Cyprus is a beautiful country full of history and secrets that will seduce you on your every step. The island has been inhabited by many civilizations, so during your visit you will see Neolithic settlements, roman ruins, medieval castles, byzantine churches and mosques. From the lacy coasts with the crystal waters to the mountainous villages, Cyprus will excite you with its natural landscapes, tradition and attractions. Walk along the Caledonia trail, watch the embroiderers in Lefkara, visit the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos and learn Cyprus’ history through its museums. Finally, enjoy your walk on the Finikoudes beach in Larnaca and feel Limassol’s night rhythm.

Discover more attractions in Cyprus

Are you ready for a walk on the famous lovers’ bridge, a.k.a. the most romantic spot in Ayia Napa? The natural arch is in every promotion photograph of the island, while it daily attracts newlyweds and couples who want to exchange love vows. Close by you will find the sea caves, another geological treasure that nature created. The sea palaces, as they are known in the area, are the ideal spot for dips, diving and walks on the sunset. Of course, both landscapes are framed up by the turquoise waters of Ayia Napa and the sky’s endless blue.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The largest cave is close to 900 meters long!

Lefkara is probably Cyprus’ most traditional village. Stone-built houses, arches, cobbled streets, colorful doors, gardens and churches “pose” for your sake! But what “shouts” tradition are the protected by UNESCO Lefkarian embroideries, which have been made by local housewives from the 14th century until today. Apart from the famous pieces of handiwork, the village is known for the art of silversmithing and its delicious loukoumia (delights). Visit Ano and Kato Lefkara, pass by the church of the Holy Cross, the historic Spring, the old oil press, the museum and admire the pieces of embroidery that even impressed Leonardo da Vinci.

Note: In August, the Lefkara Festival is held in the village.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: When Leonardo Da Vinci visited Lefkara, he bought a Lefkarian piece of embroidery and donated it to Milan’s Cathedral!

Just a few kilometers outside the village of Platres starts the Caledonia trail, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Cyprus. The three-kilometer long, tended trail starts at Psilo Dendro, passes along the Kryos Potamos river and continues to the village of Troodos. A little before the route’s halfway point, you will come across the Caledonian waterfall, which is 12 meters tall and it is the starting point of the most difficult part of the climb up to Troodos. Apart from the dense vegetation and running water, small wooden bridges and benches for a few breaths complete the picturesque trail.

Note: Read the Tips.

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: There are 65 trails stretching across 315.6km!

Omodos is one of the largest and most known of the wine villages in Cyprus. It is located 40km away from Limassol, pinned on the south slopes of Troodos. The village, apart from its wine, is also known for the historic monastery of the Holy Cross, the arkatenia koulouria (sweet bread with yeast from chickpeas) and the art of “omoditiki pipila” (needle-made lace). Keep yourselves away from the crowdedness of the cobbled square, which is bustling with tourists, and explore the picturesque alleys of the village, with the stone-built houses and colorful, lush flower pots. Finally, make a stop at the medieval winepress to see how the process of wine production was in the old years.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Its name derives from the combination of the greek adverb «ομού» (omou=together) and the work «οδός» (odos=road), as from the village start many roads that lead to the surrounding villages!

The Finikoudes beach is located in Larnaca and offers exotic images that are reminiscent of Miami or the French Riviera! With the towering palm trees as its main characteristic, the beach is a trademark not only for the city but for the entire island, while it is a meeting point for dozens of people. On its sandy beach you can exercise, swim or enjoy yourselves with some extreme sport. Make sure to have a walk during the sunset and drink a refreshing cocktail. At the end of the beach you will also find Larnaca’s medieval castle.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Some palm trees are more than 10 meters tall!

Apart from its rich history, Paphos will impress you with its coastal shores and natural beauties. Sea caves, crystal waters, banana plantations and Cyprus’ unique sunset await for you to explore them in a different and more fun way. How? By horseback riding! Even if you are beginners, you have nothing to be afraid of, as the experienced trainers and friendly horses of George Ranch will make you feel comfortable from the first minutes. Let yourself follow their gallop and sally out to the untrodden trails of Peyia.

Mini tip: Do not press your adductors against the horse, because you will not be able to walk the next day!

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day 09:00-17:00
Cost: 10€-65€ per person (depending on the route you choose)

 The know-it-all says: Peyia’s sea caves work as shelters for the Mediterranean monk seals (monachus-monachus)!

Aphrodite’s island is among the most popular wedding destinations in Europe. Golden beaches, picturesque villages, byzantine churches, medieval castles and, of course, the Cypriot sunset compose the ideal scenery for a fairytale wedding. Sunny days are the couple’s allies, while the Goddess of love promises to “lock” their love forever. The wedding in Cyprus might be simple or spectacular, depending on the budget and tastes of every couple. The island of love is also an ideal destination for a honeymoon, completing in the best way the dream of the newlyweds.

 The know-it-all says: In a traditional Cypriot wedding, the groom and bride are escorted to the church accompanied by lutes and violins!

Cyprus’ impressive shipwrecks attract hundreds of diving enthusiasts and have turned the island of Aphrodite into one of the most popular diving destinations in the world. The Mediterranean’s ferocity in combination with the extreme weather conditions became the reason for dozens of ships, and among them a helicopter, to get lost in its waters! Some are stuck close to the shore and others are sunken up to 50 meters below sea surface. From EDRO III in Paphos to the famous Zenobia and the British helicopter in Larnaca, Cyprus’ shipwrecks will impress you.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Zenobia shipwreck, a.k.a. the “Titanic of the Mediterranean” is among the 5 most-visited shipwrecks in the world!

If you want to feel the energy of the Cypriot capital, all you need to do is take a Street Art walk in its streets. On the buildings’ walls inside and outside of the old town you will see many works of art with political, historical and cultural messages. Walk along Pythonos Street to see the city’s most famous graffiti, learn about the history of Cyprus on Thiseos Street and search for Aphrodite’s priestesses on Tempon Street. Follow the art trail and get ready to see a different side of Nicosia that will impress you.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Paparazzi graffiti on Pythonos Street depicts real figures of the city!

The Archaeological Park of Paphos is located close to the city’s port and it is one of Cyprus’ most important archaeological sites. In the outdoor museum there are mainly mansions and ruins of the Roman era, while the uniquely beautiful mosaics steal the show. In fact, one of these (Pyramus and Thisbe) became the pretext for Shakespeare to write his greatest play, Romeo and Juliet! The castle of Paphos is located next to the archaeological park, while a few kilometers away you will find the magnificent Tombs of the Kings.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day September 16th-April 15th 08:30-17:00 & April 16th-September 15th 08:30-19:30
Cost: Archaeological Park: 4.5€, Tombs of the Kings: extra 2.5€

 The know-it-all says: The mansions got their names by the characters adorning the mosaics, and not by their owners!

Built on the edge of the homonymous village, the medieval Kolossi Castle is one of Cyprus’ most important fortresses that has survived to the present day. The imposing square castle is built with rocks that are 1.5 meters thick, it has three floors while the panoramic view from its terrace justifies its strategic significance. The area around the Kolossi castle is known for the production of the sweet Cypriot wine Commandaria (Vin de Commandarie), the oldest wine in the world. Nowadays, apart from operating as a museum, it is used for the hosting of thematic nights (Medieval, themed after the full moon and more).

Suggested visit time: 40 minutes-1 hour
Open: September 16th-April 15th 08:15-17:15 & April 16th-September 15th 08:15-19:45
Cost: 2.5€

 The know-it-all says: It owes its name to the feudal lord Gerinus de Colos!

Another village with a rich historical background that is worth visiting in Cyprus is Chirokitia. It is located in the mountainous district of Larnaca and it is known for the neolitic settlement built on its hill. On the archaeological site, the representations of the cylindrical houses and the panoramic view with visibility to the sea stand out. The settlement is connected to the village through a 2km long, picturesque trail. Follow nature’s path, walk in the village’s streets and do not leave without having visited a basket-weaving workshop.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day September 16th-April 15th 08:30-17:00 & April 16th-September 15th 08:30-19:30
Cost: 2.5€

 The know-it-all says: The settlement is close to 10,000 years old!

The Archaeological Museum of Nicosia is the largest and most important museum of the entire island. It is housed in a beautiful, neoclassic building and has 14 halls, in which finds from the Neolithic to the Roman era are exhibited. In the Museum of Cyprus you will find tools, jewelry, tombs and coins, while the rich collection of ceramics and sculptures steals the show. Apart from the large number of exhibits, the museum stands out for the harmonious chronological and thematic presentation, as well as for its representations. Visit all halls and walk through the admirable historical world of Cyprus.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Tuesday-Friday 08:00-18:00, Saturday 09:00-17:00, Sunday 10:00-13:00, Every first Wednesday of the month 08:00-20:00 Closed: Monday
Cost: 4.5€

 The know-it-all says: Due to the lack of marble in Cyprus, most sculptures are constructed with local stone!

Yet another reason to visit cosmopolitan Limassol is its night life. Cyprus’ second largest city has a plethora of places to enjoy yourselves until the first morning hours. In the streets of the old town and at the old port you will find bars, clubs and music stages, where locals have fun with their company. On the other side, the full of tourists new Marina, offers a more lounge atmosphere. Try the Cypriot beer KEO and the local ksinisteri wine and let Limassol’s night life seduce you with its fierce character.

Suggested visit time: 1 night

 The know-it-all says: The island’s best wines are produced in the area of Limassol!

At the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia you will make a journey through the city’s history from the ancient times until the present. The mansion is located in the center of the capital and accommodates a rich collection of photographs, manuscripts, traditional costumes, pieces of jewelry, ceramics and more. The space is fully renovated and wonderfully decorated, while among the exhibits you will find Cyprus’ Musical Code and the portrait of Cyprus’ last queen, Caterina Kornaro. There are also educational stations, so that to combine knowledge with entertainment, through apps, games and 3D material.

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-16:30 Closed: Mondays and public holidays
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Nicosia was known as Ledra, Lefkousia and Kalliniki!

In Marina’s Adventure Park you will experience a different adventure, test your limits and spend two hours of pleasant play. It is located in the village of Kakopetria and offers an organized three-level track, ideal for the young and the old. Climb the ropes, go through tunnels and over moving bridges. Keep your balance, watch your steps and try to reach the end as fast as you can. Play with your friends or family and get ready for a lot of exercise, falls and lots of laughter.

Make reservations at Marina’s Adventure Park

Note: Throughout the entire playing time you will be tied with total safety, without any risk of injury.

Suggested visit time: 2 hours
Open: Friday-Sunday 09:00-17:00 Closed: Monday-Thursday 24/12, 25/12, 31/12 and 1/1
Cost: Junior Section (2-7 years old) 7.5€, Level 1 (3m): 15€, Level 1&2 (7m) 25€

In Ayia Napa, apart from the golden beaches, you will also find an extraordinary park. The Sculpture Park is located on the crossroad of Greco and Kryou Nerou Avenues and it is a modern art location that is worth visiting. In an area of 20,000m², you will find sculptures inspired by the Greek mythology, nature and the environment. The sculptures are made of Cypriot limestone, this is why the park is glaring under the daylight. Wear your glasses, plenty of sunscreen and photograph the artworks with the crystal waters of Ayia Napa in the background.

Suggested visit time: 2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The park hosts 186 sculptures!

A special route, created and curated by the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) is the Aphrodite Cultural Route. It is a walk full of history that will impress children and adults alike, in a game of treasure hunt, for the goddess of love and beauty. Start at Petra tou Romiou and pass through archaeological sites, museums and trails. Search for the symbol of Cypriot Aphrodite and follow her footsteps to learn about her birth, life and worship in Cyprus.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 days

 The know-it-all says: The goddess was not called Aphrodite until the 4th century B.C., but she was known as Anassa, Paphia, Golgia or simply the Goddess!

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