From sun-soaked beaches to mystical mountains—these are the must-see spots in Cyprus
Ever heard someone say Cyprus is “just a beach destination”? Well, let me stop you right there. Sure, this Mediterranean island has beaches for days—but it also packs a serious punch when it comes to history, food, culture, and nature. Whether you’re dreaming of castle ruins by the sea, hiking through pine-scented mountains, or clubbing till sunrise, Cyprus brings the heat (literally and figuratively).
But the real question is—where should you go first? That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve rounded up 15 of the absolute best places to visit in Cyprus. Each one offers its own unique vibe, whether you’re all about ancient temples, off-the-beaten-path villages, or buzzy beachfront towns.
So let’s get started.
1. Paphos
Best for history lovers and beach dreamers
Paphos is that magical blend of sun, sea, and seriously impressive history. Sitting pretty on the southwest coast, this UNESCO-listed city is basically an open-air museum.
Start at Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, where you’ll find sprawling Roman villas with floor mosaics so detailed, they look like ancient comic books. Then hop over to the eerie Tombs of the Kings, carved into rock and dating back to the 4th century BCE.
And yes—there’s a beachy side, too. Coral Bay is the local go-to for soft sand and easy swims.
If you’re into myths, make a beeline for Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock), said to be the spot where the goddess of love emerged from the sea. Romantic? Very.
2. Nicosia
Best for culture junkies and history buffs
Nicosia isn’t just Cyprus’s capital—it’s Europe’s last divided capital. Yeah, really. The city is split into Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north, separated by the UN-patrolled Green Line. Crossing it (yes, you can!) is like stepping into two worlds at once.
Start with the old town inside the Venetian walls, where narrow lanes lead to cute cafés, local tavernas, and indie boutiques. Pop into the Leventis Municipal Museum or the Cyprus Museum, both packed with archaeological treasures. Then cross the border at Ledra Street, and grab some Turkish coffee on the northern side. A cultural two-for-one.
3. Limassol
Best for cosmopolitan vibes and beachfront strolls
If Cyprus had a cool older sibling, it would be Limassol. It’s stylish, busy, and always up for a party.
The old port has had a glow-up with the Limassol Marina, where yachts bob next to seafood restaurants and posh boutiques. But it’s not all new and shiny—check out the medieval Limassol Castle, where Richard the Lionheart allegedly got married.
There’s also a growing food scene, with everything from traditional meze joints to sleek rooftop bars.
And don’t miss the nearby wine villages in the Krasochoria region—Commandaria, Cyprus’s sweet dessert wine, has been made here since the 12th century.
4. Ayia Napa
Best for beach bums and party lovers
Ayia Napa isn’t shy. It’s flashy, fun, and totally unbothered about being Cyprus’s party capital. If you’re into dancing till sunrise, start at the famous Square, where DJs pump beats late into the night. But it’s not just about the clubs—there’s genuine natural beauty here too.
Nissi Beach is the Instagram-famous stretch with shallow turquoise water and soft white sand.
For something more low-key, rent a bike and head to Cape Greco National Forest Park. You’ll find sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and even a few monks if you wander toward the ancient Agioi Anargyroi Chapel.
5. Troodos Mountains
Best for nature lovers, hikers, and winter escapes
Need a break from the beach? The Troodos Mountains are calling. Rising in the heart of Cyprus, this region flips the script with shady forests, waterfalls, and stone villages where time seems to pause.
It’s cooler up here, too—literally. In winter, you can even ski at Mount Olympus, which peaks at 1,952 meters.
Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed painted churches, tucked in tiny villages like Kakopetria and Pedoulas, featuring medieval frescoes inside humble chapels.
And for a slice of village life, visit Omodos or Platres, where you can sip local wine and munch on halloumi made by hand.
6. Larnaca
Best for laid-back vibes and cultural balance
Larnaca might not shout the loudest, but it’s got that easygoing charm that sneaks up on you.
Located on the southern coast, it’s one of Cyprus’s oldest cities—continuously inhabited for over 4,000 years! And yep, it’s still thriving.
Walk along the palm-lined Finikoudes Promenade, where locals sip frappé by the sea and fishermen unload their morning catch.
The Church of Saint Lazarus sits at the city’s heart—built over the tomb of the biblical Lazarus, no less.
A short drive away is Hala Sultan Tekke, one of the most important Muslim shrines in the region, nestled beside the flamingo-filled Larnaca Salt Lake (especially magical in winter).
Larnaca also makes a great base for diving trips—especially to the Zenobia wreck, one of the top dive sites in the world.
It’s chill, it’s authentic, and it’s not trying to impress—yet somehow, it totally does.
7. Kyrenia (Girne)
Best for fairytale vibes and harborfront dining
Up in the Turkish-controlled north, Kyrenia (or Girne) is pure Mediterranean romance. Nestled between the sea and the Kyrenia Mountains, this harbor town looks like a postcard come to life.
The star attraction? Kyrenia Castle, a hulking medieval fortress guarding the old harbor. Inside, you’ll find the Shipwreck Museum, which houses one of the oldest recovered vessels ever found—over 2,300 years old!
Stroll the horseshoe-shaped harbor and you’ll be tempted by café after café serving grilled halloumi, mezze platters, and icy Efes beer.
Behind the harbor, cobbled streets lead to Ottoman-era houses turned into art galleries and boutique stays.
Kyrenia is also a great base for exploring nearby gems like Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century monastery perched on a hilltop, and the Five Finger Mountains, which make for great hiking.
Getting here means crossing the Green Line from the south—but trust me, it’s worth the passport check.
8. Famagusta
Best for ancient ruins and eerie urban legends
Famagusta is a city of contrasts. On one hand, you’ve got Salamis, one of the most significant ancient cities in Cyprus, with grand Roman baths, amphitheaters, and crumbling colonnades. On the other hand, there’s the haunting Varosha ghost town—a former beach resort that’s been abandoned since 1974, slowly being reclaimed by nature and time.
Within the Venetian walls of the old city, you’ll find a fusion of Gothic and Ottoman architecture. The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral) is one of the finest examples—a cathedral-turned-mosque that shows how layered this place really is.
Famagusta’s beaches are long, golden, and uncrowded. You’ll find locals lounging near Palm Beach, with views of the fenced-off Varosha area just a stone’s throw away. It’s a place for those who love their travels mixed with mystery.
9. Akamas Peninsula
Best for adventurers, hikers, and eco-lovers
If you’re craving a wild, untouched corner of Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula is where you go.
It’s rugged, remote, and totally spectacular—tucked in the northwest, just past Paphos and Polis. No resorts, no highways, just coastal cliffs, gorges, and dirt roads leading to secret coves.
The best way to explore is either by 4×4 or hiking. The Avakas Gorge trail cuts through limestone walls towering above your head, while the Aphrodite and Adonis Trails wind up to panoramic lookouts that’ll leave you breathless (both from the climb and the view).
Then there’s Lara Beach, where endangered loggerhead and green turtles come to nest. Visit in late summer and you might just see hatchlings shuffle their way to sea—it’s nature at its most raw and heart-melting.
Oh, and the Blue Lagoon? Picture perfect. Book a boat trip from Latchi and jump into that unreal turquoise water.
10. Lefkara
Best for traditional crafts and peaceful wanderings
Tiny Lefkara, perched in the southern hills of the Troodos Mountains, is famous across Europe for two things: lace and silverwork.
Legend has it that even Leonardo da Vinci stopped here in 1481 to buy lace for the altar of Milan Cathedral. Whether or not that’s true, the intricate Lefkaritika lace you’ll find in every corner shop is definitely a piece of living heritage.
The village itself is a beauty—stone houses with red-tiled roofs, quiet lanes lined with citrus trees, and elderly women stitching lace in shaded doorways (yes, still!).
There’s a wonderful slowness here. You’ll want to sit at a café, drink Cypriot coffee, and watch the world go by at village speed.
Pop into the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing, then wander down to Pano Lefkara for even fewer tourists. This is Cyprus at its most genuine—and if you’re lucky, a local might invite you in for a shot of zivania and a plate of loukoumia (Cypriot delights).
11. Kourion
Best for archaeology buffs and sea-view seekers
Just a 20-minute drive west of Limassol, Kourion is one of Cyprus’s most spectacular archaeological sites—and not just because of what’s on the ground. Its clifftop location overlooking the Mediterranean makes it feel like a history lesson with a view.
Originally settled around the 13th century BCE, Kourion became a thriving Greco-Roman city. Today, you can walk through the remains of theatre, public baths, and mosaicked villas like the House of Eustolios.
The theatre, restored and still used for performances today, seats about 3,500 people and faces out toward the sea. Honestly, it’s hard to tell where the ruins end and the horizon begins.
Come early or late in the day to beat the heat and soak up the golden light over the coast. If you’re craving a swim afterward, Kourion Beach is just below—complete with tavernas serving grilled fish and chilled Keo beer.
12. Kakopetria
Best for cozy escapes and riverside strolls
Nestled on the western slopes of the Troodos Mountains, Kakopetria feels like stepping into a fairy tale. With its cobbled lanes, wood-beamed houses, and leafy riverside walks, this village is tailor-made for anyone craving cool mountain air and slow-paced charm.
Split into old and new parts, Old Kakopetria (Palio Chorio) is where the magic is. Wander through alleys where flower pots crowd the stone steps and old ladies sweep porches with hand-made brooms. The Setraios River babbles its way through the village, and shaded walking trails make for a peaceful afternoon.
Beyond the ambiance, Kakopetria is also home to Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, a 11th-century church tucked in the hills, known for its incredible Byzantine frescoes. It’s part of the UNESCO-listed Painted Churches of the Troodos—don’t skip it.
Tip: Bring a sweater, even in summer. It gets surprisingly chilly here, especially at night.
13. Polis and Latchi
Best for slow travel and seafood feasts
Tucked away on the northwest coast, Polis and Latchi are perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful, no-frills escape.
Polis is the inland twin—laid-back, traditional, and great for long lunches under vine-covered terraces. Latchi (or Latsi), just 4km away, is the seaside half, famous for its charming marina and beachside fish taverns.
This area is your gateway to the Akamas Peninsula, but it’s a destination in its own right.
The seafood here is legendary. Order a fish meze at one of the waterfront restaurants, and prepare for a parade of dishes—octopus, calamari, mussels, and fish so fresh it almost swims onto your plate.
You can also visit the Baths of Aphrodite, a small grotto where, according to legend, the goddess used to bathe. It’s romantic, yes, but the real treat is the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere that defines this entire region.
14. Agros
Best for rose lovers and artisanal foodies
Ever wondered where your rose water comes from? Chances are, it might be Agros. This lovely village, nestled in the Pitsilia region of the Troodos foothills, is the center of rose cultivation in Cyprus—and home to the famed Agros Rose Factory. Every spring (usually May), thousands of Damascus roses bloom, and the whole village smells divine.
But Agros isn’t just about petals and perfumes. It’s also known for spoon sweets, loukanika (wine-cured sausages), and traditional jams. Local families have been producing these goodies for generations, and many of them open their kitchens and workshops to visitors.
There’s also good hiking in the surrounding hills, especially the Agros Trail, which takes you through walnut groves, pine trees, and great views of the valley below.
Even better—this village is rarely crowded. So if you’re into small-town charm with a whiff of roses, Agros is the place to be.
15. Cape Greco
Best for cliff diving, sea views, and dramatic sunsets
Cape Greco (or Cavo Greco) is a place where the land literally drops into the sea. Located between Ayia Napa and Protaras, this rugged headland is a dream for photographers, hikers, and thrill-seekers alike.
Start with the Sea Caves—arched rock formations carved by millennia of crashing waves. Brave souls often jump off the cliffs into the crystal-clear waters below (locals call it cliff diving; I call it heart attack central).
For something less adrenaline-fueled, the walking trails here are spectacular. The Cape Greco Trail winds along the edge of limestone cliffs, offering sea views you’ll daydream about for years.
There’s also a sweet little white and blue chapel—Agioi Anargyroi—perched over the sea with steps leading down to a tiny cave. Come around golden hour, and this whole place lights up in a glow you’ll want to bottle.