59 Best Sights in Cyprus

At the Kykkos Monastery, founded in 1100, the prized icon of the Virgin is reputed to have been painted by St. Luke; you can view the icon enclosed in a shrine, and the museum also includes other icons, wood carvings, and embroidery. The monastery has been repeatedly destroyed by fire, and the current structure dates from 1745.

Kyrenia Castle, overlooking the Old Harbor, is a 7th century Byzantine landmark that comes with an enthralling history of conquerors and kings, the Crusaders, and the Knights Templar. Later fortified by the Venetians in the 1500s, the castle is today renowned for its archeological exhibits and the Batık Gemi Müzesi (the Shipwreck Museum), whose prize possession is the remains of a Greek merchant ship that sank around 300 BC, one of the oldest-discovered shipwrecks.

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. There are several bars and tavernas that offer umbrellas and sun beds. Amenities: parking (free), food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: swimming.

In the Greek sector Laiki Geitonia, at the southern edge of the Old City, is an area of winding alleys and traditional architecture that underwent a renovation to restore its historic charm. Among its important sites is the Archbishopric, which has several museums. Tavernas, cafés, and craft workshops line the shaded, cobbled streets. Just to the west lies Ledra street, where modern shops alternate with yet more crafts shops. Parallel to this is Onasagorou street, which has come alive with the opening of a number of eclectic bars and bistro-type restaurants and cafés, creating a vibrant old-world atmosphere.

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 is mainly worth visiting for the lovely views of the sea. The small Medieval Museum is inside the fort and houses a variety of antiquities, photographs, utensils, and other artifacts from the 4th through the 19th centuries.

About 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Larnaca, near the airport, is the 2.2-sq. km Larnaca salt lake. It is a complex system of four main lakes: the main salt lake Alyki, Orphani, Soros, and the small Spiro lake. In winter it is 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.

This museum traces the city's history from 3000 BC to the present through exhibits on crafts and daily life. The permanent exhibition includes important artifacts, as well as an impressive collection of medieval and modern maps illustrating Nicosia's progression, dating from the birth of the region to now.

The Limassol Castle was built on the site of a Byzantine fortification in 1193. 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 terracotta 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.

In the House of Patsalos, named after its previous owners who were one of the village's richest families, is a folk museum dedicated to the handcrafts that Lefkara is famous for. Three rooms on the upper floor contain rural furnishings from the 19th century alongside traditional costumes, silverwork, intricate jewelry, and a large collection of lacework and embroidery. On the ground floor, large jars and agricultural tools further the depiction of traditional rural life.

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 Park City, 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.

Near the Girne Gate is the Mevlevi Tekke Museum, the former home of the Mevlevi, a Sufi order. The Tekke was a place for spiritual reflection and music and dance were central to the religion of the Mevlevi followers; they became known as the Whirling Dervishes due to their practice of continuously revolving as a form of remembrance to God. The building now includes photographs of the dervishes, household objects used by them, and the tombs of 16 Mevlevi sheiks.

The lush Municipal Gardens are a well-maintained oasis of greenery in the city, across from the Cyprus Museum. Lofty palms tower over paths and walkways, and there is a playground for younger visitors.

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, from the 19th and 20th centuries. Porcelain, agricultural tools, furniture, and decorative artifacts help to explain how people lived in previous centuries.

The largest theater in Cyprus with a capacity of 1,000 had fallen silent after a roof collapse, but the historic building has been rebuilt and renovated. Hosting both theatrical and musical events, this modern venue has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating.

The National Struggle Museum displays photographs, personal possessions, and documents from the 1955 to 1959 Cypriot campaigns against the British. The call for union with Greece grew louder in the 1950's and many on both sides lost their life.

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. There's also a hip restaurant out back with a leafy courtyard where you can hang with Nicosia's cool crowd.

The 11th-century Panagia Angeloktistos church, 11 km (7 miles) south of Larnaca, has extraordinary Byzantine wall mosaics that date from the 6th and 7th centuries, in particular the rare 6th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child between the two archangels Michael and Gabriel. There is also a 10th-century icon of the Virgin, Lazarus, and Lucas, all of whom were believed to have lived in Kition in the early years of the Christian church.

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

The 16th-century Paphos Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guards the entrance to the harbor and through history has served as a fortress, 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.

The Paphos District Archaeological Museum displays pottery, jewelry, and statuettes in five exhibition rooms. They represent all the prehistoric and historic periods through which the region passed, from the Neolithic Age to AD 1700.

Centrally located within the town of Larnaca, it is 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 hiring some water-sports equipment if you're feeling more active. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

The oldest private museum in Cyprus houses an assemblage of some 2,500 pieces ranging from Bronze Age terracotta figures to Roman and Byzantine-era art. The museum is housed on the ground floor, and the family still lives on the first floor of a colonial style building from 1825.

In winter, skiers take over Platres, which is in the foothills of Mt. Olympos. 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.

When the Venetians built the walls of Nicosia, St. Sophia was at the center of the city. Built between AD 1209 to 1228, it's a fine example of Gothic architecture to which a pair of minarets were added 1570 after the Ottomans took over. During this period, it was the largest mosque on the island, attracting religious schools and a trade center nearby. In 1954 it was renamed the Selimiye Mosque in honor of Sultan Selim II, the emperor during the conquest of Cyprus. Holding 2,500 worshippers, it still serves as a religious building, but visitors are welcome outside of the five daily prayer times.

This ancient settlement is one of the 10 ancient city kingdoms dating back to the 6th century BC. First known as Aipeia, the area was settled by returning soldiers from the Trojan Wars. An abundance of copper deposits, fertile soil and a protected harbor led its prominence, and by the 2nd century AD it was a prosperous Roman city. The impressive amphitheater has been restored with seventeen rows of seats holding 4,000 visitors, half the original capacity and now hosts concerts and events. According to Christian tradition, Soli is believed to be the baptism site of John Mark, and a small basilica dedicated to St Auxibius holds one of the most prestigious finds; a mosaic of a swan surrounded by flora and dolphins. Combine a visit here with a trip to the Vouni Palace, a Persian city principally built to spy on Soli. The site is currently closed, but there is a decent road up and the reward is breathtaking views of mountains and the sea. The nearby Guzelyurt Museum of Archaeology has an intriguing collection of gold jewelry and other artifacts found in both sites.

On a mountain approximately 40 km (25 miles) west of Larnaca stands the Stavrovouni (Mountain of the Cross) Monastery. One of the oldest monasteries in the world, it was founded by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in AD 326 and it contains a fragment of the Holy Cross; the present buildings, however, date from the 19th century. The views from here are splendid but, unfortunately, only male visitors (no women) are allowed inside the monastery. The use of cameras or video cameras is also prohibited, as are short trousers,

The Tombs of the Kings, an early necropolis, date from 300 BC. Contrary to the name, no actual kings were buried here, rather aristocrats and high officials. The coffin niches are empty, but a powerful sense of mystery remains. The underground tombs are impressive with columnated atriums, but the site is large and exposed—remember to take a hat and water.