What to Do in Cyprus?

A sunny destination year-round, Cyprus is a beautiful gem nestled in the Mediterranean, uniquely characterized by its blend of Turkish and Greek cultures. If you're planning a few days of vacation in Cyprus, you're definitely looking for activities to do! This guide presents the most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus!

Located on the southwest coast of Cyprus, Paphos is clearly a must-see destination!

Famous for being the supposed birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite in Greek mythology, it features beautiful archaeological remains inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaics, tombs, and ruins of temples dedicated to the deity.

Paphos has a relatively relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy picturesque beaches and a typically Mediterranean vibe. The nightlife is particularly lively, with charming seaside strolls, restaurants to enjoy, and opportunities to explore hidden little coves

Paphos is undeniably a key stop on a trip to Cyprus. You'll appreciate its historic buildings, bustling markets, and local specialties such as halloumi and meze!

Your trip to Cyprus is approaching, and you're still wondering what activities you could do there? Don't worry, there's surely something for everyone on the island of Cyprus!

With its must-visit cities, stunning beaches, mountains, and archaeological remains, you won't ever be bored once you arrive! Be sure to book your activities so you don't miss any essential visits

To see all the activities available in Cyprus, click here.

Among the most beautiful cities in Cyprus, Larnaca is a gem! This charming port city stands out for its beautiful stretches of sand, particularly Finikoudes Beach, the most popular one. The palm-lined promenade and the traditional charm radiating from its cobbled streets are also delightful

While in Larnaca, I recommend taking the time to explore the city on foot and admire notable landmarks such as the 18th-century Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and the Church of Saint Lazarus, which houses the tomb of the saint who purportedly rose from the dead. For underwater enthusiasts, one of the most popular diving spots is the wreck of the M.S. Zenobia.

Coral Bay is one of the most popular beach destinations in Cyprus, located on the west coast of the island near Paphos. This little piece of paradise is renowned for its crystal-clear azure waters, fine sandy beaches, and picturesque coastal scenery. You will undoubtedly be captivated by the bay, which is bordered by rocky cliffs and spectacular geological formations creating an idyllic setting!

In addition to its undeniable beauty, Coral Bay offers a wide range of water activities from swimming and sunbathing on the beach to diving or jet-skiing. If you prefer nature, you can also explore the hiking trails through the surrounding hills!

Of course, to cater to travelers' comforts, this area also hosts plenty of tourist facilities such as restaurants, bars, and shops. The nightlife is also vibrant, with trendy bars, traditional taverns, and clubs to party in!

Famed for its stunning white sandy beaches and breathtakingly clear waters, Ayia Napa is a resort that offers a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. It is clearly the ideal spot if you're unsure where to stay in Cyprus, attracting many young people eager for nightlife!

Whether during a visit or for a few days, here is where you'll have the chance to discover Konnos Bay, one of the most picturesque beaches in the region. It is nestled between rocky and green cliffs and offers sublime turquoise waters bordered by a stretch of fine sand. It's one of the most beautiful places to swim in Cyprus and do water activities like diving.

Additionally, it's impossible to visit Ayia Napa without seeing the Blue Lagoon of Cyprus, which is extremely popular due to its crystal-clear blue waters. Accessible by boat from the coast, this secluded lagoon provides perfect conditions for snorkeling and relaxation... This peaceful haven is one of the most photographed places in Cyprus and a favorite among nature lovers!

If you're unsure how to get to the Blue Lagoon, I encourage you to participate in a boat excursion day from Paphos. This includes pick-up and drop-off in Paphos, the boat trip, food, and even a water slide! For this activity, expect to pay €28 per person.

Click here to book your boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.

The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is certainly a fascinating city that was founded thousands of years ago. It still bears marks of its tumultuous past with its medieval walls, Ottoman mosques adjacent to chic boutiques and various shops, creating a truly unique contrast!

One of the things that makes Nicosia a must-visit is its old town, divided for decades by the Green Line, a remnant of the war between Cyprus and Turkey in 1974. This division gives the city a uniquely vibrant atmosphere where you can easily walk from a Greek neighborhood to a Turkish one in just a few minutes.

Among the highlights of Nicosia, it's impossible to miss the magnificent St. John's Cathedral, built in the 12th century. You can also visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, which hosts an impressive collection of artifacts from antiquity. The alleys of the capital serve as an open-air museum with many small Byzantine churches and houses with colorful shutters.

The Caledonia Falls are located in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus and offer a truly breathtaking natural spectacle. It's an excellent hiking idea in Cyprus as the trails lead you through dense forests before discovering this hidden natural treasure!

A bit of history - the Caledonia Falls got their name during the British colonial era when Scottish officers frequently visited this part of the region. The water from the falls is particularly pure and crystal-clear, cascading from rocky heights to create a striking display...

If you want to discover the lush vegetation and nature of Cyprus in its raw form, I strongly recommend planning a hike in the area to be rewarded with this wonder.

The Troodos Massif features iconic landscapes! This mountain range is immense, extending over about 9% of Cyprus's total area, occupying the central and western parts of the island.

It's the largest mountain range of the island, with its highest peak, Mount Olympus, rising over 1,950 meters. Of course, it's needless to say that hiking in the Troodos Mountains promises breathtaking panoramic views.

It's also a region rich in biodiversity, home to flora and fauna, some species of which are endemic to Cyprus. Its pine forests, lush valleys, and crystal-clear rivers attract many hikers and nature lovers looking to rejuvenate.

Beyond its natural beauty, know that Troodos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and cultural significance. The massif is filled with archaeological treasures, villages, Byzantine churches adorned with frescoes, monasteries, and even remnants of copper mines dating back to antiquity. That's why I highly recommend embarking on a little road trip; it's worth it!

If you're interested in exploring the treasures of the Troodos massif, I recommend you take a guided day trip in the mountains and villages of Troodos from Paphos. During this activity, you'll have the opportunity to visit beautiful little villages like Omodos or Lofu, see the Milomeris waterfall, visit Petra tou Romiou beach, and taste delightful wines and olive oils. For this activity, budget €48 per person.

To book your trip in the Troodos mountains, click here.

Among the most beautiful things to do on a trip to Cyprus, visiting Bellapais Abbey is a must! It is located on the hills overlooking the city of Kyrenia (Girne), in its namesake village.

Founded in the 12th century by French Augustinian monks, this abbey flourished under Frankish rule; its name derives from the French "Belle Paix," remarkably evoking the serenity and beauty of its surroundings. Although only remnants remain, Bellapais Abbey features Gothic architecture with pointed arches, finely carved columns, and soaring vaults.

You can also glimpse the remains of its abbey church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. ⛪️

Among the finest hikes and excursions in Cyprus, heading to Cape Greco is one of the essential activities to do. This part of the island is famous for its spectacular cliffs, breathtaking panoramic views, marine caves, and rocks sculpted by erosion and time.

Cape Greco is located at the easternmost point of Cyprus and boasts a huge diversity of fauna and flora waiting to be discovered. The best way to experience Cape Greco is by following the hiking trails that wind through pine forests, shrublands, and fields of wildflowers... During your stroll, you'll have the opportunity to observe various bird species, so keep your eyes peeled!

If you want to visit this place, I recommend taking a guided tour of Cape Greco with transfers from Larnaca. During this 4-hour excursion, you'll uncover the magnificent landscapes of Cape Greco, its marine caves, and natural arches. For this activity, budget €89 per person.

Click here to book your guided tour of Cape Greco.

As the second largest city in Cyprus, Limassol is the ultimate destination for those looking to enjoy the sun and the beach. Located on the southern coast, its atmosphere is particularly lively with various Mediterranean influences and a history dating back to antiquity.

If you're coming to Cyprus to visit archaeological sites, you'll appreciate discovering the ruins of Limassol Castle and the ancient Roman sites scattered across the region! I also encourage you to explore Limassol's old town with its colorful stone houses and charming boutiques.

The seaside promenade lined with palm trees is also one of the most vibrant spots in Limassol! It offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean and is packed with restaurants, bars... Finally, don't miss the Limassol Carnival, one of the largest in Europe, taking place 12 days before Lent.

If you're unsure when to visit Cyprus, spring and autumn are the two best seasons! Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, thus boasting pleasant temperatures throughout the year. During these periods, temperatures average around 20 degrees Celsius, occasionally reaching up to 25 degrees.

Flying is the fastest and most common means of transportation to Cyprus. The island has several airports, the main ones being Larnaca Airport and Paphos Airport. For travelers heading to northern Cyprus, Ercan Airport is located about 14 km east of Nicosia. However, you will need to make a stopover in Turkey before reaching northern Cyprus. ✈️

From France, including Paris and other cities, regular flights can be found with or without layovers heading to Larnaca. Recommended airlines include Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Air France, and KLM. From Nantes, Easyjet also operates regular flights.

To find your flight at the best price, I recommend checking out a flight comparison site like Ulysse.

And there you have it; now you know all about the best things to see in Cyprus! I just wish you excellent vacation moments.