Looking for the best sights to see in Cyprus? From its dramatic coastline to its picturesque villages, there is no shortage of sights to see in Cyprus. You will find many historical sites and museums, as well as natural wonders, ancient ruins and Greek folklore. Cyprus is a beautiful country with plenty to offer tourists.
I have visited Cyprus many times but my most recent visit was in the winter of 2022. I have travelled all around the island, including crossing the border into Northern Cyprus and visiting the ghost town of Varosha.
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25 Stunning Sights to See in Cyprus
Read on for my list of 25 stunning sights to see in Cyprus.
Further reading: 81 Unique and Exciting Things to do in Cyprus.
1. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is first on my list of stunning sights to see in Cyprus. This beautiful lagoon is so turquoise blue it is almost otherworldly. It looks the colour of a swimming pool!
The Blue Lagoon is surrounded by cliffs and crystal clear waters, and you can see right down to the sea bed. Legends say that swimming in these waters will make you feel 10 years younger, or give you eternal beauty, depending on which legend you believe.
There are many boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, most with drinks and snacks on board, and some with live music and entertainment too. If you enjoy swimming then consider doing a longer tour, as many people on my tour felt one hour was not enough. The water is warm and refreshing, and there are reefs for snorkelling too.
2. The Tombs of the Kings
Next on my list of sights to see in Cyprus is The Tombs of the Kings. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Paphos. The site consists of a series of underground tombs which are carved out of solid rock and date back to the 4th century BC. The tombs were used as burial chambers for high-ranking officials.
Read more in this post.
3. Ancient Salamis City
There are many ancient sights to see in Cyprus. The Ancient City of Salamis is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. It was founded by Greeks in the 11th century BC (late Bronze Age III) and was once the capital of the island. It is home to many well-preserved ruins, including an amphitheatre, theatre, public baths, a temple and a marketplace.
4. Cape Greco – Sea Caves of Ayia Napa
Of all the naturally beautiful sights to see in Cyprus, the Cape Greco sea caves might be the most geologically remarkable. These beautiful caves are located in the town of Ayia Napa and are surrounded by cliffs and crystal clear waters. You can take a dip in the caves, snorkel the clear waters or relax on the beach. You can also explore the caves by boat.
The bridge pictured above is called ‘Love Bridge’. Legend has it that if you kiss while standing in the middle of the bridge arch and make a wish, your wish will come true.
Ayia Napa has become quite a well known party town in Europe, but don’t let that put you off! Like most party towns, Ayia Napa has another side to it which is far more peaceful than its reputation may suggest.
5. Aphrodite’s Rock
There are lots of sights to see in Cyprus if you are into Greek mythology. Aphrodite’s Rock (also known as Petra tou Romiou) is a large sea stack located off the coast of Paphos. According to Greek mythology, this is where Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the sea. It is also said that if you swim around the rock three times, you will be blessed with eternal youth. However this is not recommended, as the seas can be very rough in this area.
6. Larnaca Salt Lake
Larnaca Salt Lake is a protected area, one of the most important wetland sites in Europe. It is one of the top sights to see in Cyprus for wildlife lovers, as it is home to a number of migratory birds. The lake is located in the Larnaca Bay area and is a Ramsar Convention site. If you want to see flamingoes, you will need to visit during the winter months, when tens of thousands of beautiful pink birds descend on the lake. Remember to take a pair of compact binoculars for birdwatching.
7 . Baths of Aphrodite
This is another of the essential sights to see in Cyprus if you are into Greek mythology. The Baths of Aphrodite is a natural pool located in the Akamas Peninsula. The pool is said to have been used by the goddess Aphrodite and is now one of Cyprus’ most popular tourist attractions. The small grotto is shaded by fig trees and surrounded by wildflowers.
8. Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula is a beautiful area of natural beauty located in the north-west of the island. The peninsula is home to many hiking trails, as well as stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. Popular trails include the Baths of Aphrodite trail and the Adonis trail.
9. Ancient Kourion
The ancient city of Kourion is an example of the historically significant sights to see in Cyprus. It is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. The city was founded in the 12th century BC and flourished until the 4th century AD. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 365 AD and was later rebuilt by the Byzantines. The city is home to a number of well-preserved Roman ruins, including a theatre, baths and an agora.
10. Kyrenia Castle
There are several castles on my list of sights to see in Cyprus.
Kyrenia was established sometime during the 10th century BC. Although there have been excavations that discovered Greek Proof of habitation dating back to the 7th century BC, it wasn’t until Roman rule when the city began to develop.
Byzantine builders were responsible for constructing the city’s castle in an effort to protect Kyrenia from Arab maritime raids.
The Shipwreck Museum, located in one of the rooms off the courtyard, contains the remains of a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship (one of oldest ever found) as well as its cargo.
11. Archbishop’s Palace of Nicosia
The Archbishop’s Palace of Nicosia is the official residence of the Archbishop of Cyprus. The palace is located in the city of Nicosia and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning interior. The palace is also home to a museum with a collection of Byzantine artefacts and icons. If you are in the North of the island, then add this beautiful residence to your list of sights to see in Cyprus.
12. Troodos Mountains
For stunning natural beauty, this is one of the essential sights to see in Cyprus. The Troodos is the largest mountain range on Cyprus and home to forests, hiking trails, and a number of Byzantine churches and monasteries. There are many wonderful tours which take you up into the mountains to meet the local villagers and sample their wares. Be aware it can be about ten degrees cooler in the mountains so you may need an extra layer. I recommend taking a packable microlight jacket like this one.
13. The Ghost Town of Varosha
It is probably quite unusual to include Varosha in a list of sights to see in Cyprus. It is not a popular tourist attraction, or an area of natural beauty. However, if you want to see the impact of conflict and war on local communities, and understand more about the Turkish invasion, then you can cross the Turkish border to see this ghost town.
Varosha is a town located in Famagusta, in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus. During the Turkish Invasion, the Cypriot residents here were forced to flee their homes, and for decades the buildings sat empty and derelict, with nature taking over the structures. With UN intervention, this area has recently been opened to the public, but you will need to cross the Turkish border to get there. I recommend taking a Turkish phrase book like this one.
Further reading: How to Visit Famagusta in Northern Cyprus.
14. Ancient Choirokoitia
History buffs will find this an essential sight to visit in Cyprus. Choirokoitia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ancient neolithic settlement, the site consists of a number of well-preserved archaeological remains that date back to the Neolithic period.
15. Paphos Archaeological Park
There are many sights to see in Cyprus if you are interested in ancient history. The Paphos Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is another extremely important archaeological site. The park is home to a number of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Aphrodite, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paphos.
16. Nissi Beach
This beach tops the list of sights to see in Cyprus if you like beaches! Nissi Beach is a beach located in Ayia Napa. The beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island and is known for its clear waters and white sand beaches. At low tide, a sand walkway appears providing a path from the mainland to a small islet. It can get very busy here at peak times.
Another beach to check out is Lara Bay beach, which is also home to a Turtle Conservation Project.
For your beach visit, I recommend this brilliant beach towel which repels sand, comes in 40 different designs and dries almost instantly. Also very helpful is this foldable sun hat which can be packed in your bag, and this cute picnic set too
Further reading: 12 of the Best Beaches in Cyprus.
17. Adonis Baths
Adding to your list of sights to see in Cyprus for Greek mythology, the Adonis Baths are a series of natural springs located in the village of Lofou. The springs are said to have healing properties and are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lofou.
The story of Aphrodite and Adonis is told all over the island, and the locals are very proud of their folklore.
18. Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery
For those interested in sites of religious importance, this monastery ranks amongst the best sights to see in Cyprus. The monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa is located in a stunning spot near the village of Panagia and west of Paphos.
This important monastery was founded in 1152 by the monk Ignatius, who discovered a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary whilst living in Paphos. Some say Saint Luke himself painted this portrait of the Virgin Mary. Eventually Ignatius relocated to the mountain with his treasured painting and built a monastery there, which he named after the Virgin Chrysorrogiatissa.
Remember if you are visiting monasteries, you will need to cover up your shoulders and knees – I recommend taking a light scarf or sarong for this purpose.
Further reading: 12 Must-See Monasteries in Cyprus.
19. Kykkos Monastery
The Monastery of Kykkos is one of the most important religious sights to see in Cyprus. Situated in the Marathasa region on a mountain peak at an altitude of 4,320 feet, the monastery is one of the richest and most lavishly adorned monasteries in Cyprus. Kykkos Monastery was founded between the 11th-12th century.
This important monastery is dedicated to Panagia, the Virgin Mary. It houses one of the three icons attributed to Agios Loukas the Apostle and Evangelist. The precious icon is coated in silver gilt, and housed in a shrine of mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell.
Don’t forget your light scarf or sarong for visiting Monasteries in Cyprus.
Further reading: 12 Must-See Monasteries in Cyprus.
20. Chantara Waterfall
The Chantara waterfall in the Limassol Province took its name from the Cypriot translation of “water noise.” What makes this destination unique is that it has a turbulent flow, descending 8 metres onto one of Cyprus’ largest rocks called ‘gavro,’ and finally landing in a lake. It is one of the many natural wonders to see in the Troodos mountains of Cyprus.
21. Paphos Castle
The Paphos Castle is a small rectangular castle on the harbour front. The castle is also home to a museum with a collection of Byzantine artefacts and icons. This is also one of the best sights to see in Cyprus at night, as it looks beautiful lit up in different colours after dark.
22. Edro III shipwreck
A cargo ship that ran aground, the Edro III was carrying 9 crew members who were all rescued when the boat ran into trouble in 2011. Whilst you are not allowed on the ship itself, you can go right up to it to take photos. Nearby sights to see in Cyprus include the banana plantations which are right next to the beach and the shipwreck.
23. Paphos Harbour
The Paphos Harbour is a must-see sight for any visitor to Cyprus. It is a pleasant harbour located in the town of Paphos and is surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars. You can also take a boat ride around the harbour, visit the castle or simply enjoy the view.
24. Omodos Village
If you like wine, Omodos is one of the best places to visit in Cyprus. Omodos is a traditional Cypriot village located in the wine-growing region of Limassol, 800 metres high in the Troodos mountains. The village is home to many old churches and monasteries, as well as a number of traditional taverns and cafes. You can easily while away an afternoon by taking a stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the beautiful architecture and tasting the local wines.
25. Cyprus Wineries & Vineyards
This is more of a general entry, and not one specific place to visit, as there are so many wineries in Cyprus that I couldn’t choose just one!
The island of Cyprus is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The Mediterranean climate and terroir are perfect for growing grapes, and the island has a long history of viticulture. There are hundreds of wineries and vineyards to visit in Cyprus, where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste the delicious wines produced on the island.
My photos above are from the Tsangarides Winery which was an excellent wine tasting experience and a great day out. The vines themselves were amongst the most beautiful sights to see in Cyprus and I highly recommend visiting one of the many wineries in Cyprus during your visit.
Map of Sights to See in Cyprus
How to use this map: click the tab on the top left to see the list of places. Click the blue icons on the map to see more information about each place. Click the star to add to your own Google Maps.
Related Reading for Cyprus
Travel Advice For your Trip to Cyprus
The island of Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Cyprus is from April to October, when the weather is most plesant.
I recommend renting a car for your trip to Cyprus (I use Discover Cars – a brilliant car comparison site). Always remember that they drive on the left in Cyprus!
The currency in Cyprus is the Euro (or Turkish Lira if you cross the border into Nothern Cyprus – read my post about crossing the border).
Below are some helpful links for your trip:
Pin it for later – 25 Stunning Sights to See in Cyprus
Travelling soon? Check my 20 Must-Have Travel Essentials post before you go.
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Tags: Cyprus, Europe
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