Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus (2025)

Discover the Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus in 2025! From the historic sites of Paphos and Limassol to the stunning beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras, explore the must-visit destinations in this Mediterranean paradise.

Table Of Content Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus

Table of contents

1. Paphos: Where Gods and Humans Meet

I’m starting with Paphos because it absolutely blew me away. Walking through this coastal town felt like stepping between two worlds – modern cafés on one side and ancient history on the other. Did you know it’s supposedly where Aphrodite was born? How cool is that?

The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park left me speechless. I spent hours staring at these incredible floor mosaics. Just imagine – they’ve survived for thousands of years! My photos don’t do them justice.
Don’t make my mistake of almost skipping the Tombs of the Kings! Despite the name, no actual kings were buried there, but these rock-cut tombs are mind-blowing. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor.

2. Limassol: The Perfect Blend of Old and New

Limassol was such a pleasant surprise! One minute I was checking out luxury yachts in the marina, the next I was touching stone walls that have stood for centuries Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus.

My morning routine here became a walk along the palm-lined promenade with the Med stretching out beside me. Heaven! The new marina area is seriously impressive – I couldn’t stop taking photos of the fancy boats (and dreaming about owning one someday).

Limassol Castle was a highlight for me. Standing inside those medieval walls gave me goosebumps thinking about all the history they’ve witnessed. The museum inside has some fascinating stuff too.

I’m still dreaming about the food I ate here. The seafood was so fresh it practically jumped onto my plate! And don’t get me started on the local wines – I may have brought a few bottles home in my suitcase Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus .

3. Ayia Napa: Paradise for Beach Lovers

I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant about Ayia Napa after hearing about its party reputation, but wow, was I wrong! The beaches here are honestly among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen anywhere in the world.

Nissi Beach became my go-to spot. The water is this incredible shade of blue that doesn’t even look real in my photos. It’s shallow for ages too, making it perfect for floating around without a care in the world Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus.

For a break from the beach, I stumbled upon the Ayia Napa Monastery right in the town center. Such a peaceful spot! It felt like stepping into another world entirely.

My favorite day was exploring Cape Greco National Forest Park. The sea caves and cliff views literally took my breath away. I spotted people cliff jumping but chickened out myself – maybe next time!

4. Troodos Mountains: Cyprus’s Natural Playground

After days of beaches, heading up to the Troodos Mountains felt like discovering a completely different country! The temperature dropped about 10 degrees, and suddenly I was surrounded by pine forests instead of palm trees.

Would you believe I saw people skiing here in winter? On a Mediterranean island! During my summer visit, I hiked through the most beautiful trails with waterfalls hidden around corners. My calves were burning, but the views were worth every step Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus.

The painted churches completely surprised me. From the outside, they look so plain, but step inside and – wow! The walls are covered in these incredibly colorful Byzantine frescoes. I spent ages in each one, finding new details every time I looked in Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus.

I had the best lamb I’ve ever tasted in a tiny mountain village – slow-cooked for hours with local herbs. The old man who owned the taverna insisted I try his homemade wine too. How could I say no?

5. Lefkara: A Village of Lace and Silver

Lefkara was straight out of a storybook! Narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses with flower pots, and elderly women sitting outside making the most beautiful lace I’ve ever seen Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus.

I learned that Leonardo da Vinci himself visited here in the 15th century and bought lace for Milan Cathedral. How’s that for a claim to fame? I watched one woman’s fingers fly as she created an intricate pattern, making it look effortless despite my knowing it must take incredible skill.

The Lace and Silverware Museum was well worth the visit. I had no idea about the history of these crafts before. And the Church of the Holy Cross contained some beautiful icons that even this non-religious traveler could appreciate.

Before leaving, I had to try the local almond cookies with a tiny cup of strong Cypriot coffee. Perfect end to a perfect day!

6. Kyrenia: The Jewel of Northern Cyprus

Crossing to Northern Cyprus brought me to Kyrenia, and oh my goodness, that harbor! It’s like something from a postcard – a perfect horseshoe shape with colorful boats bobbing in the water and mountains rising behind Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus.

Kyrenia Castle is massive! I spent half a day exploring its nooks and crannies. The Shipwreck Museum inside houses the remains of a trading ship that sank 2,300 years ago. I kept thinking about the people who sailed on it all those centuries ago.

The drive up to Bellapais Abbey nearly gave me a heart attack (those mountain roads!), but the views were worth it. This Gothic monastery perched on the mountainside offers panoramas that no photo can capture. I sat there for an hour just taking it all in.

For dinner, I chose a harbor restaurant and ate the catch of the day while watching the castle light up as darkness fell. One of those perfect travel moments I’ll never forget.

7. Protaras: Family-Friendly Beach Heaven

After the bustle of other areas, Protaras felt wonderfully laid-back. Fig Tree Bay quickly became my favorite beach – the water is so clear that I could see fish swimming around my legs!

I spent one morning snorkeling around the tiny islet just offshore. The underwater visibility was incredible! Schools of colorful fish darted all around me. I felt like I was swimming in an aquarium.

The coastal path provided the most beautiful sunset walk of my trip. I’m not usually a morning person, but I dragged myself out of bed for sunrise one day, and watching the sun emerge from the sea was absolutely worth the early alarm.

I stumbled upon the Protaras Sculpture Park randomly and loved the modern art pieces against the natural backdrop. The perfect spot for some unique vacation photos!

8. Nicosia: The World’s Last Divided Capital

Visiting Nicosia was a powerful experience. It’s the world’s last divided capital city, split between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Walking through the UN buffer zone felt surreal – like crossing an invisible line between two worlds.

The Old City’s Venetian walls are shaped like a perfect star – best seen from above on a map. I got happily lost wandering the narrow streets, popping into little shops and stopping for coffee in hidden courtyards.

The Cyprus Museum was fantastic for understanding the island’s complex history. I spent hours looking at artifacts spanning 9,000 years! Makes you feel pretty small in the grand scheme of things.

Ledra Street has great shopping, but the real experience was crossing the Green Line checkpoint. The contrast between the two sides tells you so much about Cyprus’s complicated story without saying a word.

9. Aphrodite’s Cultural Routes

As a mythology buff, following the Aphrodite Cultural Route was a highlight of my trip! There’s something magical about standing in places connected to such ancient stories.

Aphrodite’s Rock is even more impressive in person than in photos. This massive rock formation rises dramatically from the sea near Paphos. According to legend, the goddess herself emerged from the foam around it. I didn’t swim around it three times for eternal beauty as the legend suggests – the water was too rough that day Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus!

The Baths of Aphrodite near Akamas was my favorite spot. This natural pool surrounded by fig trees has a real sense of enchantment about it. I could totally imagine a goddess choosing to bathe here! The hiking in this area offered some of the best coastal views of my entire trip.

10. Famagusta: A City of Contrasts

Famagusta was the most emotionally complex place I visited. The medieval walled city contains incredibly preserved architecture that made me feel like I’d stepped back centuries.

Othello’s Tower (yes, named after the Shakespeare play!) offers great views over the harbor. Walking the massive city walls built by the Venetians gave me a real appreciation for medieval engineering. How did they build these without modern equipment?

The ancient ruins of Salamis outside the city proper are extensive. I wandered among toppled columns and sat in the ancient theater, trying to imagine the performances that once took place there. It once held 15,000 people – can you believe that?

The most haunting experience was seeing Varosha, the ghost town abandoned during the 1974 conflict. Looking at decaying hotels and homes frozen in time behind fences was a powerful reminder of Cyprus’s divided history.

FAQ Of Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Cyprus