Cyprus—lovely island in the eastern Med, right under Turkey. Beaches, mountains, loads of sunshine. Really nice place for a break. There’s lots of history around too—bits from Greece, Turkey, and the UK mixed together.
Just a heads-up though—since the 70s, the island’s been split into two parts. Greek side’s in the south (safe, friendly, best for tourists), but the north is Turkish-controlled and honestly a bit sketchy—lots of scams and theft issues. Stick south and you’ll have a good time.
1. Larnaca – Nice Coastal City
Pretty relaxed place. Old Town’s worth a wander—churches, a medieval fort, that sort of thing. Promenade has nice cafes, palms lining the walk. Sunset boat rides are a treat. Flamingos visit the nearby salt lake in winter, pretty cool if you catch them. Good seafood around too—nice spot to just chill out.
2. Limassol – Good Mix of Beach and City
Bigger than Larnaca but still chilled. Beaches are clean, promenade’s lively, loads of places to grab food or drinks. Old harbour is nice for evening walks, and there’s a good mix of trendy spots and local tavernas. Kolossi Castle and ancient Amathus nearby if you want a bit of history.
3. Kykkos Monastery – Peaceful Mountain Spot
Up in the mountains. Really quiet monastery, amazing paintings inside—worth seeing even if you’re not religious. Little museum there too, small entry fee. Nearby trails and viewpoints—perfect for short hikes or just sitting and enjoying the view. Cooler air up here, nice break from heat.
4. Nicosia – Split Capital
Bit strange—city’s split by the Green Line. Easy enough to cross at Ledra Street, just bring ID. Honestly, north side can be dodgy—watch your stuff closely. Southern side’s much safer, with lovely old Venetian walls, bustling streets, and cafes. Great food here too, especially around the old town.
5. Kourion Archaeological Park – Cliffside Ruins
Ruins on cliffs looking out over the sea—really nice views. Amphitheatre’s impressive, mosaics are well-preserved. Easy to walk around, take photos, just soak it all in. Apollo’s sanctuary nearby adds another interesting spot to check out, usually quieter.
6. Famagusta – Medieval City (Careful Here)
Interesting but it’s in the north, so risky area. Medieval centre’s beautiful, cathedral turned mosque is unique. But honestly, theft and scams happen a lot here. Varosha, a ghost town nearby, is eerie—though probably not worth trouble or safety risks.
7. Polis – Quiet Town in the Northwest
Quiet beaches, fresh seafood at Latchi Harbour, perfect sunsets. Great spot if you’re avoiding crowds. Saw turtles once, made the visit special. Close to Akamas Peninsula, great for hikes or nature spotting.
8. Kakopetria – Traditional Village
Cute little village with cobbled streets, stone buildings. Olive Mill Museum’s interesting. Local food’s tasty—fresh trout especially good. Cool mountain air, perfect place for relaxing walks or just unwinding.
9. Aphrodite’s Rock – Legendary Spot
Beautiful coastline spot where Aphrodite supposedly came out of the sea. Nice pebble beaches, clear waters ideal for swimming. Good photo ops, quick swim or picnic. Legend says a swim here grants eternal beauty—might as well give it a go.
10. Lefkara – Lace and Quiet Streets
Small village famous for lace-making, nice little streets lined with shops selling handmade crafts. Good spot for coffee or leisurely walks. Terra Oliva Farm nearby is interesting for olive oil tours. Ancient ruins at Choirokoitia not far away if you’re into really old history.
11. Cape Greco – Nice Coastal Trails
Beautiful coastal paths, sea caves, and the famous Blue Lagoon. Trails are easy, views stunning—just remember there’s no shade, bring water and sunscreen. Close to Ayia Napa, popular for nightlife. Great snorkelling here—lots of colourful fish and clear waters.
12. Troodos Forest – Nature Walks
Cool forests, mountains, waterfalls—perfect for nature lovers. Trails like Artemis loop around Mount Olympus are easy walks with good views. Winter skiing available if you’re here then. Nearby villages, like Platres, have nice cafes and local charm.
13. Paphos – Popular Coastal Town
Popular with tourists but still nice. Good beaches, lively harbour area with great seafood. Historic sites like Roman mosaics and ancient tombs worth exploring. Aphrodite’s Waterpark fun if travelling with family.
14. Omodos – Wine Village
Charming village surrounded by vineyards. Wine tastings here are casual and fun. Monastery adds some historical interest. Bakeries have fantastic pastries—definitely stop for a snack.
15. Akamas Peninsula – Untouched Nature
Wild and beautiful area, ideal if you love nature. Great hikes through dramatic gorges, turtle nesting beaches at Lara Bay, crystal-clear waters of Blue Lagoon. Need a 4×4 vehicle or hop on boat tour. Spring’s best—wildflowers everywhere, birds too.
Quick Travel Tips
- Best weather is spring or autumn. Summer’s very hot, especially inland.
- Renting a car’s handy—just keep in mind, you can’t cross north with rental cars.
- Bus services between main towns are reliable and budget-friendly.
- English is widely spoken, along with Greek in the south and Turkish in the north.
- Drive on the left, UK-style plugs used everywhere.
- Always carry your ID near the Green Line.
Cyprus is genuinely lovely—perfect blend of beaches, history, relaxed towns. Definitely worth your visit!
