49 Best Sights in Cyprus

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.

The zoo has modern enclosures that use only stone, glass, wood, and rope. Both kids and adults will enjoy the Asian otters, Cyprus oxen, Egyptian geese, and Cuban boa constrictors, among a good variety of other mammals, birds, and reptiles (though no lions, tigers, or elephants here). To see the animals in action, check the zoo's website for specific feeding times.

Near the airport, Mackenzie beach is ideal for lazing on white sands and dining at one of its many seafood tavernas. The beach also boasts a trendy strip of bars, clubs, and cafés, including the Mackenzie Food Plaza, which is now home to a number of fast food and coffee shop favorites. Mackenzie beach can get quite crowded during the summer, so arrive early for a prime spot on the sand. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

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 lush Municipal Gardens are a well-maintained oasis of greenery in the city, across from the Cyprus Museum.

The neoclassical Municipal Theater seats 1,200 people and stages events throughout the year, including Greek-language dramas and concerts.

The Museum of the National Struggle has dramatic displays of the 1955 to 1959 Cypriot campaigns against the British.

Housed in the industrial setting of a former power plant, this compact contemporary art museum displays paintings, videos, sculptures, photography, and installations from up-and-coming (as well as established) Cypriot and European artists. Best of all, admission is free, and it's open until 11 pm most days of the week. There's also a hip restaurant out back with a leafy courtyard where you can hang with Nicosia's cool crowd.

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.

In early September, the fort provides the backdrop for the popular Paphos Aphrodite Festival, a three-day festival that typically includes Italian opera.

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 16th-century Paphos Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guards the entrance to the harbor and through history has served as a castle, a prison, and even as a salt warehouse during the British occupation. Nowadays, it has great views from the top and often serves as a backdrop to dramatic works during festivals.

Centrally located within the town of Larnaca, it's a snap to combine beachgoing at Phinikoudes with other activities like shopping, eating, and strolling the pretty palm tree–lined promenade. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas from beachside vendors, as well as borrow some water-sports equipment if you're feeling more active. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

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.

In winter, skiers take over Platres, which is in the foothills of Mt. Olympus. Warmer months attract hikers who enjoy the many forest walks in a spectacular wildlife setting. The area is popular summer attraction with over 10,000 people flocking to the village to enjoy the beautiful greenery, the Kalidonia and Millomeris waterfalls, nature trails, restaurants, and hotels.

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.

Head north to visit the tiny Greek Orthodox Tripiotis church, which dates from 1690 and is decorated with an ornately carved golden iconostasis and silver-covered icons.