If you’re planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in Cyprus, you’ve come to the right place. This island packs a serious punch for its size – think sun-drenched beaches, ancient ruins, mountain villages, and even a divided capital city.

This guide pulls together the top highlights, hidden gems, and cultural must-sees, all in one neat list. And if you want the nitty-gritty travel details (like when to go, how to get around, or what to pack), head over to my Cyprus Travel Guide for the practical side of planning.

Two large rocky formations rise from the sea near the shore at sunset.
Aphrodite’s rock.
Contents show

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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who’s explored Cyprus from coast to mountains. I’ve hiked the Akamas Peninsula, visited countless monasteries, and eaten more souvlaki and halloumi than I probably should admit.

Everything in this guide is based on first-hand experience, with a mix of popular highlights and the lesser-known spots I’ve discovered along the way. My aim is to give you practical, honest recommendations that will help you make the most of your own Cyprus adventure.

Ancient History & Mythology 🏛️

Step into Ancient Paphos

Explore the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park, the underground Tombs of the Kings, and the harbourfront Paphos Castle. This trio of sites is dripping in mosaics, ruins, and legends. Don’t miss Aphrodite’s Rock nearby, said to be the goddess’s birthplace.
👉 Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Paphos.

Ruins of an ancient temple, what is left are temple columns, Kato Paphos Archeological Park. Sandy color of the construction. Clear and blue sky.
Ancient stone courtyard with tall columns and weathered walls, illuminated by sunlight from an open roof

Marvel at the Ruins of Kourion

A Greco-Roman city perched high above the coast near Limassol, with a stunning clifftop theatre and intricate mosaics. It’s history with a view.

Cities & Culture 🏙️

Explore Nicosia, Europe’s Last Divided Capital

Wander its old town streets, cross the Green Line into Northern Cyprus, and experience the only divided capital city in Europe. 👉 Nicosia Day Trip.

Wander the Ghost Town of Varosha

An abandoned resort frozen in time since the 1970s. Both eerie and fascinating, it’s one of the island’s most unique places. 👉 Famagusta & Varosha Itinerary.

A multi-story, unfinished concrete building with exposed beams and no windows stands near the Famagusta border crossing, surrounded by overgrown weeds and a deserted street.
A decaying, abandoned building near the Famagusta border crossing with broken windows, peeling paint, overgrown grass, and rusted balcony railings.
Ghost town of Varosha

Experience Limassol’s Coastal Charm

Cyprus’s second city mixes a modern marina, lively nightlife, and a medieval castle right in the heart of town.

Discover Larnaca

A mix of palm-lined promenades, the beautiful Church of St. Lazarus, and a salt lake where flamingos gather in winter.

Visit Traditional Troodos Villages

Stone houses, cobbled streets, and wine tavernas await in mountain villages like Omodos and Kakopetria. 👉 Plan your perfect Troodos Day Trip with my full guide here.

A narrow sunlit street in Cyprus lined with houses featuring wooden doors and windows, with potted plants and flowers arranged along the walls
Omodos village

Nature & Adventure ⛰️

Hike the Akamas Peninsula

Follow the Aphrodite or Adonis trails for breathtaking coastal views, wildflowers, and maybe even sea turtles. 👉 2 Day Paphos Itinerary.

Take a Boat to the Blue Lagoon

Swim, snorkel, and sip a drink in the clearest turquoise waters in Cyprus. → Paphos Guide.

Explore the rocky coastline of Paphos under a clear blue sky, where the turquoise sea stretches out with a large white boat in the distance and a small red boat closer to shore.
Woman takes a selfie with blue turquoise water and a white boat in the background.
Blue Lagoon

Trek in the Troodos Mountains

Cool forests, waterfalls, and endless trails – the perfect break from the coast. 👉 Troodos Day Trip.

Explore Cape Greco

Natural arches, sea caves, and some of the best diving spots on the island near Ayia Napa.

Monasteries & Spiritual Sites ⛪

Discover Cyprus’s Monasteries

From the grand Kykkos Monastery to the peaceful Chrysorrogiatissa and the cave-set Agios Neophytos, Cyprus’s monasteries are rich in history and tradition. 👉 Monasteries in Cyprus.

Kykkos Monastery, ornately decorated with a tiled path leading up to it.
Kykkos Monastery

See the Painted Churches of Troodos

These UNESCO-listed chapels hide exquisite Byzantine frescoes in quiet mountain settings.

Sun, Sand & Sea 🏝️

Soak Up the Sun at Cyprus’s Beaches

Whether it’s Coral Bay, Lara Bay, Nissi Beach, or Fig Tree Bay, Cyprus has beaches for every mood – from family-friendly to totally wild.

👉 Read my full guide to the best beaches in Cyprus for all my favourites.

Aerial view of a coastal area in one of the charming towns in Cyprus, with clear turquoise waters, rocky shoreline, sandy beach, and white buildings in the background. People are relaxing on the beach and swimming.
Nissi beach, Ayia Napa

Drive the Cyprus Coast Road Trip

Take five days to follow the island’s coastline, stopping at hidden coves, fishing villages, and epic viewpoints. 👉 Cyprus Coast Road Trip.

Dive the Zenobia Shipwreck

A world-class dive site off Larnaca, with a sunken ferry now home to schools of fish and marine life. Diving tours are available for those with the appropriate certifications.

Food, Wine & Local Life 🍷

Sip Cypriot Wines

Cyprus has one of the oldest wine traditions in the world. Try Commandaria and mountain vintages in family-run vineyards, or try a wine tour. 👉 Also see my Troodos Day Trip.

Tuck into Traditional Cypriot Food

Feast on classic Cypriot dishes like souvlaki, halloumi, sheftalia, and meze platters at family tavernas. Don’t leave without trying a local sweet like loukoumi.

A hand holds a glass of red wine aloft under a canopy of hanging grapes on a sunny patio with wooden barrels and chairs in the background.
A plate with pita bread, salad, and dips sits on a table next to a glass of beer, a can, and additional plates of food in the background.
Wine and food in the Troodos (see Troodos itinerary for details).

Unique Experiences 🌍

Cross into Northern Cyprus

Explore Kyrenia’s castle and harbour, or return to Salamis, Famagusta and Varosha. Border crossings are straightforward if you know where to go. 👉 Cyprus Border Crossings Explained.

an old church with a green foliage in the town of Famagusta, Cyprus
Famagusta

Map of the Best Things to Do in Cyprus 🗺️

To help you plan, here’s a map of all the places mentioned in this guide. You can zoom in, click each marker for details, and even save it to your own Google Maps for easy access on your trip.

Where Next in Cyprus? 📚

If you loved this overview of the best things to do in Cyprus, you might also enjoy:

🚗 Cyprus Coast Road Trip: 5 Days Along the Island’s Shores
🏨 Where to Stay in Cyprus: 11 Best Areas & Hotels.
🏛️ 10 Fantastic Things to Do in Paphos, Cyprus.
✈️ Cyprus Travel Guide: Advice for Visiting Cyprus.

FAQs About Things to Do in Cyprus 💡

What is Cyprus most famous for?

Cyprus is best known for its glorious beaches, fascinating history, and its link to Greek mythology – especially being the birthplace of Aphrodite. From ancient ruins to lively harbours, it offers a bit of everything.

Do I need a car to explore Cyprus?

While buses connect the main cities, many of the best beaches, villages, and mountain trails are only accessible by car. Renting a car gives you far more freedom and makes day trips much easier. Give Discover Cars a try. Remember they drive on the left in Cyprus!

Is Cyprus better for beaches or history?

The beauty of Cyprus is that you don’t have to choose. You can spend one day exploring ancient ruins and the next lazing on a beach – often just a short drive apart.

Is Cyprus good for solo travel?

Yes, Cyprus is safe, friendly, and easy to navigate, making it a great choice for solo travellers. Whether you’re hiking, beach-hopping, or exploring cities, you’ll find it welcoming and straightforward.

How many days do you need in Cyprus?

A week is a great starting point to explore highlights like Paphos, Nicosia, and Troodos. If you want to see both the south and the north at a slower pace, 10–14 days is ideal. Try my 5 day coastal road trip as a starting point, and then you can add other days on.

What food should I try in Cyprus?

Cypriot cuisine is hearty and delicious. Don’t miss halloumi (often grilled), souvlaki, sheftalia (grilled meat parcels), and meze platters. For dessert, try loukoumi or syrup-soaked pastries.

Final thoughts ✨

Cyprus is one of those rare islands that has it all – beaches, mountains, history, and mythology all wrapped up in year-round sunshine.

This list of the best things to do in Cyprus gives you a taste of just how much there is to see and explore. Pick a few highlights, plan your route, and you’ll soon see why this island has been fought over, sung about, and loved for thousands of years. 🌞📸

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A collage of Cyprus attractions: a sandy beach, a seaside promenade, and an ancient column. The text highlights "Things to do in Cyprus" and "Read More" on hazelstravels.co.uk.

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