Things to do in Cyprus

With sun-kissed beaches, year-round sunshine, warm waters and so many things to do in Cyprus, it’s no wonder that it’s popular with different visitors from around the world. Away from the stunning beaches, families can enjoy waterparks, swim in a blue lagoon, explore historical ruins and haggle for souvenirs in the bustling markets.

Places to go

Immerse yourself in a living museum of Greek mythology and ancient legend. Things to do in Cyprus will undoubtedly include a visit to Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of the goddess of love, where legend suggests if you stand on the rock and look out to the water you’ll see a beautiful image of Aphrodite. Visitors can also swim in the Adonis baths and waterfalls. Step back in time to the ruins of Paphos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the impressive Tomb of the Kings. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the ancient city of Kourion, where you can watch performances and plays in a spectacular amphitheatre, and see the original Cypriot baths.

Other highlights include the colonial and historical Limassol Old Town, St Hilarion Castle ruins, as well as Kyrenia’s Ottoman harbour in the north of Cyprus. Laid-back Larnaca offers sun and sand alongside an ancient Turkish quarter and a salt lake complete with bright pink flamingos.

Attractions

Away from the gods and the beaches, there’s an array of family-friendly attractions in Cyprus. Fasouri Watermania is the most popular on the island,  with exciting rides and slides for all ages, influenced by the nearby orange groves.

No trip to Cyprus is complete without exploring the spectacular Troodos Mountains.  Whether you are hiking, biking or camping, the mountains are filled with pretty, traditional villages, snowy peaks and exquisite Mediterranean nature showcasing the “green heart of Cyprus”. UNESCO churches and monasteries feature vibrant murals and paintings dating back to medieval times.

Places to visit

There are plenty of places to visit in Cyprus that’ll appeal to anyone who likes to shop. Haggle for a bargain at Nicosia Flea Market, and select a holiday souvenir from the leather goods, handicrafts and jewellery at Paphos Municipal Market. If you fancy something a little more upmarket, head to the designer boutiques and chic cafés at the trendy King’s Avenue Mall in Paphos.

If you prefer things a little more unspoilt and rugged, then visit the serene Karpas Peninsula in North Cyprus with its quaint villages, hidden archaeological sites and the peninsula’s Golden Beach. Visitors can also escape the crowds at Cape Greco, the most easterly point in Cyprus, with beautiful flora and stunning coastal scenery from within its spectacular national park.

Cyprus is also home to golden beaches lapped by warm, azure waters. Nissi Beach is one of Agia Napa’s headline beaches, famous for its shallow shores and powdery white sands.