Top 10 places to visit in Cyprus

UNESCO site · Paphos

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

Floor mosaics from Roman villas, still in place where they were laid, beside the harbour.

Why go. Few places let you walk this close to mosaics of this quality. The House of Dionysos alone justifies the visit, and the park sits a short walk from the harbour, so it needs no car.

The catch. Almost no shade and the site is large. In July and August midday is draining. The site is only partly wheelchair accessible.

Local tip. Arrive at opening, start at the covered mosaic houses, then walk the open ruins before the heat builds.

Entry

€4.50

Hours (16 Apr – 15 Sep)

Daily 08:30 – 19:30

Hours (16 Sep – 15 Apr)

Daily 08:30 – 17:00

Closed

Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Orthodox Easter Sunday

Sources: Visit Cyprus: Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos, checked 2026-11-09. They can change without notice.

Archaeological site · Limassol

Kourion

A Greco-Roman city on a clifftop, with a restored theatre facing open sea.

Why go. The setting does the work: the theatre, mosaics and basilica all look out over the bay. It pairs easily with a swim at the beach below.

The catch. Fully exposed to sun and wind. Paths are uneven. It can close for works at short notice (it closed for a week in December 2025).

Local tip. Come for the last two hours before closing, when the light over the theatre is best.

Entry

€4.50

Hours (16 Apr – 15 Sep)

Daily 08:30 – 19:30

Hours (16 Sep – 15 Apr)

Daily 08:30 – 17:00

Sources: Visit Cyprus: Kourion Archaeological Site, checked 2026-11-09. They can change without notice.

Archaeological site · Paphos

Tombs of the Kings

Underground tombs cut from rock, some with columned courtyards, near the Paphos shore.

Why go. It feels like exploring rather than viewing: you climb down into the chambers yourself. Cheap, close to town and easy to fit into a morning.

The catch. Steep steps and loose ground, so not for everyone. There are no kings here; the name refers to how grand the tombs look.

Local tip. Wear proper shoes and bring water; the tombs with columned courtyards are worth the climb down.

Entry

€2.50

Hours (16 Apr – 15 Sep)

Daily 08:30 – 19:30

Hours (16 Sep – 15 Apr)

Daily 08:30 – 17:00

Sources: Visit Cyprus: Tombs of the Kings, checked 2026-11-09. They can change without notice.

City · Nicosia

Nicosia old town

Venetian walls, museums and the busy pedestrian streets around Ledra Street.

Why go. The best place to understand the island’s history in one afternoon on foot: walls, museums, churches and cafés close together.

The catch. No sea, and summer afternoons are very hot.

Local tip. A good choice for a rainy or windy day when the coast is not worth it.

Entry

Free to walk; museums vary

UNESCO site · Larnaca

Choirokoitia

A Neolithic village on a hillside, with reconstructed round stone houses.

Why go. Listed by UNESCO as one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean, and an easy stop just off the Nicosia–Limassol motorway.

The catch. The original ruins are low walls; without imagination it can look like stones on a slope. The path climbs and there is little shade.

Local tip. Start with the reconstructed houses near the entrance so the ruins above make sense.

Entry

€2.50

Hours (16 Apr – 15 Sep)

Daily 08:30 – 19:30

Hours (16 Sep – 15 Apr)

Daily 08:30 – 17:00

Sources: Visit Cyprus: Choirokoitia Archaeological Site, checked 2026-11-09. They can change without notice.

Coast and nature · Ayia Napa & Protaras

Cape Greco

A protected headland of sea caves, cliffs and very clear water between Ayia Napa and Protaras.

Why go. Short coastal walks with big views, and some of the clearest water on the island for snorkelling.

The catch. Cliff edges are unfenced and there are no lifeguards at the caves. Little shade on the trails.

Local tip. Walk to the sea caves early morning, then swim at a lifeguarded beach nearby.

Entry

Free

Coast · Paphos

Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)

The sea stack where, in myth, Aphrodite rose from the foam, on the coast road between Paphos and Limassol.

Why go. Free, on the way to everything, and one of the island’s classic sunset views.

The catch. A pebble shore with open sea: swim only when it is calm. The viewpoint car park gets busy at sunset.

Local tip. Stop on a drive between Paphos and Limassol rather than making a trip just for it.

Entry

Free

Monastery and museum · Troodos

Kykkos Monastery

The island’s best-known monastery, high in western Troodos, with a rich museum of icons.

Why go. Mosaics, painted interiors and a forest setting. The museum is one of the best collections of religious art on the island.

The catch. A long, winding drive from any coast. It is a working monastery, so dress with shoulders and knees covered.

Local tip. Combine with a village lunch on the way back; do not try to do Kykkos and the Akamas in one day.

Museum entry

€5.00

Museum hours (Nov – May)

Daily 10:00 – 16:00

Museum hours (Jun – Oct)

Daily 10:00 – 18:00

Museum closed

Public holidays

Sources: Visit Cyprus: Museum of Kykkos Monastery, checked 2026-11-09. They can change without notice.

Sea and nature · Akamas & Polis

Blue Lagoon, Akamas

A sheltered bay of very clear water on the protected Akamas peninsula.

Why go. The water colour is the real thing, and the boat ride along an undeveloped coast is half the pleasure.

The catch. In July and August several boats anchor at once and midday is the peak. The land route is a rough track: an ordinary car is unsuitable and many rental contracts exclude unpaved roads. Walking is about 6 km each way with little shade.

Local tip. Take an early or late boat from Latchi (about 30–45 minutes). It will be quieter, though never empty.

Access

Boat from Latchi, 4×4 track, or 6 km walk from the Baths of Aphrodite

Status

Protected area (Natura 2000)

Sources: Cyprus Mail: Blue Lagoon Cyprus, how to get there (14 Oct 2026), checked 2026-11-09. They can change without notice.

Village · Troodos

Omodos and the wine villages

A cobbled wine village on the southern slopes of Troodos, with a central monastery square.

Why go. The easiest taste of mountain village life from Limassol or Paphos, with local wine and sweets.

The catch. Busy with coach tours at midday and many shops sell the same souvenirs. You need a car.

Local tip. Come late afternoon when the coaches have left and stay for dinner.

Entry

Free