Things to do in Cyprus

Things to do in  Cyprus

Here comes the sun

Although Cyprus's location in the eastern reaches of the Mediterranean puts it geographically in Asia, this little country is very much European. Here, you'll find a mix of Hellenistic archeological sites, mountainside monasteries, and cobblestoned villages that have mostly stayed the same for centuries. However, the best things to do in Cyprus vary significantly from location to location, particularly when you get to tourist-heavy areas on the coast, where the focus is very much on sunshine, swimming, and—in the case of Ayia Napa—partying.

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Top 15 attractions in Cyprus

#1

Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station

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Set on an isolated beach, the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station presides over the shelled creatures who come here every year to nest. Devoted conservationists keep an eye on the green and loggerhead turtles, safeguarding the eggs and young hatchlings and educating the public on the turtles’ plight.More
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#2

Adonis Baths

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According to Greek legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility and love, watched her lover, Adonis, die in her arms here in this freshwater natural pool. Set beneath a tumbling waterfall and surrounded by verdant greenery, the site also features a statue of the two mythical lovers, which is said to boost the fertility of those who touch it.More
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#3

Super Aphrodite Waterpark

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With slides, drops, and a wave pool, Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is among the city’s top attractions. Even the names of the rides hint at adventure—try the Free Fall, Kamikaze, or Cannon Drop before relaxing on the Lazy River. Visitors with small kids will find plenty of fun at the family-friendly Mini Volcano and Mini Bubble.More
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#4

Rock of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou)

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A looming stack of rocks standing proud off the southwest coast of Cyprus, the UNESCO-listed Rock of Aphrodite, or Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek), is one of the island’s most famous landmarks and the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, according to Greek mythology.More
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#5

Tombs of the Kings

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Spread along the southwestern coast of Cyprus, the sprawling Tombs of the Kings are eight excavated tombs dating back to the third century BC. Around 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats are estimated to have been buried there, along with a substantial trove of jewels and personal effects, long since pillaged by grave robbers.More
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#6

Paphos Archaeological Park

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A top attraction in Paphos, Paphos Archaeological Park is home to some of Cyprus’ most important historic ruins. Visit this sprawling open-air museum—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along the coast near Paphos Harbor—to see a number of ruins dating to the late Roman period, plus a few that are even older.More
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#7

Omodos

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Terraced vineyards hint at Omodos’ reputation for good wine, but there’s more than wineries to this quaint mountain town. From cobblestone lanes to Byzantine art, it’s a great introduction to the villages of the Troodos Mountains. Add a historic monastery, shops, and tavernas for a deservedly popular day-trip destination.More
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#8

Agios Neophytos Monastery

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Founded in 1159 by Cypriot saint and writer Neophytos, the Agios Neophytos Monastery is among Cyprus’s most striking religious buildings, carved into a mountain rock just north of Paphos. Though a small number of monks live here, the main attraction for visitors is the museum, full of religious manuscripts, garments, and other artifacts.More
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#9

Troodos Mountains

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The pine forests and steep valleys of Cyprus’ largest mountain range shelter villages, hiking trails, and historic monasteries. The range’s literal high point is Mount Olympus, which, at 6,404 feet (1,952 meters), is the island’s tallest summit. These heights offer cool weather, making them the perfect spot to escape the summer heat.More
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#10

Fasouri Watermania

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Fasouri Watermania is among the most popular water parks in Cyprus, with dozens of different slides, a lazy river, and the biggest wave pool in the country. While water attractions are the main draw, there’s also a massage parlor, a fish spa, and a temporary-tattoo studio, along with a handful of restaurants and snack bars.More
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#11
Protaras Ocean Aquarium

Protaras Ocean Aquarium

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The Protaras Ocean Aquarium is Cyprus’ only purpose-built aquarium. This popular family attraction is home to more than 1,000 marine animals, as well as an aviary and a series of tropical gardens.More
#12

Pafos Zoo

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Opened in 2003, the Pafos Zoo, outside Paphos (or Páfos), Cyprus, is a sprawling, 25-acre center for wildlife conservation. Spend a day here seeing animals from around the world, from giraffes and lemurs to bats and water monitors. The zoo is particularly well known for its extensive collection of birds.More
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#13

Kourion Archaeological Site

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The archaeological remains of Kourion are by far the island’s most important historical discoveries. As one of Cypress’ most prominent city-kingdoms of antiquity, Kourion was built on a hillside that overlooks the southern coast and its ruins date back to the Roman and early-Byzantine periods.More
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#14

St Paul’s Pillar

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Pilgrims flock to this 2,000-year-old pillar, where St. Paul was said to have been tied up and whipped as punishment for preaching Christianity. Despite initial resistance from the Romans, Governor Sergius Paulus was eventually won over by the apostle, making Cyprus one of the world’s early adopters of Christianity.More
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#15

Lefkara

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Forested slopes surround this mountain village, where cobblestone streets wind between typical Cypriot houses. With a long folk tradition of making lace and silverwork, it’s also a top destination for shoppers coming to browse workshops. The village is divided into the upper town, Pano Lefkara, and a lower area, Kato Lefkara.More
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Top activities in Cyprus

Blue Lagoon (Akamas) excursion from Paphos

Blue Lagoon (Akamas) excursion from Paphos

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100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos)

100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos)

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Village Venture: Troodos Mountains Food & Wine Small Group Day Tour
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Village Venture: Troodos Mountains Food & Wine Small Group Day Tour

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$123.78
Ghost-Town Famagusta Mini Bus Tour from Protaras and Ayia Napa

Ghost-Town Famagusta Mini Bus Tour from Protaras and Ayia Napa

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$54.77
Value for money Quad/Buggy Tour Akamas.Adonis falls, Turtle Bay and BBQ lunch

Value for money Quad/Buggy Tour Akamas.Adonis falls, Turtle Bay and BBQ lunch

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$82.15
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark Entrance Ticket

Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark Entrance Ticket

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$38.34
Blue Lagoon Cruise with sightseeing departing from LATCHI HARBOUR. Postcode 8840

Blue Lagoon Cruise with sightseeing departing from LATCHI HARBOUR. Postcode 8840

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$21.91
Vino Venture: Explore With A Local - Troodos Mountains thru Wine!
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Vino Venture: Explore With A Local - Troodos Mountains thru Wine!

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Wave Dancer Half Day BBQ Cruise - All Inclusive

Wave Dancer Half Day BBQ Cruise - All Inclusive

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$67.91
Discover Scuba diving
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Discover Scuba diving

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$84.34
Wave Dancer Fireworks Night Cruise

Wave Dancer Fireworks Night Cruise

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$67.91
Caves Jeep Safari from Protaras & Ayia Napa

Caves Jeep Safari from Protaras & Ayia Napa

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$54.77
Ocean Flyer VIP Cruise from Paphos - Adults Only

Ocean Flyer VIP Cruise from Paphos - Adults Only

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$89.82
Jeep Safari to Akamas National Park: Avakas Gorge Tour from Paphos

Jeep Safari to Akamas National Park: Avakas Gorge Tour from Paphos

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Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners in Protaras. Inc Photos
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Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners in Protaras. Inc Photos

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$93.11
Full-day Famagusta, Ghost City of Varosi, and Salamis Tour from Paphos

Full-day Famagusta, Ghost City of Varosi, and Salamis Tour from Paphos

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Full Day Tour in Paphos: Trip To The Past

Full Day Tour in Paphos: Trip To The Past

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Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive

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$82.15
Half-Day Scuba Diving Tour - Discover Scuba Diving!

Half-Day Scuba Diving Tour - Discover Scuba Diving!

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BLUE LAGOON Akamas Bus and Boat Trip 2024 Excursion from Paphos
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BLUE LAGOON Akamas Bus and Boat Trip 2024 Excursion from Paphos

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Top Destinations

Paphos
Paphos
Limassol
Limassol

Top Destinations

Paphos
Paphos
Limassol
Limassol

All about Cyprus

When to visit

The best time of year to visit Cyprus is from May through October, when the weather is at its driest and the chance of rain is low, but temperatures from June through August may be too hot for some. As the island is popular with British tourists, you’ll get the biggest crowds during UK bank holidays, half terms, and the UK summer holiday, which generally runs from late July through the end of August.

Getting around

To make the most of your stay in Cyprus, you’ll want to rent a car, especially to get away from the more touristy beach areas and into the hills to see many of the country’s most visit-worthy monasteries. Note that rental companies don’t generally allow visitors to drive over to the northern part of the island. If you plan to visit North Cyprus, leave your car at your hotel and join a tour for the day.

Traveler tips

If you want to bring back carob sweets, soutzoukos (candle-shaped candy), and lokum (Turkish delight), and are on a budget, head to your local supermarket. You’ll be able to pick up all sorts of sweets to bring home for a fraction of the price that you’d pay in a tourist shop. Many supermarkets even stock sugar-free varieties of popular local confectionary.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
EEST (UTC +2)
Country Code
+357
Language(s)
Welsh
Attractions
25
Tours
626
Reviews
18,719
EN
491508e3-d433-46c1-a22c-5b1d7fe765b5
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People Also Ask

What is Cyprus known for?

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island famed for coastal beauty, and its golden, sandy beaches and year-round sunshine understandably draw crowds. But there’s more to this destination than seaside lounging—the island’s got rich history, too. Venture inland, and you’ll find traditional mountain villages, ancient Roman ruins, Byzantine mosaics, and crusader castles.

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What is the most beautiful part of Cyprus?

Golden sand and turquoise water earn Nissi Beach a spot on any list of Cyprus beauty spots, ideal for swimming and lounging in year-round sunshine. Find another variety of scenic charm in the Troodos Mountain range, where winding roads lead to evergreen forests, waterfalls, and even a tiny ski resort.

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How many days do you need to see Cyprus?

Three days in Cyprus is enough to visit beaches, check out an archeological site, and tour the capital city of Nicosia. However, staying for a week lets you see more of the island, by hiking the Troodos Mountains, visiting Akamas Peninsula National Park, or touring crusader fortresses in northern Cyprus.

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Is Cyprus a part of Greece?

No, Cyprus is not part of Greece. The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member country whose official languages are Greek and Turkish. The Turkish army occupies part of Cyprus, calling it the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but the United Nations does not recognize this as a legitimate country.

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Is there a lot to do in Cyprus?

Yes, there’s lots to do in Cyprus. In addition to beautiful beaches, the island has an energetic party scene and well-preserved historic architecture in the capital of Nicosia. Adventurous visitors can scuba dive major shipwrecks, hike forested trails in the Troodos Mountains, or tour hilltop fortresses built by medieval crusaders.

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Is Cyprus good for partying?

Yes, Cyprus has a great party scene that draws international crowds. Especially during the hot and sunny summer months, DJs fill buzzy dance clubs, bars, and discos in Ayia Napa and Limassol. During the day, visitors flock to beach bars—especially on the island’s eastern side—for laid-back parties by the sea.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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