12 Best Sights in Cyprus

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.

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.

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 "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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.