Cyprus completely blew me away. After exploring both sides of the island and venturing way beyond the beach resorts, I discovered an island that defies expectations. We’re talking crystal waters in shades of blue that look edited, ancient ruins without the crowds, and mountain villages that made me want to ditch city life forever.
These are the most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus that totally changed how I saw the island. From pristine bays that belong on a postcard to pine-covered peaks where it actually snows, these 12 spots prove Cyprus is wild in the best possible way. And trust me, the food alone is worth the trip!
👉 Find Your Perfect Cyprus Accommodation
👉 My Favorite Tour in Cyprus
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Cyprus
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Cypriot adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Larnarca for just $400 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by buying meals or ingredients from supermarkets like Alphamega, Lidl, and Metro. Local bakeries offer great value for breakfast and lunch with items like koupes and tyropites. At traditional tavernas, order meze to share – around €15-20 per person for an abundance of dishes!
- Transport: I recommend getting a Cyprus Transport Card if you’ll be using buses frequently in cities like Limassol or Nicosia. For exploring the island, I’ve found rental cars offer the best value, especially when split between travelers. Local companies like GC Rentals are often cheaper than international chains. The intercity Kapnos Airport Shuttle is great value for airport transfers.
Cyprus may have a reputation for being a pricey Mediterranean destination. With these money-saving strategies, you can explore this beautiful island at a much better value. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Cyprus:
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Cyprus
Dreaming of a Mediterranean escape? Look no further than Cyprus! With its golden beaches, ancient landmarks, and vibrant towns, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone.
Whether you’re into history, nature, or just lounging by the sea, Cyprus promises unforgettable moments. Let’s explore some of the island’s top spots!
1. Ayia Napa
- 📍 Location: Southeastern coast of Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, party seekers 🎉, water sports fans 🪂
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at Nissi Beach, cliff jumping at Sea Caves, nightlife on the Strip
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for beach weather and events ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Napa Mermaid Hotel & Suites – Stylish beach-view stay with pool and wellness center
Ayia Napa is one of Cyprus’s top beach destinations, known for its clear blue water and lively atmosphere. Nissi Beach is the most famous, with soft sand and shallow turquoise water that’s great for swimming and lounging.
Adventure seekers can head to the nearby Sea Caves, where you can explore on foot or dive into the water below. During the day, it’s laid-back and family-friendly, but once the sun sets, the nightlife heats up. The Ayia Napa Strip is full of clubs, bars, and music venues that stay open late.
If you’re into water sports, there are options for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing. Ayia Napa also has boat tours that let you explore the coast, including the Blue Lagoon. It’s the kind of place where you can chill all day and dance all night, depending on your vibe.
- Read next: Unique Travel Ideas
2. Blue Lagoon Akamas
- 📍 Location: Akamas Peninsula, Northwestern Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: Crystal-clear waters 💎, boat day fans 🚤, nature lovers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling in the lagoon, hiking from Baths of Aphrodite, taking a glass-bottom boat tour
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for warm water and boat access ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Latchi Escape Hotel & Suites – Relaxed coastal retreat with spa, free breakfast, and sea-view rooms
Blue Lagoon in Akamas is one of the most photogenic swimming spots in all of Cyprus. The water here is unbelievably clear, ranging from electric blue to deep turquoise, and it stays calm enough for easy swimming and snorkeling.
Most people arrive by boat from Latchi Harbor, and there are options for glass-bottom tours or private rentals. It’s a chill half-day trip with plenty of time to float, sunbathe on deck, or dive into the water. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your camera.
If you like combining nature and activity, you can also hike to the lagoon via trails starting from the Baths of Aphrodite. The path has sea views and wildflowers in spring. This is a popular stop during summer, so early mornings or shoulder seasons offer the most peaceful experience.
3. Cape Greco
- 📍 Location: Southeastern coast between Ayia Napa and Protaras
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 👟, sunset chasers 🌅, nature photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cliffside trails, visiting the natural sea caves, watching sunset at the lookout point
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June for hiking weather and clear skies 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grecian Park Hotel – Upscale stay near the park entrance with scenic coastline views
Cape Greco is a protected national park filled with coastal cliffs, pine trees, and secret sea caves. It’s a quieter alternative to the busier beaches nearby and has some of the best views on the island. The trails are well marked and range from casual strolls to longer coastal hikes.
Photographers will love the dramatic rock formations and blue water, especially at the Sea Caves, where you can explore arches and inlets. These spots are ideal for early morning walks or catching golden hour just before sunset.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
There’s also a small white chapel perched near the edge of the cliff that makes a great rest stop. Bring water, good walking shoes, and don’t forget to stop at the lookout point, where you can see as far as the horizon. It’s peaceful, wild, and great for nature breaks.
4. Coral Bay
- 📍 Location: Near Peyia, west of Paphos
- 🏆 Best For: Families 👨👩👧, beach days 🏖️, water sports 🚤
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at Coral Bay Beach, banana boat rides, visiting Sea Caves nearby
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for sunny days and warm sea 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Corallia Beach Hotel Apartments – Family-friendly beachfront stay with a pool and sea views
Coral Bay is one of the best beach spots on the western coast of Cyprus. Its main beach features soft golden sand, gentle waves, and a wide, shallow shoreline that’s great for both kids and casual swimmers.
The beach is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards, and nearby cafés. It also offers fun water activities like paddleboarding, parasailing, and banana boat rides for a little thrill. Just a short drive away are the Sea Caves of Peyia, where you can explore rocky formations or catch a beautiful sunset.
Coral Bay strikes a nice balance between relaxed and active. It’s not too remote, yet it avoids the crowds of larger resort towns. If you’re based in Paphos, it makes for an easy beach day with minimal hassle. The area has a few restaurants, markets, and local spots that make staying overnight a convenient option.
5. Konnos Beach
- 📍 Location: Between Ayia Napa and Protaras, near Cape Greco
- 🏆 Best For: Couples 💑, sunrise watchers 🌅, calm swimmers 🏊♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Early morning swims, kayaking in calm waters, sunbathing with a cliffside view
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for clear weather and warm sea 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grecian Park Hotel – Upscale cliffside hotel with beach access and panoramic views
Konnos Beach is a small, sheltered cove tucked beneath cliffs covered in pine trees. It’s well-loved for its peaceful atmosphere and clear, still water that’s ideal for relaxed swimming and paddle sports.
The beach is fully equipped with loungers, a snack bar, and lifeguards during peak months. Early risers will love it most as the sunrise here is incredible, and the area stays quiet before the crowds arrive. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the cove and its nearby rock formations.
Because it’s nestled near Cape Greco National Park, you can also combine your beach day with a scenic hike or photo stop at the Sea Caves. The walk down to the beach is steep but manageable, and the view from the top is worth the effort. Konnos is low-key but unforgettable for those who like nature with their beach time.
6. Larnaca
- 📍 Location: Southeastern coast of Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🕌, foodies 🍴, city explorers 🚶♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Hala Sultan Tekke, walking along Finikoudes Promenade, exploring Larnaca Salt Lake
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June for comfortable weather and fewer crowds 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Qbic City Hotel – Trendy boutique stay with rooftop views and modern rooms in the city center
Larnaca blends historic sites with a laid-back seaside vibe, making it one of Cyprus’s most balanced cities to explore. Its compact center is perfect for walking, and the palm-lined Finikoudes Promenade is the heart of the action with cafés, restaurants, and sea views.
The city is rich in history. Highlights include Hala Sultan Tekke by the Salt Lake and Saint Lazarus Church, one of the island’s oldest. In spring, the salt lake often fills with flamingos, giving the city a surreal pink-toned backdrop.
Larnaca also has great beaches that are walkable from town. It’s easy to mix lazy days with cultural stops and great meals. The local food scene includes both modern takes and traditional tavernas, so it works for all budgets and tastes. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, Larnaca stays low-key but never dull.
7. Limassol
- 📍 Location: Southern coast of Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: City vibes 🌇, nightlife fans 🍸, art and architecture lovers 🖼️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the Marina, visiting Limassol Castle, exploring the old town’s street art
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for beach weather and cultural events 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: NYX Hotel Limassol – Stylish central hotel with rooftop pool and harbor views
Limassol is a dynamic mix of modern city energy and old-town charm. It’s the second-largest city in Cyprus, and it shows in its wide range of experiences—from beach bars and designer shops to historic streets with stone churches and graffiti walls.
The Limassol Marina is one of the city’s showpieces, perfect for sunset strolls and waterfront dining. Just nearby, you’ll find Limassol Castle, where Richard the Lionheart is said to have married. The surrounding old town blends local life with artistic flair, especially with its street murals and indie cafés.
Nightlife here is big, especially in summer. Rooftop bars, music lounges, and beach clubs keep things buzzing. Even if you’re not a party person, Limassol still has something for you. It’s a great base for exploring nearby wine villages or heading to ancient ruins like Kourion.
Source: www.cyprusisland.net/cyprus-cities/limassol
8. Nicosia City
- 📍 Location: Central Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, culture seekers 🎭, urban explorers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Crossing the Green Line, exploring Leventis Museum, shopping in Laiki Geitonia
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for ideal walking weather and blooming gardens 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: MAP Boutique Hotel – Modern city hotel with sleek design and a great location near the old town
Nicosia is Europe’s last divided capital, and it offers one of the most unique urban experiences in Cyprus. The city center is surrounded by Venetian walls, with cobbled lanes inside that lead to museums, markets, and cafés.
You can walk across the Green Line to explore both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, which each have their own vibe. Expect contrasts in architecture, language, and even the type of coffee served. This makes Nicosia a great place to understand the island’s complex identity.
Outside the old town, the city feels more modern with cool brunch spots, art galleries, and parks. It’s not a beach destination, but it’s ideal for travelers who love culture and urban detail. A couple of days here can balance out a coastal trip and show you a deeper side of Cyprus.
9. Nissi Beach
- 📍 Location: Ayia Napa, Southeastern Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: Sunseekers ☀️, partygoers 🕺, young travelers 🌴
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in turquoise waters, walking to Nissi Islet, dancing at beach parties
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for the full beach party scene 🎶
- 🏨 Where to Stay: NissiBlu Beach Resort – Upscale beachfront resort with swim-up rooms and direct beach access
Nissi Beach is the poster child of Cyprus’s party scene, and for good reason. The beach has bright turquoise water, soft sand, and shallow entry that makes it perfect for both lounging and swimming.
At low tide, you can walk out to Nissi Islet, a small rock formation just off the coast that offers great views and photo spots. During the day, the beach is family-friendly, but as the sun dips, the music picks up and beach bars become lively hangouts.
There are water sports too, from jet skiing to floating obstacle courses. If you want a mix of relaxation and energy, this is the place. It’s especially fun for friend groups or solo travelers looking to meet people. With everything close by, including food and rentals, it’s easy to spend a full day here without needing to move around much.
10. Paphos
- 📍 Location: Southwestern coast of Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: Mythology fans 🧜♀️, archaeology lovers 🏺, beachgoers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Tombs of the Kings, relaxing at Coral Bay, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for sunny skies and fewer crowds ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Amphora Hotel & Suites – Beachfront hotel with sea-view balconies and an outdoor pool
Paphos blends ancient legends with a laid-back beach town vibe. It’s the birthplace of Aphrodite, and many of its top attractions tie into that mythology. A visit to Aphrodite’s Rock at sunset is a must for first-timers.
The Tombs of the Kings and Paphos Archaeological Park bring Roman mosaics and underground tombs to life, making it one of the best historical stops in Cyprus. Yet it still feels relaxed, with beach clubs, seafront cafés, and scenic walks around the harbor.
The vibe here is more chill than Ayia Napa or Limassol, which makes it ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. You can spend the morning learning about ancient gods and the afternoon sipping wine by the water. With plenty of accommodation options and a walkable core, it’s easy to settle into a rhythm in Paphos.
11. Polemidia National Forest Park
- 📍 Location: Just north of Limassol
- 🏆 Best For: Nature walkers 🌲, families 🧺, bird watchers 🐦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking forest trails, picnicking under pines, spotting local wildlife
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for green scenery and mild temps 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ajax Hotel – Comfortable city stay with a garden and easy access to Limassol parks
Polemidia National Forest Park is a quick escape from city life. Located close to Limassol, it’s an easy half-day trip for fresh air and shaded walking paths. The park has a range of marked trails, most of them easy enough for beginners or families.
This area is especially scenic in spring when the pine trees are lush and wildflowers dot the trails. Benches and picnic areas make it ideal for a relaxed afternoon out. If you’re into birdwatching, keep an eye out for hoopoes and other local species that show up during migration season.
It’s not a huge forest, but its accessibility and peaceful vibe make it worth a visit. The best part is how close it is to the city, which means you don’t have to plan an entire day trip just to get a bit of nature.
12. Troodos Mountains
- 📍 Location: Central Cyprus
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, village explorers 🏘️, nature photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Mount Olympus, hiking Caledonia Trail, touring wine villages
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for hiking and village visits 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casale Panayiotis – Restored mountain village stay with spa and local charm
The Troodos Mountains are Cyprus’s coolest escape, literally and culturally. Temperatures here are noticeably lower, making it a popular summer retreat. The area is full of traditional villages, pine forests, and some of the island’s best hiking trails.
At the heart is Mount Olympus, Cyprus’s highest point. It’s surrounded by scenic routes like the Caledonia Waterfall Trail, which winds through shaded paths and flowing streams. Wine lovers will also enjoy exploring villages like Omodos and Platres, known for their small wineries and slow pace.
You’ll find UNESCO-listed churches, cozy tavernas, and plenty of places to stop for coffee or sweets. It’s easy to explore by car if you’re up for a road trip. Whether you’re after nature, history, or just a break from the beach, the Troodos Mountains offer a different side of Cyprus.
