10 of the best places to visit in Cyprus

Times

23-05-2025

Every generation of my family has been born in Cyprus and the magnetic pull of its blue-flag beaches, pine-scented villages and warm-hearted welcome of its people has, over the past decade in particular, compelled me to return more often. My attachment is not unique; the island now gets more than four million visitors every year. People come for its world heritage sites and ancient history, natural wonders and culture, family adventures and nightlife and — of course — for its affable climate, which makes it an all-year-round holiday hotspot. Here's a snapshot of the best bits of this wonderful island.
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One week Kato Paphos
Two weeks Kato Paphos, Paphos district including Akamas Peninsula and traditional villages, Troodos Mountains
Three weeksKato Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Lefkara and Nicosia
A limited budgetAyia Napa and Protaras
Kato Paphos, in the southwest of Cyprus, is perfect for a short stay, combining beautiful beaches and history. Begin your week by dedicating yourself to sun and sea worship — try sandy Coral Bay, Paphos Municipal (best for experienced swimmers, since the waters are quite deep) and the blue-flag Yeroskipou. Then take time to explore the historic area around the harbour, in particular the 13th-century Paphos Castle, and the Unesco-listed Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. Here, you'll find what remains of 12th-century villas, fortresses, palaces and tombs and some of the finest mosaic floors in the world. A 12-minute drive south of the castle will take you to Aphrodite Waterpark — a hugely enjoyable way of rewarding the children for all those hours they spent looking at ruins.
The Alexander the Great Beach Hotel, with a blue-flag beach and fabulous infinity pool, delivers on all levels, whether you are travelling with older relatives or with young children.
The ancient past is everywhere in Cyprus — if you want it packaged in one convenient break, this eight-day Brightwater Holidays tour visits many fascinating archaeological sites.
• Best holiday villas in Paphos
A second week — and a car — will give you the chance to discover authentic Cypriot villages such as Tala, Kathikas, Latchi and Droushia, and to reach Lara Bay, one of the few remaining nesting places for green and loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. Further north along the coast you'll find the Akamas Peninsula and the Baths of Aphrodite, where, according to Greek mythology, the goddess of love took her daily shower beneath the waterfall. The rugged trails of this still-wild area are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and cross-country vehicle safaris.
The Aphrodite Beach Hotel doesn't have multiple restaurants or a pool, but what it lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in hospitality, cuisine and location — it's just 20m from Yiannakis beach.
Exodus Adventure Travels has an eight-day, self-guided walking break to the Akamas Peninsula and Akamas National Park. The exceptional monastery of Agios Neophytos in Paphos deserves its own day out. It dates from the 12th century, when Neophytos, a monk, sought refuge in a natural cave in a cliff. It went on to become his hermitage cell and, in time, a chapel with exquisite frescoes and then a monastery for his pupils. I love it here and, despite the almost ever-present crowds, it remains a place of peace for me. There is a small museum that has some interesting artefacts, but its main attraction is its beautiful garden, a perfect spot for contemplation.
Three miles from Agios Neophytos, the family-run Anna Hotel Apartments make a refreshing change from the glitzy-ritzy hotels that are springing up all over the island.
Take a guided tour of Agios Neophytos followed by wine tasting at Sterna Winery in the lovely village of Kathikas.
Troodos National Forest Park is a magical place to be at any time of the year. In winter its snow-capped peaks attract skiers while its summer air is fragrant with pine and wild flowers. The whole of the massif is a treasure filled with monasteries (including Kykkos and Machairas), Unesco-listed frescoed churches, family-run wineries that serve hunks of halloumi with every tasting, and cobbled-street villages. Among my favourites are Omodos, Kakopetria, Platres and Pedoulas, where the inclination to take root in one of the old tavernas, drinking Greek coffee so thick you can almost chew it, becomes more enticing the older I get.
Almighty views and serenity are part of the package at Casale Panayiotis, in the Marathasa Valley, Troodos. Its seven stone houses, nature trails, fabulous spa and cuisine provide the peace we all need.
Immerse yourself in village life on this excellent tour from Not in the Guidebooks, which includes a halloumi and anari cheese-making workshop. Cyprus's second largest city — after Nicosia — is Limassol, the island's main port. Its location, roughly in the middle of the coastline that runs from Ayia Napa to Paphos, means it is an excellent base, as well being culturally and historically rich. Its two main sites are the royal city of Amathous, dating from 1100BC, and Kourion, from the 12th century BC, where the vast amphitheatre is still used. Spectacular archaeology aside, there is great pleasure to be had from wandering down the time-worn alleyways, and discovering the architecture. Much of it is crumbling, which is part of its charm. Or join the locals for a stroll along the palm tree-lined Molos Promenade, the best place for people-watching. For families, the award-winning Fasouri Watermania Waterpark, is a must, while wine lovers will find plenty of vineyards to enjoy.
The charming Heart Hotel, in a historic building, is in one of the best parts of the city. Elegance and affordability in one.
Experience some defining characteristics of Cyprus — history, culture and food and wine — on this tour of Limassol and the village of Omodos. It ends with a visit to a traditional taverna followed by wine tasting at award-winning Gerolemo Winery.
• Best hotels in Cyprus• Best all-inclusive hotels in Cyprus
The village of Lefkara is known throughout the world for its handmade lace and silverwork, and is a favourite of mine. The skills and designs have been passed down from one generation to the next and when I visit I sometimes meet the daughters and granddaughters of the women I met decades before. They sit where their relatives sat, on the same terrace, perhaps even on the same chair, making their lace in the traditional way — using a single needle. Visit the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmith to learn more.
Make the most of your visit to Lefkara with a stay at the chic Agora Hotel.
Weave a basket, enjoy a traditional Cypriot meal and then try local honey on this one-day excursion.Nicosia is a fascinating city that wears its centuries of history and modern-day cosmopolitanism with ease. Some of the best places to visit include 16th-century Famagusta Gate and Plateia Eleftherias, the main square that was redesigned by the architect Zaha Hadid. Don't miss the quintessential Turkish bath experience at Hamam Omerye either; like Famagusta Gate, it has been a part of Nicosia's built heritage since the 1570s.
Nicosia is now the world's last remaining divided capital, a fact that is visible at the Green Line, or United Nations buffer zone, which runs through the city, separating the Greek sector from the Turkish: if not an attraction, it's certainly a point of interest worth seeing. If you wish to cross the border, head to Ledra Street — and take your passport.
Right in the heart of Nicosia's historic district, the Classic Hotel Nicosia is the ideal base for exploring the capital.
You'll get the chance to explore Nicosia with a guide, visiting the Arab Ahmet mosque and the Dervish Pasha mansion, on this eight-day tour of northern Cyprus with Titan. It's easy to dismiss Larnaca as the place you pass through on arrival and departure, or as a base to reach Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Limassol, but if you can spare a couple of days, you'll be well rewarded. For a start, Larnaca Salt Lake is a beautiful wetland with an abundance of flora and fauna, and fossils from millions of years ago. For divers, there is the wreck of the Zenobia, a ferry that capsized and sank here (with no casualties) in 1980; for families, pristine beaches, including the blue-flag Mckenzie beach; for history lovers there is 12th-century Larnaca Castle, the Unesco-listed Choirokoitia neolithic settlement and more. And for diners and/or dancers, there's a wealth of excellent restaurants and nightlife.
The Olympic Lagoon Resort is an excellent family hotel with a huge swimming pool.
Visit some of Larnaca's architectural and archaeological landmarks on this three-hour private guided tour.It's known for its nightlife, but there's far more to this former fishing village than the headlines would have you believe. Yes, it's close to the British base of Dhekelia, and yes, you are likely to see young squaddies sinking a pint or two, but look a little further and you will find mile after mile of golden sand (all beaches have blue flag status), an August summer festival with free events such as concerts, folk dancing and art exhibitions, a beautiful honey-coloured 16th-century monastery and some top-flight dining.
The two-pool, two-restaurant Napa Mermaid Hotel & Suites is 100m from the beach, and has public transport connections to Paralimni, Protaras, Larnaca and Nicosia.
Spend the day splashing around at WaterWorld Ayia Napa, where there are more than 30 rides and attractions inspired by ancient Greek mythology. Five miles northeast of Ayia Napa is Protaras. Quieter, and with lots of family-friendly activities including mini-golf courses, it's a great option for exploring the east coast. The key attraction is the soft-sanded beach at Fig Tree Bay, where the warm, shallow waters are the perfect place to teach youngsters how to swim. Nature is just as beguiling away from the beach, with lovely trails that will take you to landmarks such as the Church of Profitis Ilias.
In a great location just a few minutes' walk from Fig Tree Bay and dozens of restaurants, Andreotis Hotel & Apartments punches well above its three-star rating.
Enjoy a different perspective of the east coast, plus swims in Turtle Cove and the Blue Lagoon, on this three-hour cruise. The glass-bottomed boat has an air-conditioned underwater deck with 23 portholes for observing marine life.
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