Top Places to Visit | Activities and Festivals | Seasonal Highlights | Sports | Culinary Experience | Shopping and Souvenirs

Top Places to Visit in Cyprus

Cyprus, the gem of the Eastern Mediterranean, offers an abundance of sightseeing opportunities, from pristine beaches to ancient ruins. Its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for tourists of all kinds.

Beach Destinations

• Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa: One of the most famous beaches, known for its soft, golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It's a hotspot for water activities like jet-skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
• Coral Bay, Paphos: Ideal for families, this beach offers shallow waters and a wide range of amenities, including sunbeds, restaurants, and cafes.
• Fig Tree Bay, Protaras: Another family-friendly beach, it's named after a single, centuries-old fig tree that provides shade to beachgoers.

Historical Sites

• Paphos Archaeological Park: Home to some of the most impressive Roman mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean, this site also includes the ancient Odeon amphitheater and the Tombs of the Kings.
• Kourion, Limassol: An ancient city-state, Kourion offers a glimpse into different periods of Cypriot history, from Roman villas to early Christian basilicas.
• St. Hilarion Castle: Located in the Kyrenia Range, this castle offers stunning views and an intriguing history, including tales of Richard the Lionheart.

Natural Attractions

• Troodos Mountains: These mountains are a paradise for nature lovers, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and even ski slopes in winter.
• Akamas Peninsula: Known for its biodiversity, this region offers the chance to explore rugged landscapes, sea caves, and the famed Blue Lagoon.
• Cape Greco: A protected national forest park that's ideal for hiking, cliff diving, and taking in stunning sea views.

Cities and Towns

• Nicosia: The divided capital offers a mix of modernity and tradition, from high-end shops to historical sites like the Selimiye Mosque and the Venetian walls.
• Limassol: Known for its vibrant nightlife and extensive seafront, it's also home to the Limassol Castle and Kolossi Castle.
• Larnaca: A laid-back coastal town known for Finikoudes Beach, Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, and the Salt Lake, where flamingos can be seen in winter.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

• Lefkara: Famous for its lace and silver handicrafts, this charming village offers narrow streets, stone houses, and a taste of traditional Cypriot life.
• Machairas Monastery: Tucked in the Troodos Mountains, this religious site offers not just spiritual insights but also panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Pomos: A small fishing village where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by natural beauty.

Whether you're a history buff, beach bum, adventure seeker, or someone in between, Cyprus has something to offer. Each site provides a unique window into the island's rich cultural tapestry, shaped by millennia of history and a diversity of landscapes.

Activities and Festivals

Cyprus holidays and festivals are based on legend, history and religious occasions, with some originating several millennia ago. Cypriots love to party, with every town holding Carnival just before Lent. For Orthodox Christians, Easter is the premier religious event, even more important than Christmas and celebrated for a full week.

Epiphany

Held in January, the Feast of Epiphany is one of Cyprus’s most important Orthodox celebrations. Called the Festival of Light, it’s symbolic of the rebirth of the human race and is the day when the demons and evil spirits which arrived on Christmas are chased out of villagers’ homes by the local priest’s sprinkling of holy water.

Limassol Carnival

Almost all towns in Cyprus hold pre-Lent carnivals in late February/early March, with Limassol’s the most ostentatious. For two weeks, parades, masquerades, feasts, and street festivals can be enjoyed.

Orthodox Easter

Easter in the Greek Orthodox religion is a joyous occasion celebrated for a week in April with masses, parades of images and holy relics, and beautifully-painted Easter Eggs. After Easter Saturday’s midnight candle-lit mass, effigies of Judas are thrown into bonfires. Easter Sunday sees outdoor meat roasts and all-day festivities.

Paphos Flower Festival

Spring in Paphos is welcomed in with the May flower festival, a traditional celebration going back two thousand years held in honor of the god, Dionysus. Magnificent floats decorated with fragrant flora parade from Poseidon Avenue to the Old Harbor and streets and homes are decorated with beautiful blooms to celebrate man’s rebirth in Cyprus.

Bellapais Music Festival

Held during May and June, this music festival is much-loved by fans of classical and modern genres and attracts internationally acclaimed artists, as well as hordes of concert-goers. Set in the beautiful, 13th century Bellapais Abbey with its exceptional acoustics, the performances begin at 9:00 p.m. and sell out fast.

Kataklysomos Festival of the Flood

Derived from ancient Hellenistic ceremonies honoring Aphrodite and Adonis, the Kataklysomos Festival in Cyprus coincides with Pentecost in June and is held over five days. The most spectacular celebrations are in Larnaka, with a grand procession that winds down to the seashore and ends with a communal water-splashing.

Paphos Ancient Greek Drama Festival

The unique experience of watching plays by the Hellenistic masters in a traditional Roman amphitheater is the highlight of a Cyprus vacation for many. The festival runs from June through August and, although the plays are performed in Ancient Greek, it doesn’t seem to matter to the international audiences as the action is easy to follow.

Limassol Wine Festival

The first week of September sees the ever-popular Limassol Wine Festival, a celebration of vintners from all over Cyprus. Held every night in the town’s Municipal Gardens, the tastings are free and there are traditional dance and music performances, as well as street theater.

Official holidays in Cyprus are:

January 1 - New Year's Day

January 6 - Adoration of the Magi.

March 25 - Anniversary of the Greek Greek National Liberation Revolution of 1821.

April 1 - The day of the beginning of the national liberation struggle against the British colonizers in 1955.

May 1 is Spring and Labor Day

August 3 - Anniversary of the death of Archbishop Makarios III

October 1 - Independence Day

October 28 - "Ohi" Day, a national Greek holiday

December 25-26 - ChristmasTop of Form

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (March to May):

• Wildflower Blooms: Cyprus is adorned with vibrant wildflowers, including anemones and orchids.
• Cultural Festivals: Various cultural events and festivals celebrate music, dance, and traditional arts.
•  Easter Celebrations: Easter is a significant religious and cultural event, marked by processions, church services, and traditional feasts.

Summer (June to August):

• Beach and Water Activities: Cyprus is famous for its beautiful beaches, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Music Festivals: Various music festivals, including outdoor concerts and performances, take place during the summer months.
• Wine Festivals: Cyprus has a rich wine culture, and summer sees wine festivals showcasing local varieties and traditions.
• Cultural Events: Open-air theaters host cultural events, dance performances, and theater productions.

Autumn (September to November):

• Harvest Festivals: Autumn marks the harvest season for grapes and olives, celebrated with festivals and events.
• Cypriot Cuisine Festivals: Food festivals showcase the diverse and delicious Cypriot cuisine.
• Nature Exploration: Cooler temperatures make autumn ideal for exploring nature trails and hiking in the Troodos Mountains.

Winter (December to February):

• Christmas Festivities: Festive decorations, events, and Christmas markets create a joyful atmosphere.
• Carnival Celebrations: Leading up to Lent, colorful carnival events feature parades, costumes, and traditional dances.
• Troodos Mountains Snow Activities: The Troodos Mountains may receive snowfall, offering opportunities for winter sports.

Year-Round Events:

• Ancient Theater Performances: The Kourion Ancient Theater hosts performances, including ancient Greek dramas, throughout the year.
• Limassol Wine Festival: An annual event in late summer featuring wine tastings, cultural performances, and entertainment.
• Ayia Napa International Sculpture Symposium: Artists from around the world create sculptures in Ayia Napa, contributing to public art.

Religious Festivals:

•  Orthodox Christian Feasts: Various feasts and religious events are observed throughout the year, with special ceremonies and processions.

Sports

As in Greece and Turkey, much of the male population of Cyprus is obsessed with football. Otherwise, the most popular activities relate to the island’s geography and climate, from paragliding and climbing to sailing and scuba diving or even, for a few weeks in the year, skiing on the snowcapped Troodos Mountains.

Football: Football is strongly supported across the island. The Cyprus Football Association runs a full league of four divisions with fourteen clubs in each, and there are three cup tournaments. Admission prices are a fraction of what UK league teams charge, and tickets can be bought at the ground, on the day. Despite being relative minnows, Cypriot clubs have reached the group stage of the Champions League three times in recent years, and in 2012 Lefkosia’s Apoel became the first to reach the quarter finals.

Air sports: With its excellent weather and varied terrain and coast, Cyprus is ideal for flying, gliding, parachuting and wingsuiting.

Birdwatching: Cypriots have a reputation for eating rather than watching songbirds, but the former is now illegal in the south. Thanks to its position between Africa and Europe, Cyprus is visited by around 250 million birds during their great annual migrations.

Climbing and hiking: Popular sites for rock climbing/bouldering include Eagle Rock and the Chassamboulia rock in Pafos District and Cave Greko near Agia Napa.

Cycling: Cycling has been enjoying a huge boost in popularity in Cyprus, both with amateur hobbyists and professionals. Cycling is a year-round activity, but conditions are best in spring and autumn. Mountain and road bikes can be rented in all main towns and holiday areas (guide rental €10–20/day).

Fishing: Fishing, both in the sea and in freshwater (the latter primarily in reservoirs), is popular in Cyprus. 

Water sports and diving: The main coastal holiday areas, in both north and south, all offer the full range of water sports, either through centres on or near the beach, or through the big hotels. Dive schools in both the south and the north offer accredited courses. Among the numerous recognized dive sites are the wrecks of the Vera K and the Achilleas off Pafos and the wrecks of HMS Cricket, a British army helicopter and, most famously, the Zenobia off Larnaka. 

Culinary Experience

Delving into the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Cyprus is a thrilling journey for international students. The island's gastronomy is a delightful blend of Mediterranean influences, with notable impressions from Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The unique location and rich historical background of Cyprus have given rise to a food culture that is both comforting and intriguing.

 ï»¿17 Traditional Cypriot Foods You Will Love

Halloumi (Cheese Made from Goat’s and/or Sheep’s Milk)

Kleftiko (Roasted Lamb Meat)

Souvlaki (Barbecued Meat)

Tarhana (Dried Mixture of Yogurt, Milk and Wheat)

Moussaka (Eggplant Filled with Meat and Potato)

Sheftalies (Meatballs)

Koupepia (Grape Leaves Stuffed with Minced Meat)

Louvi (Beans)

Pilafi Pourgouri (Cooked Bulgur)

Makaoronia Tou Fournou (Oven-Baked Pasta)

Loukoumades (Honey Dough Balls)

Stifado (Red Wine Beef Stew)

Tzatziki or Talatouri (Yoghurt Spread)

Baklava (Sweet Filo Pastry)

Kotopoulo me Kolokassi (Chicken with Taro Potatoes)

Tirokafteri (Spicy Spread)

Taramosalata (Smoked Spread)

A world of ripe, fresh ingredients and Mediterranean fusions await you when you dine in Cyprus.

It’s no surprise that Cypriot foods are so tasty when you consider the famous cuisines that surround this beautiful island.

Greece, just across the sea, is known and loved for its kebabs, sauces, and innovative meat dishes.

Again, just across the water, you also have Arabic influence. Bread and wine-making have been happening in the Levant region for thousands of years.

And finally, world-famous Italian cuisine has also found its way over to Cyprus, in the form of delicious bread, pizza, and pasta.

For a real treat, be sure to visit some of the food markets in Cyprus. The vibrant, juicy fruit and vegetables make for some wonderful cooking.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The Best Places for Unique Souvenirs

Lefkara Lace and Silverwork

Lefkara, a charming village in Cyprus, is renowned for its intricate lace and silverwork, which make for perfect souvenirs to bring home. Lefkara lace and silverwork have a long-standing tradition, with techniques passed down through generations of skilled artisans. Visit the village of Lefkara to find authentic products and witness the craftsmanship firsthand.

Commandaria Wine and Cypriot Delicacies

No trip to Cyprus is complete without indulging in the island's signature Commandaria wine and mouthwatering local delicacies. Commandaria is a rich, sweet dessert wine that has been produced in Cyprus for centuries, while traditional Cypriot foods offer a unique fusion of flavors.

Recommended shops: Seek out local shops and wineries for a genuine taste of Commandaria and Cypriot treats. 

Olive Oil: Bring the tastes of your Cyprus holiday to your own cooking by taking home a bottle of olive oil. Cyprus has been producing olive oils since ancient times, and the climate ensures that it’s truly delicious. A little goes a long way, so it’s a souvenir you can enjoy at home for a long time after you’ve returned, revitalizing those holiday memories.

Halloumi cheese: Cyprus is the birthplace of halloumi cheese, so it’s an ideal take-home souvenir. For anyone concerned about travelling with cheese in their suitcase, you can purchase it conveniently vacuum packed, so there’s no leakage and no smell to worry about!

Cypriot wine: Cyprus is famous for its high quality wines, so be sure to take a tour of one of the many wineries on the island and pick up a bottle or two to take home with you. The perfect drink to savour as you look over all the beautiful photos you took while you were here. 

Jams and sweets: You’ll find some truly special jams and sweets in Cyprus, that you’re not likely to get back home. Walnut jam is one such delicacy. Cyprus honey is also rather special and is believed to have healing properties.

Natural cosmetics: Take a trip the Rose Factory in Argos and not only will you learn how the organic cosmetics are made from the locally grown rose leaves, but you’ll also be able to pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop. There’s a wide range of products to choose from and they do make lovely gifts. The smell is divine! 

Carob: A healthy alternative to chocolate, Cypriots refer to carob as ‘black gold’. You’ll find carob bars readily available in the stores and they make a great gift to take home with you. They’re a thoughtful gift for diabetics or anyone who suffers from allergies too as they’re thought to have some beneficial effects.

Silver: If you want a reminder of your holiday that will last forever, then how about some silver jewelry made on the island? You’ll find some stunning pieces that you simply wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world. Silver jewelry is made in the mountain village of Lefkara where residents have worked with silver for over 500 years.

Lace and embroidery: A souvenir that’s as useful as it is beautiful is the lace and embroidery work that’s also produced by the residents of Lefkara village. These stunning works of art make gorgeous table cloths that will be the talking point of every dinner party and a constant reminder of your time in Cyprus.

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