What to see in Cyprus: 7 places to discover the island

Traveling to Cyprus: what you need to know

Cyprus is a popular holiday destination, accessible to tourists from most European countries. For short-term trips, a visa is not required;вEntry is granted with a valid international passport.

• When crossing the border, it is important that your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Tourists are advised to check entry requirements and the permitted length of visa-free stay in advance.

Cyprus is suitable both for a short getaway and for a longer stay. When planning your trip, it’s worth thinking ahead about your itinerary, accommodation, and transport, as well as familiarizing yourself with local rules and specifics.

1. Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus. Ayia Napa is one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus, including for family vacations. It has gained its popularity thanks to its clean, well-maintained and safe beaches, an abundance of ancient (and not so ancient) sights, many amusement parks and water parks, as well as bars, restaurants and discos.

There is also the coolest beach in Ayia Napa and one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus — Nissi Beach. And in general, according to numerous reviews, the beaches of Ayia Napa. Ayia Napa are the best on the whole island. In addition to being Blue Flag beaches, they also boast cleanliness, well-maintained, safe coastal area and excellent scenery. All beaches of Ayia Napa are free of charge, and they are equipped with the necessary infrastructure for recreation, as well as entertainment for children: playgrounds, slides, swings.

Staying in Ayia Napa, be sure to stop by one more beautiful place — Cape Greco. It is located right between Protaras and Ayia Napa — from the latter you can get there by bus number 101. Through Cape Greco passes the picturesque path of Aphrodite, and nearby is the Blue Lagoon, the color of the water which will amaze you. The cape itself is a natural park, which is especially beautiful in spring when the local vegetation blooms.

The main historical attraction of the resort is the 16th century Venetian monastery. It is located in the center of the town. Unlike other temples of Cyprus, which were often rebuilt due to fires and raids, the monastery in Ayia Napa has survived almost in its original form. From afar, the shrine looks more like a medieval knight's castle. The architecture is really very unusual! Partly the temple is underground, partly cut out in the rock. Interesting and the fact that for all the time of its existence, the monastery managed to be both male and female, and founded as an Orthodox church in the 16th century, it became Catholic. Now the monastery is not active, but is a museum.

For those traveling with children, the must-visit spots include “WaterWorld” — one of the largest water parks on the island (admission: children under 13 — €24, adults — €38), the local dolphinarium “Marine Park,” and the “Dinosaur Park.” Lively groups will enjoy the “Club Quarter,” as well as the city’s many bars, pubs, and small restaurants. Sightseeing enthusiasts are strongly advised to visit the famous Ayia Napa Monastery, the Thalassa Sea Museum, the Makronissos rock tombs, and the Cape Greco National Forest Park.

It’s impossible to see all of Cyprus’s famous and beautiful places in just one day, but to get a well-rounded impression of the island, it’s worth joining excursions to its most remarkable corners. Visit mountain villages, tour a family-run winery, have lunch in a traditional village taverna, and explore historic churches.

Accommodation prices: 3* — from €60, 5* — from €160.

2. Limassol

If you want not only to relax and soak up the sun but also to see a lot and travel around the island, consider staying in Limassol — a city located roughly in the middle of all the popular towns and ancient landmarks of Cyprus.

Limassol itself also has plenty to offer: numerous ancient-era structures, the authentic medieval Kolossi Castle, Limassol Castle, an Art Gallery, the Theatre Museum, and much more.

Active travelers will also find plenty to do: diving, surfing, boat trips, and sports centers. For children, the city offers several water parks (Wet`n Wild, Fasouri Watermania) and a few zoos (Limassol Zoo and the Municipal Zoo). Those who simply want to relax can enjoy numerous SPA centers and the Wine Museum.

Limassol’s beaches are known for their cleanliness and safe, gently sloping shoreline. However, the coastline is quite narrow, and during the high season it can be difficult to find a free spot—August is especially crowded, while May–June and September–October see far fewer visitors.

The central municipal beach and the more remote “Ladies Mile” are among the best in Limassol and are fully equipped for a comfortable stay. Note that Limassol’s beaches are either sandy or pebbly. The sand here is volcanic and contains flint, which is considered very beneficial for the skin.

Accommodation prices: 3* — from €45, 5* — from €200.

Interesting facts about Limassol

• 18 beaches in Limassol have been awarded the Blue Flag, recognizing their cleanliness and safety.
• Limassol is home to a 1.5 km-long eucalyptus grove with walking paths, children’s and sports playgrounds. The park stretches along the coastline and offers year-round open-air “inhalation” benefits.
• The Limassol Grand Carnival is a spectacular 10-day celebration, first held in 1890. In pre-pandemic times, the number of participants reached up to 100,000, with hundreds of floats (self-propelled themed platforms with figures and performers).

3. Paphos

Despite its name, there’s actually nothing pretentious about it—Paphos is a simple and pleasant town that appeals to travelers of all kinds. That said, lovers of refined holidays in luxury hotels and upscale restaurants will truly appreciate it. It is one of the most expensive resorts not only in Cyprus but in the entire Mediterranean. Thousands of travelers choose to spend their vacations here thanks to excellent service, clean beaches, fine dining, and an abundance of ancient landmarks.

Paphos can confidently be called an open-air museum, with almost every structure under UNESCO protection: monuments, tombs, columns, sculptures, and theaters. That’s why it would be a shame to spend your entire holiday lying on the beach—there is so much to see here: the Villa of Theseus, the House of Orpheus, the House of Dionysus, the Odeon Amphitheatre, the Catacombs of Agia Solomoni, and the Tombs of the Kings. This is also where Petra tou Romiou is located—the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite—along with numerous museums.

Paphos is more suitable for a vacation with friends or a loved one. For a vacation with children, the resort is still the best option, as for them here entertainment is not particularly provided, except for the "Aphrodite Water Park".

Paphos districts

Modern Paphos is historically divided into two parts: Old and New Paphos. The ruins of Old Paphos are located 15 km east of the modern town: New Paphos in turn consists of two parts: the Upper Town (Pano Paphos) and the Lower Town (Kato Paphos). The upper one is located on a hill, and it is a kind of commercial center of the city, with the market and administration, and in the lower one there are the main attractions, as well as hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers.

The cost of accommodation: 3* — from €50, 5* — from €120.

4. Larnaca

Compared to the previous resorts of Cyprus, Larnaca is characterized by more affordable prices (perhaps the most affordable among the other resorts), but the rest here is simpler. However, it is absolutely not boring, especially for history buffs. Larnaca is the oldest city on the island and combines Greek and Turkish cultural heritage. Be sure to visit: Larnaca Fortress, St. Lazarus Church, Kition, Hala Sultan Mosque.

One of the most popular activities in Larnaca is diving, in season there are about a dozen dive schools. The main underwater attraction of the resort is the sunken Swedish ship "Zenobia", which has grown underwater flora and turned into a real giant reef. Diving costs from €80.

Experienced travelers do not call the beaches of Larnaca the best on the island, but they are also marked with the Blue Flag, which means that there are no problems with cleanliness and safety. Both central and remote beaches of the resort are equipped with all necessary infrastructure, and entrance to their territory is free. A set of "umbrella and a sun lounger" will cost €5–10.

The most popular place in town is the Finikoudes promenade, where it is pleasant to spend time and admire the scenery, and after a walk to look at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Also pay attention to the salt lake near Larnaca airport. In summer the lake is a salt marsh, and in winter it is a lake, but with a pink tint to the water. If you find yourself here in November, you are incredibly lucky — from the end of November pink flamingos come here to winter. There can be up to 22 thousand of them here.

Accommodation: 3* — from €45, 4* — from €100.

5. Protaras

This is where peace and quiet is! If you want to stay in a quiet place, where it is beautiful, cozy and there are no crowds of tourists, Protaras is the ideal solution. It is a small resort town with good beaches, beautiful landscapes, picturesque bays and quiet streets.

Unlike many cities in Cyprus, Protaras does not boast an abundance of attractions, and this is what will allow guests to focus solely on rest. The resort's only attractions are the town's Magic Dancing Water fountains and large aquarium, so water sports and restaurant visits are probably the most common pastimes here.

The main historical attraction of Protaras is the church of St. Elias from the XIV century. The ancient temple is located in the very center of the village, but it is not easy to get to it, especially in the hot summer — you will have to overcome a steep staircase of 150 stone steps. But the view from the top is worth it. Before you will open a fabulous panorama of the city, a picturesque seascape. You can take a break from the journey to the top in a quiet garden in the shade of trees. Next to the church there is a "wish tree" on which locals and tourists tie ribbons — as a sign of remembrance of their loved ones and for the fulfillment of the most cherished wishes.

Protaras is an ideal place for lovers of nature and tranquility. Those who plan to party and do active vacations, it is better to choose another place.

The cost of accommodation: 3* — from €70, 5* — from €160.

6. Lania Village

To comprehend the mysterious Cypriot soul, you should go to one of the oldest villages in Cyprus — Lania. According to experts, the village is over 3000 years old. The place is simply charming: all the houses here are old, well-maintained and covered with flowers. Their age ranges from 50 to 300 years. Laniya is a favorite place for artists and creative people, which is not surprising — there is plenty of inspiration here.

7. Polis

Another quiet spot on the island, among almond groves and small villages, away from the bustling resorts and with a dozen small secluded beaches. Polis is a town of ancient ruins and unspoiled nature, endless clean beaches and authentic restaurants, a resort where the islanders themselves love to relax.

Polis is an ancient city with a rich history. If you want to get acquainted with it — go to the Marion-Arsinoe Museum, Archaeological Museum. Not far from Polis is the Akamas Peninsula, on the territory of which there is a reserve of the same name, which pleases not only with its unique nature, unusual plants, and ancient treasures. It is here that the Baths of Aphrodite and the famous Fountain of Love are located.

Polis is also famous for its cuisine, especially for its fish restaurants, which serve fresh local fish specialties daily. The town also regularly hosts fish fairs where you can buy fish specialties and appetizers.

Polis is ideal for leisurely strolls: the picturesque little square, lined with taverns, turns into a quiet pedestrian street with many craft shops. Here ancient crafts are maintained, original souvenirs are sold, and traditional Cypriot music is played on the terraces of numerous cafes in the evenings.

It should be said that accommodation in hotels in the city is quite expensive. You can stay in apartments, cottages, guest houses, the conditions in which are not inferior to the hotels with stars, but at the same time will cost much cheaper.

The cost of accommodation: 3* — from €65, 5* — from €400.

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