59 Best Sights in Cyprus

In the town center stands one of the island's more important churches, resplendent with gold icons and unique wood carvings. Constructed in AD 890 by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI and restored to its glory in the 17th century, it is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. The church includes a fascinating crypt containing the sarcophagus of the Biblical Lazarus mentioned in Luke; Jesus is said to have resurrected Lazarus four days after his death, after which time Lazarus traveled to Kition, Larnaca's ancient city, where he became a bishop for 30 years.

Akamas National Park is a 230 square kilometer peninsula on the western tip of Cyprus. Diverse in its landscape, it is one of the most beautiful areas of the island with deep gorges, wide sandy bays, and hidden coves. Protected from development, the nature reserve has unique flora and fauna endemic to the region. Using Polis as a gateway, regular boat trips leave from the harbor at Latchi, 4x4 vehicles and quads are readily available to rent, but perhaps the most rewarding way to travel across the park is to hike or cycle the numerous paths that criss-cross the reserve.

Outside the city walls stands the Cyprus Museum, the world's largest collection of Cypriot antiquities and arguably the most interesting museum on the island. It houses archaeological displays ranging from Neolithic to Roman times, including a fascinating display of 2,000 votive clay figures from the 6th and 7th centuries BC, excavated by the Swedish Mission in 1929, as well as three limestone lions and two sphinxes from the "royal" tombs of Tamassos. Other highlights include a famous statue of Aphrodite of Soli and beautiful mosaics. This stop is essential to an understanding of the island's ancient sites.

Located about ten minutes west of Limassol in the village of Erimi, this comprehensive museum succeeds in explaining the history of the grape in Cyprus, one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world. You will get to view ancient wine jugs and vessels on a short, guided tour of the museum and watch a film before heading downstairs for a sampling of Cyprus wines, including the island's famous sweet Commandaria, accompanied by tasty halloumi cheese.

Don't miss the elaborate 2nd- to 5th-century AD Roman mosaics in the Roman Villa of Theseus, and the Houses of Dionysos, Aion, and Orpheus—all part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected site. The impressive mosaics are an easy walk from the harbor and were unearthed in 1962 by a farmer plowing his fields. The larger archaeological site includes the theater and castle.

The Kourion (Curium) archaeological site, west of Limassol, has Greek and Roman ruins. Classical and Shakespearean plays are sometimes staged in the impressive amphitheater. Next to the theater is the Villa of Eustolios, a summer house built by a wealthy Christian with interesting mosaic floors from the 5th century AD; nearby is the partially rebuilt Roman stadium.

Once you gaze down on Kourion beach from the heights of the Kourion amphitheater, you will certainly want to head down the hills to spend time on its beautiful sands—one of the longest stretches on Cyprus. Though it's easiest to reach Kourion beach by car, you can also take a bus from Limassol, 17 km (10 miles) to the east. If you're making a day of it, rent a sun bed and umbrella from a nearby taverna; the well-regarded Chris Blue Beach is 5 meters from the sea and makes a pleasant stop for a seafood break. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: walking; windsurfing.

The Larnaca District Archaeological Museum displays treasures, including outstanding sculptures, pottery, and other architectural fragments from the ancient city of Kition and the neolithic settlements of Khirokitia and Tenta-Kalavassos. Re-opened in 2022 after the construction of two new wings, Wing 1 traces a course from 8000 BC until the 12th century BC, and Wing 2 is dedicated to the Iron Age.

One of the prettiest villages in Cyprus, Omodos sits on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains. It is an ancient wine-making town centered around a historic Byzantine monastery, Timios Stavros. As you wander the narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed villas (and plenty of tourist shops), be sure to stop into one of the many wine-tasting stalls for a sample or two of wines made from Cypriot grapes like Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red); some shops still display old-fashioned grape presses and other wine-making paraphernalia.

The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite—Greek goddess of love and beauty—is a large offshore rock just off the southwest coast of Paphos. Swimming around Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) three times is purported to bring you eternal love. Whether or not you believe the legend, it's a dramatic place to stop for a snack or picnic lunch and a look at the unquestionably romantic views. Park in the lot and take the passageway under the highway to the large pebble beach, where you may be tempted to swim or stay for sunset. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.

About 9 km (5.6 miles) north of Famagusta, this ancient ruined city is the most dramatic archaeological site on the island. St. Barnabas and St. Paul arrived in Salamis and established a church near here. Most of the ruins date from the Roman Empire, including a well-preserved theater, an amphitheater, villas, and superb mosaic floors. The complex was rebuilt by Byzantine Emperor Constantine I, who modestly renamed it Constantia, but due to natural disasters and pirate raids the city was abandoned in the 7th century AD. Much of the ancient city is overgrown with a tangle of bushes and dune grass, which only serves to enhance the serene, poignant beauty.

The fantastic ruins of the St. Hilarion Kalesi (Castle of St. Hilarion) stand on a hilltop some 10 km (6 miles) southwest of Girne. Originally a monastery named after the hermit monk Hilarion, its strategic position and repeated Arab raids saw the monastery being converted into a castle sometime in the 8th century AD. It is a strenuous walk to the site, so take a taxi from Girne and then, wearing comfortable shoes, allow about 20 minutes to hike from the car park uphill to the ruins. From the highest elevation of Prince John's Tower on a clear day you can see the Taurus Mountains 60 miles away in Turkey. You will need at least two hours to fully explore the castle.

WaterWorld is an ancient Greek themed waterpark, and with over 25 rides and attractions, it is one of the biggest in Europe. Super clean and with high staffing levels, it is great fun for all the family. There is a self-service restaurant backed up by fast food outlets across the park. To add a touch of luxury, Mykonos-style day beds are available to rent for some relaxation and indulgence. The park is on a bus route with service every 20 minutes from Agia Napa.

Don't miss Agios Ioannis (St. John's Cathedral), built in 1662 within the courtyard of the Archiepiscopal Palace (Archbishop's Palace). The church is small, single aisled and barrel-vaulted, built in the Franco-Byzantine style. Look for the 18th-century murals illustrating important moments in Cypriot religious history, including a depiction of the tomb of St. Barnabas.

In 1159 the hermit and scholar Neophytos settled at what is now referred to as the Agios Neophytos Monastery, carving a home for himself out of the rock. Known in his time as the leading critic of Richard the Lionheart and the Byzantine tax collectors, today he is best remembered for what became a series of grottoes hewn from the hillside rock and the evocative religious frescoes they contain. The monastery itself, with no more than a half-dozen or so monks, is situated below the grottoes.

Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, or Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof, so named for its steep, pitched roof, built for protection against the weather, is an 11th-century Byzantine church and UNESCO World Heritage site containing stunning frescoes. The frescoes were painted between the 11th and 17th centuries and depict such iconic scenes as the Crucifixion and the Nativity. You will need a car to reach the church, which is located on the slopes of Mount Olympos.

The Sanctuary of Apollo of the Woodlands, an impressive archaeological site, stands about 2.5 km (1½ miles) west of the Temple of Apollo at Kourion. This large sacred complex, one of the most important religious centers on the island, was established in the 8th century BC and was used continuously until the 4th century AD. It includes a partially restored main sanctuary with enormous Roman columns.

One of the best-preserved painted churches in Cyprus, Asinou Church (also known as Panagia Forviotissa) is a UNESCO World Heritage site south of Nikitari village. The church's brightly colored frescoes, which cover the entire inside of the structure, date from the 12th to the 17th centuries. If there isn't a church caretaker around to let you in, you will need to stop by Nikitari village to ask for the priest to escort you; he can usually be found at the local kafeneio (coffeehouse).

Just past the town's fishing harbor of Latchi and 48 km (30 miles) north of Paphos, are the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural pool where the goddess is said to have seduced Adonis when he stopped for a drink while hunting. From the baths, a 1.5 mile trail to the west follows the path the Goddess of Love took after her tryst to rest under a large Oak tree. From here, the route splits in two with the coastline walk taking about two hours, passing magnificent views out to sea and secluded swimming spots.

The majestic ruins of the former Bellapais Monastery (otherwise known as the Abbey of Peace), 6 km southeast of Girne, are just as impressive as those of St. Hilarion Kalesi. Founded by Augustinian monks in 1198, the abbey’s original structure was considerably expanded by the Lusignans in the 13th century, and its spectacular Gothic architecture deserves to be explored. The rooftop offers gorgeous views of the coastal plains and the Mediterranean. The tranquil accompanying village with tiny streets was immortalized by Lawrence Durrell in his book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, which chronicled his travails in buying a home in Bellapais. Every May the Bellapais Music Festival takes place inside the monastery.

Famed for its turquoise waters, the Blue Lagoon is one of the best destinations on the island for snorkeling and exploring the transparent sea. Its natural beauty is stunning, all the more so for not being surrounded by villas, tavernas and bars. If you don't fancy the drive or hike, there are many boat trips available from Paphos or Latchi, with boats from Paphos also stopping at Lara Beach, a long stretch of sand that is home to green and loggerhead turtles. Volunteers in June and July collect the eggs and keep them safe in a hatchery away from predators and inquisitive tourists.

The "Great Inn," built in 1572, used to accommodate travelers during the Ottoman Empire until it became a prison in 1893. The largest caravansarai on the island, it has been sensitively restored. Today the structure houses artisans, craft shops, and restaurants, some of which spill out into the lovely central courtyard, and it is often a venue for concerts and dance performances.

Built in 1695, Tripiotis church was built in Franco-Byzantine style and is decorated with an unusually wide and ornately carved golden iconostasis. Constructed of smooth calcarenite stone, it has three naves and a dome, and the rich interior contains an outstanding icon influenced by an Italian painting from the 15th century.

Relocated to an old school building in Yeroskipou, the former Byzantine Museum houses notable mosaics, icons, and sacred books and artifacts collected from churches and monasteries throughout Paphos and dating from the 7th through the 18th centuries. The collection includes one of the oldest icons discovered in Cyprus, the Agia Marina, thought to be from the 8th or 9th century. The 9th-century Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi is in the square nearby and is worth a detour.

The Ethnographic Museum, located in the 14th-century part of the Archiepiscopal Palace, has demonstrations of ancient weaving techniques and displays of ceramics, pottery, glassware, and Cypriot folk costumes that showcase Cypriot life over last 150 years.

Otherwise known as Pyli Ammochostou, the Famagusta Gate is now also used as a cultural center for screenings and exhibitions, as a lecture hall, and as a theater. One of three gates into the city, the others are the Paphos Gate at the western end and the Kyrenia Gate in the Turkish occupied north. During the Ottoman rule it is said that Turks and Muslims could ride on horseback through the gates while everyone else had to walk.

In this museum village, 22 miles south of Nicosia, two rural 16th-century houses with exceptional woodwork and folk architecture are open for visits. They contain the household furnishings used a century ago, including tools and utensils; the ground floor of one residence was used for pressing grapes. The House of Dimitri has been converted into a weaver's workshop and is also used as a scholars' guesthouse. Fikardou village in its entirety has been restored by the Department of Antiquities and has been declared an Ancient Monument.

On the edge of Larnaca salt lake, a mosque stands in an oasis of palm trees guarding the Hala Sultan Tekke—burial place of the prophet Muhammad's foster mother, Umm Haram, and an important Muslim shrine, although the complex is open to all and not aligned to any single religion.

The old Larnaca of biblical times, Kition was one of the most important ancient city-kingdoms where the Mycenaeans originally settled in the 13th century BC. Though most of the ruins are still buried beneath the modern city, you can still see the architectural remains of the Temple of Aphrodite-Astarte, built by Phoenician masons.

Kolossi Castle, a Crusader fortress of the Knights of the Order of St. John, was constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th. Though there is not much left of the castle to see, it's worth a visit for the views from the rooftop of the surrounding vineyards, many of which produce Commandaria, the famous sweet wine of Cyprus.