Cyprus is a delightful small island in the Mediterranean Sea plus an absolutely wonderful travel location. It’s actually the third biggest island in the Mediterranean and contains a great mixture of beautiful seashores, history, and nature.    

Cyprus is a popular tourist spot throughout Europe, but strangely, many people don’t even know 1 / 2 of what the island can offer! Many of the world hasn’t discovered Cyprus yet!     There are several places to visit in Cyprus than just beaches and discos.

Best Places to check out in Cyprus

I asked some of my friends, who are regulars towards the island, their opinions prior to I set off. They said: ‘Cyprus is a lovely place, actually hot, but there’s simply no sightseeing’.  

I was shocked. If you can describe my worst traveling experience in a few words it could be ‘lying on the beach’. I am talking about, that’s okay for a few hrs but not daily for two several weeks!     Worst. Vacation. EVER!  

So , naturally, I instantly set out to prove them incorrect. And oh boy, exactly how wrong they were!  

Nothing to see within Cyprus? You may as well show me there’s nothing to see within Barcelona or Italy or even Greece or – nicely, you get the point!   Therefore , here’s why you should visit Cyprus – and certainly not in order to lie on the beach!  

1 .   Aphrodite’s Beach 

Yes, I realize I’ve started with a seaside.   You may laugh. You may even roll your eyes.   But seriously this is not simply any beach.    

To begin with,   Aphrodite’s Beach  is certainly pebbly , so not really your perfect sunbathing place.    

Secondly, this seaside is home to Aphrodite’s rock , also known as Petra tou Romiou, where, legend had this, the Goddess of Really like, emerged from the ocean.    

The stretch of shoreline is one of the most beautiful in the southern part of Cyprus, with rocks jutting out dramatically from the drinking water and coves carved to the white cliffs that sprawl along the horizon.  

Being the birthplace of the Goddess of Love, this is also the most intimate spots on the island along with a favourite for weddings plus proposals.  

second .   The Tomb from the Kings 

This is a vast UNESCO Globe Heritage site close to the middle of Paphos. The tombs date back to the Hellenistic plus Roman periods and are quite spectacular.    

They most likely were the particular tombs of high aristocrats instead of actual Kings. But it was your splendour of the tombs that will gave them their title.  

These people actually share quite a few attributes with the tombs at Alexandria in Egypt, which shows a strong connection between both of these civilizations during this period. The tombs themselves are stunning and for the little fee of €2. fifty, they’re well worth the visit.    

Walk through the underground caverns and marvel at the content and the intricate design of the particular burial site. The pure size of some of the tombs is quite astonishing. They look like small houses, rather than areas of the dead!  

You will also discover countless stacks of rocks littering the beautiful horizon of the tombs. Placed right now there for good luck, a memorial service gesture, or as an indication to make a wish, the hemorrhoids of pebbles spread from your edge of the tombs towards the stunning ocean view at the rear of it. Also, if you appear carefully, you’ll see a shipwreck mounted on a coral saltwater in the distance.  

3. Cyprus’s Azure Lagoon 

The Blue Lagoon is among the most isolated beaches within Cyprus yet one of the most  beautiful beaches in every of Europe .

Hidden in the Akamas Peninsula on the most north-westerly tip of the island, it is another of Cyprus’s concealed gems that are a little challenging to get to. The road to the lagoon isn’t suitable for normal vehicles so the only way to arrive is by 4×4, quad bike, or by ship.    

Thankfully, there are plenty of boat tours towards the Blue Lagoon and many of these will pick you upward from your hotel, which makes obtaining there a lot easier.    

When you turn up, you’ll find dreamy turquoise and peacock-blue water, that is actually really warm, since it’s a shielded these types of. You’ll also find smooth white sand and coral reefs teeming with seafood.  

It is the perfect place to go snorkelling or even scuba diving as there’s a lot to see in the crystal-clear seas. Plus, you’ll also be taken care of to some wonderful views away across the island and the sea.  

4.   The Ancient Kourion 

Should you be a history fan and such as the sound of the Tomb from the Kings, then you will fall in love with the particular Ancient Kourion as well.    

The particular Kourion is fairly isolated; regarding 45 minutes east of Paphos town and 20 mins west of Limassol. When you plan a day trip there, the simplest way to get there is to hire an automobile. But , as one of the most powerful kingdoms of ancient Cyprus, it is definitely worth the trouble.  

The UNESCO World Historical past Site dates back to the almost eight ^th century BC, when the Greeks began to settle on the isle. It actually survived five earthquakes before becoming probably the most important and impressive archaeological sites on the island.    

The particular star of the show can be unmistakably the huge, 3500-seat amphitheatre in the centre of the web site. But , if you walk across the entire grounds, you’ll observe remains of baths, the treasury, a market, a protected walkway and an ancient Ancient greek wrestling school, which is all of proof of just how developed this particular former community really was.    

Additionally , the entire site is placed on a hill with countless panoramic views out over the ocean. You will be in amazement of this historic civilization.  

5.   The particular Sanctuary of Apollo 

On the very same hill-side where the magnificent Kourion rests, you’ll find the Sanctuary associated with Apollo. The Sanctuary had been built in the similar Hellenistic period and is a series of ay temples and grounds that will focus on the worship associated with Appollo Hylates – the particular God of the Forests.  

Wandering around the Sanctuary, you’ll see wonderful columns, remains of the wall space, baths (which were considered for athletes after they exercised) and a yard with an church. The alter was essential to the people, that anyone that touched it that was not a priest, was tossed off the cliff!  

6. Kolossi Castle

If you’re ever wished to see the world’s smallest plus cutest castle, then I believe you will adore Kolossi! The particular Gothic-style castle was every crusader stronghold and is only a short drive west associated with Limassol city.    

Built-in 1210, the castle’s main objective was defense, with its proper location providing the perfect, clear views across the countryside.

Due to the location associated with Cyprus in the Mediterranean, plenty of civilizations wished to control the particular island. As Limassol was your main port city, the particular castle was the perfect area for defense.  

There are also a lot of vineyards surrounding the castle, since Limassol was also the main town for trading items like wine, olives, sugar plus cotton.  

seven. Avakus Gorge 

Exploring Avakus Gorge is definitely one of the best things you can do in Cyprus, even if this is a bit of a challenge to find! If you value natural beauty and exploring, you might really enjoy this, plus it is free to enter!  

Very off the defeated track, this gorge had been carved by a stream flaming over the limestone thousands and thousands associated with years ago. This caused this to cut into the rock plus wear it down, leaving wall space of up to 30 meters higher and incredible rock formations.    

It’s a fairly challenging walk in parts and I suggest bringing waterproof shoes. Although you can clamber across most of the rocks, there are also very large messes of water and you will probably get a little wet!  

There are also some fairly narrow sections too, therefore be warned if you’re just a little claustrophobic. Nevertheless, it’s so exciting hiking through the gorge! The particular scenery is stunning and you could even see some animals, like mountain goats or even huge lizards.  

8. Adonis Baths 

The Adonis Baths are fairly near to the Avakus Gorge and we really stopped here on the way back again.

The gorgeous natural pools and cascading down waterfalls are really pretty, but also rather costly at €9 each to obtain in . Included in the charge is entrance to the bathing, a small museum that you stroll through on your way inside, and several statues of the Greek Gods. If I’m honest, there are not that much to see, but nevertheless worth a look around should you be interested in the history.  

The particular baths themselves are quite amazing, though. If you want great pictures, I’d definitely recommend obtaining there early, because it might get really busy. There are 2 waterfalls in total, one over the other and two private pools that you can swim in. It is just what you need after a sizzling hot hike in the gorge, however be warned, the water is certainly icy cold!

nine. Troodos Mountains 

Most people who visit Cyprus find it as a beach resort, full of fine sand hotels and swimming pools. They actually won’t be expecting to have the ability to explore things like monasteries plus mountains.

Cypriot Hill Range

Yet, take a trip to Troodos for a magnificent Cypriot hill range, home to some spectacular scenery and off-the-beaten-path locations to explore.   Close to the center of the island, you could simply spend a day exploring Troodos.

Holy Cross Cathedral and Timio Stavros Monastery

Go to the whitewashed Holy Cross cathedral and marvel at the Monastery of Timio Stavros , which is located in the middle of Omodos village. This is also the right place to grab a spot associated with lunch at one of the nearby bakeries.  

Besides delicious baked items, the tranquil little wines village is a lovely spot to explore. It literally appears as though it was plucked away from a medieval novel!    

Kykkos Monastery

After Omodos, visit the Kykkos Monastery , perched rich in the mountain range. On the other hand, head to the foot from the mountains and check out the ancient Neolithic negotiation of Choirokoitia, another of Cyprus’s amazing UNESCO Planet Heritage Sites.  

Top Tip: While you’re in Omodos, you simply must taste their nearby dessert wine, Commanderia. It is made with a traditional wine push called Linos.  

10. Paphos   

Paphos is really a brilliant place to start exploring Cyprus and you’ll be amazed just how much there is to do on this little city. It’s really the smallest city on the tropical isle but packs a powerful strike in terms of its history.    

It’ll be hard to miss Paphos castle. The impressive construction juts out past the harbour and is great fun to explore.  

Kato Paphos Archaeological site

Right next to the fortress, you’ll find Kato Paphos Archaeological site and Paohos Mosaics. Preserved since the two ^nd century, they’re considered to be probably the most impressive mosaic structures within the eastern Mediterranean.  

The mosaics depict moments from Greek mythology; generally war and hunting moments. The largest is in the House associated with Dionysos, but the House associated with Aion also contains a remarkable mosaic that tells the storyplot of Dionysos across 5 panels. It’s quite incredible how preserved these mosaics are. They were actually present in 1962 when a farmer revealed one when ploughing their field!  

Apart from historical sites, it’s this kind of nice end to the day time to simply wander through the city and along Paphos’s harbour front. It has a beautiful sea backdrop and a great selection of little stores and restaurants there. I particularly like the ice cream parlours, with their tasty selection of flavours, or the hand crafted sweet stores selling sugar-coated nuts and traditional Cyprus delight.

11. Shawl Greco 

If you would like somewhere you can go to walk, period or relax and consume the glorious views, after that Cape Greco is the solution. This delightful coastal character park in Aiya Napa is considered to be one of the country’s most beautiful natural areas.    

You will find chiselled sea caves, gleaming ocean waters, hidden exotic coves and the cutest white-colored and blue chapel perched on the edge of a high cliff. The whole area looks like the Greek fairy-tale, and is one more incredibly popular wedding location.    

It’s also a regular high cliff diving area, so if you are a bit of a daredevil, this will become right up your street!  

12. Explore the Towns 

I love exploring stunning European old towns plus cities and Cyprus has its own captivating old towns. I really like the quaint wooden shutters, cobbled streets, hanging lamps and little buildings, café’s and shops that you can inform were built years ago.

Paphos Old Town

Paphos older town is a wonderful starting point and in addition it has a famous market that is open every day from 8am until 1pm. You can also place some great street art within Paphos.

Lefkara

Further upward into the Troodos mountains, you will come across the gorgeous small town of Lefkara. Recognized for its arts, crafts plus lacework, you’ll love obtaining lost wandering the turning alleyways.    

Platres

Also, well worth looking at is Platres, a sweet little village with a wonderful church, quiet streets as well as a bundle of shops marketing homemade goods.

Whilst there, definitely go to the Millomeris waterfalls for a flavor of natural beauty. The drops are some of the highest within Cyprus and tucked away in the rocky ravine about a km stroll from the centre associated with Platres.  

Limassol

Limassol is another great city to learn, although much quieter than Paphos, which is better in a sense, as possible get some great photos. Could be port city has an amazing promenade, pier and shimmering marina that’s great to learn too!    

13. Cypriot Cuisine 

I just needed to mention the Cypriot food for no other reason aside from the fact that it’s so really delicious! While on the tropical isle make it your mission to test one of their meze platers; they are without a doubt the best way to attempt all the foods that Cyprus has to offer.    

Stuff yourself with Souvla – chunks of marinated charcoaled pork or lamb, souvlaki or Cyprus fleischspieß served with fresh pitta bread and pickles. Attempt the sheftalia – minced meat with mixed natural herbs and spices, pastourma – a delicious spicy chicken, dolmades – vine simply leaves stuffed with minced meat plus rice and, of course , barbequed halloumi cheese!

These dishes are usually furthermore served with a humus, tzatziki, olives and fresh Ancient greek salad and are absolutely work! Wash it down along with Cyprus’s signature Brandy Bitter cocktail or Keo plus Leon, the local beers. Plus, don’t forget to try the popular Cyprus delight whilst within the island!  

Making your way around Cyprus 

Should you be anything like me then you will know that inconsistent public transportation is not only annoying, but may literally ruin your entire day.    

Within hindsight, I really wished we’d hired a car for that journey. The excellent thing about Cyprus (for all British holidaymakers anyway! ), is that they generate on the left side from the road! So , driving within Cyprus is literally no dissimilar to driving in England except needing to convert miles in kms.    

If you are planning on going to Cyprus and want to explore a lot of the isle, I strongly recommend hiring a vehicle. Cyprus isn’t that huge of an island. It’ll get you about 2 hours to obtain from one side to the some other, which isn’t too far to get a day trip. Since there’s a lot to see, you’ll totally repent it if you don’t!  

One word associated with warning however , if you do choose to visit Avakus Gorge, you might want to hire a quad bicycle for a day to get right now there. They say the roads are usually suitable for cars, but I actually seriously beg to vary!

And these are the most effective places to visit in Cyprus. There are so many beautiful places within Cyprus, that perhaps the next time you visit, you may simply pull yourself away from the particular beach to take in its a lot of incredible sights!

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