Summary
In the distant corners of the Mediterranean Basin, where the Greek Aegean meets the arid Levant coast, Cyprus emerges from the waves, embodying ancient legends, enduring Greek and Roman relics, vibrant nightlife, delectable mezze platters, breathtaking landscapes, and, notably, idyllic beaches.
In this article, we will explore the top 15 destinations on the island, stretching from the well-traveled southern coast to the serene northern peninsulas dotted with donkeys.
1. Paphos
The radiant coastal gem of Paphos adorns the shimmering Mediterranean on the breezy southwestern part of the island.
Charming and exceedingly tourist-friendly, the bustling center known locally as Kato Paphos showcases palm-lined promenades and lively al fresco seafood restaurants.
Colorful fishing boats enhance the Grecian ambiance, while key attractions include the majestic crumbling Paphos Fortress, the historical archways of Saranta Kolones (a medieval Byzantine structure overlooking the dock), the renowned 2nd-century Odeon, and the picturesque sands of Alykes Beach. This destination is certainly a highlight not to be overlooked!
2. Pissouri
Tucked neatly between two rustic, scrub-clad headlands, midway between the frequently visited towns of Limassol and Paphos, Pissouri emanates relaxed Mediterranean charm and authentic Cypriot essence through its small selection of taverns and traditional whitewashed homes.
Remaining largely untouched by mass tourism, this terracotta-topped village is home to local farmers and wine producers, featuring a sun-kissed central plaza (Pissouri Square) and regular festivities celebrating island heritage.
The area also includes a beach—a unique half-pebble, half-sand stretch nestled beneath the rugged cliffs of the southern coast, just a short stroll from the village.
3. Akamas Peninsula National Park
The rugged and windswept Akamas Peninsula National Park extends into the Mediterranean, forming the northwestern tip of Cyprus. It is celebrated as one of the last true wildernesses in the region, home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.
Presently, ecotourism is thriving, allowing visitors to experience attractions like the chiseled ridges of the Avakas Gorge, meandering hiking trails passing blooming fields of crocuses and gladioli, dense fir forests, the fabled Baths of Aphrodite, and truly secluded beaches.
A sanctuary for loggerhead and green turtles also attracts visitors to Lara Bay, highlighting one of the more endangered marine species in the Mediterranean.
4. Larnaca
Travelers arriving in Cyprus will likely land first at Larnaca International Airport. Those who choose to venture into this city—Cyprus’ third-largest—will discover a mix of ancient sites, medieval structures, vibrant seaside promenades, and charming churches.
Begin with a visit to the revered Church of Saint Lazarus, the burial site of its eponymous New Testament figure, followed by an exploration of the domes and minarets of Hala Sultan Tekke.
Once culture is satisfied, Larnaca’s sun-drenched Phoinikoudes Beach invites visitors with its array of colorful umbrellas and local restaurants offering traditional dishes such as fasolaki (black bean and lamb stew).
5. Kyrenia
Forged by Peloponnesian Greeks (fresh from the Trojan wars), Venetian settlers, and Ottoman rulers, Kyrenia—known as Girne in Turkish—remains one of the most captivating and historic towns along the northern coast.
This city is situated along a luminous harbor, at the edge of the rugged Kyrenia mountain range. Visitors now enjoy the aromatic kebap and mezze restaurants, while observing traditional kaiki (fishing boats) bobbing on the sea.
Make sure to visit the imposing Kyrenia Castle, which dominates the eastern harbor, representing an essential tactical possession throughout history.
6. Tombs of the Kings
Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an integral part of the Paphos Archaeological Park, the impressive Tombs of the Kings deserve dedicated attention. Dating back to the 4th century BC, these tombs showcase the blending of architectural styles and cultural influences that occurred on Cyprus in ancient times.
Note the monolithic structures, where the dusty colonnades of sepulchers seem to emerge organically from the sandstone cliffs along the Kato Paphos coast.
Interestingly, the predominant styles are Egyptian and Greek, with excavations revealing Doric colonnades and subterranean niches where the remains of Hellenistic and Roman nobility were interred.
7. Limassol
Boasting a charming Old Town filled with rustic, low-rise bungalows, an impressive Byzantine castle, a lively seaside promenade intertwining with the picturesque palm-filled gardens of Akti Olympion Park, and one of the busiest ports in the eastern Mediterranean, Limassol offers the perfect blend of relaxation, cultural exploration, and contemporary Cypriot vibrancy.
During the day, Lady’s and Governor’s Beach are popular, while the evening reveals a wide selection of fish eateries serving fresh swordfish. After dark, Limassol comes alive with clubs and pubs pulsating with chart-topping hits, Europop, and house music throughout the buzzing Potamos Yermasoyia district.
8. Nicosia
The city that was divided by significant political upheavals in the past century, Nicosia, is gradually rediscovering its equilibrium.
Today, visitors to Nicosia are treated to one of the most culturally enriched and sophisticated destinations within the country. The romantic old town is characterized by Venetian-style palazzos and sun-drenched squares that lead to winding alleys, where chic bars coexist with exquisite dining establishments and al fresco coffee terraces.
On the other hand, North Nicosia (the Turkish section) is adorned with the minarets of Selimiye Mosque and bustling Ottoman bazaars, featuring Byzantine architecture. It is connected to the Cypriot south by the recently reopened Ledra Street—a vibrant area of shops, bars, and bistros that symbolizes the revitalized Nicosia.
9. Agros
Descending from the pine-covered slopes of the rugged Troodos Mountains in the central region of Cyprus, Agros’ whitewashed houses and red-tiled roofs shine brilliantly in the Mediterranean sun.
Rustic and removed from the crowded coastal areas, this destination represents the peak of agrotourism and ecotourism, attracting hikers and cyclists eager to traverse the scenic trails surrounding the town. Food enthusiasts flock to sample the renowned smoked pork fillets and lamb cuts produced locally.
Additionally, roses are a significant export of the region, and Agros inhabitants are celebrated for their rosewater production, readily available at roadside stalls and local boutiques.
10. Polis
Positioned along the panhandle where the untamed beauty of the Akamas Peninsula converges with the northern coast, Polis is a tranquil seaside town that entices mainly domestic visitors with its promise of a genuine and leisurely retreat.
Surrounded by sprawling eucalyptus forests and rocky coastal formations, it features a historical center characterized by low-rise stone structures where small beer bars coexist with numerous souvenir shops.
Additional attractions include a series of secluded beaches stretching to the west and an impressive collection of Attic ceramics at the Polis Archaeological Museum.
11. Troodos
The quaint Troodos village, characterized by its rustic, half-timbered, dry-stone homes, is nestled in the rugged northern expanse of Cyprus.
This area is renowned for the Troodos mountain range, which boasts the snow-covered (often in winter) peaks of Mount Olympos, where two ski fields operate during the colder months.
Ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this picturesque terrain is adorned with Calabrian pines, golden oaks, soaring cypress trees, and vibrant orchid patches, intertwined with UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches and dozens of marked hiking trails.
12. Famagusta
Famagusta, a culturally rich town located at the eastern end of Cyprus, is a vibrant city of over 40,000 residents boasting a lively port and a historical legacy that dates back to the era of Ptolemaic Egypt.
However, the true treasure of this area lies in its medieval core, recognized as one of the most enchanting walled cities in southern Europe, where travelers can admire the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and its intriguing Gothic structures, which reference its former name: the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.
Additionally, visitors can explore numerous Renaissance marvels in the vicinity, alongside the remnants of bullet holes and cannon craters from a 15th-century Ottoman siege.
13. Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa’s name has become synonymous with the Mediterranean’s more indulgent experiences, and this sun-drenched expanse of pristine white sands and azure waters certainly lives up to its reputation as a party capital.
By day, visitors might find themselves recovering from nights spent along the sandy shores of Nissi Beach and Grecian Bay, while nights herald an ongoing festival of hard house, grime, garage, and Europop.
The action takes place primarily in The Square—a small cobblestone area teeming with neon-lit bars and enthusiastic promoters, showcasing chart-topping DJs, lively pub crawls, vibrant shots, and an inherent lack of inhibition. Caution is advised!
14. Protaras
Sharing a more sensible atmosphere than Ayia Napa, Protaras is ideal for package holiday enthusiasts. Its beaches, led by the acclaimed Fig Tree Bay, slope gently to meet the Mediterranean’s shimmering waters, lined with sun loungers, volleyball courts, and various concession stands.
Additionally, luxurious hotels and their crystalline swimming pools dot the coastal boardwalk, while guests on bicycles glide by, and international dining options serve everything from mezze to pizza and fries.
The town’s waters invite exploration, as dive operators offer adventures showcasing stunning visibility with vibrant parrot fish, shipwrecks, and corals beneath the surface.
15. The Karpaz Peninsula
The elongated Karpaz Peninsula, extending from the northeastern edge of Cyprus, serves as an untamed treasure, attracting only a few tourists each year and thus remaining completely undeveloped, wild, and rugged.
Visitors can expect to encounter a breathtaking combination of craggy cliffs and windswept shores, secluded coves adorned with sand lilies, and curious wild donkeys wandering among the heathland.
Noteworthy attractions in the region include the 10th-century Byzantine castle of Kantara at the peninsula’s base and the Apostolos Andreas Monastery—a revered pilgrimage site for many locals.
