City
Paphos
Cyprus
A harbour town of Roman mosaics, ancient tombs and a medieval fort, on the legendary coast of Aphrodite.
Southern Europe
Cyprus
A sunny Mediterranean island with Bronze Age sites, Roman mosaics, Byzantine painted churches, mountain villages and warm beaches.
Before you plan: This guide covers the areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. The island is divided by a UN buffer zone, and rules for crossing change, so check official government advice before planning to cross.
For storytellers
Why Cyprus matters
Cyprus sits at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean, closer to Syria than to Athens, and its history shows it. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians and Ottomans all left something behind. You can wander Roman mosaics in Paphos, stand at a Greek-Roman theatre above the sea at Kourion, and then drive up into the Troodos mountains for painted churches, wine villages and cool pine air. Beaches are warm and easy, the food mixes Greek and Middle Eastern flavours, halloumi turns up at breakfast, and the sun shows up most of the year.
Talking points
- Paphos has Roman mosaics and ancient tombs, and much of the old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Kourion's theatre sits on a cliff above the sea, one of the best ancient viewpoints in the Mediterranean.
- Troodos mountain villages, monasteries and wine routes feel a world away from the beach resorts.
- Cyprus is where the Greek myths place the birth of Aphrodite, near a rock on the south coast.
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- Capital
- Nicosia
- Languages
- Greek, Turkish, English
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to November for warm weather without the peak heat; July and August are very hot, and winter is mild with snow on the Troodos peaks.
Where to base yourself
Cities and towns in Cyprus
City
Larnaca
Cyprus
A relaxed seaside city with a palm-lined promenade, an old church and a famous salt lake where flamingos stop.
City
Limassol
Cyprus
The island's second city, with a modern marina, a medieval castle and a long seafront.
City
Nicosia
Cyprus
The capital of Cyprus, a walled old city with Venetian ramparts, small museums and a UN buffer zone running th...
Town
Ayia Napa
Cyprus
A summer resort town known for sandy beaches and nightlife, with sea caves, cliffs and quieter coves nearby.
Top places
What to see in Cyprus
- Top places
- Neighbourhood 4
- Ruins 3
- Castle 3
- Beach 3
- Church, mosque or temple 2
- Lake 1
- National park 1
- Mountain 1
Ruins
Kourion
Limassol, Cyprus
A Greco-Roman city on a cliff with a restored theatre and mosaics, looking out over the sea.
Ruins · UNESCO
Paphos Archaeological Park
Paphos, Cyprus
Roman villas with detailed mosaic floors beside the harbour, part of ancient Nea Paphos.
Beach
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)
Paphos, Cyprus
The sea stacks and pebble beach where myth says Aphrodite emerged from the waves.
Ruins · UNESCO
Tombs of the Kings
Paphos, Cyprus
Rock-cut underground tombs from the Hellenistic period, near the sea.
National park
Cape Greco
Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Cliffs, sea caves and walking trails at the south-east tip of Cyprus.
Church, mosque or temple
Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca
Larnaca, Cyprus
A beautiful Byzantine-style church linked to Lazarus of Bethany, with a carved wooden screen.
Church, mosque or temple
Kykkos Monastery
Paphos, Cyprus
A richly decorated monastery in the Troodos mountains, one of the island's best-known religious sites.
Mountain
Mount Olympus (Troodos)
Limassol, Cyprus
The highest peak in Cyprus, in the cool pine forests of the Troodos mountains.
Beach
Nissi Beach
Ayia Napa, Cyprus
A sandy beach with clear shallow water, one of the best-known in Cyprus.
Neighbourhood
Old Nicosia within the Venetian Walls
Nicosia, Cyprus
The old walled city, with lanes, churches, small museums and a pedestrian shopping street.
Neighbourhood
Finikoudes Promenade
Larnaca, Cyprus
Larnaca's palm-lined seafront promenade, with cafes and a town beach.
Castle
Kolossi Castle
Limassol, Cyprus
A compact medieval tower castle used by the Knights of St John.
Lake
Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke
Larnaca, Cyprus
A large salt lake famous for flamingos in winter, beside a mosque with a calm setting.
Castle
Limassol Castle
Limassol, Cyprus
A medieval castle in the old town, now a museum of medieval Cyprus.
Neighbourhood
Omodos Village
Limassol, Cyprus
A stone-built wine village with a central square and a monastery, a classic Troodos stop.
Castle
Paphos Harbour and Castle
Paphos, Cyprus
A small fort at the end of the harbour, with cafes and fish tavernas beside it.
Neighbourhood
Limassol Old Port and Marina
Limassol, Cyprus
The old harbour area of Limassol, with cafes and shops, close to the castle.
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