Tourist attractions

Paphos Archaeological Park

Region: Paphos

Cultural Heritage

World Heritage site with Roman mosaics and Royal Tombs

Ancient Kourion City Ruins

Region: Near Limassol

Cultural Heritage

Ancient coastal city with semicircular theater and bath ruins

Troodos Mountains

Region: South-central island

Nature

Hiking and skiing sanctuary with Mount Olympus at 1,951m

Kyrenia Castle

Region: Kyrenia

Medieval Fortress

Venetian-era fort with shipwreck museum highlights

Larnaca Salt Lake and Flamingos

Region: Larnaca

Nature

Salt lake where thousands of flamingos arrive in winter

Ayia Napa Monastery

Region: Ayia Napa

Cultural Heritage

15th-century monastery at the heart of a resort town

Fig Tree Bay

Region: Protaras

Beach

Popular beach with crystal-clear emerald waters

St. John''s Cathedral

Region: Nicosia Old Town

Religious Architecture

Cathedral featuring impressive wall-to-wall frescoes

Karpas Peninsula Nature Reserve

Region: Northeast tip

Nature

Remote area with wild donkeys and pristine sand dunes

Ledra Street

Region: Nicosia

Modern City

Pedestrian shopping street crossing the north-south border

Suggested itineraries

World Heritage & Wine Tour of Southern Cyprus

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Nicosia Old Town, Kourion Ruins, Troodos Painted Churches, Commandaria Wine Villages

Rent a car after exploring the capital to visit Limassol coast and mountain monasteries, sampling local wines

Blue Seas and Medieval Northern Cyprus Exploration

Duration (days): 4

Highlights: Kyrenia Harbor, Bellapais Abbey, Karpas Peninsula, Famagusta Old Town

Driving trip enjoying northern historical towns and pristine beaches

Travel tips

  • Summer sun is extremely intense; high SPF sunscreen and hat are essential
  • Tap water is potable but bottled water is common
  • Rental car is convenient for island touring as bus routes are limited
  • Drive on the left; European travelers should note right-hand drive
  • Bring warm clothing for winter mountain snow
  • Euro is the currency, but small shops may be cash-only
  • Many shops close on Sundays
  • Follow signage as some UN Green Line photography is prohibited
  • Bring passport for border checkpoint when crossing to the north
  • Tips not mandatory as service charge often included, but 5-10% appreciated for good service
  • Public Wi-Fi is common but VPN recommended for security
  • Smokers should be careful with fire handling as summer wildfires are common