Cyprus Ultimate Travel Guide: Best Things To Do In Cyprus

Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is the perfect destination for those looking for relaxing beaches, rich history, delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. With sights ranging from ancient ruins to bustling towns, and breathtaking nature, a trip to Cyprus offers something for everyone. Whether you dream of sunbathing on sandy beaches, exploring historic towns, hiking in the Troodos Mountains or sampling traditional Cypriot cuisine, this Mediterranean gem will not disappoint.

In this post, you’ll find top tips for planning your trip to Cyprus – from where to stay, which places to visit, what to eat, how to get around the island, to the most beautiful beaches you simply must visit and best things to do in Cyprus. If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus, this guide is all you need for the perfect trip.

Things you should know before traveling

Visa & entry requirements

A passport must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from Cyprus and must contain at least two blank pages. Citizens of the European Union (EU) countries, as well as of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway may enter Cyprus with their national identity card. A list of countries requiring a Visa to enter Cyprus can be found on the webpage: www.mfa.gov.cy.

Currency

The official currency is the euro (€). Card payments are widespread, but it’s a good idea to have some cash for smaller stores and markets. You will also need cash if you use public transport, as card payment is not possible on the bus. In the northern part of the island, the currency used is the Turkish lira, although the euro is widely accepted.

Language

The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish (in the northern part of the island). English is widely spoken, as Cyprus is a former British colony.

Driving

Cyprus uses the British driving system, which means they drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are planning to rent a car, please pay particular attention to this. Driving on the left applies to the whole island.

There is one additional point I would like to make here. Many vehicles hired in the Republic of Cyprus are not insured for use in the north of Cyprus. Please check with the provider where you will be renting the vehicle beforehand about the possibility of passing through checkpoints.

Sockets

In Cyprus, they use British sockets (type G), so you will need to bring a suitable adapter.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cyprus is from April to June and from September to October, when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are slightly less. The summer months (July and August) are extremely hot, with temperatures above 35 °C.

Where to stay in Cyprus

Choosing the right location for your stay is crucial, as Cyprus has many different regions, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Nicosia (for history and culture lovers) – Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is a great choice for those who want to explore history and culture. It offers many museums, traditional restaurants and the opportunity to explore the divided city – the southern Greek and the northern Turkish part.

Larnaca (great base for exploring the island and close to the airport) – a great choice for those looking for a combination of city life and beaches. Located close to the main international airport it offers a beautiful seafront promenade and the famous salt lake with flamingos.

Limassol (for nightlife and luxury lovers) – Limassol is the liveliest city in Cyprus, known for its excellent restaurants, bars and luxury hotels. It also has a modern marina and a beautiful old town.

Paphos (perfect choice for history and nature lovers) – Paphos is a great choice for those who want to combine relaxing on the beach with learning about history. Sights such as the Royal Tombs and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite are a must-visit.

Ayia Napa (a paradise for party lovers and paradise beaches) – If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and a rich nightlife, Ayia Napa is the place to go. It is famous for its white sandy beaches and lively clubs. If you’re not looking for a party, I advise against looking for accommodation here.

Places to visit

Cyprus offers a wide range of interesting places, from historic capitals to picturesque fishing villages. Each town has its own unique charm, so it’s worth visiting several places to experience the diversity of the island. Here are some of the places I highly recommend you visit if time permits.

Nicosia

Nicosia (Lefkosia) is the only European capital still divided between two countries – the southern Greek part and the northern Turkish part. The city offers a fascinating insight into the history and politics of Cyprus. In Nicosia, you can cross the border between the Greek and Turkish parts at three crossing points – Ayios Dometios/Metehan, Ledra Palace and Ledra/Lokmaci – the latter two for pedestrians and cyclists. If you are staying on the Greek part of the island, you will need an identity document to visit Nicosia if you wish to visit the Turkish part.

What to see in Nicosia?

• Ledra Street and the crossing to the northern part of the city – here you can cross the border at a checkpoint and see the Turkish part of Nicosia.
• Büyük Han – a 16th century Ottoman caravanserai (travellers’ inn), now converted into art shops and cafés.
• Cyprus Museum – the largest archaeological museum on the island, where you can see artefacts dating back thousands of years.
• Venetian-era walls – the mighty 11 bastions that surround the old town.

💡 Tip: To experience the atmosphere of old Nicosia, take a stroll through the Laiki Geitonia district, where you’ll find narrow streets, traditional houses and local shops.

Larnaca

Larnaca is one of the oldest cities in Cyprus and a great base for exploring the island. Airport Larnaca is the main international airport in Cyprus, so the city is often the first stop for tourists.

What to see and do in Larnaca?

• Finikoudes Beach – a popular city beach with palm trees and many restaurants.
• Salt Lake and flamingos – pink flamingos nest here in winter and in summer the lake dries out to create a spectacular white surface.
• Agios Lazaros Church – a 9th century Byzantine church dedicated to St Lazarus. It is worth a visit both during the day and in the evening.
• The sunken city of Kition – ruins of an ancient Phoenician city dating from the 13th century BC.
• Coffee in one of the great specialty coffee cafés – caffeine lovers will find several cafés in Larnaca that are either charming, serve great specialty coffee or a combination of both. My favourite is Menta, but I can also recommend Paul’s Coffee Roasters and Tis Chrysanthi’s To Kafe, where you can also have a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner.

I have a post for my coffee lovers about the best coffee places in Larnaca.

💡 Tip: For an authentic Cypriot experience, visit the village of Lefkara, famous for its beautiful lace and silver jewellery. It’s close to Larnaca, so it’s a great option for a day trip.

Limassol

Limassol (Lemesos) is the second largest city in Cyprus and a dynamic centre of nightlife, culture and business. It is also home to one of the most beautiful marinas in the Mediterranean.

What to see in Limassol?

• The Old Town and Limassol Castle – the historic centre of Limassol with its charming streets, restaurants and museums.
• Limassol Marina – a modern luxury marina with restaurants and boutiques.
• Kourion Archaeological Site – An ancient Greco-Roman site with a magnificent amphitheatre and mosaics.
• Limassol Wine Festival (September) – the perfect opportunity to taste Cypriot wines such as the famous Commandaria.

💡 Tip: If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit Governor’s Beach, one of the most beautiful on the south coast.

If you are planning a trip to Cyprus, including a visit to Limassol, read here how to spend a day in Limassol.

Paphos

Paphos is one of the most important historic towns in Cyprus and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History, nature and relaxing beaches meet here.

What to see in Paphos?

• Paphos Archaeological Park – Roman mosaics and ancient ruins dating back to the 2nd century BC.
• Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou) – the legendary site where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have been born from the sea.
• Tombs of the Kings – underground tombs dating from the 4th century BC, carved into the rock.

💡 Tip: Paphos is a great base for visiting the Akamas peninsula, famous for its unspoilt nature and sandy coves like Lara Beach.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Cyprus, known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches with crystal clear waters. Of all the places I’ve visited on the island, I was least impressed by Ayia Napa, as it really is all about the party.

What to see in Ayia Napa?

• Nissi Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus with turquoise waters and white sand. Due to its popularity, the beach is expected to be packed with visitors. If you want to see it, I recommend you visit it in the morning before the crowds, otherwise I suggest you choose another beach.
• Cape Greco – a natural park with incredible cliffs, caves and viewpoints.
• Sea Caves
• Love Bridge – a natural stone bridge over the sea, ideal for romantic sunsets.
• Ayia Napa Monastery – a historic 16th-century monastery that bears witness to the history of the town.

💡 Tip: If you want a more laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches, head to Protaras, where the famous Fig Tree Bay awaits.

Kyrenia (Northern Cyprus)

Kyrenia (Girne) is one of the most picturesque towns in northern Cyprus, famous for its Venetian fortress and beautiful harbour.

What to see in Kyrenia?

• The Venetian Fortress of Kyrenia – offering a magnificent view of the harbour and a museum of shipwrecks dating back to the 4th century BC.
• Abbaye Bellapais – a medieval monastery with spectacular views of the coast.
• Alagadi Beach – famous for its sea turtle nesting.

Visiting Northern Cyprus requires crossing the border, but the process is quick and easy.

Troodos mountains

The Troodos Mountains are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the coast, offering beautiful views, picturesque villages and a rich cultural heritage. The area is popular with hikers, nature lovers and those wishing to explore the traditional Cypriot way of life.

What to see in the Troodos Mountains?

• Olympus (Olympos) – the highest peak in Cyprus 🏔️ (1,952 m) – you can even ski here in winter!
• Byzantine churches and monasteries – in the Troodos Mountains you will find 10 UNESCO churches, famous for their stunning frescoes, including:
• Kykkos Monastery – the richest and most famous monastery in Cyprus, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• The Church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis – one of the most beautiful churches with frescoes dating back to the 11th century.
• Kalopanayiotis and Omodos – two charming traditional villages with stone houses, local wine producers and authentic Cypriot hospitality.
• Millomeris and Caledonia Waterfalls – pleasant hikes to stunning waterfalls, especially refreshing in summer.

If you visit Troodos in summer, expect pleasantly cooler temperatures than on the coast – a great destination to escape the heat!

Cyprus public transport

Cyprus has no railways and buses are the main form of public transport. In my experience, public transport in Cyprus is reliable and affordable. Buses are comfortable and can take you to almost all the important places for visitors to Cyprus in a relatively short time.

InterCity intercity buses connect Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos, Ayia Napa and Limassol. For a one-way journey on an intercity bus you will pay approx. €4-7 depending on the distance between the cities, and for a return journey approx. €7-13. As mentioned, the buses are affordable and reliable.

Local buses are the main means of transport in cities such as Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Ayia Napa. Each major city has its own main bus service provider. I spent €1.50 or €2.40 depending on the place for a ride on the local buses. I hardly used the local buses in the cities, except for certain destinations, because otherwise the cities are smaller and almost everything is accessible on foot.

🚍 For all the information on how to get from the airport to your final destination and other details on public transport in Cyprus, please read my post about Cyprus public transport.

Taxis are expensive in Cyprus, so it makes more sense to hire a car, especially if you want to explore the less touristy parts of the island.

Renting a car

Renting a car is one of the best options for exploring Cyprus, as many attractions are only accessible by car.

Cyprus is one of the countries where driving is on the left-hand side of the road, as the island was once a British colony. This means:

• The steering wheel is on the right side of the car.
• Roundabouts are driven anti-clockwise.
• Overtaking is on the right hand side.
• The gearbox is operated with the left hand.

💡 Tip: If you’ve never driven on the left before, I recommend renting a car with an automatic gearbox, as it will help you concentrate on the traffic.

Speed limits & rules

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Regional roads: 80 km/h
• Motorways: 100 km/h (minimum speed 65 km/h)
• Seat belt is compulsory for all passengers.
• Telephoning while driving is only allowed via the hands-free system.
• The alcohol limit is 0.22 mg/l (0.09 mg/l for young drivers).
  🚦 Police often carry out checks, so follow the rules!

It is advisable to take out full third-party insurance. It is best to book a car in advance as prices are lower than on site.
💡 Tip: If you plan to drive on unsealed roads (e.g. to Akamas National Park), check if this is allowed by the rental contract.

Cyprus is politically divided into a southern (Greek) and a northern (Turkish) part.

🚗 If you rent a car in Southern Cyprus: Most rent-a-car companies do not allow border crossings.
If you want to cross the border anyway, you need to buy additional insurance at the border (usually around €20-30).
Southern insurance is not valid in the north, which means that if you don’t have additional insurance, you are responsible for the costs in case of an accident.

🚗 If you rent a car in Northern Cyprus: Cars cannot be driven south from the north.

Culinary in Cyprus

Cypriot food is a unique blend of Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern influences, offering a wide variety of tasty dishes. Fresh ingredients, aromatic spices and a Mediterranean touch are the hallmarks of a cuisine you must experience. Cypriot food reminds me mainly of Greek food in terms of flavours and dishes, which is understandable. A trip to Cyprus is not complete without indulging in some traditional dishes.

Meze

Meze is a series of small dishes served over several courses, creating a true culinary experience. Restaurants usually offer:

• Cold starters: tzatziki, tahini, hummus, olives, pickled vegetables
• Hot snacks: grilled halloumi, loukaniko (Cypriot sausages), lountza (smoked pork)

💡 Tip: Meze is a great choice for dinner as you can try several different Cypriot specialities.

Main dishes

Halloumi – a semi-hard cheese made from goat’s and sheep’s milk, which does not melt, making it perfect for grilling. Served as a snack, in sandwiches or as a side dish.

💡 Where to try? You can often find halloumi in traditional tavernas or buy it in local shops.

Souvlaki / Cypriot “street food” – Cypriot souvlaki are small pieces of marinated meat (pork, chicken or lamb), grilled and served in a pita with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce. This is a popular fast food on the island.

Stifado – slow cooked meat (often beef or rabbit) in a rich sauce of red wine, onion, cinnamon and tomatoes. This is one of the most aromatic dishes in Cypriot cuisine.

Moussaka – Similar to the Greek version, the Cypriot moussaka consists of layers of aubergines, potatoes, minced meat and béchamel sauce, then baked until golden brown.

Kleftiko – a traditional Cypriot dish of lamb roasted in clay ovens at a low temperature. The meat is marinated with lemon, garlic and spices and becomes extremely tender.

Avgolemono – a refreshing favourite soup made with chicken stock, eggs and lemon, giving it a creamy texture and a slightly sour taste.

Cypriot sweets

Loukoumades – These small fried balls of dough are topped with honey, cinnamon and nuts, making them the perfect sweet snack.

Baklava – A sweet legacy of the Ottoman Empire, baklava is made with layers of puff pastry, nuts and honey or syrup. The Cypriot version is often less sweet than the Turkish version.

Glyko tou koutaliou – These are candied fruits preserved in a sweet syrup, often served as a traditional welcome to guests.

Wines & drinks

🍷 Commandaria – the world’s oldest wine, a sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes.
🍶 Zivania – a strong Cypriot brandy similar to raki.
☕ Kafes (Cypriot coffee) – strong coffee brewed like Turkish coffee, served with sediment in a cup.

Tip: To enhance your trip to Cyprus and taste authentic Cypriot food, visit local tavernas instead of tourist restaurants!

Best beaches in Cyprus

Cyprus has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, from sandy beaches to wild rocky coves. Your trip to Cyprus would be incomplete without visiting at least one of these beautiful beaches, but I would definitely recommend that you plan your trip to Cyprus so that you visit several beaches. Here are some suggestions for visiting some of the beaches that are considered to be the most beautiful in Cyprus.

Nissi beach, Ayia Napa

🌊 Turquoise water + soft white sand = a tropical paradise!
🍹 Lively atmosphere – beach bars, music and many activities.
🏊‍♀️ Shallow waters – ideal for children and families.
🎉 Perfect for young people and those looking for fun.

💡 Tip: The beach is very popular, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning!

Fig Tree Bay, Protaras

🌴 Iconic fig tree by the shore.
🐠 Great location for snorkelling – corals and fish.
⛵ Kayaks and paddleboards available for rent.
♿ Available access for disabled people

💡 Tip: If you want a more peaceful atmosphere, take a walk to the smaller bays nearby.

Konnos beach, between Ayia Napa & Protaras

Surrounded by cliffs and pine trees.
Perfect for kayaking and exploring hidden coves.
☀️ Less crowded than Nissi Beach.

💡 Tip: Bring water shoes as some rocks are slippery.

Makronissos beach, Ayia Napa

🌊 Turquoise water and golden-yellow sand.
🤿 Perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
🌅 Beautiful sunsets.

💡 Tip: Nearby you can visit Makronissos Tombs, an archaeological site.

Lara beach, Akamas peninsula (Lara turtle beach)

Wild and unspoilt nature – access by off-road vehicle only.
🐢 Nesting site of the endangered Caretta caretta turtle.
❌ No bars or sun loungers. Perfect for peace and nature lovers.

💡 Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks as there is no service on the beach!

Coral Bay, Paphos

🏖️ Sandy beach with calm sea.
☀️ Lots of sunbeds and umbrellas.
🍽️ Close to restaurants and bars.

Popular with locals, so it’s busier at weekends.

Mackenzie beach, Larnaca

🍹 Ideal for enjoying with cocktails
✈️ Best beach for watching planes landing

I planned my trip to Cyprus by including several beaches – from the popular ones to the less visited ones. Of all the beaches I saw on the island, I was most impressed by the beaches in Protaras. Fig Tree Bay is beautiful, but there are a lot of hotels nearby and the beach was consequently crowded. That didn’t suit me very well, so I looked for a quieter bay.

The thing that surprised me most about visiting beaches in Cyprus was the fact that the price of renting sunbeds and umbrellas on public beaches is regulated by the municipality, so the price is the same everywhere. The price of one sun lounger is €2.50, and you will also pay €2.50 to rent an umbrella. The total cost for 2 sunbeds and an umbrella is €7.50, which is incredibly cheap.

Cyprus is a destination that captivates with its diversity. From idyllic beaches and lively cities to peaceful mountain villages and delicious cuisine. The island offers a rich history, stunning nature and hospitable locals. This makes it a great choice for both beach holidays and active exploration.

If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus for the first time, I recommend you take at least a week to experience the different faces of the island – from historic Nicosia to the magical beaches of Ayia Napa and Paphos and the hiking trails of Troodos. Hiring a car will allow you to discover hidden corners that you couldn’t reach by public transport. Whether you choose to explore the old towns, enjoy the local food or simply relax by the sea, you’re sure to find your favourite experience in Cyprus.

Planning a trip to Cyprus ? Let me know which cities or attractions are on your list! Have you already visited Cyprus? Which beach or place has charmed you the most? Share your impressions in the comments!