things to do in cyprus
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Cyprus is a large island located near Turkey and has an intriguing but turbulent past. Birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite, Cyprus has sandy beaches, ancient archeological sites, wineries and gorgeous mountain scenery. There is, however, still evidence of the conflict between the Greek-Cypriots and the Turkish people. Highly coveted because of its location, the island is split into two halves: the Greek-Cypriot south and the Turkish-Cypriot north.

Larnaca

Ten things to do in Cyprus

1. Famagusta

The Northern part of Cyprus has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. Famagusta lies in the buffer zone between the north and the south, and the Turkish authorities have cut off all access to the old tourist quarter of Varosha. Famagusta is literally a ghost town – washing still hangs on lines in the streets, hotels lie derelict and cars remain in the showrooms just as they did back in 1974 when the Turkish forces invaded. The Greek Cypriot population were forced to flee and the town has been left unoccupied by the Turks to use as a bargaining chip. Varosha has remained fenced off and empty ever since.

2. Limassol

Limassol is the second largest city on the island and is located on the southern coast of Cyprus. It is a busy industrial port town with cafés, shops, restaurants and bars. Although the long stretch of beach is not one of the best on the island, the city has lots going on in terms of entertainment and vibrant nightlife and the Old City is the best part to visit.

places to visit in cyprus
Limassol (image by Karkusz/Unsplash)

3. Paphos

Visit the town of Paphos to explore the souvenir shops and enjoy a seafood lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour. The picturesque harbour is filled with yachts and fishing boats and you’ll often see some large pelicans hanging around the front of the Pelican bar.

where to go in cyprus
Paphos seafront



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4. Aphrodite’s Rock

Stop off on the Limassol-Paphos coastal road near Pissouri Village to see Aphrodite’s Rock. The legend says that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, rose from the waves at this particular spot marked by the rock. She was supposedly carried by the waves on a scallop shell to Kythira and then to Cyprus, although there are varying accounts of this story.

things to do in cyprus
Aprofite’s Rock (image by Vrikki/Unsplash)

5. The Amphitheatre at Kourion

Kourion is located in the south of the island just west from Limassol on the road towards Paphos. You can see some ancient ruins and restored mosaics then sit in the outdoor Roman amphitheatre which was build in the 2nd century A.D. It is now used for concerts and events, and several celebrities have performed here. There are also some beautiful views out towards the sea at Kourion.

Kourion amphitheatre (image by Mousinho/Unsplash)

6. Troodos Mountains 4×4

Take a thrilling 4×4 excursion into the Troodos mountains and hold on tight because it might get a bit bumpy! You’ll see some spectacular views from the top of Mount Olympus and stop off at a picturesque waterfall where you can cool off in the refreshing pool at the bottom. Your driver will take you to visit the famous Kykkos monastery to see the icon of the Virgin Mary, painted by St. Luke, before heading to the wine producing village of Omodhos to see how the wine is made and play a few drinking games with their fire water! You can buy some wine at the winery and you’ll have the chance to buy souvenirs in the famous lace and silver-making town of Lefkara.

Troodos mountains

7. Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and is famous for being the last divided Capital in the world. It is split into two parts by the Green Line, which divides the Republic of Cyprus on the southern side from the Turkish side in the north. It is a great place to visit if you want to do some shopping and walk around the old town. For fans of modern architecture, don’t miss Eleftheria Square, a futuristic plaza designed by one of my favourite architects, Zaha Hadid.

top things to see in cyprus
Eleftheria Square (image by Lohovchenko/Unsplash)
 

8. Magic Dancing Waters show

The Magic Dancing Waters laser and light show is an attraction in Protaras on the East Coast of the island. It’s a fun evening of entertainment, filled with fountains that dance in time to music, volcanic eruptions, lasers, colourful lights and smoke.

9. Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is a great place to chill and to party. Visit Nissi Beach to laze on the white sand with the sound of club music in the background. At one end there is a bunjee jump where tourists can get their adrenaline kicks, and at the other end is a small island that you can walk out to and take it in turns to jump off the rocks. Ayia Napa has some of the best beaches on the island and plenty of bars and nightclubs for partygoers.

things to do in cyprus
Ayia Napa

10. Kato Paphos Archeological Park

The Kato Paphos Archeological Park is one of the most important archeological sites in Cyprus. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to monuments from the 4th century B.C.. Don’t miss the beautiful mosaic floors of the Roman villas, the Odeon, Saranta Kolones (40 columns) and the Tombs of the Kings.

places to visit in cyrpus
Tombs of the Kings (image by Gadze/Unsplash)
 

A luxury stay in Cyprus

Visitors looking for luxury hotels in Cyprus will find a number of properties in the main resorts of Protaras, Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and the Akamas Peninsula. The Anassa Hotel Cyprus in Latchi is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful luxury spa hotels, laid out in the style of a Byzantine village with stunning scenery and a Roman-style Thalasso spa. There is a multitude of sights and activities to keep visitors occupied for days.

12 Responses

  • do you reccomend to go there in September or october? which is the best month to find life and not so hot weather?

  • Things to do and see in Cyprus | Velvet EscapeiWannaGo.co Cyprus Hotels, Car Rental, Flights and Travel Insurance

    […] Read the full article here: Things to do and see in Cyprus | Velvet Escape […]

  • Hi Nelly,
    Thanks for your comment and for subscribing to my blog. I was in Cyprus quite a few years ago and I’m not surprised that there are more agrotourism options now. I remember Nicosia vividly – I remember buying a massive loofah which I then cut up into many pieces and which I still use till this day. Hahaha!

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • Keith, I just discovered your blog, subscribed to it now and I love it!
    I read your post on Cyprus; I do not know when you have been here but there is a lot more to see and do and there are some nice small agrotourism hotels being built in picturesque areas.
    By the way, I was born in Famagusta and I now live in Nicosia, the only divided city in the world….

  • Top Cyprus activities | Travel Europe with Best Travel Content Europe

    […] subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!Partner blogger Velvet Escape discusses favourite Cyprus activities. The sun-kissed island of Aphrodite will enthral, so you’d best be organised about activities […]

  • Hey Keith, Happy Easter and have a fab holiday over there! Nice take on Cyprus. I was once invited to go there with my schoolmate as his wife was from there but it was short lived as they got a divorce! lol. However if I do make it there one day, I would love to check out the Anassa Hotel Cyprus and of course Ayia Napa.

  • Sun, history and culture, three of my favorite things! Cypress sounds great. This was a very informative post which I enjoyed reading.

  • i agree with Ciki! one of my best friend has born in cyprus and she gave me the same tips 🙂
    thanks for sharing and… happy easter! 🙂

  • Thanks Ciki! Cyprus is a great place for some sun, history and culture. Fab beaches!

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • fabulous post.. such amazing shots and pertinent info.. I feel like I’m inhaling and living Cyprus!!

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