I can tell you first-hand that there are many incredible things to do in Cyprus. It’s home to some amazing beaches, mountains, and waterfalls to climb and explore, as well as some fantastic wineries. If you decide to visit Cyprus as I did, you won’t be stuck for things to do.
In addition to the delicious Cypriot food, it’s a foodie heaven, with flavors from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria ready to be discovered.
I lived in Cyprus as a digital nomad for around 4 months, and I fell in love with this beautiful country and its friendly and welcoming people. While it’s a small island, there are a surprising amount of things to see in Cyprus.
If you’re planning things to do on your trip to Cyprus, read on to find out my top 15 must-dos in this incredible place.
Best Things To Do in Cyprus
Here are my top 15 things to do in Cyprus, featuring something different for every type of traveler. If you’re wondering what to see in Cyprus, then this list should help you come up with a few ideas.
1. Enjoy the Incredible Beaches
When you think of Cyprus, you’re most likely to think of beautiful beaches, and for good reason.
Cyprus has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, and spending time sunning yourself is one of the best things to do in Cyprus.
Wherever you’re staying, there are incredible beaches to enjoy. Coral Bay, on the west coast close to Paphos, is stunning. Staying near Coral Bay is one of the best things to do in Cyprus for families. The expansive beaches, calm waters, and ample accommodation options make this a perfect spot for families.
On the east coast, Protaras, in Fig Tree Bay, is one of the most popular coastal attractions in Cyprus. This stunning cove has some of the whitest sand and bluest water on the island. Along the coast in Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach is also hugely popular with tourists and locals.
Finally, if you’re staying in the cosmopolitan city of Limassol, you’ll have plenty of great city beaches to explore. Check out my blog on the best beaches in Limassol to find the perfect spot for you.
The entire coastline of Cyprus is stunning, with the clearest water I have ever seen. I remember being taken aback by their beauty! What’s more, the beaches are public, so it’s one of the best free things to do in Cyprus.
2. Troodos Mountains Food and Wine Tour
Away from the coast, Cyprus has some stunning nature in the center of the island. This area is dominated by the magnificent Troodos Mountains, which tower over the island and provide incredible views.
The Troodos Mountains are also home to some amazing, traditional towns and villages, showcasing the artisanal skills of their inhabitants. For foodies like me, one of the best things to do in Cyprus is to head to the Troodos Mountains on this epic full-day food and wine-tasting tour.
The tour incorporates some of my favorite things about Cyprus. Incredible nature and views, locally produced and delicious food, home-grown wine, and award-winning vineyards. A full, traditional meze lunch is included and pick-up can be arranged from any of the major cities in Cyprus.
It’s an excellent, all-inclusive tour of the heart of the island and is one of my top things to do in Cyprus.
3. Visit the Tomb of the Kings
For fans of ancient history, Cyprus is packed full of fascinating ruins and archaeological sites to be explored. If you’re staying in Paphos then you’ll find one of the top Cyprus attractions right on your doorstep.
The impressive archaeological park is located 2 kilometers north of Paphos and is a designated UNESCO heritage site. It contains artifacts dating from the 4th century and details the long and varied history of this island.
My favorite part of the Park is the Tomb of Kings. These are a series of underground tombs carved out of solid rock that you can head down and explore for yourself. Despite their name, no kings were actually buried here. Instead, they house the remains of important dignitaries from the time.
The Park is open all year round and entry is only €4.50 per adult with an additional €2.50 to visit the Tomb of Kings. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cyprus, and now that I’ve been, I understand why.
4. Make a Splash at the Water Parks
In the peak of summer, when the sun is at its hottest, there’s nothing better than a day at a water park to keep yourself cool. Luckily for us, Cyprus has plenty of them.
Wherever you’re staying, there’s sure to be a water park nearby. In Paphos, you’ll find Paphos Aphrodite Water Park, which is one of the most popular Cyprus attractions. It’s great for all the family, with a wide range of rides from child-friendly splash zones to kamikaze slides. Discount tickets can be booked online in advance.
In Limassol, you’ll find Fasouri Water Park. This is my personal favorite park on the island because it tends to be less crowded than the others. It’s home to 30 different attractions, again ranging from rides for the little ones to terrifying drops and rubber ring slides for the adults.
Over on the east coast, Ayia Napa is home to the Greek-themed WaterWorld. Here there are a huge range of themed rides as well as plenty of spaces to chill out on a lounger or enjoy a cocktail by the pool.
All of these water parks are well worth a visit, and I’d plan your trip according to whichever one is closest to your accommodation. Check the websites before visiting, as opening hours vary throughout the season. For me, heading to the water parks is one of the most fun things to do in Cyprus.
5. Visit the Town of Omodos
Of all the incredible, traditional villages situated high in the Troodos Mountains, Omodos is my favorite.
Omodos is a picturesque, local village with sand-colored houses and narrow cobbled streets. The town is still very popular today with locals and tourists alike. The main square is surrounded by local cafes and restaurants and it’s a beautiful place to simply watch the world go by.
As you head further into town, you’ll reach the famous Monastery of the Holy Cross. It’s so named as it apparently houses part of the True Cross. It’s an impressive place to explore, and you get some great views over the village from the upper balconies that surround the Monastery.
Explore the winding cobbled streets, and you’ll find lots of boutique shops, wine stores (we are in wine country after all), and quaint, traditional tavernas to stop for lunch. Stou Kir Wine Cellar is an excellent spot to try some local wine, and their adjoining restaurant is superb as well.
Omodos is a popular destination and so can get busier at the weekends. I advise you to head there during the week, or earlier at the weekends to avoid the crowds and enjoy one of the best things to see in Cyprus.
6. Visit a Vineyard
The Troodos Mountains in Cyprus are home to some fantastic wineries, so if you can tear yourself away from the beach, visiting a winery is one of the best things to do in Cyprus.
Wine tasting in Cyprus is actually very affordable, which is surprising as Cyprus definitely isn’t a budget destination. However, most are tucked in the foothills of the Troodos mountains and not in the main tourist towns, so you’ll need to arrange transport.
My favorite way of exploring the wineries is to book a tour, as you’ll get to visit not only a number of different wineries but some traditional Cypriot villages too. More often than not, a local meze lunch will also be included, like on this tour. Need I say more?!
The wine tour includes a visit to three award-winning wineries and a tasting of a variety of different grapes, including the world-famous wine Commanderia. The tour also includes transportation from your accommodation, so it’s a stress-free and really enjoyable day out in the mountains.
7. Nicosia Green Line
Whether you’re staying in the Capital city or not, you must take this tour. For me, it’s hands-down one of the best things to do in Cyprus.
Nicosia is the world’s last divided city, and I was surprised to see the extent of the division. The Green Line is named after the ceasefire line, which was drawn on the map in 1963, in green pencil.
You can walk much of the line which is marked by cement-filled barrels, barbed wire, politically charged graffiti, guards, and flags. It’s clear to see the tension that still remains all these years later.
The history is completely fascinating, and it’s totally worth understanding the relationship between Cyprus and Turkish-occupied Cyprus. It’s best explored with a guide to really understand the situation from someone who has lived through it.
On this Buffer Zone Nicosia tour, you’ll walk the Green line, see the Venetian walls which border the city, and visit the Ledra Palace Hotel – once the grandest hotel in Cyprus turned UN Headquarters. You can still see bullet holes to this day in the facade.
This is definitely one of the best things to do around Cyprus, so make sure it’s high on your list of things to do in Cyprus.
8. Go Skiing
This is a bit of a niche activity to feature on my must-dos in Cyprus, but I had to include it because not many travelers realize that you can actually ski on the island! Head up to Mount Olympus between January and March and there’s a good chance that you’ll find snow surrounding the Cyprus Ski Club.
It might not be a “resort” in the traditional sense, with only 4 slopes available, but it makes for a pretty cool day out in Cyprus to say that you have skied on a Mediterranean island. There aren’t many other places you can ski in the morning and walk along the beach in the afternoon.
You can rent ski equipment from the Ski Club or from the Ski Shop but be sure to get there early, particularly on weekends, as supplies can quickly run out. The Ski Shop is also next door to a little cafe restaurant called Sun Valley, which is an unassuming place but a good option for a coffee or hot chocolate post-ski.
It’s definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Cyprus, but it’s an incredible experience and a good day out.
9. Akamas National Park
Akamas National Park is definitely one of the Cyprus attractions which cannot be missed. It’s here that you’ll see some of the clearest and most stunning water on the whole island. I truly haven’t seen better water anywhere else. It’s crystal clear and perfectly turquoise.
The park is full of things to do in its own right as it’s home to the Aphrodite and Adonis Baths. I recommend taking a tour with a guide to see the best of the park.
One of my favorite things to do is to hike to the peak, known as, “Moutti tis Sotiras” where you’ll see incredible views over the northern coast and can enjoy the perfect silence and stillness. Make sure to snorkel in the waters and go for a swim too – it’s delightful.
On this walking tour, you’ll be guided through the park, exploring the best parts, and stopping for a picnic and a swim in the prime spots. It’s a wonderful tour and a great way to explore without constantly checking the map.
10. Visit the Blue Lagoon
One of the best things to do in Cyprus is to visit the Blue Lagoon. There are actually two different blue lagoons in Cyprus. One is in Protaras, and you’ll find that many of the boat tours that leave the pier off Nissi Beach go to the Blue Lagoon. It’s lovely and definitely worth a trip if you’re staying close by.
The second blue lagoon is within the Akamas National Park. The water here is spectacular. It glitters and is so bright and clear. It’s totally different from that in Protaras. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit both, and while I loved them equally, the blue lagoon in Akamas is definitely more impressive.
Many people choose to visit the lagoon by boat, as there isn’t much of a beach to explore here. You can also swim in the blue lagoon as part of a tour of Akamas National Park.
Alternatively, book a boat tour and enjoy jumping in and splashing around in the water and view the National Park from a different perspective. It’s an incredible experience.
11. Hike the Troodos Mountains
There are some great opportunities to hike in Cyprus, with the Troodos mountains providing many brilliant trails to explore. I went on many hikes around the Island during my time in Cyprus, which provided a welcome break from the coast where it can become too warm to walk.
One of my favorite trails is the Cape Greco loop on the east side of the Island. As an aside, Cape Greco National Park is also well worth a visit if you’re staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa. You’re promised some incredible sunsets here.
The hike is very gentle, and you’ll see some of the best views over the coastline and ocean. It’s perfectly picturesque, and you’ll likely come back with thousands of photographs. The highlight is the “cave windows” which are large square openings in the cliffs that look out onto the beautiful blue water.
If you’re hiking in Cyprus in the summer, then make sure you take plenty of sun lotion and lots of water – the temperatures can get high. The Troodos Mountains are cooler than the coast thanks to their altitude, making them one of the best places to hike in the middle of summer.
12. Go Sea Kayaking
Cyprus has some of the best water in the Mediterranean, so naturally, one of the best things to do in Cyprus is to get out and enjoy it. There are plenty of opportunities to do so, with paddleboarding and boat trips being very popular.
One of the best things I did in Cyprus was go sea kayaking. There are opportunities to do this all over Cyprus, however, this sea kayaking tour is absolutely brilliant. It’s a chance to escape the crowds of Ayia Napa and Protaras and explore more remote locations.
On the tour, you’ll visit lover’s bridge and the blue lagoon in Protaras, and explore some sea caves along the rocky coastline. The guide will also take you to some more remote beaches, which are a welcome break from the busy Fig Tree Bay beach in Protaras.
It’s a brilliant experience and one of the coolest things to do on the sea in Cyprus. Just remember to take lots of sun lotion and consider wearing a hat!
13. Make Some Halloumi
Halloumi is made exclusively in Cyprus, so it’s essential that you try it here in its homeland.
Go a step further with this super-fun tour. You’ll not only get to taste it fresh and warm, straight out of the pot, but you’ll make two different types of halloumi alongside a local family who will show you how it’s done.
While the tour is called a Halloumi-making tour, it’s really a foodie tour. It stops at a winery where you’ll try a few different wines, and in the village of Geroskipou – a cute mountain village, a little off the beaten track, to sample some traditional sweets.
It’s one of the tastiest things to do in Cyprus and an opportunity to do something a little more local. You’ll get to try traditional food and wine, and meet locals still making food the same way Cypriots have for centuries. It’s a fascinating trip into the heart of Cyprus and one of my favorite things to do on the island.
14. Enjoy the Paphos Coastline by Boat
If you’re staying in Paphos, you’ve probably noticed that there aren’t actually that many beaches in Paphos. It’s a very rocky coastline, compared to the white sandy beaches located on the east of the island in Protaras and Ayia Napa.
However, this doesn’t mean that the coast isn’t worth enjoying, and you can still soak up the sun and beautiful waters. I recommend exploring the coast by boat.
This incredible luxury cruiser experience is one of a kind. There’s a large slide onboard, lots of loungers to relax and sunbathe on, and an aquarium downstairs to spot marine life.
A freshly cooked lunch is served onboard and the boat also stops for you to swim, or test out the slide. There are live musicians, and DJs on board who create a really fun, summer holiday vibe. It’s one of the best things to do in Cyprus for couples or groups of friends.
15. Embrace the Cafe Culture
One of the best things to do in Cyprus is to enjoy the thriving cafe culture. Seriously, Cypriots know how to drink coffee, and thanks to this, there’s no shortage of cafes Cyprus! You certainly won’t have to walk far to find one.
During my time there, this quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Cyprus, both with and without my laptop. My favorite places to experience cafe culture are Molos or the Marina in Limassol, or along Ledra Street in Nicosia.
If you’re staying in Limassol, I recommend going for an evening walk along Molos and stopping in at the cafes there. They’ll be full of locals enjoying a late afternoon coffee or drink, and there’s a super romantic atmosphere. It’s one of the best things to do in Cyprus at night for couples.
Cafe culture is a huge part of Cyprus life, and it’s a great way to really get a feel for the place. Some of the cafes are even open 24 hours a day, so you can get that caffeine hit at any time.
Quick Travel Itineraries For Cyprus
There are so many incredible places to visit and things to do in Cyprus. Here are a couple of ideas as to how best spend your time in Cyprus depending on how much time you have on the island.
1 Day in Cyprus Itinerary
If you only have one day in Cyprus, it’ll depend on how you want to spend your time. If you love history and food, head to Nicosia and take the Green Line Tour to learn about the Turkish-Cypriot conflict. Try both Cypriot and Turkish food in the capital.
If you want to relax, simply enjoy the beautiful beaches in Protaras, Ayia Napa, or Limassol. After all, Cyprus is famous for its incredible beaches, and these are not to be missed when visiting Cyprus.
You’ll find beautiful blue waters, soft white sand, and plenty of loungers, bars, and restaurants offering the perfect relaxation under the hot Mediterranean sun.
2-3 Days in Cyprus Itinerary
If you have 2-3 days to enjoy Cyprus sightseeing, I recommend spending a day in Nicosia and taking the Green Line tour. Alternatively, visit the Leventis Museum to learn about the history and then walk the line by yourself (although I really recommend a tour to make the most of the experience).
After a day in the city, spend a day enjoying the sun and outdoors. Maybe go kayaking on the water and explore the coastline, or if you’d prefer to relax, then take the cruise liner around Paphos.
Spend your last day enjoying the cafe culture and sipping on an ice-cold frappe (cold coffee) while watching the world go by.
1 Week in Cyprus Itinerary
A week in Cyprus will allow you enough time to explore a few different areas of the Island. I definitely recommend that you travel to Nicosia and take the Green Line Tour to see the divided city. Cross the border into Turkish-occupied Cyprus and experience the change in culture.
Make sure you spend a day exploring the Akamas National Park too, as this was one of the best experiences I had during my time in Cyprus. Whether you explore on foot with a guide or book a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon, it’s an unforgettable place.
Spend a couple of days exploring the villages nestled in the Troodos mountains. My favorites are Omodos and Lefkara. You can visit by yourself, or go on a food or wine-tasting tour which will include bonus visits to a couple of villages.
In between day trips, take some time to relax, grab a coffee, and soak up the sun. Cyprus is the land of “siga siga” (meaning slowly slowly) after all, so do your best to fully embrace the slower pace.
Getting To Cyprus
There are two major airports in Cyprus. Larnaca Airport is the easiest place to fly to if you’re staying in Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Protaras, or Ayia Napa. Paphos Airport is the best place for Paphos (of course) but also for Limassol too.
Public transport in Cyprus is actually quite good. There are regular buses which will transport you to the main hubs in each town and city. The buses are particularly good in Limassol and Paphos, and you’ll be able to get from one side to the other using them.
However, if you want to explore more of Cyprus, maybe visit some villages or the other cities from where you’re staying, I’d recommend hiring a car. Uber isn’t available in Cyprus and taxis can be expensive. If you want to order a taxi, I recommend downloading the CabCy app.
In Limassol, there’s also NextBike which is an app that allows you to rent a bicycle. There are cycle lanes in Limassol which makes this a great and safe option.
Things To Do in Cyprus: FAQs
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about visiting Cyprus.
Cyprus is known for its beautiful turquoise waters, lovely year-round weather, and gorgeous beaches. It’s known as a summer holiday destination in Europe, but it’s so much more than that.
Cyprus is a year-round destination. The best time to visit Cyprus is in the shoulder seasons April-June or September-November when the weather is still very warm and sunny, but there’re fewer crowds.
Yes, Cyprus is one of my all-time favorite destinations. It’s got a bit of everything and there’s so much to see and do.
I spent four months in Cyprus and never got bored, and there are still plenty of things to do in Cyprus that I haven’t done. As a minimum, I recommend a week.
Yes, Cyprus is a very safe country to travel to and around, with a very low crime rate.
The most popular thing to do in Cyprus is to visit the Blue Lagoon. It really is the crown jewel of Cyprus and is an incredibly beautiful place to visit.
The best beach, and probably the busiest in the summer, is Fig Tree Bay. Nissi Beach is a fantastic beach, but it attracts large crowds in peak summer. Both are in Protaras and Ayia Napa and feature white sand and clear blue water.
You must try Halloumi and have a meze dinner or lunch to try a few of the local foods. This will include vine leaves (called dolmades), sheftalia (minced meat sausages with mint and parsley), and souvlaki (grilled meats). The food is delicious.
In Closing
There are an endless amount of brilliant things to do in Cyprus. Whether you’re a sun worshiper, adventure seeker, hiker, or foodie, your itinerary is limitless.
It’s one of my favorite places in Europe, and Cyprus will always hold a special place in my heart. The incredible variety of things to do in Cyprus keeps me coming back again and again.
I hope this list helps you plan your trip to Cyprus!