Cyprus has a wide range of activities available for tourists on a budget. From ancient artefacts displayed in museums and archaeological parks to luxurious beaches with free admission and incredible nature, everything you could want from an inexpensive holiday is literally at your fingertips, and you don't always have to travel far from the coast to enjoy it.
Beach holidays are a great reason to come to Cyprus!
Tourists appreciate the white sand, clear water and excellent climate almost all year round. The coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometres, and some of the beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag — an international award recognising cleanliness, amenities and a wide range of water activities.
Tip: The southeastern beaches of Cyprus are especially popular — this is where the sea is calmest and the water is the most beautiful shade of turquoise.
The following beaches are among the most popular in the country:
- Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, which has a shallow lagoon with bright blue water and night-time parties;
- Fig Tree Bay, a bay in the village of Protaras which is ideal for family holidays, including those with young children;
- Coral Bay in the Paphos area is a sandy cove surrounded by cliffs and luxurious villas.
- Mackenzie Beach in Larnaca is a comfortable beach not far from the airport where you can take amazing 'airplane on your palm' photos.
- Dasoudi Beach in Limassol is a family-friendly option within the city, located next to a eucalyptus grove.
- Lara Beach on the Akamas Peninsula near Paphos is a wild beach where rare turtles nest.
Why are beach holidays considered budget-friendly? Because almost all beaches are municipal and entry is free. The only additional costs are for cafés, bars and equipment rental — one item (such as an umbrella or sun lounger) costs €2.50. Prices for snacks and drinks start at an average of €5–7.
Visiting ancient monuments and museums
Cyprus is an open-air museum in itself, according to both locals and tourists. It's hard to disagree: you can literally see traces of ancient buildings, the ruins of medieval castles and Byzantine monasteries with collections of ancient icons at every turn. The history here is multi-layered; it witnessed the dawn of human civilisation and preserved traces of events throughout history in monuments of culture, architecture and everyday life.
Unfortunately, a normal holiday is not long enough to see everything, but you can explore some of it quite cheaply. Admission to ancient sites is usually free or very cheap (up to €3–5 per adult). The same applies to museums.
Each area of the island has historical gems that are worth seeing.
- The Paphos Archaeological Park, for example, is located close to the waterfront and the medieval castle, and features unique sites such as mosaics from the 2nd–3rd centuries, a Byzantine fortress, the remains of noble houses, and the Temple of Asclepius.
- The ancient city of Amathus in Limassol is located near the coast in the Agios Tychonas area, and its ruins include the remains of the Agora, the Temple of Aphrodite and several tombs.
- The Archaeological Park-Museum in the centre of Larnaca houses finds ranging from the Neolithic to Roman times, some of which are left in the open air.
- The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia is the country's largest archaeological centre: it houses a large exhibition of ancient artefacts, old frescoes, icons and everyday objects used by Cypriots.
These places are worth visiting not only for the beautiful views, but also to gain an understanding of how far this small island has come over the millennia.
Nature reserves: Cape Greco and the Akamas Peninsula
You can visit some absolutely stunning places on a budget without having to pay for admission. The only expense is the cost of travel. In the east of the island, closer to Ayia Napa, is Cape Kavo Greko, one of the most picturesque locations on the island. Here, the cliffs drop straight into the azure sea and the viewing platforms offer breathtaking panoramic views. The cape is home to sea and land caves, magnificent natural arches, stunning viewing platforms and the small Church of Agia Anargiri, which has long been considered one of Cyprus's landmarks.
In contrast, the protected Akamas Peninsula in the north of Paphos is another location completely different from Kavo Greko. It is a paradise for those tired of resort noise who dream of experiencing the pristine nature of Cyprus. With wild nature, sandy bays and walking trails of varying difficulty, it is a must-visit for every self-respecting traveller. The Avakas Gorge and the Adonis Baths are particularly worth a visit. Rare plants bloom here in spring and you can encounter sea turtles at Lara Beach in summer.
Trekking in the Troodos Mountains
Swap the heat of the sea, the noise of the resort and the sight of ancient artefacts for coolness, silence and fresh air in the Troodos Mountains. There are several dozen trails of varying difficulty for hiking enthusiasts, and almost all of them lead to some natural attraction.
The easy Caledonian Trail offers magnificent views and leads to one of the island's most famous waterfalls. A more challenging route takes you to the Millomeris waterfall, a hidden cascade among the rocks. There are also circular routes around Mount Olympos, from which you can see both the coast and the mountain villages.
Speaking of villages, here you can experience the traditional Cypriot way of life, which has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The locals are friendly, the streets look authentic, and the taverns serve real Cypriot cuisine and wine.
Tip: You don't have to walk — you can hire a bike. Renting a bike in Cyprus is quite affordable, even for a family.
Participation in festivals and carnivals
Cyprus' cultural life is not limited to Byzantine castles, ancient excavations, art galleries and museums. Cypriots love to get together and celebrate events that symbolise the cycles of island life.
One of the most colourful events is the 10-day spring carnival of Apokria! The biggest celebrations take place in Limassol, but it is also celebrated in Paphos. Held in late February – early March, the event symbolises the arrival of spring.
Next in line is the Anfestiria Flower Festival. Held in May, it sees the whole island covered in flowers. The streets are decorated with floral sculptures, there are parades, music plays and street food is sold. Both adults and children enjoy the entertainment on offer.
In summer, Cyprus has quite a few festivals dedicated to the fertility of the land and the harvest. The most notable of these are the festivals celebrating:
- Strawberries in Deryneia; Cherries in several villages;
- roses in Agros;
- traditional halloumi cheese;
- Wine is celebrated in Limassol, sometimes as early as September.
- Aphrodite in the ancient castle of Paphos;
- Open-air theatre performances take place in the ancient amphitheatre of Curium in Limassol.
Each festival provides an opportunity to experience Cypriot culture first-hand, sample traditional foods and beverages (including wine and zivania) and enjoy live music. For tourists, they are also a way to feel part of the island's history.
These are also budget-friendly events — admission is usually free or purely symbolic (€1–2 per person). You can even get free treats and masterclasses! Cyprus is truly as generous as its inhabitants, the Cypriots.
Want to see Roman mosaics, Byzantine churches and medieval fortresses? Easy! Or how about walking through a real Cypriot forest in the mountains, seeing untouched nature and recharging your batteries? That's easy, too! Or how about going to a village for a fruit festival, trying local wine and listening to traditional music? Anything is possible! Even on a small budget, you can enjoy affordable beach entertainment without the need for complicated travel arrangements. In short, Cyprus doesn't have to be expensive or complicated: you can easily find extraordinary activities here for reasonable money (or even for free).
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