Explore Cyprus With Us
Where are the best places to explore in Cyprus?
The best places to explore in Cyprus are extensive and varied – so do your research to find the perfect spot for you.
Paphos for history, archaeology, wineries, and coastal activities. Limassol for food and city life. Larnaca for culture, history, the salt lake, flamingoes and relaxed beaches. Ayia Napa and Protaras for some of the island’s best-known beaches, nightclubs and excitement. The Troodos Mountains for villages, nature and scenic drives.
Cyprus is small enough to explore several regions with a fly drive, multi resort option.
Discover Cyprus Beyond the Usual Tourist Routes
Cyprus is a small island with a surprisingly big personality. An amazing history, strategic position between Europe and Asia and a VERY large population of cats.
Yes, there are beautiful beaches, warm seas and plenty of sunshine. But there is so much more to discover.
Travel inland and you’ll find mountain villages, ancient churches, vineyards and pine-covered hills. Follow the coast and you’ll discover quiet coves, lively resorts, traditional fishing villages and some seriously beautiful beaches.
Then there is the food.
And the history.
And the sunsets.
And those little places you find when you take the wrong turning and decide to keep going.
That’s what Cyprus Life Rocks is all about.
We’ve been visiting Cyprus for more than 10 years and made the island our home in 2016. So our aim is to share the places we’ve discovered, the things we’ve enjoyed and the experiences we think are worth your time.
Come and explore Cyprus with us.
Where Should You Explore in Cyprus?
Whether you’re planning your first holiday or you’ve lived here for years, each part of Cyprus offers something different.
Paphos
Paphos is where we chose to live when we moved to the island, so we have extensive knowledge and will share our favourite areas to explore.
You’ll find ancient history, a rugged coastline, archaeological sites, harbour walks, traditional villages and plenty of places to eat. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the western side of the island.
Limassol
Limassol has a different feel. It’s lively, modern and cosmopolitan, but venture beyond the city and you’ll discover a very different side of the district.
Think coastal villages, ancient ruins, wineries, beaches and mountain roads. One of the things we love about Cyprus is how quickly you can change scenery. A morning by the sea can become an afternoon exploring the countryside.
Larnaca
Larnaca is easy to overlook when visitors head straight for the better-known resorts. We think that’s a mistake.
The city has a relaxed atmosphere, a beautiful seafront and plenty of history. The salt lake is home to Flamingoes in the late spring and then there’s Mackenzie Beach, where you can combine a day beside the sea with one of Cyprus’s most unusual experiences — watching aircraft come in to land.
Ayia Napa & Protaras
Ayia Napa is famous for its nightlife.But there’s much more to it than that.
The coastline around Ayia Napa is spectacular, with turquoise water, sandy beaches, sea caves and dramatic coastal scenery. Nissi Beach is probably the most famous, but it isn’t the only beach worth visiting.
Meanwhile, Protaras is all about beautiful coastline. Fig Tree Bay is the obvious star, often gracing top 10 beaches in Europe lists. But spend a little longer here and you’ll discover plenty of other beaches, coves and coastal walks. It’s also a particularly popular choice for families.
The Troodos Mountains
Then there’s the completely different side of Cyprus.
Head into the Troodos Mountains and the landscape changes dramatically. The air is cooler – this is where many Cypriots escape here in August to avoid the heat. The roads wind through pine forests. Villages cling to hillsides. Small churches and monasteries appear around unexpected corners.
And yes, you can even find snow here in winter – we love to toboggan and build snowmen.
Cyprus Beaches
From Busy Resort Beaches to Quiet Coastal Escapes
Cyprus has a beach for almost every mood.
Want soft sand and shallow turquoise water?
Try Nissi Beach or Fig Tree Bay.
Prefer somewhere quieter?
Pissouri Bay offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Want something a little different?
Governor’s Beach is known for its striking white cliffs.
And if you want to get away from everything, there are much wilder stretches of coastline to discover. So many hidden coves where you can snorkel and have the sea to yourself, bliss for anyone who loves the sea.
Use our guides to individual beaches to find out what they’re actually like before you visit.
Cyprus Villages
Slow Down and See a Different Side of the Island
Some of our favourite Cyprus experiences happen away from the coast. Head into a village and life slows down.
You might find a small taverna serving home-style food, a village square shaded by trees or a local shop selling produce made nearby.
Don’t rush – Have a coffee – Walk around – Talk to people – Then have lunch.
That’s part of the Cyprus experience that you won’t get beside every hotel pool.
Cyprus for History Lovers
If history is your thing, you’re going to have a very good time here.
Cyprus has archaeological sites dating back thousands of years, Roman mosaics, medieval castles, Byzantine churches and historic cities.
Some sites are major attractions. Others are much quieter. And still more are hidden, free to explore and amazing to visit.
Our guides will help you discover some of the island’s most interesting historical places without turning your holiday into a history lesson.
Things to Do in Cyprus
What Should You Actually Do When You Get Here?
Not every day needs to be planned.
But if you’re looking for ideas, we’ve got plenty.
Beach days
Swim, snorkel, relax or simply find a shady spot and watch the world go by.
History
Explore archaeological sites, castles, museums and ancient cities.
Food
Try meze, souvlaki, souvla, halloumi and traditional Cypriot dishes.
Nature
Explore the mountains, coast, forests and protected areas.
Villages
Slow down and discover a quieter side of Cyprus.
Day trips
Choose a base and explore further afield.
Start Exploring Cyprus
You don’t need to have everything planned.
Pick somewhere that looks interesting. Read about it. Put it on your list.
Then see where the day takes you.
We’ve spent years discovering Cyprus, and we’re still finding places that make us stop and say: “Why haven’t we been here before?”
So whether you’re planning your first holiday, returning for your tenth visit or lucky enough to call Cyprus home…there’s always more to explore.
Cyprus Life Rocks
Travel. Taste. Explore. Live the Mediterranean Dream.
Places to Visit in Cyprus
History, Culture, Nature & Everything In Between
Cyprus has been shaped by thousands of years of history. Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and British influences have all left their mark.
You don’t have to be a history enthusiast to appreciate it. You might find Roman mosaics beside a modern harbour (Paphos).
An ancient theatre overlooking the Mediterranean (Limassol).
A centuries-old church hidden in a mountain village (Troodos).
Or a castle that has seen more history than most of us could imagine – there are several!
Explore:
- Archaeological sites
- Castles
- Ancient cities
- Museums
- Churches and monasteries
- Historic villages
- Natural attractions
- Cultural experiences
Cyprus Nature & Wildlife
The Wild Side of Cyprus
Cyprus isn’t only about beaches. The island has mountains, forests, wetlands, salt lakes and protected coastal areas.
Depending on the time of year, you can see everything from migratory birds to wildflowers and sea turtles.
The Akamas Peninsula is particularly important for Cyprus’s natural environment, while the Troodos Mountains offer a completely different landscape and escape from the heat of summer. Waterfalls and streams where the water is crystal clear and freshwater blue crabs can be found.
If you’re interested in nature, bring your walking shoes. And your camera.
Cyprus Coastal Walks & Scenic Drives
One of our favourite ways to explore Cyprus is simply to get in the car and see where the road takes us. The coastline can be spectacular.
The mountain roads can be even better- although the smaller winding roads can take a long time to drive.
And some of the best views aren’t necessarily found at a famous attraction.
The E4 European route can be found along with nature walks where the trees and bushes are labelled. Cyprus is also a popular place for cyclists to visit in the spring and autumn – the hill roads are not for the faint hearted.
Take your time. Stop when something catches your eye. Take a picnic, spread your blanket and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Find a viewpoint. A local coffee shop. Take the photograph. Then carry on.
Our Cyprus Favourites
Places We Keep Going Back To
There are some places you visit once. Then there are places that make you want to return.
We’ve been exploring Cyprus for years, and these are some of the places that have stayed with us.
Beaches in Protaras and Ayia Napa for that unmistakable Cyprus postcard feeling. Where we take our holidays each year.
Pissouri Bay when we’d rather slow things down.
Paphos Archaeological Park This is so extensive beyond the mosaics and columns you can walk for hours and find cave burial sites, the lighthouse, arches and the outdoor theatre. In spring it is full of flowers and song birds.
The Troodos Mountains when we need a change of scenery. And always when it snows, it never ceases to amaze us how Cyprus can have snow capped mountains.
Ayia Napa Sculpture Park Quirky and ever changing the hillside is full of sculptures and path ways, a great place to visit the hour before sunset.
But don’t take our word for it.
Explore our guides and make up your own mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cyprus
What are the best places to explore in Cyprus?
The best places depend on what you enjoy. Paphos is excellent for history and a relaxed coastal holiday, while Limassol combines city life with beaches and nearby attractions. Larnaca offers history and a relaxed seafront, while Ayia Napa and Protaras are particularly well known for their beaches. The Troodos Mountains offer a completely different experience with villages, forests and mountain scenery.
What is the best way to explore Cyprus?
Hiring a car is highly recommended if you want to go beyond the coast and main resorts. Hire a car for 2 or 3 days and pick 2 or 3 villages to visit. Many have small museums and information centres. If hiring a car is not for you then there are many organised trips which will take you out for the day.
Can you explore Cyprus in one week?
You can see a lot in a week, but you won’t see everything. We wouldn’t recommend you try; remember the heat can make even the simplest walk exhausting.
What is the most beautiful part of Cyprus?
That’s almost impossible to answer! All of it has a charm, you can drive around a corner and see half the island in front of you, walk a few 100 yards from the main beaches and find a hidden cove. But don’t take our word for it, come to Cyprus Island of love and fall in love for yourself!
Is Cyprus more than beaches?
Absolutely. Cyprus has thousands of years of history, mountain villages, wineries, forests, archaeological sites, churches, castles, nature reserves and some fantastic food. The beaches are just one part of the story – but one beautiful part.
What is the best time to explore Cyprus?
Spring and autumn can be particularly pleasant for exploring because temperatures are generally more comfortable than during the hottest part of summer. Summer is excellent for beach holidays, while winter offers a quieter experience and cooler conditions for walking and sightseeing.