11 Best Sights in Cyprus

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.

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 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. This large sacred complex, one of the most important religious centers on the island, was established in the 8th century BC and was used continuously until the 4th century AD. It includes a partially restored main sanctuary with enormous Roman columns.

The majestic ruins of the former Bellapais Monastery (otherwise known as the Abbey of Peace), 6 km southeast of Girne, are just as impressive as those of St. Hilarion Kalesi. Founded by Augustinian monks in 1198, the abbey’s original structure was considerably expanded by the Lusignans in the 13th century, and its spectacular Gothic architecture deserves to be explored. The rooftop offers gorgeous views of the coastal plains and the Mediterranean. The tranquil accompanying village with tiny streets was immortalized by Lawrence Durrell in his book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, which chronicled his travails in buying a home in Bellapais. Every May the Bellapais Music Festival takes place inside the monastery.

The old Larnaca of biblical times, Kition was one of the most important ancient city-kingdoms where the Mycenaeans originally settled in the 13th century BC. Though most of the ruins are still buried beneath the modern city, you can still see the architectural remains of the Temple of Aphrodite-Astarte, built by Phoenician masons.

Kolossi Castle, a Crusader fortress of the Knights of the Order of St. John, was constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th. Though there is not much left of the castle to see, it's worth a visit for the views from the rooftop of the surrounding vineyards, many of which produce Commandaria, the famous sweet wine of Cyprus.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.