Cyprus is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea that combines Byzantine architecture with modern buildings, Gothic mosques and frescoes in monasteries, white-sand beaches and wine-growing villages. This place can give you not only a pleasant rest, but also allow you to learn a lot of new things. From the 16th century Venetian fortifications around southern Nicosia to the picturesque sea cliffs and famous mosaics of Paphos, Cyprus is truly a beautiful place that manages to combine Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors.

The best time to visit Cyprus

A pleasant advantage of the island is its climate, thanks to which Cyprus welcomes tourists throughout the year. Summer here is hot and dry, starting in mid-May and lasting until mid-October. Winter is mild, often with rain.

It is best to plan a holiday in Cyprus in April-May or September-October. July and August can be uncomfortably hot and dry.

Top 10 places to visit in Cyprus in 2024

There are many attractions in Cyprus, but there are places that every traveler should see. We have collected for you 10 places that must be visited when traveling in Cyprus.

Nicosia

Nicosia is the last "divided" capital of Europe, which can be the best showcase of the history of Cyprus, because here Venetian, Ottoman and Byzantine architectures have come together to tell about the complex past of the city.

It is as stunning as it is controversial. Tourists can approach the Green Line in Nicosia, which is the UN buffer zone separating Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as it passes through the city.

Visit the Cyprus Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Ledra Observatory Museum here. Admire the beautiful frescoes in the Church of Saint John and the magnificent Gothic architecture of the Selimiye Mosque, which was once the 14th-century Hagia Sophia. For traditional souvenirs, head to the lively markets: Laiki Geitonia and Ledra Street.

- Things to do: Explore the ruins of Bellapais Abbey, take a fun road trip through the Messaoria region, and hike to the towers of St. Hilarion Castle.

- Where to eat: Mamma Lou's Bakery, Blue Avocado, Moondog's and Chopped.

- Best time to visit: August, September.

- Nearest airport: Nicosia Airport.

Pathos

One of the attractions of Cyprus is the many Mediterranean beach resorts along the coast, which are not only a peaceful place to relax, but also filled with history and culture.

On the southwestern part of the island of Cyprus is the coastal city of Paphos, which is usually called the birthplace of Aphrodite. Today, Paphos is divided into two parts. The lower part is known as Kato Paphos and it is here that you can find many hotels and archaeological sites. Verkhnia is a commercial area where most of the shops and cafes are located.

Highlights of Paphos include the House of Dionysus and the House of Theseus, the Tombs of the Kings and the classical Greek amphitheater, as well as the 16th-century Paphos Fort, which was built by the Turks.

- Things to do: Hike the Akamas Peninsula, plan a fun day trip to Fiti Town, and explore fascinating ancient Soli.

- Where to eat: Tavern St. Georges, Sienna Restaurant, Windmill Restaurant and Aqui Mediterranean Restaurant.

- Best time to visit: August, September.

- Nearest airport: Paphos Airport.

Limassol

Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, which may seem more lively and cosmopolitan to the tourist than Paphos or Larnaca. This picturesque place with a marina and famous beaches, where old buildings are closely intertwined with high-rise buildings and heritage sites, is a must-see for tourists.

- Things to do: visit Limassol Castle, Colossi Castle and the 2,000-year-old ruins at Amathus. You can also take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Kourion, once one of the most important city-kingdoms on the island.

- Where to eat: La Maison Fleurie, Nama Tavern Restaurant, Seasons Oriental, The Grill Room and Kissos Taverna.

- Best time to visit: August, September.

- Nearest airport: Paphos.

Larnaca

Larnaca is located along the southern coast of Cyprus, east of Paphos and Limassol, so it has great weather and the best beaches. The most popular of them are Mackenzie, Finikudes, Castella and Decelia.

Larnaca is perhaps less glamorous than its neighboring resort towns, but has a solid tourist infrastructure and enough places to keep you busy for a long weekend (if you decide to leave the beach).

The city of Larnaca on the southeast coast of the island is one of the places to visit in Cyprus. If during your vacation you plan to just relax and pamper yourself by the sea, then this city is the best choice in Cyprus. For history buffs, we recommend the ancient Turkish quarter known as Skala.

- Things to do: Wine tasting, walking tours, mini cruises and bird watching.

- Where to eat: Aquarium Bar Café, Wagamama Larnaca, Art Cafe 1900 and Lush Beach Bar Resto.

- Best time to visit: August, September.

- Nearest airport: Larnaca Airport.

Protaras

Protaras offers travelers a more relaxed, family-friendly alternative to the well-known nightlife of Ayia Napa. The town is smaller in size and stretches from Fig Tree Bay in the south to Trinity Bay in the north (just over a 10 minute drive up the coast).

The Connos Nature Trail offers hiking opportunities, while Cape Greco offers fantastic coastal views. Also, be sure to visit the church of Profitis Ilya here.

- What to do: most of the entertainment in Protaras is family-oriented: mini-golf courses, amusement arcades, an oceanarium, etc.

- Where to eat: Kafkaros Tavern, Molti Restaurant and Poseidonio Tavern Restaurant.

- Best time to visit: May, June, August and September.

- Nearest airport: Larnaca.

Agros and the Troodos Mountains

The village of Agros is built at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the Troodos Mountains. From the outside, it looks like an amphitheater that grew up around the Velikiy Agros monastery. If you are planning a winter vacation in Cyprus, you should visit Agros. The exquisite village is filled with winter entertainment.

In the summer, rare fruits, vegetables and roses are grown here, jams are made, rose oil is distilled and cured meats are produced.

- Things to do: Go on safari in Agros, try local sweets and meat products and enjoy mountain adventures, visit Mahairas Monastery and discover Nikis Sweets Factory.

- Where to eat: Linari Tavern, Seven Hills Tavern, Symposio and Pantheon.

- Best time to visit: May, June, January.

- Nearest airport: Larnaca International Airport.

Kakopetria

Located at the foot of the Troodos Mountains, Kakopetria has a pleasant climate and wonderful landscapes. All kinds of fruit trees grow here, as well as tomatoes, potatoes, cereals and grapes from which wine is made. There are several attractions in the area: Old Kakopetria, Kakopetria Forest, Atalanta Trail, Milos Tis Gonias Watermill, Central Square and Heroes' Monument.

- What to do: have fun in the Marina adventure park, take pictures near the "Married Rock" and Kakopetria water mills.

- Where to eat: Podji Poda, Mylos Restaurant, TAVERNA STOU Zoppi Lapithos and Green Valley Restaurant.

- Best time to visit: October-December.

- Nearest airport: Nicosia International Airport.

Agios Georgios

An archaeological site near the village of Pegeia, Agios Georgios is a 6th-century Christian settlement that was partially excavated in the 1950s. Excavations continued in the 1990s, when it was discovered that this was a port city located on the transport route from Egypt to Constantinople. Currently, tourists can see the basilica, sacristy, guest house, courtyard, well and oil press.

- Things to do: Explore the sights or visit Agios Georgios Beach.

- Where to eat: Europa Bar, Dive Inn Corfu, Mad Mike's Bar, Kazoos Cocktail Bar.

- Best time to visit: May-October.

- Nearest airport: Corfu Airport (CFU).

Kyrenia Castle

The majestic castle of Kyrenia, which has survived all the wars since the 16th century, will become a real paradise for history lovers. Also nearby are the Castle of Saint Hilarion, the Castle of Buffavento and the ruins of the Bellapais Monastery. Alagadi beach deserves the attention of tourists, where you can see turtles in their natural habitat.

- Things to do: Stroll the old harbor, visit the chain tower and relax on the sandy beaches.

- Where to eat: Kyrenia Tavern, Ezic Peanuts, Bella Moon and Archway Restaurant.

- Best time to visit: May-September.

- Nearest airport: Nicosia Airport.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa beach is included in the list of the best beaches in the world. For its amenities and cleanliness, it received the "Blue Flag" certificate. Nissi Beach, known for its golden sand, is also nearby. The bay is sheltered from the wind, which makes it an ideal place to relax with small children.

Among the entertainments here, water sports are popular: sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, paragliding and boating.

The resort of Ayia Napa is also famous for its nightlife. The most famous historical monument is the 16th-century monastery of Ayia Napa.

- Things to do: day trips for fishing, diving and boating, ATV safari, wine tasting, sightseeing tour of Famagusta and Salamis.

- Where to eat: Avra, Sale e Pepe, The Deck Terrace Restaurant and Flames Restaurant and Bar.

- Best time to visit: May and September.

- Nearest airport: Larnaca Airport.

Sports and entertainment in Cyprus

- Ski vacation in Cyprus

The snow sports season in Cyprus runs from January to April when you can go skiing on Mount Olympos in Troodos.

- Hiking and cycling

You can enjoy active holidays in Cyprus throughout the year.

- Beach vacation in Cyprus

There are many beaches in Cyprus, the summer season lasts from April to November, with June to August being the busiest months.

- Surfing in Cyprus

The waves are best in March and November.

- Kitesurfing in Cyprus

You can kitesurf in Cyprus almost all year round. If you want to ride some nice big waves, the winter season is the best, especially at Curium Beach and Ladies Mile, but it can be cold.

At least 4 million tourists visit Cyprus every year, the island ranks 40th in the world in terms of popularity. More than 80% of visitors are citizens of Great Britain, Germany, France and Norway. The beauty and charm of Cyprus captivate tourists, which is why the island received the title of the pearl of the Mediterranean.