Things to do in Cyprus

Stand on the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite at dawn and watch the sun rise over the iconic sea stack, casting golden light across the Mediterranean.

Wander through an underground necropolis of rock-cut tombs dating back to the 4th century BC, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into the coastal cliffs.

Dive into crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters and lounge on powdery white sand at one of Cyprus's most famous and lively beaches.

Wander stone-paved alleys in the foothills of Troodos and observe women creating intricate Lefkaritika lace, a centuries-old tradition.

Trek the 7.5 km circular route starting from the Baths of Aphrodite, passing dramatic coastal views, unspoiled maquis, and mythical ruins.

Admire the lavish gold-leaf icon of Panagia Eleousa and the monastery's rich frescoes, surrounded by pine forests at one of the island's wealthiest monasteries.

Sit under a grapevine canopy and enjoy a feast of 20+ small dishes—from grilled halloumi to slow-cooked kleftiko—paired with local wine in this wine-growing village.

Marvel at the exceptionally well-preserved Greco-Roman theatre perched on a coastal cliff, with a stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Join the vibrant club scene centered around the main square and Nissi Avenue, where beach bars and mega-clubs pulse with international DJs until dawn.

Trace the impressive 16th-century star-shaped fortifications encircling the old city, now a leafy pedestrian path offering views of both sides of divided Nicosia.

Step into the once-glamorous resort suburb of Famagusta, abandoned since 1974 and now partially reopened for controlled visits, revealing eerie frozen-in-time hotels.

Follow a shaded, fern-lined trail to the island's highest waterfall, where icy water tumbles 12 meters into a cool plunge basin, a perfect summer woodland escape.

Sip the amber sweet dessert wine with a 900-year-old name in the sun-baked Crusader region around Kolossi, still made from indigenous grapes.

Trace the island's 9000-year civilization through stunning Neolithic figurines, Bronze Age pottery, and golden jewelry from the royal tombs of Salamis.

Laze on fine golden sand with a lone fig tree on a tiny islet, surrounded by shallow, calm waters ideal for families and snorkeling.

Climb the hillside to see circular stone dwellings from the 7th millennium BC, one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean and a UNESCO site.

Gaze at remarkably vivid Roman floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes inside the House of Dionysos, part of the ancient city's UNESCO-listed treasure.

Paddle into cerulean waters to explore hidden sea caves and natural arches carved from limestone at the southeastern tip of the island.

Join thousands in the municipal gardens for a week-long celebration of Cypriot wine, with free-flowing tastings, folk dancing, and grape-stomping traditions.

Reach the highest point in Cyprus at 1,952 m, where a radar dome crowns the summit and winter snow allows for rare Mediterranean skiing.

Pass through a checkpoint on the bustling shopping street to cross from the Republic of Cyprus into the northern part, experiencing the city's division firsthand.

Sit by the shaded natural grotto where mythology says Aphrodite bathed, as the sky turns orange over the Chrysochou Bay and the Akamas wilderness.

Photograph the rusty half-submerged cargo ship wrecked in 1998 and stranded just meters from shore, a dramatic and accessible coastal curiosity.

In winter, watch flamingos feeding on the salt lake, then visit the serene mosque built on the spot of Umm Haram's death, a revered Islamic pilgrimage site.

Watch fresh halloumi being folded by hand and sample the squeaky, salty cheese warm from the pot in the village renowned for its cheesemaking heritage.