Cyprus Travel Guide: Explore The Best Of The Island's Culture, Beaches, And Divided History
Ruins of ancient temple Kourion . near Limassol, Cyprus
Cyprus is a fascinating country to visit for many reasons, including the fact that although a member of the European Union, it has been a divided island since the Turkish invasion in 1974. As a result, there's a green line (a UN-controlled buffer zone) dividing the island and running through Nicosia, the country's capital. The Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized, mostly Greek Cypriot) controls the south, while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey, controls the north. Despite the green line, locals and tourists alike are able to freely cross from one side to the other by going through various checkpoints. Visitors are able to enjoy both cultures and will notice that Greek and Turkish Cypriots get along just fine, in contrast to the official political impasse.
Panoramic views of Nicosia, Cyprus
In the north, Nicosia, the largest city, is a must visit even if you're staying in the south. A guided walk around the last divided capital of Europe, with Get Your Guide explores both the Greek and Turkish sides of the divided city (don't forget your passport). And on the Greek side, for art lovers, Nimac in a former power station, is the island's oldest and largest Contemporary Art Centre. And also a real delight is 11 Parthenon, the home of Andre Zivanari, director of Point Centre for Contemporary Art in Nicosia. The beautiful Modernist private home is a treasure trove of artworks by regional artists and has temporary exhibitions too, open Fridays and by appointment.
Limassol promenade or embankment at sunset.
Limassol in the south is a good base for exploring beaches and historical sites. Stay in the lively Old Town near the old port, the heart of Limassol. The cobbled streets are filled with small shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. There's a castle, which is now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and another must-visit area is the Turkish quarter with its 16th-century Grand Mosque.
The amphitheater at Kourion, Cyprus, dating back to the 13th century BCE
Just outside of Limassol, for anyone even remotely interested in ancient history, a visit to ancient Kourion is essential. A walk through the vast UNESCO-listed archaeological site is thrilling. Dating back to the 13th century BCE, it is one of Cyprus' most significant ancient city-kingdoms, where you can still see a Greco-Roman amphitheater, intricate Roman mosaics and early Christian basilica. Go just before sunset to avoid the heat and crowds.
Aerial view of coastline and landmark big white chalk rock at Governor's beach, Limassol, Cyprus.
There are plenty of lovely beaches in Cyprus but Governor's Beach, about 30 minutes from Limassol, feels somewhat undiscovered. Instead of going to the larger Governor's Beach, try the petite, secluded, sandy beach in a sheltered cove nearby.
Vima Art Fair, Cyprus
If you're visiting in the spring, Vima contemporary art fair in Limassol is a brilliant way to discover Cypriot galleries and artists as well as art from the surrounding region. The first edition, this May, featured 27 galleries with works ranging from €800-€80,000.
PSI Foundation, in a former Carob factory, is a modernist gem. The PSI Foundation is currently showing an exhibition by Tekton Technical Bureau, celebrating the pioneering work of engineer Andreas Papadopoulos and architect Phoebus Polydorides. And behind discreet black curtains, the gallery opens onto a cavernous space with a commissioned video installation, Aftermath by British artist Matt Collishaw. The mesmerizing work immerses viewers in a dystopian underwater world, weaving together themes of technological transformation and environmental decay through the use of artificial intelligence and signifies a dynamic bridge between the past and the future.
A solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou at Eins gallery, Limassol
eins Gallery, in Limassol's old town, has regular contemporary art exhibitions in a space tucked away but well worth making the effort to find. Currently on until July is a solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou, whose work reflects on memory, place and the passage of time through sculpture, installation and drawing.
Alexandros Diogenous and Limassol Art Walks founded the non-profit organization Pylon Art & Culture to show regional contemporary art and new ways of contemplating it. Their current show is Newcomers by Cypriot Maria Loizidou (until 14 September 2025) at the Minerva Hotel in Platres.
For clubbing, head to Sousami Club in Limassol, owned by the Dj duo of Acidfox and Picadillis. The pair also organise the biggest annual music festival on the island, ABR festival.
The Old Port, Limassol, Cyprus
The Old Port Hotel is a cosy, independent 3-star hotel, right in the center of the historic old town and across from the pretty harbor and a long seaside promenade. The small boutique hotel has 23 air conditioned rooms, some with balconies. Another good choice of small hotels is S Paul Hotel in a listed two storey stone building, also in the historical city center of Limassol. The building dates back to the 18th century and was used as the Town Hall of Limassol in the beginning of the 19 th century. The hotel has 22 unique guest rooms. Larger and fancier is the 5-star Amara with 207 chic rooms with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Jam, the laid back restaurant attached to the Old Port Hotel, is open all day for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunches and dinner. Ousio kitchen, also in the old town, is a cute bistro using locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include the oven baked prawns, with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fermented peppers and falafel with quinoa blended with beetroot, lemon, coriander, cold pressed olive oil, served with roasted vegetables. Poly offers 'Greek soul food' including delicious prawn wraps, chicken gyros, local seabass tartare, and greek salad. Volta Wine Bar is great for small plates accompanied by Greek and Cypriot wines.
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