Cyprus: Top 15 sights of the magical island

Petra tou Romiou Beach

In a country so romantic and rich in breathtaking landscapes, it is worth beginning your journey at a place whose history is shrouded in myths and legends — Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Beach. One of Cyprus’s most romantic landmarks, it is a small stretch of rocky coastline with striking boulders and crystal-clear water, especially popular among couples in love.

It is believed that lovers who bathe in these waters will remain together forever. A midnight swim at Aphrodite’s Beach is said to grant eternal beauty and youth, a happy marriage, and healthy children.

And if one looks at this place from a more down-to-earth, practical perspective, this remarkable beach offers the chance to admire unspoiled natural beauty, see famous and iconic landmarks with your own eyes, and visit a cozy café.

Larnaca Salt Lake

Despite the fact that most travelers choose Cyprus specifically for beach vacations, for those desperate people who decided to explore the island in winter, it also prepared attractions. For example, the salt lake of Larnaca.

It is actually made up of four smaller lakes, forming one large body of water, which is especially beautiful when flamingos come here and when the snow-white cover covers the bottom, when it is sunny and when it rains heavily. The area always looks picturesque and vibrant.

Akamas National Park

Did we mention that Cyprus is particularly enchanting with its natural charm? Oh yes, we did! The Akamas National Park, about 50 kilometers from Paphos, is a perfect confirmation of these words.

Here you will find unique landscapes with lots of vegetation and clean beaches with seductive aroma, pebble beaches and sandy bays with crystal clear water.

A remarkable place of the peninsula is the Avakas Gorge, located among limestone cliffs up to 30 meters high and about 3 km long. A mountain river flows along the bottom of the gorge. What you see here takes your breath away.

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

A fascinating archaeological complex on the west coast of Cyprus, located near the town of Paphos. The park is a huge exhibition of archaeological finds relating to the ancient history of Cyprus.

Within this monument you will find various artifacts preserved from ancient times, ranging from the remains of Roman villas and mosaics to ancient sarcophagi and Christian basilicas. One of the greatest artifacts in the park is considered to be the remains of the Roman Dionysian Villa, built in the 2nd century AD.

Tombs of the Kings in Paphos

Another place that is sure to satisfy antiquity lovers in Cyprus is the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos. This is a necropolis consisting of many underground tombs carved into the cliffs.

The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos were used to bury the upper classes of society of the time. Inside the tombs you can see different elements of decoration such as reliefs, images of gods and symbolism, allowing a better understanding of the beliefs and customs of the ancient inhabitants of Cyprus.

Motorcycle Museum in Nicosia

Lest you suddenly get the mistaken impression that Cyprus is all about antiquity, we suggest you get acquainted with the country's modern attraction — the Motorcycle Museum in Nicosia.

As you know from the name, this museum contains a unique collection of motorcycles that traces the history of motorized transportation in Cyprus from the early twentieth century to the present day.

Finikoudes Beach

What is there to see in Cyprus for sunbathers? The first thing to visit is usually Finikoudes Beach, located right next to Larnaca's central promenade. It is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus, so entire buses periodically come here, bringing numerous tourists and those who just want to have a good rest.

The very name "Finikoudes" means "little palm trees" in translation — indeed, the beach is separated from the city by a palm avenue planted here back in 1922.

The length of the beach is about 0.5 km, and the width varies from 30 to 100 meters in different places.

Cape Greco

Cape Cavo Greco is one of the natural places, in a good sense untouched by civilization. It is home to rare birds and animals, many endemic plants (about 400 species in total), and landscapes that look like they came from a picture.

It is also a favorite place for divers due to the numerous underwater caves located here, and extreme athletes love to jump into the water from the sun-hot rocks. There is a church on these cliffs where couples are regularly married.

Aphrodite's Bath

Aphrodite is the goddess of beauty, love and fertility, one of the twelve great Olympian gods. The bathing area named in honor of the goddess is a small body of water under a limestone rock formed by a spring and surrounded by fern bushes.

It is believed that here, under the shade of a fig tree, Aphrodite took a refreshing bath, and here she met Adonis, who became her lover. There is a belief that bathing in the cold water of the pond gives eternal youth and helps to preserve beauty. However, warning signs near the bathing pond ask tourists to refrain from bathing in order not to disturb the natural balance of this romantic place.

Kolossi Castle

Kolossi Castle is famous for the fact that Richard I, the same Richard the Lionheart, lived there for a time with his wife Berengaria.

It is quite small — in fact, it is a single donjon tower surrounded by a rectangle of relatively low wall. The height of the tower is 22 meters, the thickness of the walls exceeds 2 meters. Near the castle are the remains of a Roman aqueduct and the Byzantine church of St. Eustachius. The castle was built in the first half of the 13th century by the Lusignan kings of Cyprus. Despite its small size, it is a building of great cultural significance for Cyprus.

Blue Lagoon

Another of Cyprus' unusual natural attractions is the Blue Lagoon, located in close proximity to the popular resort of Ayia Napa. This place of amazing beauty, which is a combination of monumental rocks, lush vegetation and blue coastal sea waters. By the way, the water here is so clean and clear that even without going into it, you can watch colorful fish and whole schools of bright sea creatures, quickly scurrying near the shore.

Not far from the lagoon there are unusual mysterious caves, partially filled with sea water, and to visit them it is not necessary to have diving skills. Any vacationer can sunbathe, dive in the water with a mask, explore the underwater world.

You can book a hotel in Cyprus with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Archbishop's Palace

In the very center of Nicosia is located an extremely important landmark of Cyprus — the Archbishop's Palace, erected next to the old palace building. Despite the fact that this building gives the impression of an ancient structure, it was built recently — in 1961. Its architecture is an imitation of the old Venetian style, which gives this impression.

On the square in front of the palace in 1987. erected a huge statue of Archbishop Makarios, who played a significant role in the history of Cyprus — advocated for the integrity of the island and the independence of its people. That is why in the building of the palace and to this day keep the bedroom of the archbishop in complete inviolability, and his heart is kept in a special vessel.

Kykkos Monastery

Kikkos Monastery is one of the most famous and revered shrines of Cyprus, located in the Troodos mountain range. The monastery was founded in the 12th century and is dedicated to the healing of St. Nicholas.

The journey to the Monastery of Kykkos is already an astounding journey in itself, as it rises about 1,318 meters above sea level, surrounded by dense forests and cypress trees. As you approach the monastery, the views of the mountains and surrounding nature are breathtaking.

Many pilgrims come here to worship the shrines, pray and receive spiritual comfort. The library of the monastery contains ancient manuscripts and documents, which can be viewed by anyone.

Kyrenia Castle

Kyrenia Castle is a 16th century castle located in the eastern part of the old harbor of Kyrenia. It was built by the Venetians on Crusader fortifications.

Inside the castle walls are a 12th century chapel and the Ship Museum, where the remains of a Kyrenia ship from the 4th century BC are on display.

KEO Winery

The KEO Winery is one of the largest and most respected wine producers on the island of Cyprus. The attraction is located in the neighborhood of Eima in the suburbs of Limassol.

The winery was founded in 1927 and has become a symbol of quality and tradition in the Cyprus wine industry. The vineyards of KEO are located on fertile slopes, providing ideal conditions for the cultivation of high quality grapes. Wine varieties such as Xinister, Mavrodaphne and Mavro are grown here and used to produce different types of wine. There are regular guided tours that include tastings of delicious intoxicating beverages.