Hello there! If you are currently planning a trip to Cyprus or if you are wondering if Cyprus is worth a visit, then you have come to the right corner of the internet! The Mediterrean island is a lovely place filled with ancient history, fantastic beaches, and delicious seafood and Halloumi! All of these highlights in Cyprus make it the perfect place for a relaxing yet adventurous vacation. In this list, you will find the top places to see and top things to do in Cyprus, along with helpful tips for traveling to Cyprus. So let’s have the time of our lives, traveling to such an exciting place as Cyprus!
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FAQ about traveling to Cyprus
What’s the Special Thing About Cyprus?
When doing your research on how to travel Cyprus, you will notice, that the island is split into two portions. There is the South section and the North section. While the South section is in the hands of Greece, the North section is in the hands of Turkey. This leads to some tension internally and depending on where you come from, you might need a separate Visa to visit North Cyprus. This post about the highlights in Cyprus covers only highlights located in the South of the island, as I didn’t cross to the North side.
How to Get to Cyprus?
If you want to travel to Cyprus, you have multiple airports to choose from. You can fly to Paphos International Airport (PFO) or Larnaka International Airport (LCA) if you want to arrive on the South side. Both are equally easy to reach and I just booked the flight that was the cheapest.
Where to Stay in Cyprus?
While in Cyrpus, I moved around and stayed in multiple areas to explore all the highlights of Cyprus and I will link all the hotels and hostels I stayed in down below. If you don’t want to move around as much, I would recommend staying in Paphos and doing day trips to Limassol, Larnaca, and the mountains. Driving to Ayia Napa from Paphos might be a little far but would be manageable too!
When to Visit Cyprus?
As a Mediterranean island with amazing white beaches, it makes sense to travel to Cyprus during the warmer months but this also goes hand in hand with more crowded beaches and cities. I went there in March and had many great, sunny days and very few other tourists, which is perfect for me. So I think the best time to travel to Cyprus is from March – to May or September – October.
How to Get Around in Cyprus?
When traveling around the island, I opted to take a rental car for a few days, so I could move more freely and independently. One thing that caught me a little off-guard though was the fact that in Cyprus, you drive on the left side, like in England. I didn’t know that and it was also the first time for me to undergo that experience. I managed to do just fine, but truth be told, I sweated a lot and had many anxiety attacks. Just to let you know, so you are better prepared than I was. If this already scares you, it is also nice to say that in Cyprus you can get around super easily by bus. They are fast and cheap there and in the end, I realized, I wouldn’t even have needed a car.
Ayia Napa
Let’s start with the first area not to miss in Cyprus! Although mostly known as a paradise for party people, Ayia Napa should rather be famous for its wonderful strips of nature and beautiful beaches, if you ask me. When I traveled to Cyprus, I spent two nights in Ayia Napa and while I wasn’t too happy with the party area, I took great pleasure in road-tripping its coast and spending time at its lovely beaches. If I return to Ayia Napa, I would opt for a hotel in Paralimni or Fig Tree Bay. There you have fewer parties and can still explore all the wonderful areas. One of the places I would check out would be the Coralli in Fig Tree Bay!
Crow’s Arch in Ayia Napa & Sea Caves in Ayia Napa
One of the special things about Ayia Napa’s stunning coastline is the stunning stone formations, you can find there. The Crow’s Arch is a natural stone bridge, where you once could walk upon. Today it is closed down because it got fragile with the years. Quite sad, but for those not willing to miss out on an adventure, you can still see the famous sea caves up close, if you dare climbing to them.
Ayioi Anargiroi Church in Ayia Napa
There are a few places in Cyprus where you can tell that Cyprus is a part of Greece. Or maybe places where you can even wonder if you spontaneously switched countries. Ayioi Anargiroi Church in Ayia Napa is one of those iconic white and blue churches that are typical for Greek islands and the whole scenery surrounding is just amazing. The white church in front of the blue ocean, surrounded by maritime plants and rocky cliffs is simply breathtaking. With the smell of pine trees and sea salt combined, it creates such a postcard moment, that you will cherish it forever.
Fig Tree Bay Beach
Cyprus also knows who to impress with lovely beaches. While during the summer months, these beaches might be a bit crowded with other tourists, I had them mostly to myself in March, making it easy to enjoy them fully! Fig Tree Bay Beach is a wonderful sandy beach, which was perfect for me to relax and unwind. Before getting there, I made sure to buy myself a little picnic at the local supermarket, which I enjoyed while reading and watching the waves roll onto the beach.
Agios Nikolaos
Although my day was interrupted by a little rain shower, which had me fleeing Fig Tree Bay Beach, it still ended the most magical way – an impressive sunset above a lonely beach with a Greek church in front of it. Agios Nikolaos is another blue-domed church, right next to a beach and little harbor. Spending sunset right there is in my opinion the perfect place to end the day in Ayia Napa.
Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa
If you have another sunset to spare in Ayia Napa, here comes the next best tip for it! Nissi Beach is a beautiful beach, which is also quite a crowded place during summer but so lovely for all the beach junkies out there who just love to relax in the sun while sipping on a lovely cocktail from one of the local beach bars. For me, it was the perfect place to arrive, and dig my toes in the warm sand after arriving in Cyprus. It was as if the island greeted me personally in the most spectacular way by sending this wonderful evening my way.
Cyprus Mountains
After Ayia Napa, I took my rental car for an amazing road trip. I spent one day on the mountain roads of Cyprus. There are many amazing places to see here and it is one of the most memorable days of my Cyprus trip! From all the beautiful natural sceneries unfolding in front of your car. Two places mesmerized me the most and I want to make sure you are not missing out on these highlights of Cyprus! Also if driving in Cyprus isn’t your cup of tea, why don’t you check out some of the guided tours to the mountains!
Pano Lefkara
Pano Lefkara, the pretty mountain village is a famous place for lace production in Cyprus and is known for the handy skills of its fabric workers. It is also incredibly quaint and has the most incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area. It also has some wonderful architectural highlights to admire on almost every street. My highlights were the beautiful Church of the Holy Cross and the Lefkara square as well as strolling through all the lovely souvenir shops with laced-decored articles!
Kakopetria
Driving up further and further uphill, there was another town, I wished to visit Kakopetria. This picturesque place is perfect for wandering around and having your lunch for the day! One culinary thing not to miss in Cyprus is the cheese called halloumi which was invented there and exactly that was my lunch for the day!
Paphos
The next area that should be on your radar when exploring the highlights of Cyprus is Paphos! Here you can find urban and maritime charm, combined with stunning sights, beautiful beaches, and incredible history! During my stay in Paphos, I stayed in the Seashell apartments, which was a lovely and comfortable hotel, where I could relax after full days of exploring!
The Edro III Shipwreck
One of the most outstanding sights of Cyprus must be the wreck of the Edro III. In 2011 the cargo ship went aground and so far not yet removed from the side of its accident. Due to safety reasons, you are not allowed on the ship but you can still watch it from afar! And even that is still super impressive if you ask me!
Coral Bay
If you are looking for the perfect beach in Cyprus, I concluded that I like Coral Bay best! The long and sandy beach is a wonderful place for a stroll, swimming, and reading in the sun. I spent serval hours there and enjoyed it very much!
Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos
Once I was well relaxed from staying at the beach, it was time to go back to exploring! In Paphos, you can find one of the most stunning places in all of Cyprus: the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos. Right here, archeologists have discovered an entire city with some of the most intact and breathtaking mosaics inside of four Roman villas. The site is still being excavated and therefore growing more and more. It is part of the UNESCO world heritage. I loved exploring all the different buildings and places on the Site grounds. Wandering around, I imagined what life was like when people still wandered on their mosaics. The entire scenery gets even better when you are visiting in spring and the site is covered in blooming flowers, giving the scenery an even more romantic touch!
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
A place in Cyprus that might be more legendary than any other in Cyprus is the Petra tou Romiou. The rock formation at a pebbly beach is supposed to be the birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite. Aphrodite was, according to stories born out of the foaming sea right there in Cyprus. It is being said that whoever swims in there is blessed with eternal beauty (I only got to dip a toe in, still counts right?). Another story that is being told is that if you swim around the rock three times, you will find your true love. So no matter what you believe, visiting Petra tou Romiou might be the ideal place.
Larnaca
The next city for you to visit in Cyprus and another of its highlights is the beautiful city of Larnaca! While in Paphos I saw a lot of newer buildings and structure, Larnaca felt older and more nostalgic for me. This impression was enforced through the hostel I stayed in for my time being there. The Le Mat Hostel has a lovely patio, clean facilities everywhere and one of the coolest interios, I have ever seen in a hostel! I loved my stay there very much and can’t recommend it enough!
Larnaca Beach
As a city located on the seaside, it is only logical for Larnaca to also have a lovely beach! Larnaca Beach is a great place for everyone who loves to swim, sunbathe, and engage in sports like volleyball! I loved to walk its entire length and then some on the promenade while I listened to podcasts and picked up trash from the beach.
Holy Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca
One of the prettiest places in Larnaca is the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus! It is lovely to marvel at from the inside as well as from the outside. It is named after Saint Lazarus, who fled to Cyprus and was appointed bishop in Lanarca, where he lived for the rest of his life. The church was later built on top of his grave, which you can still visit up to this day.
Larnaca Medieval Fort
For all the lovers of Forts, Larnaca has one special goodie to offer! The Medieval Fort in Larnaca which was once the bastion of the city, protected it against attacks from enemies. Today you can visit it and enjoy the ocean views while learning more about the history of Larnaca and Cyprus.
Salt Lake View Point in Larnaca
Another highlight of Cyprus is the Salt Lake in Larnaca. Even when you fly in on Larnaca airport, you can see it already from afar. Once you are getting closer to it, you can already smell the salt evaporating from the shallow lake, which is also the home of a small population of flamingos! You can observe them from the shores of the lake. To get there, I recommend taking a long stroll through the Pattihio Forest Park, which was one of the highlights of my time in Larnaca.
Limassol
Last but not least we have one city left to talk about on this list! Limassol is another stunning city in Cyprus that due to heavy rainfall, I did not get to see much of. However, let me tell you all about the parts that I actually end up seeing!
Ayia Napa Cathedral
While walking around exploring Limassol, one place you shouldn’t miss out on is the Ayia Napa Cathedral, another lovely church in Cyprus, which is simply stunning!
Old Port
The Old Port of Limassol is not only a port where you can admire old fisherboats but also an open space with amazing cafés and restaurants. The entire neigbourhood is incredibly vibrant and amazing and I loved walking around it and the Marina.
New Port
Still talking about the vibrant neighborhoods of Limassol, the New Port is just as lovely and colorful as the Old Port and another great place for a stroll around!
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