The impressions from a journey are its greatest value. And, of course, a tourist always wants to see all the best in a short time. Immerse in new sensations, take great photos.
We've compiled a list of the 10 most beautiful places in Cyprus of various types. Of course, there are many more wonderful places on the island. However, among the options we've presented, you'll certainly find something that will leave a lasting impression on you for a lifetime.
Avakas Gorge
Nature lovers will undoubtedly be amazed by Avakas Gorge, located in the Paphos region (western part of Cyprus). The canyon is a rocky corridor that narrows at times, creating an interesting interplay of light and shadow. It was formed as a result of water and wind erosion – a river flowed here 1000 years ago. Today, it is mostly dry and only fills with water during heavy rains.
The trail can't be called too difficult, but it's not exactly easy either. It's more about its length: you need to hike 4 km to reach the gorge itself (even though it's along a convenient, flat path), and the canyon itself stretches for 3 km. Some experienced hikers say you can go even further. That's a total of 7-8 km one way. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring some snacks. If you have a helmet, that's perfect, as increased safety is always a good idea.
Along the way, you'll enjoy the beauty of Cypriot nature (especially in the Paphos region), observe plants, some of which are endemics – meaning they only grow here on the island and nowhere else in the world. You'll also encounter representatives of fauna: lizards, squirrels, beautiful butterflies. Lucky hikers might even get to see mountain goats that sometimes come closer to the gorge.
The most picturesque part of the entire hike is, of course, the canyon itself. The tall stone walls, in some places reaching 30 meters in height, form intricate bends and create an atmosphere of primal nature. Even in high season, there aren't too many people here. Experienced tourists say that the best time to visit Avakas Gorge is in spring, when everything is in bloom. However, getting here in winter can be tricky: due to rain, the water in the river that runs along the canyon's bottom rises, and the path can be closed. The risk of rockfalls also increases.
Aphrodite's and Adonis's Trails on the Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus can be praised endlessly. It's an entire nature reserve that has preserved its beauty and abundance from ancient times to the present day. The best way to get to know Akamas is to take a walk on its hiking trails.
Traditionally, the "Aphrodite – Adonis" route starts from Aphrodite's Bath. You can reach it by private car or public transport. The route goes through Paphos, Polis, and Latchi (the northwesternmost part of Cyprus). From the bath, there's a path that leads to a fork – one direction goes to Aphrodite's Trail, the other to Adonis's Trail.
Note: Both trails are quite lengthy and involve some elevation gain along the way. You can make a loop route by starting on one trail and then switching to the other – or split the hike into two days. You can spend the night at an eco-camping site.
On the way, you'll see incredibly beautiful views – at the very least because you'll climb to a considerable height. Rocky shores, unusual plants, ancient trees, and representatives of the animal world will greet you along the path. Pay attention to some of the flowers and shrubs – they might be endemics, and you won't have a chance to meet them anywhere else.
Be sure to bring hats, plenty of water, and snacks. It's recommended to wear comfortable footwear, as both trails are not the easiest to navigate.
Millomeris Waterfall
Another natural wonder in Cyprus is the Millomeris Waterfall. Actually, there are quite a few waterfalls on the island, but Millomeris stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it's located on one of Cyprus' largest perennial rivers, Krios Potamos. Secondly, it boasts an impressive height of 15 meters. Thirdly, it's the tallest "year-round" waterfall on Cyprus. The thing is, during the rainless summers, many rivers dry up, and waterfalls "disappear." This doesn't happen to Krios Potamos.
Moreover, Millomeris comes with a great bonus: it's surrounded by picturesque forest, and there's a nearby natural trail for those who want to combine the waterfall visit with a good trekking experience. You can get to the waterfall in different ways: by car or by bus. In the latter case, you'll need to hike about 1.5 kilometers with a considerable elevation gain (about 30 floors). Millomeris is located in the village of Pano Platres.
Interesting fact! If you look at the waterfall's streaming water for about 30 seconds and then shift your gaze to the nearby rocks, you might see them "move" and shift up and down. This simple optical illusion can be amusing for both adults and children.
Larnaca Salt Lake
Cyprus has several salt lakes of natural origin (there are no freshwater ones, really), but the most famous is Larnaca Salt Lake. To be exact, in the suburbs of Larnaca, there's a whole group of salt lakes, but tourists are usually presented with the largest one. Interestingly, it looks different at different times of the year.
In summer, it nearly dries up and gets covered with a layer of salt. Under the bright sun, the salt sometimes appears like smooth glass, creating the illusion that the lake is covered with ice. While you can admire this beauty, walking on it is not recommended – you might sink knee-deep.
In winter, Larnaca Salt Lake becomes a home for pink flamingos. They come here to breed, and lucky observers might even witness the growth of chicks. Scaring or hunting these birds is strictly prohibited – if you want to watch them, use a dedicated observation platform.
Throughout the year, the lake is notable for its pleasant walking trail and Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. This is the fourth-largest mosque in the world (!) and is dedicated to a woman – which is a rarity in Islam. So, planning a walk along Larnaca Salt Lake, it's recommended to allocate a whole day to see everything at once.
Mini Desert in Akrotiri
Not the most famous spot in Cyprus, and you probably won't find it in tourist guides. Nevertheless, experienced travelers and locals know that Cyprus has its own desert – small, but unique! And it's enough for stunning photographs.
The sand dunes have formed naturally here. Interestingly, the piled-up sand forms intricate shapes that truly resemble a desert. This place is significant for Cyprus' nature: the sand strip protects the rest of the coast from erosion and serves as a refuge for many living creatures.
In general, the Akrotiri Peninsula, located a few kilometers from Limassol, is a true find for those who want to see something interesting but don't like tourist crowds. Here you have both a salt lake (yes, like in Larnaca) and the mentioned mini desert, and even a sunken ship. The most significant part is Ladies' Mile Beach, stretching for several kilometers along the eastern coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula.
Stavrovouni Monastery
Cyprus is home to numerous ancient, beautiful, unique, and marvelous monasteries. Listing them all in one article would take at least a couple of hours to read. So, among the abundance, we decided to highlight the Stavrovouni Monastery, located in the Larnaca region, for a few reasons.
The first reason is that it's one of the oldest Orthodox sanctuaries in Cyprus. According to legends, the monastery was founded by the order of Empress Helena in the 4th century. She left a fragment of the Life-Giving Cross at this place, and it was said to hover in the air. This miracle gave the place its name – Stavrovouni translates as "Mountain of the Cross."
The second reason is the splendid location of the monastery. It sits atop a solitary hill and looks exceptionally picturesque. The territory offers an indescribable view of the surroundings, so even non-religious people try not to miss this Cyprus landmark.
Stavrovouni Monastery is an active male monastery, so women are not allowed to enter. However, this doesn't mean that women will be left without anything to see if they visit here. You can visit the nearby Church of All Cyprus Saints and admire the view from the mountain.
Cape Greco
If the Akamas Reserve is located in the northwest of Cyprus, then Cape Greco "balances" it out in the southeast. This unique national park astounds with its distinctiveness. Indeed, the landscape here is unusual: there are no forests or abundance of flowers, but there's plenty of intricate rocky terrain.
A walk around the cape can take the whole day. During this time, travelers will see sea caves (you can swim near some of them), a stone bridge known as Kamara tou Karkara, a lighthouse at the very edge of the cape, and even find places to have a meal. Along Cape Greco's coast, there are several great spots for diving and just enjoying the beach. During the walk, you can also visit the Church of the Unmercenaries.
Also, the cape is a popular spot for beautiful photoshoots. Since Cyprus is considered the island of love (thanks to the patronage of the goddess Aphrodite), the photos usually have a romantic touch. But you can come up with other ideas too, as the landscapes allow for it.
Paphos Archaeological Park
Another man-made beauty of Cyprus is the Archaeological Park in the heart of Paphos, near the harbor and the Faros lighthouse. This place is an ancient settlement from the Hellenistic period – the island's first civilized city. It covers a very large area and offers sea views, so you can easily spend a whole day here, savoring the atmosphere of antiquity.
Visitors to the park can explore all the magnificence of the preserved ancient city: houses of notable people, sanctuaries, well-preserved mosaics, and a voting area. The park is also home to the Saranda Kolones Castle from the medieval period and an early Christian basilica.
Abandoned Village of Fikardou
There are simple museums, large museums (like the Louvre), and then there's an entire museum village! In Cyprus, that's the village of Fikardou, which, unlike many others, wasn't forgotten but instead was preserved and turned into a huge open-air exhibit.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the young people from the village started moving to the cities. Fikardou could have been abandoned, but the municipality of Nicosia decided to preserve it as a museum. Today, it's a neat and well-kept village that fully conveys the charm of Cyprus from past years. In some houses, mini-museums have been set up where you can learn about the Cypriot life of those times and see historical artifacts.
It's recommended to take a long stroll in Fikardou and pay attention to the viewing platforms. They offer wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Sunken Ferry "Zenobia"
In 1980, the cargo ferry "Zenobia" sank near the coast of Larnaca. Fortunately, none of the numerous crew members were harmed, and the losses were purely economic. Since then, the ship has rested on the seabed not far from the Mackenzie area and attracts divers from all over the world.
The maximum depth to which you can descend is 42 meters. This is quite deep, so only professional divers can "conquer" it. For beginners, the part of the Zenobia that is at a depth of 20 meters is accessible. On a diving excursion, you'll be able to swim alongside a section of the hull (which is 178 meters long) and even peek into some rooms.
The marine flora and fauna have already settled around the ferry, which adds even more color to it. And the stories of the deaths of several divers only add interest for those who love extreme experiences. However, this is sad. To avoid repeating their fate, you need to be very attentive and follow safety procedures during the dive.
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