20 Best Sights in Cyprus

In the town center stands one of the island's more important churches, Ayios Lazarus (Church of Lazarus), 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.

Located about ten minutes west of Limassol in the village of Erimi, this comprehensive museum succeeds at explaining the history of the grape in Cyprus, one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world. You'll 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.

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.

Don't miss the elaborate 3rd- to 5th-century AD Roman mosaics in the Roman Villa of Theseus, the House of Dionysos, and the House of Aion—all part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected site. The impressive mosaics are an easy walk from the harbor.

The Apollo Hylates (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. It includes a partially restored main sanctuary with enormous Roman columns.

In 1159 the hermit and scholar Neophytos settled at what's now referred to as the Ayios 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 known for what became a series of grottoes hewn from the hillside rock and the evocative religious frescoes—some actually painted by Neophytos—they contain. The monastery itself, with no more than a half-dozen or so monks, is situated below the grottoes.

The 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. Though it's on the small side, the museum provides a good introduction to the rich Byzantine history of the Paphos region and is well worth a stop.

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.

The closest beach to Limassol's cruise ship port, Lady's Mile is a 7-km (4-mile) hard sand and pebble beach about a 15-minute drive from the center of town. Its shallow waters are popular with locals, especially on weekends. Bring your own umbrella if you'd like some shade, as well as insect repellent in the evenings. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: swimming.

The Larnaca District Archaeological Museum displays treasures, including outstanding sculptures, pottery, and other architectural fragments from prehistoric times through to the Roman period.

The Larnaca Fort was originally built in the late 1300s and then rebuilt in 1625; during British colonial rule, it was used as a prison. Today it's mainly worth visiting for the lovely views of the sea. The small Medieval Museum is inside the fort and has finds from Hala Sultan Tekke and Kition.

The 14th-century Limassol Castle was built on the site of a Byzantine fortification. Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England here in 1191. The Cyprus Medieval Museum in the castle displays medieval armor and relics.

Browse interesting archaeological finds from the Limassol area, including pottery, coins, jewelry, tools, and sculptures, from the Prehistoric period (10,000 BC) up to the Late Roman period (AD 327). The collection also contains many items related to Aphrodite, including ancient terra-cotta figures.

For a glimpse of Cypriot folklore, visit the Municipal Folk Art Museum. The collection includes national costumes and fine examples of weaving and other crafts.

The 11th-century Panayia Angeloktistos church, 11 km (7 miles) south of Larnaca, has extraordinary Byzantine wall mosaics that date from the 6th and 7th centuries. Large groups should call ahead, and request a guide in either English or Greek.

The Paphos District Archaeological Museum displays pottery, jewelry, and statuettes in five exhibition rooms and one penthouse in the museum's yard. They represent all the prehistoric and historic periods through which the region passed.

The Pierides–Marfin Laiki Bank Museum is a private assemblage of more than 3,000 pieces distinguished by its Bronze Age terra-cotta figures, as well as Roman and Byzantine-era art.

About 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Larnaca, near the airport, is the 6½-square-km (2½-square-mile) Larnaca Salt Lake. It is a complex system of four main lakes, the main salt lake Alyki, Orphani, Soros, and the small Airport lake. In winter it's a refuge for migrating birds, especially flamingoes, and in summer it dries up with salt deposits. Though you can't walk on the lake itself, there are plenty of nature trails and picnic spots around it.

On a mountain approximately 40 km (25 miles) west of Larnaca stands the Stavrovouni (Mountain of the Cross) Monastery. It was founded by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in AD 326; the present buildings date from the 19th century. The views from here are splendid. Ideally, you should visit the monastery in a spirit of pilgrimage rather than sightseeing, out of respect for the monks. Only male visitors (no women) are allowed inside the monastery daily. The use of cameras or video cameras is prohibited.

The Tombs of the Kings, an early necropolis, date from 300 BC. The coffin niches are empty, but a powerful sense of mystery remains. There are lovely views over the Mediterranean sea.