13 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.