Cyprus is a traditional resort island where people primarily come for the seaside and famous historical attractions associated with ancient cities and Aphrodite.
You can spend your vacation in a beachfront hotel, eat seafood, see the city sights, go on excursions, swim in the sea, and lie on the beach — and it will all be wonderful. However, there are also lesser-known routes that don't appear in guidebooks. They are not just for show. They are for those looking for variety in their travels year-round—not postcards, but experiences; not crowds, but moments. The most interesting and unusual locations on the island, where nature and history reign in equal measure, are listed below. Silence is also part of the landscape.
Tip: Currently, Russian citizens visiting Cyprus must obtain a national visa.
Avakas Gorge is a protected corner of Cyprus.
Avakas Gorge is not just a place; it's a real fairy tale hidden between the mountains. The cliffs here rise to a height of 30 meters, carved by water into an incredible corridor in the limestone. The humid air, ivy, rare plants, and semi-darkness give the trail an adventurous atmosphere. In spring, everything blooms, and in summer, the gorge is completely dry.
However, in winter, high water makes the passage difficult to access, so it's not worth the risk. Avakas Gorge is truly one of the most picturesque places in Cyprus. Stretching 3 km, this narrow canyon features natural "gates," caves, and stunning vistas. The gorge is part of the Akamas Nature Park, a protected area untouched by mass development and active tourism.
How to get there: The gorge is located 16 km from Paphos. The easiest way to get there is by rental car on the road towards the village of Peyia. Admission is free.
Tombs in the Meleti Forest: Ancient and Mysterious
The Meleti Forest is located in southwestern Cyprus, closer to the village of Peyia in the Paphos district. It is located away from the coast and closer to mountain slopes and rural routes. The forest hides ancient tombs dating back to the third and fourth centuries AD. The tombs were carved directly into the rock. It seems to be a significant location, but... There is no tourist infrastructure, no signs, and no souvenir shops—only stone, silence, and a sense of time passing differently.
Meletia is definitely not one of those famous ruins shown on tours. They aren't even marked on maps. Several rock tombs resembling small temples are easy to find along barely visible paths. Archaeologists claim that years ago, this place was of above-average importance, as noble people were buried here.
How to get there? - Travel about 15 km from the center of Paphos towards Pegeia. Add another hour to the journey if you are coming from Larnaca or Limassol.
Agios Sozomenos is an abandoned village
Agios Sozomenos is a village near Nicosia that was abandoned by its inhabitants after the events of 1974. It can rightly be called one of the best-preserved abandoned places in Cyprus. Its half-ruined houses, school, and church with beautiful arched vaults are well preserved. In essence, it is a small open-air museum. Here, the stones breathe with memories of war, life, love, and simple human existence. The remains of the buildings are scattered among the hills, and the locals call Agios Sozomenos the "dead city." It is in this silence that a special Cypriot truth lies hidden. The place is very atmospheric, as if untouched by time, with its own philosophy. Photographers love it for its dramatic views and architectural splendor.
How to get there? - The village is located 20 km southeast of Nicosia. You can also reach it from Larnaca by heading northwest.
Anti-Gravity Road: A Place Where Nature "Broke Down"
On the road between Dhrousha and Polis (north of the Paphos district), there is a section where a car will roll uphill with the engine turned off. Water poured from a bottle rises upward, as do any objects placed on the ground. This mysterious place has been named the "anti-gravity road." Some scientists claim that the laws of physics are violated here, while others believe it's simply a trick of perspective. Either way, it's definitely worth seeing!
There are few tourists on the road, and it is not marked with special signs, which makes it even more intriguing. Seeing this phenomenon with your own eyes is a wonderful experience, perfect for those looking for more than popular vacation spots.
How to get there: The site is located on the E711 highway, about 3 km from the village of Drusha. Head towards Polis (north). It is best to use the coordinates (34.982930, 32.405960) on the map or find local guides who can take you to the anomalous zone.
Desert Landscape: The Sand Dunes of Limassol
On the outskirts of Limassol, not far from Akrotiri, you will find not a resort but another planet. Windy dunes of white sandstone and a landscape resembling a NASA photo are all part of an old quarry that has turned into an alien plateau. Almost nothing grows here, but you can admire the beauty of the landscape endlessly.
The dunes are rarely mentioned in guidebooks. And that's a shame! It's one of the best places in Cyprus for taking atmospheric photos, going for walks, and escaping reality, all without venturing far from the sea. Children and adults alike will love this area; it feels as if you've stepped into another world.
To get there: head 12 km southwest of the center of Limassol, closest to the Akrotiri district.
Cyprus is more than just the beaches of Ayia Napa, the antiquities of Paphos, and the monasteries of famous saints. It also has restaurants with meze and ancient castles. There are hidden locations inside the island that are not written about on the front pages of websites and guidebooks. In the Cypriot countryside, you can experience real island life, where there is no rush but plenty of authenticity. Visitors who want to find something more than just ordinary postcard photos want to experience these places. They leave Cyprus feeling as if they have experienced something significant.
Information about lesser-known locations away from popular resort areas is not always available in mainstream sources. However, these places are not secrets; you can visit them in a day or two. Places like these are what make a trip to Cyprus truly meaningful. Maybe time passes more slowly there, but you'll definitely experience more emotions.
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