10 Best Things To Do In Cyprus

1. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park in Paphos

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1980. The aim of this was to protect and maintain the archaeological remains, as well as to promote them and provide comprehensive information to visitors.

This really is a must see as photographs do not do it justice. The park includes sites and monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, while most remains date to the Roman period. There are stunning mosaic floors of four Roman villas. There are very few places you visit where you completely loose yourself in the history of your surroundings, and this is one of them.

My top tip is take lots of water with you as it involves at least three hours of walking outside in the sunshine and this really is the only way to feast your eyes and take in the history in front of you.

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park in Paphos

Address: Kato Pafos, near Pafos Harbour, Cyprus

Website: Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

2. Fig Tree Bay in Paralimni

Fig Tree Bay is a popular tourist resort beach and it takes its name from the one and only fig tree, which has been there since the 17th-century. It is situated in the popular tourist resort of Protaras in Paralimni.

This beach has perfect golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Even if you can only come here for a couple of hours, it is so worthwhile. Facilities on the beach include toilets, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas and water sports facilities, whilst the general area has a variety of accommodation, restaurants and kiosks.

Fig Tree Bay in Paralimni

Address: Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Paralimni, Cyprus

3. Saint Lazarus Church in Larcana

Saint Lazarus Church was built in the late 9th-century with no use of columns or thin arches; it is an extremely impressive building with a breathtaking curved wall of icons at one end of the church, and visitors are able to go beneath the church and see where St Lazarus was buried.

This is an amazingly spiritual place and you don’t have to be religious to visit it. Do make sure to visit the underground tunnel leading to a catacomb. My top tip would be to try and attend the Sunday mass, even if you don’t understand the language, it is a wonderful experience to be part of it. It is also surrounded with beautiful shops and cafes, and is very close to the beach

Saint Lazarus Church in Larcana

Address: Plateia Agiou Lazarou, Larnaka, Cyprus

Phone Number: +357 24652498

Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 5:30pm | Saturday, Sunday: 8:00am - 5:30pm

4. Kourion (Curium) in Limassol

The Kourion or Curium ancient theatre is located in Limassol, at the southern end of the hill. Here is where the ancient city-kingdom developed and the theater still holds a prominent position on the coast of the village of Episkopi. It was originally built in the 2nd-century BC, but what is preserved today dates to the Roman period of the 2nd and 3rd-century AD.

Naturally, over time, there have been additions and restorations. In the curved auditorium, the spectators’ seating area accommodates around 3,500 people. The stage only preserves its foundations but it originally rose to the full height of the auditorium. Today, the theatre is used for cultural events. Do visit this and just stand and take in the astonishing piece of history before you, it is incredible to think of the age of the theater and all it has survived.

Kourion (Curium) in Limassol

Address: Curium Ancient Theater, Episkopi, Limassol, Cyprus

Phone Number: +357 25934250

Operating Hours: September 16 - April 15, daily: 8.30am - 5:00pm, April 16 - September 15, daily: 8:30am - 7:30pm

5. Omodos Village in Limassol

Omodos Village is located about 42 kilometers (26 miles) north-west of the city of Limassol, in the geographical region of the wine-making villages. It is built near the west bank of the Cha-potami River. The picturesque village is surrounded by tall mountaintops, the tallest of which are “Afames” and “Kremmos of Laona” (Laona’s Cliff).

Omodos really is a beautiful and traditional village. There is no better way to absorb the surroundings of this village then to take a walk on the stone paved alleys and enter the monastery of the Holy Cross. In the centre of the village you can find coffee shops and restaurants as well as many souvenir shops with traditional products, the perfect way to spend a long afternoon.

Omodos Village in Limassol

Address: Omodos, Limassol 4760, Cyprus

Phone Number: +357 25422453

6. Blue Lagoon in Paphos

Located to the west of Akamas in the Paphos district is this little slice of heaven, or the Blue Lagoon as it’s officially known! It is an amazing place and the crystal waters in this bay in the Akamas peninsula give you the ability to see the sea depths.

Access to this bay is by boat or a four wheel drive. The cleanliness of the water, its color and in general the aura will make you love it and dive into the cool water, or just gaze at the breath-taking view.

Blue Lagoon in Paphos

Address: Akamas Peninsula, Paphos, Cyprus

7. Kykkos Monastery (Panagia tou Kykkou)

Take a long drive out from Protras and see the Kykkos Monastery. This is set high up in the Troodos Mountains and has a vast collection of magnificent antiquities, items of art, and treasures that reveal the history of Cyprus and the monastery.

There is a little restaurant and shops a short walk from the monastery that sell all sorts of gift items along with all the delicacies and delights of Cyprus such as nuts, sweets, and fruits. Be prepared for the peaceful feeling that will descend as soon as you step into the monastery.

Kykkos Monastery (Panagia tou Kykkou)

Address: Marathasa Valley, 13 km (8 miles) from Pedoulas village, Cyprus

Website: Kykkos Monastery - in Greek)

8. Makronissos Beach in Ayia Napa

What could be more relaxing then digging your toes into warm sand and feeling the sun on your skin! To do this you must visit the Makronissos Beach, the name is slightly misleading because it isn’t one beach, but made up of several small beaches interlinked by coastal pathways. 

The main entrance to the beach is in between the Asterias Beach and the Dome Beach hotels, which sit right on the beach front. Miles of sand stretches in either direction away from each hotel, with another smaller beach slightly further to the west. All the beaches have gorgeous soft white sand and are fairly sheltered and if you are feeling energetic, there are water sports available.

Makronissos Beach in Ayia Napa

Address: Makronisou 17, Ayia Napa 5330, Cyprus

Website: Makronissos Beach - in Greek)

9. The House of Dionysus in Paphos

The House of Dionysus, or Paphos Mosaics as it’s sometimes referred to, is situated in the Kato Archaeological Park and when you pay your entry fee, it includes all sites within the park.

If you have an interest in history, then a visit to the House of Dionysus is a must and a trip to Cyprus really would not be complete without a visit to see these beautiful mosaics, which are mostly still in tact. It really is quite remarkable that they have survived so long. If you are visiting during warm months, do take cold drinks with you and wear a sun hat as you will be outside for a few hours!

The House of Dionysus in Paphos

Address: Kato Pafos, near Pafos Harbour, Cyprus

Website: The House of Dionysus

10. Sea Caves in Peyia

The Sea Caves is an area located between Coral Bay and the small village of St George. If you are looking for somewhere to escape away from the hustle and bustle, then this area is perfect! The Sea Caves has coastline featuring natural rock caves. This is popular with nature lovers and those who want to snorkel.

Due to the area being so close to Coral Bay, it is the perfect base for those wishing for a more peaceful and private base, yet wishing to be close to the beach, restaurants and amenities.

Sea Caves in Peyia

Address: Agiou Geogiou Road, Paphos, Cyprus

Website: Sea Caves

What to do first...

Cyprus has it all, well preserved history and breathtaking nature. It is time you came and explored for yourself!