Cyprus Sightseeing - 20 unforgettable places and sights on the Mediterranean island

Attractions | Updated: 25. Apr 2023

With 9251 km² Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily. Cyprus is known mainly for its archaeological sites, sunny beaches, clean and often turquoise water. About seventy million years ago Cyprus was covered by water. Today, you can be all the more surprised by what the island has to offer you. Embark on an adventure and be surprised by the diversity of the island.

Be taken on a journey to the 20 most beautiful places and sites of Cyprus

Nissi Beach

This stunning Blue Flag-awarded beach is swarmed by over half a million visitors each year during the summer season and is certainly one of the main attractions of the island.

Located in Ayia Napa, which is the most visited tourist city resort in Cyprus, Nissi Beach has a unique allure, not only for the clear turquoise waters and golden sands but also through its lively atmosphere.

One of the fun attractions of Nissi Beach is the small Nissi islet, accessed by walking through shallow waters from the shore, which is used by locals and tourists as a cliff jumping spot.

Depending on the sea level, usually between May and September, a sand path forms from the beach to the Nissi islet, splitting the sea in two and letting you walk across without even getting your feet wet.

Another sought attraction is The Nissi Bay Beach Bar. The bar plays music throughout the day for the people sunbathing nearby and hosts the best foam parties, whilst also engaging tourists with interactive games organized by staff and Djs from renowned bars and nightclubs in Ayia Napa.

Nissi Beach is equipped with facilities like toilets, changing rooms, showers, sunbeds, and umbrellas, and features water sports, diving services, and two public beach volleyball courts if you like to include some activity in your beach time.

There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars, and kiosks around to keep you hydrated and your hunger satiated. A cold Frappe - Greek iced whipped coffee - is highly recommended!

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Blue Lagoon Akamas

The Blue Lagoon offers peace seekers and nature lovers a place where you can swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters. To get to the Blue Lagoon, you should book a day trip here from Paphos.

On a boat tour, you will experience a breathtaking sunset while enjoying a Cypriot barbeque dinner after swimming.

If you are traveling by rental car, be sure that it is suitable for off-road use. The access road to the Blue Lagoon is quite long and can be quite treacherous. Once you arrive, however, you'll be compensated by plunging into the crystal clear waters and having a picnic.

Do you like hiking, then spend another day in Akamas National Park. On the 5 km Adonis Trail you will explore the beautiful nature and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view.

akamas peninsula

Ayia Napa and Protaras

Some of the most beautiful beaches of Cyprus are located in the eastern part of the island, near the resort of Ayia Napa and Protaras. Party animals and night owls can't help but pay a visit to Ayia Napa.

Protaras, on the other hand, is located 10 km from Ayia Napa. A rather quiet place popular with locals and families. The beaches around Protaras and Ayia Napa have crystal clear waters and a golden yellow beach. Take a taster dive and experience the underwater world of the Mediterranean.

Paphos

Paphos is well known and popular because of its beautiful harbor, its surrounding beaches and the ancient ruins of tombs and fortresses. With about 36 thousand inhabitants, Paphos is the smallest city on the southwest coast of Cyprus. The harbor area and the old town invite you for a romantic walk in the sunset. Then, just 3 km away, discover the royal tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Families and water sports lovers should definitely pay a visit to Aphrodite Waterpark. Experience an adrenaline rush on high-speed water slides and plenty of water games. At Karo Paphos, immerse yourself in history and explore famous sites and monuments in the archaeological park.

The royal tombs are also particularly impressive, with underground burial chambers cut into the rock, with staircases, Doric columns and niches.

Konnos Beach

Konnos Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus for many tourists and also for locals. Decide for yourself. On weekdays the beach is less crowded, so you can find a nice place to enjoy the sea and beach life. Showers, toilets and changing rooms for the disabled are also on site. If you get hungry, a little above the beach you will find a kiosk that serves hot snacks and cold drinks. A highlight is the picturesque landscape, which invites you to take a walk. A hotel near Konnos Beach is the Atlantica Golden Beach Hotel.

konnos beach mit touristen

Nikosia

Nicosia is the last divided capital in Europe. In Ledra Street you can cross from the Republic of Cyprus to the part of the city militarily occupied by Turkey. To cross the border, all you need is a valid identity card or passport. Just book a tour of Nicosia so you can get an accurate view of what this city, on both sides of the border, has to offer.

mit fässern befestigte Grenze in nicosia

Makronissos Beach - Ayia Napa

From the parking lot, a level path, which is also suitable for wheelchairs, leads towards the beach. Fine, white sand and a sea that shines in different shades of blue await you on this beach as well. Snorkeling and swimming become a pleasure here. The beach is spacious enough so that you will have no problem finding a place for you and your air mattress. For those who want to enjoy a little more water fun, an on-site water sports provider has some activities ready.

If you like it a bit quieter, discover the rocky plateau running to the right and the small dune landscape. A little further on, you can then visit the historical excavation site: the ancient cemetery of Makronissos.

Limassol

The coastal city of about 235,000 inhabitants is known for its sandy beaches and palm-fringed surroundings. Limassol as a city offers a wide range of entertainment, dining and sightseeing options that you will not find in other resorts. Limassol also hosts the country's largest carnival parade every year, with thousands of people participating each year. The highlight of Limassol is a visit to Pier One. There, friends and tourists meet at the weekend for brunch with a view of the sea in front of you.

For a day trip, it is worth visiting the Fasouri Water Park. There you will experience 30 different slides and attractions, so fun and cooling down will not come too short. In the city, on the other hand, you can visit the 14th century Limassol Castle and the innovative Lanitis Art Foundation. This organization promotes the study, appreciation and recognition of excellence in Latin American art.

skyline von limassol

Coral Bay

Another popular beach near Paphos at Pegeia. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this may not be the beach for you. The soft sandy beach, popular with tourists and locals, is crowded with sun-seeking people during the summer months. Easily accessible by car, this is a beach for families, even with small children. Rent a boat and explore the coastline around Coral Bay. If the sun gets too hot for you, change your location and visit the go-kart track not far from the bay.

Lara Bay

On the beach of Lara Bay you will find peace and quiet and sometimes come across a turtle or two. Wild goats and birds have also discovered Lara Bay for themselves. At almost regular intervals you will come across marked spots where the green turtle lays its eggs every year. Lara Bay is somewhat remote, so if you visit this beach you will have to provide your own shade, food and drink. A four-wheel drive car is just what you need to visit this horseshoe-shaped bay. 

schildkröte unter wasser

Aphrodite's Rock

If you are in Cyprus, you must not miss to visit the legendary rock of Aphrodite. This rock formation is located on the west coast of the island, near the town of Paphos.

There is ample parking, along with a simple cafe nearby. If the waves and your swimming skills allow, swim around the rock three times. According to mythology, the circumnavigation promises eternal happiness in partnership.

Caledonia Waterfall

In midsummer, when the sun is burning from the sky, it is just the right time to visit the 12 m high Caledonia Waterfall. Located near Platres, it is worth combining the visit with a hike at the same time. While you walk through pine and cedar forests in the summer, a snow-covered landscape awaits you in the winter months. In Platres you have the possibility to eat, or you can book a guided tour to the waterfall and through the nature reserve in advance. 

Kap Greco

Cape Greco is also one of the spots in Cyprus that you should not miss. For many, Cape Greco is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Swim in the crystal clear waters and discover a coastal landscape with many sea caves. At the very edge of the cliffs you will discover a small white chapel, a perfect place to take some souvenir photos. Many people willing to get married meet at Cape Greco and at the Kamara tou Koraka bridge for a photo session or for romantic walks. Before you go, take in the breathtaking sunset.

Akamas Peninsula

The Akamas Peninsula is a nature reserve of special beauty. Here you can come to rest, go cycling, hiking or bird watching. The Akamas area is located in the extreme northeast of Cyprus. Explore the 3 hiking trails, discover layers and amazing valleys on bizarre rock formations. On one of the trails you will reach the Baths of Aphrodite, fed by a natural spring. However, bathing is prohibited.

Kalopanayiotis

Kalopanayiotis is a village 71 kilometers southwest of Nicosia and 61 kilometers north of Limassol. The village of 200 inhabitants belongs to the 14 villages of Marathasa and is one of the most beautiful villages of Cyprus. Supported with European funds, the entire settlement has been restored. The houses are amphitheatrically built in traditional and two-story construction. An elevator takes you to the village center. Worth seeing are the thermal springs, the big bridge and the water mill of Kykkos, the Venetian bridge of Kalopanayiotis, the museum of the national martyr Lavrentios and Saint John the Lampadistis with the big icon gallery of Kalopanayiotis. 

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Polemidia National Forest Park

A national park with pine, cypress, eucalyptus, olive and carob trees. In this park you will find many nature trails and many motives to take photos. For children and young-at-heart adults, there is a playground and for food, use one of the many picnic areas. Especially for families, Polemidia National Forest Park is the ideal place for a fun afternoon or an outdoor adventure with friends.

Kykkos Monastery

Hardly any place in Cyprus is as crowded as Kykkos Monastery. The attraction of this monastery is the icon of the Virgin Mary, which is considered miraculous. Kykkos Monastery was built at the end of the eleventh century and is located 1140 meters above sea level, in the Troodos Mountains. Even the journey to the monastery is exciting, as it leads along winding roads, past volcanic mountain peaks and surrounded by cedar forests, with about 40,000 cedars.

innenhof des kykkos kloster

Omodos

Omodos is located in a wine-growing region with a little more than 300 inhabitants. Walking through the village you will see traditional craftsmen and a lot of fruit trees like apricots, apples, pears and peaches. Omodos is surrounded by vineyards and is the destination of many bus excursions, so you don't necessarily need your own car. Strolling through the narrow streets, you will come across a small museum. This is a traditional home, furnished as it was centuries ago. Discover old wedding photos, an old radio, a cradle and embroidery from times gone by.  

Famagusta

In 1974, the former resort town of Varosha was still a thriving district with many fancy hotels and an attraction for many sun-seeking tourists. Today Varosha is a "lost place". After the Turkish invasion, Varosha became a restricted area overnight. The city wall of Famagusta is over 3 km long and was built in the 15th/16th century. Famagusta is known for its rich Ottoman heritage. A sign of the past are the ruins of nearby Salamis. In these ruins the gymnasium, the theater and the baths were built still in the Roman period. 

Larnaca

Larnaka is also not only a port city, but also a city with busy promenades, many small stores, a mall and archaeological sites. The salt lake, dried up in summer, with the Sultan Tekke Mosque, is a winter home for thousands of flamingos. Tourists and locals meet on the palm-lined waterfronts of Finikoudes and Mackenzie. 

Travel times for a vacation in Cyprus

Most tourists come to Cyprus between May and September. During these months temperatures are around 35 degrees Celsius. If you don't want to just lie on the beach and bake in the sun, come in April or October. In these months you still have the possibility to lie on the beach or to take a relaxed walk on one of the many hiking routes. Winter is mild, with only a few rainy days and daytime temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. It gets cooler in January and the number of rainy days also increases. At the end of January the first snow falls and the night temperatures drop to 8 degrees near the coast. 

On the road with rental car, to the sights of Cyprus

If you rent a car, which is an advantage if you want to go to all the sights, you should be aware that in Cyprus there is left-hand traffic. The road signs are in Greek and in English. The speed limit within towns is a maximum of 50 km/h, 80 km/h on country roads and 100 km/h on highways. In many localities there are more and more speed limits of 30 km/h. Just pay attention to the signs. 

Franz Langstein
Autor
Hi! Ich lebe seit 5 Jahren auf dem wunderschönen Zypern und hoffe, ich kann dir mit meinem Wissen vor Ort den Urlaub oder gar das Auswandern erleichtern :-)
Your travel blog all about Cyprus.
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