***Cape Greco National Park (Ayia Napa)***

If you’ve never heard of Cyprus, this delightful Mediterranean island should definitely be on your radar. Located to the south of Greece and west of Turkey, this island nation spans only 225 kilometers (140 miles) at its longest yet possesses nearly 650 kilometers (400 miles) of coastline. Considering Cyprus’ unblemished golden beaches and crystalline waters, it’s one of the best destinations for your next beach holiday but it can be difficult to know where to begin.

What adds to Cyprus’ charm is the plethora of beach towns outlining the country, each more pristine than the last. Hence, I’ve comprised a list of the five best cities to visit in Cyprus to make the most of your time in the sun and, for travelers yearning to dive into everything this isle has to offer, there’s plenty more to do than suntan. Cyprus also has several archaeological sites dating back to the 2nd century BC as well as many museums for the more culturally inclined so this listicle has something for everyone!

Since 1975 the country has been split into two regions, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and with the Republic of Cyprus to the south, and both claim legitimate ownership of the country of Cyprus. Despite the 300-km (187-mile) long border (one of the most heavily guarded in the world) separating the two halves, it’s possible to visit both without too much hassle.

Still, this article will focus on the top destinations in southern Cyprus due to the ease of traveling around the island thanks to the reliable transportation system. If you’re ready to start your vacation in Cyprus and need some inspiration, I’ve got just the ticket.

1. Larnaca

If you’re flying into Southern Cyprus (not to be confused with Northern Cyprus), you’ll undoubtedly land in either Nicosia International Airport or Larnaca International Airport. Beach-lovers would do well to head directly to Larnaca, a lively coastal town with lots of entertainment on offer. Along Larnaca’s kilometers of white-sand beaches are several boardwalks complete with enough beach bars and restaurants to keep you entertained from dusk until dawn.

Find Finikoudes Beach, right in the heart of Larnaca, or mosey southward to Mackenzie Beach, home to the best nightlife in the area including dance clubs and luxury lounges. Larnaca’s central location also makes it the perfect starting point for any day trip around the island. The town additionally has copious attractions to visit during the day as well, such as:

Finikoudes Beach
Larnaca Medieval Fort
Church of Saint Lazarus
Larnaca Marina
Mackenzie Beach
Larnaca Municipal Art Gallery
Umm Haram Mosque
Larnaca Salt Lake Trail
Hala Sultan Tekke
Salt Lake View Point
Kastella Beach
Kamares Aqueduct
Zenobya Shipwreck

Whether you want to spend your days hitting the waves or your nights hitting the bars, Larnaca has everything you need for the ideal beach vacay!

2. Limassol

This bustling beach town is located only 70 kilometers away from Larnaca but double the size of its sister town and also hosting double the sites. If you’re craving some fun and sun with a hint of culture, Limassol has the perfect combination of historical landmarks and splendid golden coasts.

Moreover, Limassol sports plenty of trendy bars and upscale restaurants serving the freshest seafood to make sure you’re always getting a taste of the high life. Some popular destinations in the area include:

Limassol Castle
Ayia Napa Cathedral
Akti Olympion Beach
Great Mosque
Molos Promenade
Limassol Marina
Platia Iroon (Heroes’ Square)
Limassol Archeological Museum
Saint Catherine’s Church
Limassol Municipal Zoo
Lady’s Mile Beach
Cyprus Motor Museum
Dasoudi Beach
Kolossi Castle
Avdimou Beach

Rent an umbrella and chaise at the beach for the perfect lazy day or hit up a museum to escape the Mediterranean heat whiling soaking up some art.

Either way, something you like is bound to catch your eye.

3. Ayia Napa (Agia Napa)

***View from Cyclops Cave (Cape Greco Park)***

This ritzy resort town has it all; from casinos and multi-level nightclubs to crystal clear waters and breathtaking hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. For travelers wanting to live it up in style, Ayia Napa is home to some of the island’s best all-inclusive beachfront resorts and the finest dining this side of the Mediterranean from surf to turf.

Book a private hammock on the beach to keep back in luxury while swinging in the warm breeze or dance until dawn at any of the town’s copious late-night establishments. Apart from the vivacious nightlife, Ayia Napa also boasts some of the most idyllic beaches in Cyprus. It also has several important historical sights for travelers looking to do more than sunbathing all day. Some top attractions include:

Ayia Napa Sculpture Park
Park Paliatso Luna Park
Ayia Napa Cactus Park
Nissi Beach
Ayia Napa WaterWorld Waterpark
Ayia Napa Harbour
Makronissos Beach
Ayia-Thekla Chapel
Ammos Kambouri Beach
Ayia Napa Sea Caves
Cape Greco National Forest Park
Konnos Beach
Cyclops Cave

While in the area, I highly recommend planning a day trip to Cape Greco National Park, located just to the southeast.

The national park is a gorgeous natural landscape with famous geographical landmarks, easy hiking trails, and some of the best snorkeling sites on the island. Pack your lunch to have a picnic at any of its exquisite beaches or bring your gear to go cave diving in any of the many sea caves sprinkled along the coast. You won’t want to miss out!

4. Pafos (Paphos)

This sunny beach town located to the island’s southwest has a history that stretches back to the Neolithic Age and, according to local legends, is the goddess Aphrodite’s birthplace. Aside from a plethora of archaeological sites, the coastal town is also home to several world-class beaches where you can spend the day getting sun-drenched and sea-breezed.

Raid the Tomb of the Kings for a peek into the Ancient World or hit up a local beach for an epic day of fun and sun (the best beaches are better reached by car or public transportation). For both avid divers and casual explorers, Pafos likewise hosts many shipwrecks along its shores from days past. Some are viewable from the shoreline but most are best explored up close and personal. There are many alluring attractions in the area for travelers seeking a bit more adventure, like:

***Lighthouse at Nea Paphos Archaeological Site***

Tomb of the Kings
Nea Paphos Archaeological Site
Coral Bay Beach
Pafos Sea Caves
Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
St George Beach
Byzantine Church of Agia Paraskevi
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa Church
Rikkos Beach
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
Edro III Shipwreck
Adonis Baths Waterfalls
Pissouri Beach
Avakas Gorge

It can be a bit complicated to get around the area since most of its main attractions are quite spread out so renting a car for a day or two is greatly advised if possible (rentals are cheap).

While you’re at it, why not check out some sea caves in the area at low tide or spend the afternoon sampling Pafos wine at a local winery for a real taste of the Mediterranean? Then, patronize any of the popular waterfront resto-bars for some delectable seafood that is sure to have your mouth watering for more.

5. Nicosia

A list of the best places to visit in Cyprus would not be complete without mentioning Nicosia, the capital located at the dead-center of the island (and also split with the Turkish-run northern half of the island). Although Nicosia doesn’t possess a coastline like the other destinations, what it lacks in sand and sea, it makes up for in historical sites and cultural venues.

History buffs would do well to explore the archaeological sites scattered around the area, some dating back as far as the 2nd century BC, or spy the medieval walls still enshrouding parts of the city. Art aficionados will also have their fill of art galleries and museums, housing some of the largest collections of ancient Cypriot artworks in the entire country. Unmissable landmarks include:

Cyprus Museum
Selimiye Mosque
Venetian City Walls
Samanbahce Houses
Famagusta Gate
Liberty Monument
Museum of Barbarism
Paphos Gate
Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion
Mall of Cyprus
A.G. Leventis Gallery
Athalassa National Forest Park

For thrill-seekers, why not cross the border into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which shares the island with the Republic of Cyprus to the south? The heavily-guarded 300-km (187-mile) long border that splits Nicosia in half and separates the two sides is easy enough to cross with just a flash of your passport, allowing you to (technically) tick two countries off in one go.

Now, how’s that for your bucket list?

Final Thoughts

***Nea Paphos Archaeological Site (Pafos)***

Cyprus is chock full of white-sand beaches, archaeological treasure troves, and stimulating nightlife, a heady combination that will keep you rocking until your departure flight comes a-knocking. This article can’t begin to cover all the activities available on the island nation but, hopefully, it will be a good start for your next trip.

Make sure to take advantage of the cheap public transportation to city-hop around (like going anywhere for less than 10€) and get to as many destinations as possible. Some equally bucket-list-worthy sites include Kourion (an archaeological site adjacent to a pebble-beach), Mountain Olympus (home of the gods), and Cape Greco (the best place to go cliff-diving).

I had the best time in Cyprus since the locals are friendly and most spoke English so you shouldn’t have any difficulty communicating. Traveling around the island and accommodation also aren’t expensive (around the same prices you’d find in Spain) and Cypriot cuisine is an utterly delightful blend of Greek and Turkish dishes. The wild nightlife in Ayia Napa and Larnaca didn’t hurt, either!

If you have some extra time, I recommend attempting to cross into Northern Cyprus while in Nicosia to see how the other half lives in Lefkosa, as that part of the capital is referred to by locals. I had the pleasure of doing so when I went to catch my flight to Turkey from Ecran Airport (which only offers domestic flights to its sister nation) and it was an unforgettable experience.

***Welcome sign in Lefkosa (Northern Cyprus)***

Whether you head to Cyprus for laughs or luxury, you’re sure never to be disappointed. Just wear plenty of sun cream and you’ll see all set. Write me when you get there!

May you get lost in the wonder,

M