenty of nearby beaches.
Despite being the smallest city in Cyprus, Paphos is a popular base for a stay in Cyprus.
7. Limassol
Limassol is not only a popular place to stay in Cyprus, but it’s also one of the best places in Cyprus to visit, thanks to the incredible beaches there and the variety of things to do in the city – from entertainment and activities to food and drink, making it the best holiday place in Cyprus for families.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Limassol while based in Cyprus and it really does have a little bit of something for everyone. From Wine Tours to Scuba Diving and everything in between.
If you need somewhere to stay in Limassol check out this post.
8. Nicosia
The fascinating capital city of Cyprus, also known as Lefkosia, is well worth a visit. The city is divided in two, the Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south. It has an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops and one of my favorite bakeries in the world (Honest Bread).
You can even walk to the Buffer Zone between Nicosia and the occupied northern Lefkosia and take a tour to learn about the “Nicosia Green Line”.
If you only have one day then I’d spend the morning in the Republic side exploring the National Museum and then cross over the border for some discounted shopping and lunch on the Turkish side… don’t forget your passport!
9. Nissi Beach
One of the best things to see in Cyprus is the island’s beaches and Nissi Beach is simply stunning. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus and is easily accessible, plus it’s a Blue Flag Beach so it’s a great option for families too.
Be warned though, it gets CRAZY busy during the summer. The few times we tried to go during the summer we couldn’t even find a free spot on the beach to sit!
The Most Beautiful Places in Cyprus: Places to Visit
1. Nissi Beach
Add Nissi Beach to your list of Cyprus beautiful places! Nissi Beach is one of the best destinations in Cyprus thanks to its stunning sandy beach, Blue Flag status, plenty of beach activities, and the small sandbar that appears at low tide – making it one of the best beaches in Cyprus.
2. Kamara Tou Koraka
Found in the Cape Greco Nature Reserve, Kamara Tou Koraka is a natural stone bridge with stunning views, crystal clear waters, and a beautiful spot for sunset walks and romantic views – the best place in Cyprus for couples to enjoy a romantic sunset and one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus.
3. Blue Lagoon Akamas
The easiest way to reach this stunning part of Cyprus is by boat. Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant turquoise waters, great snorkeling, and amazing views. Plus it’s one of the best places to go in Cyprus to avoid the crowds!
The Best Beaches in Cyprus
1. Konnos Beach
This stunning bay is also a Blue Flag beach and is often called the best beach in Cyprus thanks to its calm waters, stunning turquoise sea, and powder white sand.
2. Makronissos Beach
A large, sandy beach that’s family-friendly and has plenty of food and drink options available. The electric blue waters and Blue Flag status make it one of the best places to visit in Cyprus for families.
3. Fig Tree Bay
With shallow waters, 500m of sand, and plenty of watersports activities, Fig Tree Bay is a popular option for a day out at the beach in Cyprus and it’s close to the popular resort town of Ayia Napa.
4. Fontana Amorosa
If you’re looking for hidden beaches or secluded places to visit in Cyprus, Fontana Amorosa is well off the beaten track. Technically it’s a freshwater pool associated with Aphrodite, rather than a beach, and is only accessible by boat or 4×4, but it’s one of the top places in Cyprus for swimming and snorkeling.
5. Coral Bay
One of the top beaches in Cyprus for snorkeling and swimming, this is an easy-to-access beach with calm waters and plenty of space, perfect for relaxing and an afternoon sunbathing.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks in Cyprus
1. Church of Saint Lazarus
Visit this Greek Orthodox Church in Larnaca dating back to the 9th Century. It is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in the country.
2. Bellapais Abbey
Located in the Turkish-controlled north of Cyprus, these spectacular ruins of a monastery date back to the 13th century.
3. The Cyprus Museum
The most important museum in Cyprus showcases the heritage and history of the country. Visiting the museum is free – a great activity if you’re visiting Cyprus on a budget.
Nature and Outdoor Activities in Cyprus
1. Caledonia Falls
Cyprus isn’t all about the stunning coastline. In the mountains, you’ll find some of the best hiking in Cyprus, including the Caledonia trail leading to this popular waterfall. There is a short out-and-back trail from Pano Platres to see the waterfall which you can take a swim in after hiking through the forest.
2. Akamas Peninsula National Park
One of the best places Cyprus has to offer for untouched nature and remote hiking trails. Akamas Peninsula National Park offers breathtaking views, cycling, and hiking trails in breathtaking gorges, as well as some of the best spots in Cyprus for birdwatching and spotting other native species.
3. Cape Greco National Park
A popular area for hiking and cycling, you can hire a bike and enjoy miles of trails with scenic coastal panoramas, sea cliffs, and caves. Don’t miss the Kamara Tou Koraka sea arch for amazing views!
Accommodation in Cyprus
If you’re looking for the best hotels to stay in Limassol, check out my full blog post here.
Cyprus Travel Guide Planning
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise, Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight-searching platforms.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Israel?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options available!
🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?
I strongly recommend using RentalCars. They are available in more than 60.000 locations and customer service support in more than 40 languages.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Final word: Cyprus top places to visit
Cyprus is a beautiful island nation with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, attractions, and activities or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone. By following this guide to the best places to visit in Cyprus, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing destination!
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