Discover Cyprus: Beaches, Ancient Ruins & More
Cyprus is a destination that offers the best of both worlds: year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and ancient history. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is an island packed with natural beauty, charming villages, fascinating culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you want to relax on golden sands, explore archaeological wonders, hike in the Troodos Mountains, or dive into the island’s lively culinary scene — Cyprus is a place that belongs on your bucket list.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Cyprus: the best places to visit, top beaches, must-see ruins, excursions, food & wine tips, and more.
Why Visit Cyprus?
- 300+ days of sunshine a year
- Beautiful beaches for every taste
- Ancient ruins & UNESCO sites
- Gorgeous nature & mountains
- Unique blend of Greek & Turkish culture
- World-class diving & snorkeling
- Family-friendly resorts & waterparks
- Fantastic Mediterranean cuisine
- Great value compared to other Mediterranean islands
Best Places to Visit in Cyprus
1. Paphos
A UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the most historic spots on the island.
Top sights:
- Paphos Archaeological Park — Incredible Roman mosaics.
- Tombs of the Kings — Ancient underground tombs.
- Paphos Castle — On the picturesque harbor.
- Coral Bay — Beautiful sandy beach.
Paphos is also a great base for excursions to Akamas Peninsula and the Troodos Mountains.
2. Limassol
A lively city with a charming old town, modern marina, and great nightlife.
What to see:
- Limassol Castle
- Limassol Marina
- The Old Town with cafes and bars
- Nearby Kourion archaeological site
3. Larnaca
A popular coastal city and gateway for many visitors (Larnaca Airport).
Highlights:
- Finikoudes Beach — A long sandy beach with palm trees.
- Hala Sultan Tekke — Important mosque.
- Salt Lake of Larnaca — Flamingos in winter.
- Traditional villages nearby.
4. Ayia Napa & Protaras
Cyprus’ most famous beach destinations.
Top beaches:
- Nissi Beach — Iconic white sands and turquoise water.
- Fig Tree Bay — Often rated one of Europe’s best beaches.
- Konnos Bay
- Makronissos Beach
Ayia Napa also has a lively nightlife scene and big waterparks — perfect for families or young travelers.
5. Troodos Mountains
The green heart of Cyprus, filled with traditional villages, vineyards, and hiking trails.
Must-sees:
- UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches
- Omodos village
- Kykkos Monastery
- Caledonia waterfall trail
Perfect for a day trip or for cooler air in summer.
6. Akamas Peninsula
A wild and unspoiled area — great for adventure and nature.
Top spots:
- Blue Lagoon (boat trips)
- Avakas Gorge
- Lara Beach (turtle nesting)
- Jeep safaris
Best Beaches in Cyprus
- Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa)
- Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)
- Coral Bay (Paphos)
- Konnos Bay (Cape Greco)
- Makronissos Beach (Ayia Napa)
- Governor’s Beach (Limassol)
Cyprus beaches regularly win Blue Flag awards — great for swimming, snorkeling, and family fun.
Activities & Excursions
Outdoor & Nature:
- Hiking in Troodos Mountains
- Jeep safari in Akamas Peninsula
- Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon
- Snorkeling & diving
- Sea kayaking
Cultural & Historic:
- Guided tours of Paphos Archaeological Park
- Wine tasting tours in the mountains
- Visit to Kykkos Monastery
- Food tours in Nicosia & Limassol
For families:
- WaterWorld Waterpark (Ayia Napa)
- Fasouri Watermania (Limassol)
- Camel Park Mazotos
Cyprus Food & Wine
Cypriot cuisine is a highlight of any trip to the island — a tasty mix of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors.
Must-try dishes:
- Meze — Small plates of local specialities
- Halloumi — The famous grilled cheese
- Kleftiko — Slow-cooked lamb
- Souvlaki — Skewered grilled meat
- Loukoumades — Sweet dough balls with honey
Wines:
Cyprus produces excellent wines — especially in the mountain villages. Try Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest wines.
Culture & Traditions
Cyprus has a rich history of mythology and ancient civilizations, as well as modern Greek and Turkish influences.
You’ll find:
- Beautiful Orthodox churches
- Traditional music and dance
- Colorful festivals — especially around Easter
- Warm local hospitality
Best Time to Visit Cyprus
Spring (April–June) — Wildflowers, pleasant temperatures
Summer (July–August) — Hot & sunny — perfect beach weather
Autumn (September–October) — Warm sea, ideal for hiking
Winter (Nov–March) — Quiet season — good for exploring culture and nature, plus some ski options in Troodos!
How to Get to Cyprus
- Airports:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
- Paphos International Airport (PFO)
- By sea:
- Limited ferry services (mainly from Greece)
Transport on the island:
- Renting a car is highly recommended — Cyprus is perfect for road trips.
Driving tip:
Traffic drives on the left (British style).
Accommodation in Cyprus
Cyprus has an excellent range of places to stay:
- Luxury resorts (especially around Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa)
- Family-friendly beach hotels
- Boutique guesthouses in mountain villages
- Self-catering villas and apartments
Booking tip:
Book early for summer stays — Cyprus is popular with families and couples!
Sample Itinerary: 7 Days in Cyprus
Day 1-2: Explore Paphos (ruins, beaches)
Day 3: Jeep safari or boat trip in Akamas Peninsula
Day 4: Day trip to Troodos & Kykkos Monastery
Day 5: Relax at Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)
Day 6: Visit Nicosia (Europe’s last divided capital)
Day 7: Enjoy Larnaca beach & old town
Book Your Cyprus Tours & Tickets
Top excursions to book in advance:
- Jeep safari Akamas Peninsula
- Blue Lagoon boat trip
- Troodos & Kykkos Monastery tour
- Food & wine tasting tour
- Guided archaeological tour of Paphos
- WaterWorld Ayia Napa tickets
- Skip-the-line entrance for Watermania Waterpark (Limassol)
- Scuba diving beginners experience
Final ThoughtsCyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s most versatile destinations — ideal for sunseekers, culture lovers, foodies, and adventure travelers. Whether you want to swim in turquoise waters, walk in ancient footsteps, sip wine in mountain villages, or enjoy family fun in world-class resorts — Cyprus is the perfect island escape.So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Cyprus trip today — and get ready for an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure!