The island of Aphrodite, cats, vine grapes, olive groves and countless tourist attractions. Cyprus is interesting places with countless tourist attractions that can be visited throughout the year. The climate and above all the temperatures allow you to get to know this country, regardless of the time of year.
In summer, there are large crowds of tourists seeking relaxation and good fun, while in the winter you can calmly contemplate and admire the ancient monuments and remnants of ancient cultures.
Cyprus is known for not only extremely charming beaches and well-developed accommodation, but also ancient towns with their monuments from the distant past.
The centuries-old history, the easily visible mixing of very different traditions and cultures, and the extraordinary hospitality of the inhabitants make every trip to Cyprus unforgettable.
Among many monuments, interesting places of natural interest and unusual landscapes, several are particularly noteworthy.
Before we start to walk through specific monuments and attractions of Cyprus, see the video promoting this island:
Let us start the sightseeing 🙂
Firstly, we list the most important tourist attractions, which would be a shame to miss:
Akamas peninsula
Akamas Peninsula – practically all over its territory there is a national park that protects the pristine nature. You can navigate here through designated routes, which are specially prepared for hikers. Routes lead through the picturesque landscapes of coastal cliffs, dunes and volcanic rocks. One of them we will lead to the so-called Baths of Aphrodite, where, according to legend, the goddess used to take a bath. This is where the Cape of Arnaouitis is located, the most western point of Cyprus.
However, the most interesting place on this peninsula is the Lara beach, where sea turtles (green and loggerhead) lay their eggs from June to September. The beach is of course not accessible to tourists at the time.
Another place that is worth seeing is:
Paphos
Paphos – is a well-known holiday resort with historical monuments. The town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The most important of its monuments are the Royal Tombs carved in the sandstone, where the aristocracy of the past were buried. Floor mosaics from the 2nd and 3rd century AD were discovered in the ruins of Roman villas (House of Orpheus, House of Dionysus, House of Ajona, Villa of Theseus). You can also see the pillory of Saint Paul, on which the apostle was supposedly whipped. It is located next to the church of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa. A Byzantine fort erected by the Lusignans family, which is located at the entrance to the port, is also worth visiting.
Here you will see Paphos from a slightly different perspective:
Petra tou Romiu
Petra tou Romiu – the birthplace of Aphrodite. Legend has it that this is where the goddess of love emerged from the sea waves. It is really a limestone rock on a gravelly-pebble beach overflowing with tourists. There are ribbons and handkerchiefs suspended to fulfill the longed-for love or offspring on the surrounding trees and shrubs.
This is not all of the tourist attractions you will see in Cyprus.
Therefore, we invite you to continue sightseeing:
Nicosia
Nicosia – divided capital. The border runs between the Republic of Cyprus (Southern Cyprus) and Northern Cyprus through the city.
The contrast between the Turkish and Greek parts is quite shocking …
It is worth going to the Museum of Cyprus, or the archbishop’s palace, or go through the gate of Famagusta. For those interested in Islam, we recommend the local mosques – Selim, Omar, or Selimiye, formerly a cathedral of saint Sophia.
Kurion
Kurion – archaeological complex where you can admire a renovated theater from the second century AD, nicely incorporated into a steep slope. In summer, concerts and performances are organized here.
In turn, in the Roman villa – the Eustolios House, which has been transformed into a bathhouse, you can see mosaics from the 5th century, which you can admire thanks to special sidewalks. There are also ruins of the stadium, baths, basilica and agora. Nearby there is the sanctuary of Apollo (ruins of the temple and the house of priests).
Larnaka
Larnaka – Lazarus, Aunt of Muhammad and a salt lake with flamingoes – are three things that are associated with this town. It is here that the tomb of Lazarus was found, where the Agios Lazaros church from the 10th century is now standing.
Near the town is a unique place, which in the summer dries up, resembling a salt desert. However, in the winter when the lake still exists, flamingos live in it. In addition, there is a Muslim mausoleum located on the shore of the lake – the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke, which allegedly houses the grave of Aunt of Muhammad.
At the entry road to Larnaka, you can also admire the Karames aqueduct. And the city itself is famous for the promenade and Finikoudes beach.
A glance at interesting places that are worth seeing while on vacation in Larnaka:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbsOiTBiPX4
Current tourist guides and maps of Cyprus
When planning a vacation in Cyprus, it is worth having an up-to-date travel guide to Cyprus at hand, so here are some of the most popular offers:
Troodos Mountains
Troodos Mountains – a mountain range famous for its picturesque villages. The highest peak here is Olimbos (1952 m asl). Trekking and mountain hiking are encouraged by numerous hiking trails that lead, for example, to the Mylomeri or Caledonia waterfall or the Cedar Valley. It is in these mountains that there are as many as 10 Byzantine churches listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and perhaps the most famous monastery on the whole island, Kykkos. It has an icon of the Mother of God (veiled) painted by Luke the Evangelist. Every year, pilgrims from all over the world come here.
Famagusta
Famagusta – is the largest town on the east coast of Cyprus, extremely atmospheric with a beautiful fortress and promenade. However, the most important monument there is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was once a Christian cathedral and the place of coronation of the king of Cyprus. In the city next to the Palazzo del Proveditore, which has been converted by the Turks into a prison, there is a citadel also known as the Othello Tower, setting of the famous tragedy.
In this video you will also see something else …
Nissi beach
Nissi Beach – recognized as the most beautiful beach in Cyprus, it is located about 2 kilometers from the popular town of Ayia Napa. It prides itself primarily on fine, bright sand, gently sloping into the sea. In the summer it is crowded, but you can enjoy all kinds of water sports here and it is an ideal place for sunbathing.
If someone asks us what to see in Cyprus, Nissi beach will be very high on the list!
Current map of Cyprus
If you want to accurately locate any attractions and places of interest in Cyprus, use this map, which will quickly help you systematize sightseeing of this island:
… and finally, as a gift, I’m giving you another video that is my favorite guide in Cyprus:
For more information on what to see and visit in Cyprus and what interesting places and attractions must be included in the “to do” list, please visit the Cyprus tourism website where you will learn more.
We are waiting impatiently for your opinions, comments and holiday reports in Cyprus!