Cyprus is much more than just a typical Mediterranean island — it is a treasure trove full of unexpected surprises. It has just about anything — from mesmerising seaside to enchanting mountains. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or perhaps a solo independent travel adventure — Cyprus is a perfect choice. So, if you are still wondering whether it is a good vacation spot, we will provide you with Cyprus vacation ideas and will tell you about all the good vacation destinations in Cyprus.
What makes Cyprus so special
Cyprus boasts a mild climate and has on average 300 sunny days per year, making it one of the most sunny places on our planet. It is also extremely safe and tourist-friendly with English widely spoken throughout the island. It has a positive global reputation and international image — it's almost never featured in the news in a negative key.
The island’s safe and appealing image is also advocated by a UK journalist — Simon Calder. Despite its proximity to the Middle East, and the recent news with voices of concern about the escalation in the region, Calder explained in his writings that Cyprus is still safe for holiday travel. To read Simon’s unique insights on Cyprus, you can subscribe to his channel on Facebook page or X.
Since the mid 1950s everyone who has read the book «Bitter Lemons» by Lawrence Durrell was immediately intrigued and captivated by this special island. This book has become somewhat of a handbook for most UK travellers — from the past until now.
In the last few years, Cyprus has been extensively featured in various TV series and shows, making it increasingly popular with UK and European visitors. The island boasts stunning and diverse nature — almost at every corner it is easy to find breathtaking views that will please even most seasoned travellers. In fact, if you browse iStock or Getty collection, most Mediterranean images are from Cyprus.
Famous for its easy-going lifestyle, Cyprus has a unique form of hospitality — «filoxenia», when visitors are always welcomed with open arms. Besides, Cyprus is very compact — in just a few hours you can cross the whole island. And, despite its small size, you can always find places that are not too touristy. For health-conscious individuals, Cyprus has a lot to offer — from Mediterranean diet with delicious local food to diverse sport and hiking activities. It is also very accessible — with regular flights from all parts of Europe, ensuring quick connections. You can always find good deals and cheap flights, especially with low cost airlines, like Wizz or Jet2.
Which city to choose for a holiday
Washed by the warm Mediterranean sea, Cyprus has some of the world’s best beaches with soft sand or pebbles and crystal clear waters of different shades — from turquoise to deep blue. Most of the island’s cities are located along the south coast, providing many vacation choices. So, if you are after a fresh sea breeze, salty air and a relaxed vacation vibe, we’ll take you through the four main seaside destinations Cyprus has to offer.
Limassol
Limassol, also known as Lemesos, is one of the two largest cities on the island and an international melting pot with lots of expats. The name «Lemesos» derives from ancient Greek — «Nemesos», meaning in the middle, alluding to its central juxtaposition — right in the middle of the island’s southern coast. Today Limassol is a vibrant and dynamic cosmopolitan city with an interesting blend of contemporary and historical architecture. The city centre and Old Port consist mostly of century-old buildings, complemented by some newer projects. Whilst newer areas, such as the harbour of Limassol Marina, Germasogeiya and Dasoudi are modern, offering a wide range of resorts, hotels and holiday apartments as well as an eclectic mix of fine dining, high-end shopping and trendy beach bars and cafes, open till late.
For scenic open seascapes, head to Pissouri or Lady’s Mile as well as Governor’s beach. And for history, visit the ancient ruins of Kourion. The nearby area of Amathus is well-known for its high-end properties and resorts overlooking the sea. If you are seeking more quietness without the hustle and bustle, you can rent one of the villas in those areas — some of them have stunning sea views and a pool and can accommodate a larger number of guests.
If you are into hiking, then you can explore Artemis, Kyparissia Peak and Genesis Aphrodite’s trail. Lemesos is a well-known wine district, so if you are a wine connoisseur, it is worth to explore the surrounding villages in the Pitsillia region with some of the top boutique wineries. Make sure to try the local varieties — «Xinisteri» and «Maratheftiko», which were selected as the best wines in international expos . To learn more — check out the latest edition of Cyprus Wine Guide available to read online.
Paphos
Paphos and its surroundings is a place of unrivalled beauty and relaxed atmosphere. If you need to unwind, or refresh your energy and regain balance — it is a true tranquility haven. The vibe here is less upbeat compared to other cities, and that’s what makes it so special. No wonder, it is much loved by the expats, especially from the UK. In some areas, such as Pegeya and Coral Bay, English, on average is more common compared to Greek. These prime locations also feature some of the most high-end residential properties in Cyprus. There are various accommodation options — from world-class hotels, to holiday villas with a private swimming pool, located minutes from the beach for different budgets.
Endless open sea views with deep blue waters, worthy to be featured on Getty and iStock, safe sandy beaches, serene atmosphere are sure to please even the most demanding beachgoers. If you love nature, take a trip to Akamas Peninsula and Lara Bay — home to gorgeous beaches with grottoes, sea turtles, and enchanting forests. In the same area, a little further up lies Avakas Gorge with almost alien-like rock formations and hiking trails. If you are into snorkeling, windsurfing or parasailing, you will surely find plenty of activities around Paphos.
Agia Napa
Located to the east of the south coastline, Agia Napa has always been popular with a younger crowd, especially from the UK. It has vibrant nightlife with many bars, nightclubs, open all night, situated along the main tourist strip. But Agia Napa is more than meets the eye. It has some of the most gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters — Connos Bay, Nissi Beach, Agia Thekla and Glyki Nero.
Don’t miss Cape Grecko National Park, a few minutes drive from Protaras. It is not just a unique natural attraction and hiking area, but it is also a popular diving spot. If you are into scuba diving or other types of water sport activities, you should definitely check out Green Bay, DeCosta Bay, Cyclopes Cave. Here you will enjoy crystal clear water and will get a chance to discover the beauty and vibrancy of the underwater world. Finding holiday accommodation is easy. There are plenty of choices — from seaside hotels to more budget-savvy apartments nearby. Most of the rooms offer sea views.
Larnaca
Larnaca is one of Cyprus’ most quaint touristy towns with its unique beauty and charm, just 30 minutes away from the island’s capital. It has been continuously populated for over 6000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. With recently upgraded city and tourist infrastructure, it has every convenience a tourist needs — clean and safe beaches, plentiful leisure activities, beautiful harbour, abundance of hotel and holiday apartment options, ancient history and beautiful sights.
To enjoy the beach, head to Finikoudes, or more quiet MacKenzie and Dekelia. For culture and history don’t miss one of the most beautiful churches in Cyprus — st. Lazarus church and the ancient ruins of Kition. Quite near is a stunning Salt Lake — an oasis of serenity. If you visit during the winter months, you’ll get a chance to see hundreds of flamingos coming here for warmer weather. Their brightly coloured feathers turn the lake pink, offering an opportunity for capturing Getty or iStock style images and videos. If you wish to take a break from the beach, you can head up into the mountains and visit charming villages of Lefkara, Kato and Pano Dris, Vavla and Vavatsinia. Each of these villages has unique character with traditional crafts, houses and delicious Cypriot food at local taverns.
Nicosia
Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia, is often called Europe's brightest city. It is rightfully considered the cultural capital of Cyprus full of history, mysteries and elegant edifices. Surrounded by medieval venetian walls, it is the only divided European capital to this day. Through the central historical streets of Ledra and Onasagorou runs the green line, cutting the city in half —the Greek and the Turkish parts of the city. Although the green line is a dark remnant of the 1974 conflict and national struggle, today it allows visitors to experience two distinct cultures in one place, establishing the link and ensuring smooth transition between the divided parts of the capital. The city offers a quick foot crossing to the northern part of Cyprus, where you will experience the Turkish part and will also have access to areas like Kyrenia and Famagusta. Here you can see the famous Crusader castles — Buffavento Castle, St. Hilarion and Kantara Castle.
The southern part of the capital has its unique charm. You can discover its former glory just by strolling along the central streets within the city walls, where you can experience the traditional Cypriot architecture. Old majestic houses with large private courtyards, spacious terraces, intricate exterior decorations convey the atmosphere of a Venetian palais. Although you can rarely find them in perfect condition, they retained their former beauty. Some of these buildings belong to Turkish Cypriots, others abandoned or repossessed by companies, like Gogordian real estate.
Some of those properties got immaculately restored and converted into boutique hotels and serviced apartments. These would be an ideal accommodation option for those independent travellers who are seeking an alternative to mainstream hotels.
If you walk along Ledra and Onasagorou avenue and turn into the little side streets, you can discover lots of trendy bars, funky galleries, and small shops of independent local artists and designers.
For museum lovers — there is a Cyprus Museum, the Leventis Municipal museum, Byzantine Museum and a plethora of art galleries — big and small. Some attention worthy galleries are State Gallery of Contemporary Art, NIMAC and for more local independent artists — «isnotgallery» and Gloria Gallery. To learn more about the capital’s cultural life visit some online Nicosia events guides and subscribe to their newsletters, so you can always keep up to date or pick up the latest edition of a paper city events guide from a tourist information desk.
The best way to get familiar with the capital and to save on your trip is by getting a «Nicosia Tourist Card». Once you have registered, you can sign in to find local events, maps, sites and attractions. Once you are logged in, you can download your digital Nicosia Tourist Card on your device.
If you are a bookworm, then visiting Moufflon Bookshop is a must. At the bookshop you will find an impressive collection to browse or read, or perhaps, you will find that rare edition you have always been looking for.
For ultimate relaxation, head to one of the local hammams, for instance — Hammam Omeryie within the city walls.
Situated inland, in the centre of the island, Lefkosia usually has higher temperatures in summer, and lower in winter, compared to the coastal cities. The best time for a visit would be around autumn and springtime with clear skies and milder temperatures. Although it doesn’t have direct access to the sea due to its inland location, it is less than 2 hours drive from the mountains.
Mountain getaway
With Cyprus’ image as a seaside destination, not many people know that it’s also famous for its beautiful mountains. The majestic Troodos range stretches from Paphos to Nicosia region and is home to authentic Cypriot plants and wildlife, with many endemic species.
With many quaint picturesque villages, like Kambos tis Tsakistra, Pedoulas, Kalo Panagiotis, Kakopetria, to name a few, Troodos is a perfect holiday escape for those seeking calmness and serenity. Refreshingly cool during summer months, whilst serene and enchanting in winter time, Troodos is a great holiday spot for any season. Clean mountain air filled with pine and cedar scents is beneficial for your health.
For a truly authentic Cypriot experience and better accommodation deals, it is best to stay at one of the local B&Bs. If you type in your browser «Cyprus agrotourism», you will find many traditional stone houses or rooms, at reasonable prices, ideal for independent travelers. Sometimes such properties have terraces overlooking the surrounding forest or the village. You can contact the owners via email to ask any questions you may have or arrange your stay. The service is warm with a touch of local hospitality — sometimes the owners bring some fruit or other produce from their garden, aiming to please the guests. From there you can discover numerous hiking trails for all fitness levels, including Persefoni, Pouzaris and Caledonia. They offer breathtaking views, so you can take Getty or iStock-quality shots or videos of the surrounding landscapes.
For a spiritual experience, there are many ancient monasteries, such as Kykkos, Trooditissa, Kalo Panagiotis to name a few, and equally impressive old churches with UNESCO-heritage frescoes. If you stay for a service you can listen to mysterious voices of the monks singing ancient Byzantine chants. However, photos and videos are often prohibited inside the monasteries.
Mount Olympus is almost 1950 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain peak of the Troodos range. From the top it opens panoramic views in every direction. In wintertime its slopes are covered with snow, transforming it into a ski resort. Its snowy slopes attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. Beneath Mount Olympus lies Agia Napa monastery complex, consisting of ancient monasteries and churches. For accommodation near the peak, you can rent some logged timber cabins, as an atmospheric alternative to mainstream B&Bs.
Once you have visited Cyprus, it becomes one of those places that lure you back. It is easy to fall in love with this small island that is full of history, infused with tales of conquerors, ancient legends, myths and mysterious puzzles.
It is a mythical land where ancient civilizations blend in harmony with Venetian, Luisignan, Ottoman, Byzantine and British influences. It is relaxed «siga-siga» lifestyle and warm welcome of «filoxenia» will make you feel right at home.
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