Off to discover the Greco-Turkish island? Here are the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus.
With 360 days of sunshine a year, this little island jewel in the Mediterranean Sea is an essential destination for a successful vacation. Divided into Greek and Turkish parts, the island is all the more surprising for its blend of cultures, religions and heritage.
So discover a coastline that’s as wild as it is festive, and enjoy the Mediterranean way of life!
1. Cape Greco
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vladimir Sazonov
Head to the peninsula in the south of the island to discover the marvellous Cape Greco. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus, you can stroll along footpaths through splendid scenery.
After your short hike, you can also enjoy a dip in the warm turquoise water. Don’t hesitate to wait for the sunset, which is often very beautiful from Cape Greco.
Beyond the coast, Cape Greco is also a national forest site, with amazing local flora and fauna. Its geology is equally impressive, with natural arches and a number of sea caves.
2. Paphos
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Head for the west coast of Cyprus to discover the charming town of Paphos. Mythology tells us that Paphos was a Greek nymph who had a love affair with Apollo, and that their son became the first king of Cyprus. The latter named the city Paphos in homage to his mother.
But what’s there to visit in Cyprus? There’s an old fort overlooking the sea, several lighthouses and numerous archaeological remains.
Take the time to appreciate the local heritage with a visit to the amphitheatre, or the tombs of the kings. Paphos also boasts numerous Orthodox churches that are well worth a visit.
Keep in mind that Paphos is one of Cyprus’s most popular tourist destinations. From here, you have a wide choice of activities on offer, from half-day cruises to quad and buggy tours.
3. Coral Bay
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A few kilometers north of Paphos lies one of the most beautiful beaches to be discovered in Cyprus: Coral Bay. This immense beach of fine sand will delight lovers of « holiday-pleasures ».
Here, you can fill up on vitamin D and enjoy the crystal-clear water, where you may catch a glimpse of a few small fish. If you’re not on the « sand team », you’re welcome to rent a deckchair and relax to your heart’s content!
Also, in high season, the beach can be crowded with tourists, so don’t hesitate to visit outside peak hours.
4. Old town of Nicosia
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Evgeni Fabisuk
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, and a charming city steeped in history. Discovering it is therefore a must. With its complicated geopolitical situation, straddling Greece and Turkey, the city is first and foremost particularly surprising.
In the northern part, you’ll find a number of historical relics to explore. And in the southern part of the city, you can enjoy numerous museums and small folk stores.
We especially recommend a visit to the old town to admire the ancient ramparts. Here, time seems to stand still. Here, you can meet candle makers and other local craftsmen whose skills are handed down through the ages.
Don’t miss Ledra Street, the charming and lively main street. And after your stroll through the narrow streets with their stone houses, enjoy a meal in a traditional restaurant.
5. Ayía Nápa
This region, which covers part of south-east Cyprus, is full of surprises. It’s also one of the most beautiful and lively on the island! If you like to relax by day and party by night, then we recommend a visit… Discover the two main parts: Konnos Bay, and Blue Lagoon.
Konnos Bay
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak
First of all, you can relax in Konnos Bay, close to Cape Greco, whose merits we praised at the beginning of this article. The water there is as translucent as it is warm, and the panorama will take your breath away!
Blue Lagoon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Fluieras Ana-Cristina
The Blue Lagoon is a famous cocktail, but also a must-visit spot in Cyprus. As its name suggests, the water is a marvellous shade of blue. It’s a great place to take a dip and enjoy the many small beaches nearby.
6. Caledonia Falls
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This time, we leave the coast to reach a remote spot, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus. In the middle of the wilderness, you’ll discover some impressive waterfalls: Caledonia Falls.
To start with, you’ll need to walk for about 45 minutes, or 3 kilometers, to reach them. The path is quite steep and sometimes slippery, so bring good shoes!
Once there, you’ll come across the impressive waterfall, where you can relax or even enjoy a picnic. Wooded and mountainous, it’s also the perfect place to escape the Cypriot heat and cool off to your heart’s content.
7. Troodos Massif
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Do you have a hankering for the mountains? Let’s go to the central region of Cyprus! At the heart of the island lies the Troodos massif, with its five main peaks. This is also the source of Cyprus’s freshwater.
Take a day trip to one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus, and discover its many religious buildings. Nine churches and one monastery are listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites… and that’s not all!
The area is also home to a famous Byzantine monastery, Kykkos, rebuilt after a fire in the 18th century. It contains the mausoleum of Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus.
Local legend also has it that a hermit who had taken a vow of silence lived at Kykkos, endowed with magical healing powers… Will you come across him?
8. Pétra tou Romioú
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Evgenios Mouratidis
Let’s return to the area around Paphos to admire the « Aphrodite Rock » or « Greek Rock », Pétra tou Romioú. This is where the goddess Aphrodite is said to have been born!
Aside from the legend, the place is bucolic and ideal for beautiful walks. The scenery is verdant and the sea is true to its turquoise-blue color. You can also discover a nearby rock, the Rocher des Sarrasins.
Bear in mind that if you swim around Pétra tou Romioú, you’re guaranteed eternal youth. The tide must be calm, however, as the area remains rocky and therefore dangerous.
9. The port city of Kyrenia
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Located in the north of the island, Kyrenia is a port city to visit in Cyprus. And it’s well worth a visit! In fact, the city is full of seaside cafés and magnificent beaches where you can relax for a while.
Stroll through the traditional old town and discover its many traditional stalls. The town also boasts a sumptuous castle open to visitors, including an old merchant ship.
There’s also another castle to catch your eye: St. Hilarion, where a hermit monk lived in Byzantine times. Here, you’ll quickly feel as if you’ve stepped into another era, or into a real fairytale…
10. Bellapais Abbey
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Just a few kilometers from Kyrenia, discover this gem of a place to visit in Cyprus. Located in the eponymous village of Bellapais, meaning « Beautiful Peace », the abbey and its Gothic architecture are a must-see.
Although only ruins remain, the place is worth a visit as a true witness to the past. Bellapais Abbey dates back to the 12th century!
The abbey is divided into several parts. There’s a church, a cloister with 18 arches, a refectory and several dormitories. A restaurant replaces the old warehouses. Take time to explore the chapter house with its Byzantine columns.
11. Limassol
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A seaside resort to discover in Cyprus! Limassol lies 45 minutes south of Paphos. Its seaside location is ideal for both seasoned beach-goers and travelers in search of relaxation. Spend some time in its charming public garden with its Mediterranean flora and discover the surrounding vineyards.
At the end of the day, a visit to the fort is a must! It was on this very spot that Richard the Lionheart married his sweetheart, Berengaria of Navarre, at the end of the 12th century.
Limassol also boasts a number of small markets where you’ll be able to find the finest handicrafts. And for party-goers, this spot among the most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus is also populated with bars and nightclubs. All on the shores of the Aegean Sea, please.
Finally, take a trip to Kourion, a magnificent archaeological site on the outskirts of Limassol. You’ll see mosaics, an ancient theater and old public baths. It’s also an ideal place for a first paragliding experience!
12. Larnaca
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This Cypriot heritage treasure is located in the south of the island. Steeped in history, Larnaca has long been at the center of conflicts between different empires, most recently the war between the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. As a result, you’ll find a very specific soul, marked by war and the succession of different heritages.
Take a stroll through the town center, then admire the Church of Saint-Lazard, a 9th-century religious edifice of great importance to Christian spiritual culture.
Also, just outside the city center, lies a renowned archaeological site: Pervolia. A number of tombs and offerings have been found here, prompting excavations and revealing more about life in the 5th century BC, as well as sacred rituals! For example, researchers found geese in children’s tombs…
Have you been won over by the island beauty of Cyprus? Let us know in the comments!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Cyprus