Things To Do In Cyprus
What are the best things to do in Cyprus?
The best things to do in Cyprus include exploring ancient sites, relaxing on beautiful beaches, visiting traditional villages, hiking in the Troodos Mountains, enjoying Cypriot food and wine, taking coastal boat trips and discovering the island’s towns and natural landscapes. The best experiences depend on where you’re staying and what you enjoy, so don’t limit your Cyprus holiday to one type of attraction.
Discover the Best Things to Do in Cyprus
Wondering what to do in Cyprus?
There are the obvious answers, of course.
Spend a day on the beach. Explore Paphos Harbour. Visit an ancient archaeological site. Have lunch in a traditional taverna.
But Cyprus has much more to offer.
You can hike through pine forests in the Troodos Mountains, explore tiny villages, discover hidden beaches, visit ancient ruins, take a boat trip, taste local wine or simply find a quiet spot overlooking the Mediterranean.
We’ve been visiting Cyprus for more than 10 years and made the island our home in 2016.
So this is not simply a list of tourist attractions.
These are the places, experiences and things to do in Cyprus that we’ve discovered and think are worth knowing about.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Cyprus?
Some of the best things to do in Cyprus include exploring ancient sites, relaxing on beautiful beaches, visiting traditional villages, hiking in the Troodos Mountains, discovering local food and wine, taking coastal trips and exploring the island’s towns and resorts.
The best experiences depend on what you enjoy.
If you’re a beach lover, you’ll have plenty of choices.
If history is your thing, Cyprus is packed with archaeological sites.
And if you simply want to slow down, find a village taverna, order some meze and watch the world go by.
That’s one of the things we love about Cyprus.
You can make your holiday whatever you want it to be.
Spend a Day on a Cyprus Beach
Let’s start with the obvious one. Cyprus has some fantastic beaches. But don’t assume they’re all the same each beach has its own personality. We visit the
Looking for turquoise water and white sand?
Nissi Beach is hard to beat. Its shallow water, famous sandbar and lively atmosphere make it one of the island’s best-known beaches.
Want something quieter?
Pissouri Bay offers a much more relaxed experience, with clear water, surrounding hills and a slower pace.
Fancy something different?
Governor’s Beach is known for its striking white limestone cliffs and sheltered coastal setting.
Want beach life with a difference?
At Mackenzie Beach in Larnaca, you can combine swimming and beachfront dining with the unusual experience of watching aircraft approach the nearby airport.
Visit a Traditional Cyprus Village
If you want to see a different side of the island, head inland. The villages are where you can slow down and experience a more traditional side of Cyprus.
Wander the winding and narrow roads and look for ironwork, shutters and unusual plants.
Look for:
- Stone houses
- Village squares
- Traditional coffee shops
- Local tavernas
- Small churches
- Handmade crafts
- Local wine and produce
And don’t worry if you don’t have a plan. Some of our favourite village experiences have involved simply arriving, finding somewhere to park and seeing where the afternoon takes us.
Visit a Cyprus Winery
Cyprus has a long wine-making tradition.
The mountain villages around the Troodos and the hills of Paphos region are particularly interesting for wine lovers. With Commandaria being the world’s oldest named wine to red wine from Maretheftis grapes there an amazing array of wineries to choose from.
A winery visit can be a great way to combine scenery, local food and something a little different from the usual sightseeing. And, let’s be honest, wine tastes even better when you’re sitting on a mountain terrace overlooking the countryside.
Find the Best Places for Photography
Bring your camera. Seriously. Cyprus gives you plenty to photograph.
Coastal photography
Try Cape Greco, Agios Georgios in Paphos, Governor’s Beach and the Harbour in Paphos.
Historic photography
Paphos Archaeological Park and the island’s castles and churches offer plenty of opportunities.
Village photography
Head into the mountains for stone houses, narrow streets and traditional architecture.
Sunset photography
Find a west-facing viewpoint and arrive early. The light changes quickly.
Wildlife & Plant photography
Cyprus is home to amazing animals from bird’s of prey and mouflon to heron’s and swallows. While the spring blossom, poppies, anemones and abundant wild orchids are great for photographs.
Explore Cyprus's Ancient History
You don’t have to be a history expert to enjoy Cyprus’s archaeological sites. The island has been shaped by thousands of years of different civilisations.
One moment you are sitting in a high end international restaurant. The next you’re standing among ancient ruins.
Paphos Archaeological Park
This is one of the places we’d put high on your list if you’re staying in Paphos.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site contains extensive archaeological remains, including some remarkably preserved Roman mosaics. It covers a huge area of coastal land near the harbour and you shouldn’t plan to see ALL of it in one visit.
Don’t rush it. Give yourself time to wander. Sit in the shade and enjoy the wildlife and peace.
Ancient Kourion
Perched above the coast near Limassol, Kourion combines ancient ruins with spectacular sea views.
With a spectacular outdoor ancient theatre and mosaics.
It’s the sort of place where the setting is almost as impressive as the history.
Tombs of the Kings
Another Paphos favourite.
Despite the name, these impressive underground tombs were associated with high-ranking individuals rather than actual kings.
Instagrammable photos from the underground areas to the sky. Fun exploring by the sea with children.
Explore the Coast by Boat
Seeing Cyprus from the water gives you a completely different perspective.
Depending on where you’re staying, you can find:
- Boat trips
- Sunset cruises
- Snorkelling trips
- Swimming excursions
- Fishing trips
- Private yacht trips
- Trips to secluded coves
The coastline around Cape Greco and The Akamas are particularly spectacular, with sea caves, cliffs and clear Mediterranean water. Trips are available on Pirate ships, glass bottom boats, catamarans and pleasure cruisers. Family friendly or adult evening trips the choice is yours
If you prefer something more relaxed, a sunset cruise can be a wonderful way to end the day.
Go Snorkelling
You don’t have to be a serious diver to enjoy the waters around Cyprus. Many beaches have clear water and rocky areas where you can explore close to shore – the wonder of multicoloured wrasse, the strange cornet fish and the rare siting of an octopus or plaice.
Find a beach with rocky edges to see the best fish and remember to look up as well as down – small shoals are often just at the surface.
Extra Special is the sighting of a turtle BUT please respect them, don’t feed, chase or touch them – it is actually illegal to do so and they are protected.
Bring your mask. Find a quieter stretch of coastline. And see what’s beneath the surface.
Watch a Cyprus Sunset
Sometimes the best things to do don’t cost anything.
Find a good viewpoint. Grab a drink. And watch the sun disappear into the Mediterranean.
Paphos was recently named the world’s best sunset spot. The sun can be watched from along the coastline dipping beneath the waves.
The colours at sunset and for an hour afterwards are spectacular, but you need a cloudy evening for the best Cyprus has to offer.
But don’t overlook the east.
The evening light around Ayia Napa and Protaras can be spectacular too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cyprus
What are the best things to do in Cyprus?
The best things to do in Cyprus include visiting beautiful beaches, exploring ancient archaeological sites, discovering traditional villages, hiking in the Troodos Mountains, enjoying local food, visiting wineries and exploring the island’s coastline.
What can you do in Cyprus besides going to the beach?
There’s plenty to do beyond the beaches. You can visit archaeological sites, explore villages, hike in the mountains, visit wineries, discover churches and monasteries, explore nature reserves, enjoy Cypriot food and take road trips around the island.
Is Cyprus good for families?
Yes. Cyprus has family-friendly beaches, water parks, boat trips, attractions and plenty of outdoor activities. Many resorts also have facilities aimed specifically at families.
What are the best things to do in Cyprus for couples?
Couples can enjoy sunset cruises, coastal walks, winery visits, quiet beaches, mountain villages, romantic restaurants and scenic road trips.
Do you need a car to explore Cyprus?
You don’t need a car for every holiday, particularly if you plan to stay in one resort. However, hiring a car gives you considerably more freedom to explore villages, beaches, archaeological sites and the Troodos Mountains.
What is there to do in Cyprus in winter?
Winter is a good time for exploring archaeological sites, villages, hiking trails and the mountains. The weather is generally milder than in northern Europe, although conditions can be cooler and wetter than during the summer.