Have you ever been to an island that is a blend of various cultures? The island of Cyprus lies south of Turkey, in the far eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. It is mixing pot of cultures which is technically located in Asia and has to clear ties with Europe. Along with being known for its warm weather and scenic beaches, the island is known for its small historic villages, ancient ruins, incredible mountains and vibrant cities. Doesn’t it sound exciting? There are several places to visit in Cyprus and each one of them should be on your bucket list.
8 Places To Visit In Cyprus For Their Culture And Beauty
Who wouldn’t want to explore the rich archeological sites, the sun-drenched beaches, clear waters, amazing craggy coastline, mosaic adorned villas and Aphrodite (ancient Greek God of Beauty) birthplace? Cyprus is an intriguing place to visit with its unspoiled natural beauty. So, go ahead and explore the places to visit in Cyprus.
1. Agios Georgios
Have you ever been to an historical site? Fascinating, isn’t it? An archeological site near the village of Pegeia, Agios Georgios is an 6th century Christian settlement that in the 1950’s was partially unearthed with the discovery of the 3 basilicas and a bath. Excavations brought forth an unwalled settlement in the 1990’s along with a port city with transportation path from Egypt to Constantinople. The basilicas, a sacristy, guest house, courtyard, well and oil press were a part of the settlement discoveries. Agios Georgios is one of the best places to visit in Cyprus as it is known for its pilgrimage, located between the basilica sites and necropolis.
Best Time to Visit: May- October
Ideal Duration: 5 days
Nearest Airport: Corfu Airport (CFU)
Popular Attractions: Agios Georgios Beach, Europa Bar, Dive Inn Corfu, Mad Mike's Bar, Kazoos Cocktail Bar
Things to Do: Have a drink at the Madison Garden Bar, go shopping at Stamatis
Best Places to Stay: Hotel Costas Golden Beach, Belle Helene Hotel, and Labranda Sandy Beach Resort
2. Ayia Napa
Ranked among the best beaches in the world, Ayia Napa is one of the popular tourist attractions in Cyprus. It is among the few beaches that has earned the blue flag status for its facilities and cleanliness. Apart from Ayia Napa, 3 kms away, Nissi beach is known for its golden sand, Sandy bay is protected from the wind, making it the ideal place to swim with small kids and Pantahou is known as a fishing harbor. Several beaches have several water sports like sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, paragliding, boating and jet skiing. Fishing, diving and boating daytrips are accessible. Adventurists can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and jeep safaris into the interiors of the land.
Best Time to Visit: May and September to Mid-November
Ideal Duration: 3 days
Nearest Airport: Larnaca Airport
Popular Attractions: Cape Greco, Landa Beach, Sea Caves
Things to Do: Quad Bike Safari Adventure, Wine Tasting, Famagusta and Salamis Sightseeing Tour
Best Places to Stay: Hotel Napa Suites, La Casa Di Napa.
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3. Agros
Built on an elevation of 1,100 meters in the Troodos mountains, Agros village has an amphitheater- style shape, which grew up around the Great Agros monastery, which was built by 40 monks who fled Asia Minor. Destroyed in 1894, the church of Panayia of Agros was built in place of the monastery. The majestic mountains offer a panoramic forested view and the chance for traditional agrotourism. Fruits, vegetables and roses rare grown, and jam, distil rose oil are made and produce cured meats. Agros is one of the places to go in the middle east. One of the places that may be of interest is a small monument to Nearhos Clerides, a scholar who left a legacy of folkore and literature behind. It is one of the best places to visit in May.
Best Time to Visit: May- June
Ideal Duration: 35 days
Nearest Airport: Larnaca International Airport
Popular Attractions: Church of Prophet Elias, Adventure mountain park
Things to Do: Visit the Machairas Monastery and discover the Nikis Sweets Factory
Best Places to Stay: Lulu’s palace, AgroSpito Traditional Guest House
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4. Deryneia
Small town in Famagusta district, Deryneia village is known for being the arrival place for settlers following the Trojan War. As it is a red soil village for one of the regions, it is the islands strawberry producer. If one is lucy, they can attend the biennial strawberry festival where they can get strawberry produce like ice cream, jam and juice. One of the things to see in Cyprus open- air museum of traditional crafts where several traditional tradesmen like shoemaker, blacksmith, fisherman, farmer, carpenter, and others. The Folk- Art Museum has tools and implements that were used by the farmers. Interesting, isn’t it?
Best Time to Visit: May, June- August
Ideal Duration: 3-8 days
Nearest Airport: Ercan International Airport.
Popular Attractions: Nissi Beach, Kalamies Beach, Famagusta Viewpoint
Things to Do: Spend a day on the Kalamies Beach and visit Muzeum Etnograficzne
Best Places to Stay: Ta Diplarka, Villa Jade
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5. Episkopi
One of the places to go in Cyprus is Episkopi for all the outdoorsy travelers. The place has everything from the cliffs, where one can see the Peregrin falcons' nest to the wetlands on the Ezousa river valley with its black francolins. Colorful bee- eaters and black headed buntings, red fox and Cyprus chameleons are absolutely breathtaking. Tourists will find walking trails, botanical gardens, old churches, stone channels, water mills, dense vineyards and orchards that make the area serene and peaceful. Saint Hilarion the great was a religious figure, whose hermit cell can be seen together with the church that was built in his honor.
Best Time to Visit: September- November
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Paphos Airport
Popular Attractions: The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, Kolossi Castle, The Cyprus Wine Museum
Things to Do: Visit the Kolosso Castle, House of Eustolio
Best Places to Stay: Pine wood, club Aphrodite
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6. Kakopetria
Located at the foothills of the Troodos mountains, Kakopetria has a pleasant climate and gorgeous landscapes, which in turn makes it one of the best tourist places in Cyprus. It has all kinds of fruit trees including apples. It has some vegetable plants as well kine tomatoes and potatoes, along with grains and vineyard for making wine. There are several attractions in the area like the Old Kakopetria, the ancient monument designed by the department of Antiquities. Kakopetria Forest and the Trail of Atalanti, the Milos tis Gonias water mill, Central Square, and the Heroes' Monument are some of the other tourist attractions people should visit. People should definitely put Olive Mill Museum, or Linos Museum on the list of places to see.
Best Time to Visit: October- December
Ideal Duration: 4-5 days
Nearest Airport: Nicosia International Airport
Popular Attractions: Mount olympos, Agios Nikolaos tis steis and church of Panayia
Things to Do: Fun at Marina's Adventure Park, Take pictures by the 'Couple's Rock' and The Watermills of Kakopetria.
Best Places to Stay: The mill hotel, Gallini, Maritsa lodge hotel and Christos house
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7. Kato Polemidia
Northwest of Limassol in Cyprus’ wine country, Kato Polemidia is an ideal place for those who are interested in touring the vineyards and attending wine tastings. The wine tours include watching wine being created and put into the bottles. One can go biking and hiking in the area. The best climb is the 5-hour trek in the mountains to Alhetona, the core of the stone. Story has it that the lovers who visit Alhetona at sunset will stay together forever. Tourists can go on a guided tour of the tea plantation or enjoy drinking tea in bed and breakfast with the view of the mountains. What more can anyone ask for? Doesn’t it sound perfect?
Best Time to Visit: July, August, September
Ideal Duration: 5 days
Nearest Airport: Agia Varvara Airport
Popular Attractions: Cyprus Medical Museum, Limassol Marina
Things to Do: Explore the Agios Georgios Havouzas Church, Sklavenitis hypermarket
Best Places to Stay: White Hostel and Lemongrass hostel
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8. Larnaca
The old soul of Cyprus, Larnaca is the longest inhabited region where people going for a walk along the Palm tree lined Foinikoudes promenade that separates the beach from the shops and eateries. One can even see the old neighborhoods and fish taverns. During the winters, the Salt Lake becomes home to the pink flamingos, making it an amazing site to see. Christian Church of Agios Lazaros and the Muslim Mosque of Hala Sultan are the two most ideal attractions of the town. It is ideal for those who like the idea of wine tasting, walking tours, mini cruises, walking nature trails, diving and bird watching. Is it something most of us have dream of doing when on vacation? Well, it can become a reality.
Best Time to Visit: August, September
Ideal Duration: 3 days
Nearest Airport: Ercan airport
Popular Attractions: church of saint Lazarus, Larnaca Salt Lake, Hala Sultan Tekke
Things to Do: Wine tasting, walking tours, mini cruises and bird watching
Best Places to Stay: Sun Hall Hotel, Radisson Blue Hotel
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Cyprus’ glory is a magnificent sight to see as its civilizations and ruins are absolutely breathtaking. There is so much to do when it comes to visiting a new city with family and friends. Tourists will never have a dull moment while tasting the wine, spending a day on the beaches, going to a walk or even hiking. What more can anyone ask for when going on vacation? It is a dream come true and is something people should not miss out on at all. So, go ahead and book your flights to Cyprus now.
FAQ
Agios Georgios, Ayia Napa, Agros, Deryneia, Episkopi, Kakopetria are some of the best places to see in Cyprus.
Protaras, Paphos, Pernera, Ayia Napa, Limassol are some of the best places to stay in Cyprus.
Visit historic sites, explore stunning beaches, Shop in local markets, Enjoy the Delicious Mezé are some of the things people can enjoy on their visit to Cyprus. There will never be a dull moment and will be a holiday to remember.
Cyprus is known as Aphrodite’s birthplace, the goddess of love and beauty and is absolutely divine. The beauty and charm of the place has left people absolutely awe struck and so, in turn has the title of the Jewel of the Mediterranean.
Wine tasting, visiting a national park, monastery, the archeological wonders of Kurion, and a refreshing time at the Adonis Waterfalls.
May and June is the best time to visit Cyprus as one can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and much more.
Yes, it is absolutely safe. One can easily visit some of the most breathtaking heritage sites in the world.
One can easily move around in taxis and buses.
