50 Best Places to Visit in Cyprus: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Cyprus is an enchanting eastern Mediterranean island nation celebrated for its sun-drenched beaches, ancient UNESCO World Heritage ruins, pine-scented mountain villages, and rich cross-cultural history. As the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus blends legendary antiquity with modern coastal luxury.

Why Visit Cyprus

From exploring 2,000-year-old Roman mosaics and medieval crusader castles to hiking through rugged canyons and swimming in turquoise sea caves, Cyprus offers a diverse Mediterranean escape.

• Discover world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites in Paphos.
• Relax on iconic Mediterranean beaches like Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay.
• Hike through pristine pine forests and traditional stone villages in the Troodos Mountains.
• Explore Nicosia—the world's last divided capital city—rich in Venetian and Ottoman history.

Quick Facts

50 Best Places to Visit in Cyprus

1. Paphos Archaeological Park

• Location: Paphos, Southwest Coast
• Best Time to Visit: April to May or September to November
• Category: Archaeological Site / UNESCO World Heritage Site
• About the Place: A massive open-air archaeological park preserving intricate Roman villa floor mosaics, ancient cave tombs, a Roman theater, and a historic lighthouse.
• Travel Instructions: Located right by Kato Paphos harbour; accessible via passenger shuttle or a short walk from town center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Paphos Archaeological Park

2. Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)

• Location: Paphos District, Southern Coast
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Sunset offer spectacular views)
• Category: Coastal Geological Landmark / Mythological Site
• About the Place: Iconic sea stack rock formation where, according to Greek mythology, Aphrodite—the goddess of love and beauty—was born from ocean foam.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 15 minutes east from Paphos along the B6 coastal road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Petra tou Romiou

3. Tombs of the Kings

• Location: Kato Paphos
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Ancient Necropolis / UNESCO Site
• About the Place: Monumental underground tombs carved directly out of solid limestone rock dating back to the 4th century BC, constructed with Doric columns.
• Travel Instructions: Located 2 km north of Paphos harbour along the coastal road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tombs of the Kings

4. Nissi Beach

• Location: Ayia Napa, Southeast Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Resort Beach / Water Sports
• About the Place: A world-famous 500-meter stretch of soft white sand and shallow turquoise sea, featuring a natural sand islet, lively beach clubs, and water sports.
• Travel Instructions: Located 3 km west of central Ayia Napa; reachable via local bus or rental scooter.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nissi Beach

5. Akamas Peninsula National Park & Blue Lagoon

• Location: Paphos District, Northwest Tip
• Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October
• Category: National Park / Coastal Wilderness
• About the Place: An undeveloped peninsula sanctuary boasting dramatic coastal cliffs, botanical walking trails, and the glowing turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via 4WD vehicle excursions or boat tours departing from Latchi harbour.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Akamas Peninsula

6. Cape Greco National Forest Park

• Location: Ayia Napa / Protaras, Southeast Tip
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Nature Park / Sea Caves & Cliff Views
• About the Place: Features sea caves, cliffside coastal trails, natural rock arches like the "Bridge of Lovers," and crystal-clear scuba diving bays.
• Travel Instructions: Located 10 minutes drive east of Ayia Napa town center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Cape Greco

7. Troodos Mountains & Mount Olympus

• Location: Central Cyprus
• Best Time to Visit: April to October (Hiking) or January to March (Skiing)
• Category: Mountain Range / UNESCO Painted Churches
• About the Place: Cyprus' green mountain spine, offering pine forest trails, wine tasting villages, Byzantine UNESCO frescoed monasteries, and Mount Olympus summit views.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 1 hour north from Limassol along mountain highways.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Troodos Mountains

8. Nicosia Old Town & Ledra Street

• Location: Central Cyprus
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Divided Capital City / Historic Venetian Walls
• About the Place: The last divided capital in the world, enclosed within star-shaped 16th-century Venetian stone walls, historic bazaars, and the Ledra Street pedestrian border crossing.
• Travel Instructions: Located a 45-minute drive inland from Larnaca Airport.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nicosia Old Town

9. Kourion Ancient City

• Location: Limassol District, South Coast
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Ancient City Ruins / Greco-Roman Theater
• About the Place: Perched atop sea cliffs, featuring a restored Greco-Roman amphitheater with ocean panoramas, Roman bathhouses, and mosaics at the House of Eustolios.
• Travel Instructions: Located 15 km west of Limassol along the highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kourion Ancient City

10. Kyrenia Harbor & Castle (Girne)

• Location: Northern Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Historic Harbor / Crusader Fortress
• About the Place: A charming horseshoe-shaped Venetian harbor backed by a majestic 16th-century sea castle containing a preserved ancient shipwreck museum.
• Travel Instructions: Cross the border from Nicosia and drive 30 minutes north to the coast.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kyrenia Harbor

11. Kykkos Monastery

• Location: Troodos Mountains
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Monastery / Sacred Art
• About the Place: The wealthiest and most famous Orthodox monastery in Cyprus, renowned for golden mosaics, ornate archways, and a revered icon attributed to St. Luke.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via mountain roads 20 km west of Pedoulas village.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kykkos Monastery

12. Fig Tree Bay

• Location: Protaras, Southeast Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Beach / Family Resort
• About the Place: Consistently ranked among Europe's top beaches, featuring clear golden sands, shallow waters, an offshore islet, and a relaxed family vibe.
• Travel Instructions: Located centrally along the Protaras beach promenade.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Fig Tree Bay

13. Avakas Gorge

• Location: Akamas Region, West Coast
• Best Time to Visit: April to October (Mornings are coolest)
• Category: Canyon Trail / Nature Hike
• About the Place: A dramatic narrow limestone canyon carved by a stream, featuring 30-meter sheer rock walls draped in wild ferns and flora.
• Travel Instructions: Located 20 km north of Paphos near Pegeia; 4WD or sturdy hiking shoes recommended.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Avakas Gorge

14. Limassol Old Town & Marina

• Location: Limassol, South Coast
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Coastal City / Modern Marina & Castle
• About the Place: A vibrant city combining a historic castle quarter, street art murals, seafood dining, and a modern luxury mega-yacht marina.
• Travel Instructions: Fly into Larnaca or Paphos Airports; Limassol sits halfway between both.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Limassol

15. Larnaca Salt Lake & Hala Sultan Tekke

• Location: Larnaca, Southeast Coast
• Best Time to Visit: November to March (Flamingo season) or year-round
• Category: Wetland Reserve & Sacred Shrine
• About the Place: A natural salt lake that hosts thousands of wintering pink flamingos, set beside the sacred Hala Sultan Tekke mosque and palm groves.
• Travel Instructions: Located adjacent to Larnaca International Airport (LCA).
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Larnaca Salt Lake

16. Church of Saint Lazarus (Agios Lazaros)

• Location: Central Larnaca
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Byzantine Church / Religious History
• About the Place: A magnificent 9th-century stone Byzantine church built over the tomb of Lazarus of Bethany, featuring carved iconostasis wood art.
• Travel Instructions: Situated in central Larnaca town square, a short walk from Finikoudes promenade.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Church of Saint Lazarus

17. Lefkara Village

• Location: Larnaca District, Troodos Foothills
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Stone Village / Lace & Silver Crafts
• About the Place: A picturesque mountain stone village famous for handcrafted "Lefkaritika" lace (visited by Leonardo da Vinci in 1481) and filigree silver.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 30 minutes inland from Larnaca or Limassol.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lefkara Village

18. Bellapais Abbey

• Location: Kyrenia Mountain Range
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Gothic Abbey Ruins / Mountain Viewpoint
• About the Place: A ruined 13th-century Gothic monastery perched on mountain cliffs overlooking Kyrenia and the Mediterranean Sea, made famous by author Lawrence Durrell.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 10 minutes south from Kyrenia town.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bellapais Abbey

19. St. Hilarion Castle

• Location: Kyrenia Mountains
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Crusader Castle / Viewpoint
• About the Place: A fairytale mountain fortress crag said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Snow White castle, offering dramatic coastal panoramas.
• Travel Instructions: Located off the main Nicosia-Kyrenia highway; sturdy footwear required for climbs.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Hilarion Castle

20. Omodos Village & Wine Country

• Location: Limassol District, Troodos Foothills
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Historic Village / Winery Hub
• About the Place: The capital of Cyprus' wine country, featuring cobblestone alleys, traditional stone wine presses, and the Monastery of the Holy Cross.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 35 minutes north from Limassol into the wine hills.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Omodos Village

21. Famagusta Walled City & Ghost Town (Varosha)

• Location: Eastern Cyprus
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Walled City & Modern History
• About the Place: Features massive Venetian fortifications, the Gothic Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (former St. Nicholas Cathedral), and the reopened Varosha beachfront.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via day trips crossing the border checkpoint from Paralimni or Nicosia.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Famagusta

22. Salamis Ancient City

• Location: Near Famagusta, East Coast
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Ancient Greco-Roman City
• About the Place: An ancient coastal kingdom featuring marble columned gymnasiums, Roman baths, a 15,000-seat amphitheater, and coastal ruins.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 10 km north of Famagusta along the coast.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Salamis

23. Lara Bay Turtle Beach

• Location: Akamas Peninsula, West Coast
• Best Time to Visit: June to September (Turtle nesting season)
• Category: Protected Nature Beach / Wildlife
• About the Place: A wild, un-developed bay serving as a protected nesting sanctuary for endangered Loggerhead and Green sea turtles.
• Travel Instructions: Reachable via 4WD rough track north of Agios Georgios.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lara Bay

24. Coral Bay

• Location: Pegeia, Paphos District
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Resort Beach / Water Sports
• About the Place: A horseshoe bay featuring golden sand, calm shallow waters, water sports, and surrounding seafood taverns.
• Travel Instructions: Located 12 km north of central Paphos; accessible by bus route 615.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Coral Bay

25. Choirokoitia Neolithic Site

• Location: Larnaca District, South Coast
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Archaeological Site / UNESCO World Heritage Site
• About the Place: A remarkably preserved prehistoric agricultural settlement dating back to the 7th millennium BC, featuring reconstructed circular stone mudbrick dwellings.
• Travel Instructions: Located right off the A1 highway halfway between Larnaca and Limassol.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Choirokoitia

26. Edro III Shipwreck

• Location: Pegeia, near Paphos
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Sunset views)
• Category: Coastal Shipwreck / Photo Spot
• About the Place: A 80-meter freighter ship stranded on sea rocks near sea caves since 2011, creating a dramatic sunset photo location.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Coral Bay and Sea Caves in Pegeia.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Edro III Shipwreck

27. Latchi & Polis Chrysochous

• Location: Chrysochou Bay, Northwest Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Fishing Harbor / Gateway to Akamas
• About the Place: A quiet coastal harbour town famous for fresh fish taverns, peaceful beaches, and boat departures into Akamas.
• Travel Instructions: Located 45 minutes drive north of Paphos.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Latchi & Polis

28. Baths of Aphrodite

• Location: Near Latchi, Akamas Entrance
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Natural Grotto / Mythological Site
• About the Place: A freshwater grotto shaded by a fig tree where legend says Aphrodite bathed and met her lover Adonis.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the road's end 5 km past Latchi harbour.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Baths of Aphrodite

29. Zenobia Wreck Diving Site

• Location: Offshore Larnaca Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: World-Class Scuba Diving Site
• About the Place: Ranked among the top 10 wreck dive sites in the world; a 172-meter Swedish ferry sunk in 1980 resting intact on the seabed.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via dive boat charters departing from Larnaca Marina.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Zenobia Wreck

30. Millomeris & Caledonia Waterfalls

• Location: Platres, Troodos Mountains
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Mountain Waterfalls / Forest Trails
• About the Place: Refreshing mountain cascades tucked into dense pine forests, accessible via scenic walking paths along cold mountain streams.
• Travel Instructions: Trailheads located near Platres village in the Troodos mountains.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Troodos Waterfalls

31. Golden Beach (Karpaz Peninsula)

• Location: Karpas Peninsula, Far Northeast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Remote Beach / Wild Donkeys
• About the Place: Miles of untouched golden sand dunes and turquoise waters where wild donkeys roam freely across national park lands.
• Travel Instructions: Drive to the eastern tip of the island; 4x4 or rental car required.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Golden Beach

32. Kolossi Castle

• Location: Limassol District
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Medieval Crusader Fortress
• About the Place: A 15th-century stone stronghold used by the Knights Hospitaller, famed as the birthplace of Commandaria—the world's oldest named wine.
• Travel Instructions: Located 14 km west of Limassol.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kolossi Castle

33. Kakopetria Village

• Location: Troodos Mountains, Solea Valley
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Heritage Village / River Architecture
• About the Place: A stone mountain village featuring restored 18th-century timber houses built over rushing mountain streams and apple orchards.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 45 minutes south from Nicosia into the Troodos foothills.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kakopetria

34. Agios Neophytos Monastery & Cat Park

• Location: Tala, near Paphos
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Monastery & Animal Sanctuary
• About the Place: Features 12th-century cave cells carved by hermit monk Neophytos, alongside a neighboring sanctuary caring for hundreds of Cyprus cats.
• Travel Instructions: Located 10 minutes drive uphill from central Paphos.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Agios Neophytos

35. Finikoudes & Mackenzie Beaches

• Location: Larnaca Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: City Beach & Waterfront Promenade
• About the Place: Larnaca's main coastal strip lined with date palms, seafood bars, shallow swimming waters, and nightlife at Mackenzie Beach.
• Travel Instructions: Located right along the central waterfront of Larnaca city.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Finikoudes & Mackenzie

36. Paphos Medieval Fort

• Location: Kato Paphos Harbor
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Sunset)
• Category: Byzantine / Ottoman Sea Fort
• About the Place: A stone fortress standing at the edge of Paphos harbor, offering sea views and hosting outdoor cultural concerts.
• Travel Instructions: Situated at the western end of the Paphos harbour promenade.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Paphos Medieval Fort

37. Konnos Bay

• Location: Between Ayia Napa & Protaras
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Sheltered Cove / Pine Trees
• About the Place: A pine-fringed cove featuring crystal-clear azure waters, fine sand, and calm swimming conditions protected from wind.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the boundary of Cape Greco National Park.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Konnos Bay

38. Pedoulas & Church of Archangel Michael

• Location: Marathasa Valley, Troodos
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Mountain Village / UNESCO Church
• About the Place: Surrounded by cherry orchards, home to the 1474 UNESCO-listed wooden-roofed Byzantine church filled with vibrant frescoes.
• Travel Instructions: Located in the high Marathasa Valley of the Troodos mountains.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pedoulas

39. Machairas Monastery

• Location: Machairas Forest, Nicosia District
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Monastery / Mountain Nature
• About the Place: A picturesque 12th-century royal Orthodox monastery set deep in pine forest mountains, housing a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 40 km south from Nicosia along mountain roads.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Machairas Monastery

40. Makronissos Beach & Necropolis

• Location: Ayia Napa
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Beach & Ancient Tombs
• About the Place: A tranquil triple-cove peninsula featuring soft white sand alongside 19 ancient Greco-Roman tombs carved into chalk limestone.
• Travel Instructions: Located 5 km west of central Ayia Napa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Makronissos Beach

41. Buyuk Han (Great Inn)

• Location: North Nicosia
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Ottoman Caravanserai / Craft Center
• About the Place: Built by the Ottomans in 1572, this restored stone courtyard caravanserai now houses artisan craft shops, shadow puppet shows, and cafes.
• Travel Instructions: Located just a few minutes walk past the Ledra Street border checkpoint in Nicosia.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Buyuk Han

42. Amathus Ancient Ruins

• Location: East Limassol Coast
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Archaeological Ruins
• About the Place: One of the ancient royal city-kingdoms of Cyprus, featuring acropolis ruins, agoras, coastal stone harbors, and a Temple of Aphrodite.
• Travel Instructions: Located 10 km east of central Limassol.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Amathus

43. Agros Village

• Location: Pitsilia Region, Troodos
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Mountain Village / Rose & Fruit Crafts
• About the Place: Built amphitheater-style in the mountains, famous for cultivation of damask roses, producing organic rose water, sweet jams, and smoked meats.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 45 minutes north of Limassol.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Agros Village

44. Governor's Beach (White Rocks)

• Location: Pentakomo, between Limassol & Larnaca
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Rocks & Beach
• About the Place: Striking chalk-white limestone cliffs jutting into dark sand and shallow blue waters, famous for seafood taverns.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 20 km east of Limassol along the highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Governor's Beach

45. Kantara Castle

• Location: Karpas Peninsula Foothills
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Mountain Fortress / Panoramas
• About the Place: The easternmost of the three Northern mountain crusader castles, offering views across both the northern coastline and Mesaoria plain.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via winding mountain roads heading east from Kyrenia.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kantara Castle

46. Cyprus Museum

• Location: Central Nicosia
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: National Archaeology Museum
• About the Place: The island's primary archaeological museum housing ancient Cypriot treasures from the Neolithic to Roman eras, including famous Aphrodite statues.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Museum Street in central Nicosia.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Cyprus Museum

47. Agios Georgios Coast & Pegeia Sea Caves

• Location: Pegeia, West Coast
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Coastal Cliffs & Early Christian Basilica
• About the Place: Features sea-carved limestone caves, cliffside coastal walks, a fishing harbor, and early Christian basilica ruins overlooking Yeronisos island.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 20 minutes north from Paphos towards Akamas.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Agios Georgios Coast

48. Anoyira Village & Carob Museum

• Location: Limassol District
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Rural Village / Carob Heritage
• About the Place: A quiet traditional stone village celebrating Cyprus' historic "black gold" (carob), featuring traditional carob syrup processing mills.
• Travel Instructions: Located 10 km inland from Avdimou beach.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Anoyira

49. Soli Ancient Theatre & Vouni Palace

• Location: Morphou Bay, Northwest
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Ancient Ruins / Persian-Hellenic Palace
• About the Place: Perched high on a hill overlooking the sea, featuring ruins of a 5th-century BC Persian palace and a Roman theater with sea views.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Lefka on the northwest coast.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Soli & Vouni

50. Kalopanayiotis Village & St. John Lampadistis

• Location: Marathasa Valley, Troodos
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Spa Village / UNESCO Monastery
• About the Place: A restored mountain thermal village featuring sulfur springs, traditional stone houses, Venetian bridges, and a UNESCO-listed monastery complex.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 1 hour west of Nicosia into the Troodos valley.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kalopanayiotis

Featured Image

Scenic Mediterranean Coastline of Cyprus