Peaceful, picturesque, and packed with stories, the monasteries in Cyprus are a window into the island’s soul. You’ll find them perched high in the Troodos Mountains, tucked away in pine forests, or sitting quietly by the sea. Here are 15 historic monasteries that are well worth a detour.
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I’m Hazel, a travel writer from the UK with an enduring love for Mediterranean islands. I have spent time exploring every corner of Cyprus, and in this guide, I’m sharing some of its most significant monasteries – including a few tucked-away treasures you might not have heard of yet.
I have also written a post about the best places to stay specifically for visiting the monasteries of Cyprus.
Below I’ve outlined 15 historic monasteries in Cyprus, alomg with a map and some practical FAQs at the end of the post.
Kykkos Monastery 🏆
Located in the Marathasa region, Kykkos is the most elaborately decorated of all the monastery buildings in Cyprus.
It sits atop a mountain at an altitude of 4,320 feet and is dedicated to Panagia (the Virgin Mary).
It houses one of the three icons attributed to Agios Loukas (St. Luke), gilded in silver and enshrined in a stunning shell and pearl-adorned setting.
📍 Pedoulas 2862, Nicosia District.
Trooditissa Monastery 👶
Trooditissa’s origins are uncertain but likely date back to the 8th–9th century.
Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, this monastery was likely founded by hermits and has a peaceful, spiritual ambience.
It’s especially known for the Holy Belt, believed to help with fertility.
📍 Prodromos Road, Platres 4810, Limassol District.
Stavrovouni Monastery ⛰️
Founded by Saint Helena in 330 AD, Stavrovouni Monastery sits dramatically on a mountaintop in Larnaca district.
It houses a relic of the Holy Cross and is known for its strict monastic life. Only men are permitted to enter.
📍 Kornos, Larnaca District, Cyprus 7647.
Timios Prodromos Monastery 🕯️
This all-male monastery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is located at Mesa Potamos.
With roots possibly stretching back to the 11th century, it has been through fire, abandonment, and restoration, now standing as a serene and spiritual place.
📍 Mesa Potamos, Limassol District, Cyprus 4814.
Machairas Monastery ⚔️
Nestled in the Kionia Mountains, Machairas is home to a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, said to be painted by Saint Luke.
According to legend, two monks discovered the icon in a hidden cave in the 12th century. The monastery remains active and peaceful.
📍 Lythrodontas, Nicosia District, Cyprus 2616.
Agios Neophytos Monastery 🖌️
Just 10km outside Paphos, this monastery was founded by the hermit Neophytos in the 12th century. His original cave dwelling, called the Enkleistra, still contains exquisite Byzantine frescoes.
There’s also a museum and a church with beautiful icons.
📍 Tala Village, Paphos District, Cyprus 8577.
Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery 🍷
Located near the village of Panagia, this monastery was established in 1152 by a monk named Ignatius.
It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features a collection of post-Byzantine icons and treasures, along with incredible views over the Troodos Mountains.
📍Panagia Village, Paphos District, Cyprus 8640.
Agios Minas Convent 🎨
This 15th-century convent near Vavla is known for its combination of Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles.
The convent is still active today, with nuns engaged in icon painting and selling homemade fruit preserves.
📍 Vavla Village, Larnaca District, Cyprus 7713.
Agios Georgios Alamanos 🌊
Situated between Pentakomo and Monagroulli, this convent is dedicated to Saint George.
Founded in the 12th century, it offers a tranquil setting near the southern coast.
📍 Pentakomo, Limassol District, Cyprus 4528.
Monastery of Ayia Napa 🌴
Just outside the bustling resort of Ayia Napa, this restored 14th-century monastery features Italian Renaissance architecture and a tranquil courtyard.
Today it serves as a museum and hosts local festivals and gatherings.
📍 Ayia Napa, Famagusta District, Cyprus 5330.
St. Nicholas of the Cats Monastery 🐈
Located on the Akrotiri Peninsula, this monastery is famous for its 100+ feline residents.
Founded in 327 AD, it was restored in 1983 and is now maintained by nuns. It includes a small shop selling local products like olive oil and handcrafted souvenirs.
📍 Akrotiri Peninsula, Limassol District, Cyprus 4640.
Timios Stavros Monastery ✝️
Found in Omodos village, this monastery dates back to the 3rd century and is dedicated to the Holy Cross.
Legend says it houses relics donated by Saint Helena. The complex also includes an 18th-century cathedral with detailed wall paintings.
📍 Omodos Village, Limassol District, Cyprus 4760.
Panagia tou Araka Monastery 🎨
Near Lagoudera village, this 12th-century monastery is famous for its stunning Byzantine frescoes.
It’s one of the UNESCO-listed painted churches in the Troodos region and a prime example of religious art in Cyprus.
📍 Lagoudera Village, Nicosia District, Cyprus 2752.
Apostolos Andreas Monastery 🌅
At the tip of the Karpas Peninsula, Apostolos Andreas Monastery is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Andrew.
The monastery is home to the icon of Saint Andrew, which is believed to have miraculous powers. Despite its remote location, it continues to attract pilgrims and visitors for its spiritual and scenic appeal.
📍 Karpas Peninsula, Famagusta District, Cyprus (Northern Cyprus).
St Barnabas Monastery 📚
Near the ancient city of Salamis, this 5th-century monastery was built over the tomb of St. Barnabas.
Today it houses a museum of Byzantine icons and archaeological artefacts, offering insights into Cyprus’s Christian heritage.
📍 Near Salamis, Famagusta District, Cyprus (Northern Cyprus).
👉 Looking for somewhere nearby to stay? Check my guide to Hotels near Cyprus Monasteries.
Practical Tips for Visiting Monasteries in Cyprus 📝
👗 Dress modestly – Shoulders and knees should be covered. A light scarf or sarong can come in handy.
🚘 Rent a car – Many monasteries are in remote areas, so having your own wheels makes things much easier. I recommend Discover Cars in Cyprus.
🕗 Check opening hours – Some monasteries close for lunch or aren’t open every day, especially in winter.
🤫 Be respectful – Keep voices low, don’t use flash photography, and follow any posted rules.
💶 Bring cash – Donations or small purchases (like local products or candles) are often cash-only.
Map of Monasteries in Cyprus 🗺️
Below is a map showing the locations of these 15 monasteries in Cyprus (plus 5 that aren’t in this post because I don’t have photos of them!)
Cyprus Monastery Tours 🎟️
Want someone else to handle the driving? Here are a few tours to consider:
✨ Private tour from Larnaca to 4 monasteries – Kykkos, Trooditissa, Ayios Georgios Alamanos & St. Nicholas of the Cats.
🍷 Full-day tour from Larnaca to Kykkos – Includes a winery visit and a stop for lunch in the Troodos mountains.
🚐 Shore excursion from Paphos – Perfect for cruise passengers, this one includes Omodos, Kykkos and the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite.
There are more monastery tours on Viator.com. I’ve had great experiences with them, but you can also check out options on Get Your Guide too.
FAQs About Monasteries in Cyprus 💡
A: Kykkos, Machairas, Trooditissa, and Stavrovouni are among the most iconic monasteries in Cyprus, each offering a blend of history, art, and spiritual tradition.
A: Yes, modest dress is expected. Cover your shoulders and knees. Some monasteries, like Stavrovouni, have additional rules (eg: men only).
A: Yes, several monasteries, including Panagia tou Araka, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region.
A: Stavrovouni is the oldest recorded monastery in Cyprus, dating back to the 4th century. The earliest evidence of this comes from its written reference in the Byzantine period.
Where to Stay for Cyprus Monasteries 🏨
If you’re planning to visit multiple monasteries, staying in Paphos or the Troodos region offers easy access to many of these sites.
For specific accommodation tips, check out my dedicated post: 👉 Where to Stay for Visiting Cyprus Monasteries.
Final thoughts ✨
Visiting the monasteries in Cyprus isn’t just about history or architecture – it’s about stepping into places where faith, legend, and local life have quietly intertwined for centuries. From mountaintop retreats to fresco-filled chapels and seaside sanctuaries, each monastery has its own character and story to tell.
Whether you’re drawn by spirituality, culture, or simply the peace of their settings, these Cyprus monasteries are well worth the detour. 🕊️
Related Reading: Monasteries in Cyprus 📚
If you enjoyed this post, check out my other Cyprus travel guides:
🏨 Hotels near Cyprus Monasteries: Where to Stay for Your Visit.
🚗 5 Day Cyprus Coast Road Trip.
🗓️ 1 Day Nicosia Itinerary.
⛰️ Troodos Mountains Day Trip.
😋 What to Eat and Drink in Cyprus.
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Tags: Cyprus, Europe
