Top 10 Places to Visit in Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is located just south of Turkey at the Mediterranean Sea’s extreme eastern tip. The island is a cultural melting pot that is nominally located in Asia but has strong links to Europe. Cyprus is well-known for its pleasant weather and beautiful beaches, but the island has much more to offer.

There are also charming old towns, fascinating ruins, breathtaking mountains, and magnificent, active cities.

Here is a list of the top 10 Places to Visit in Cyprus.

Ancient Kourion

There are many historical places to see in Cyprus, but Kourion is the best. It’s a beautiful property, romantically placed over a seaside cliff with breathtaking vistas of the countryside and the Mediterranean below.

House of Eustolios, Kourion, Cyprus | Image by Carole Raddato on Flickr

The site is enormous, but the theatre and the House of Eustolios, which houses a collection of exquisite, well-preserved mosaics, are the most well-known attractions. With its toppled columns and shards of the mosaic floor, the vast Byzantine basilica area is charming for those with more time on their hands.

Famagusta

The city of Famagusta, in eastern Cyprus, is home to the island’s deepest harbour. As a result, numerous cruise ships stop in this port when visiting Cyprus. Famagusta is home to a historic walled city that still survives today, in addition to a flourishing port.

The ruins of the old Church in the city of Famagusta, built by the Venetians

The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the St. Barnabas Monastery are two of the most well-known landmarks in Famagusta. The ghost town of Varosha, once the centre of Famagusta’s tourism trade but now cut off by the Turkish invasion in 1974, is located immediately to the south.

Akamas Peninsula

On Cyprus’ western point, the Akamas Peninsula is one of the island’s least-populated areas. If you want to get off the beaten path, this is the spot to go: There aren’t even any paved roads! As a result, it’s great for mountain riding or trekking.

Akamas peninsula | Image by Jan Stefka on Flickr

It’s also a fantastic site to see wildlife, including sea turtles, reptiles, and local birds, to name a few. A visit to the Agios Andronikos, a former mosque and contemporary church built in the early 16th century, is another way to learn about the Akamas Peninsula’s history.

Nissi Beach

If you plan on visiting Nissi Beach, expect to see many other beachgoers. One of Cyprus’s most popular beaches, yet it does not make it less gorgeous. Nissi Beach is conveniently accessible and offers a variety of activities. Nissi Beach provides a variety of activities, from foam parties to nighttime entertainment.

aerial view of city buildings near body of water during daytime

When the tide is appropriate, a tiny island appears, allowing tourists to go out and obtain a unique view of the Nissi coastline. This area is ideal for water activities, boat rentals, pubs, and tiny eateries at any time of year.

St. Hilarion Castle

St. Hilarion is a historic Crusader stronghold and the site of numerous stories and legends. It is one of the most stunning castle remains in the Mediterranean. According to legend, the castle was erected by a fairy queen who used to seduce local shepherds in the nearby mountains.

Source: Zairon / Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 4.0

The enormous ramparts and rooms of the castle snake up the mountain, making it an explorer’s dream. The lower castle structures of army barracks and stables are connected by a route that leads to the ruins of towers, royal apartments, and chapels. The views across the hills and down to the coastal plain are breathtaking for those who make it to the summit.

Paphos

Paphos is Cyprus’s smallest city. It is one of the most attractive sites on the island, located on its southwest shore.

Tombs Of The Kings | Image by Dimitris Vetsikas – Pixabay

A romantic stroll around the old town and waterfront area at sunset is excellent. Paphos is about 2 kilometres from the Kings’ Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Avakas Gorge

The Avakas Gorge is one of Cyprus’s most incredible places to visit and experience some of the island’s most natural vistas. Avakas Gorge, on Cyprus’ west coast, is approximately a 30-minute drive from Paphos, making it an ideal day trip destination.

Avakas Gorge | Image by Dimitris Vetsikas – Pixabay

The stunning, 100-foot canyon was finally chiselled out. It provided a great, beautiful hiking site, thanks to a river that formerly ran through the region and gradually ate away at the limestone rock. The 2.5-kilometre walk that penetrates deep into the crevices of these remarkable rock formations is one of the greatest sites on the island to see native Cypriot flora and animals.

Karpas Peninsula

The lonely and rocky Karpas Peninsula, which extends out in a long finger of golden beaches backed by craggy hills in the island’s northeast, is the most picturesque location in Cyprus (in north Cyprus). It’s Cyprus’ least-visited region, with spectacular trekking, charming towns, and secret historical treasures.

Source: Julian Nyča / Wikipedia | CC-BY-SA-3.0

If you want to experience the new and underdeveloped island life of the past, here is the place. Visit the mosaics of Agia Triada in Sipahi village before travelling northeast to distant Dipkarpaz hamlet and the modest ruin of Agios Filon church in a car (the area has almost no public transportation).

Nicosia

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, although it is unlike any other means. Northern Cyprus is under Turkish rule, while the culturally Greek Republic of Cyprus lies to the south. The Cyprus Museum, the Selimiye Mosque, the Byzantine Museum, and the Ledra Observatory Museum, where you may ascend to the 11th floor and witness the island’s national dividing line, are among the city’s more than a dozen museums.

Selimiye Mosque | Source: Flickr

 If you’re looking for traditional Cypriot souvenirs, go to Ledra Street or Laiki Geitonia, which have good souvenir stores catering to visitors.

Caledonia Falls

If you don’t like the water, you could enjoy a trip to one of the country’s mountain resorts. Cyprus is not well-known as a ski destination since it only receives a limited quantity of snow during the winter months.

On the other hand, the mountains offer a fantastic opportunity to go trekking and cool down. Caledonia Falls is the most well-known waterfall in the country. It’s in the centre of the Caledonia nature path, which follows the river ‘Kryos Potamos.’ The route connects Platres Village with Troodos Square.

Caledonia Falls | Source: Flickr

You’ll be strolling downwards among lovely landscape and the delightful sound of birds and rushing water if you start the route from Troodos Square.

Start Planning Your Trip To Cyprus

With so many interesting places to visit in Cyprus, narrowing down an itinerary may seem difficult.

But with so many choices this great country has to offer, you’ll certainly have no problem finding places to visit and activities to enjoy during your trip to Cyprus.

Which of the above attractions are you most excited to check out when you’re in Cyprus?

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