Best Tourist Attractions Of Cyprus

This post covers the best tourist attractions of the fascinating and beautiful island of Cyprus. Fringed with plush sandy beaches nestled along the coast, some of the best in Europe, mesmerizingly clear blue water, a vibrant nightlife, beautiful natural landscape attractions, fascinating archeological digs, historical castles, fortresses, and a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, there’s a lot to see and do. All in a safe, sunny, environment. And as it’s one of the European Union’s southernmost locations, swimming temperatures are great in Spring and into Fall.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and a popular holiday destination. Most frequently it’s visited by citizens of the UK, but also Russia, Israel, and other European countries. And although it’s part of the European Union, it’s interesting that Cyprus is not geographically part of Europe. Located south of Turkey and north of Israel and Egypt, it’s technically considered the Middle East.

With many, fabulous sites sprinkled around the island, it’s best to rent a car to see them all, but if you’re on a budget, have a lot of patience, and the time, you can also see them by bus and taxi.

Best Tourist Attractions Of Cyprus

Best Beaches Of Cyprus

The beaches of Cyprus are definitely one of its top tourist attractions, most offering soft, thick, creamy sand, with shallow, friendly waves in the warm, crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. I’ve listed its best beaches below, along with the city, or at least the nearest major city, for location.

These beaches all offer sun beds and umbrellas for rent, changing rooms, rest rooms, and snack bars and/or bars and cafes. They also offer water sports activities appropriate for that beach. All that is, except for Varosha, the ghost town beach, which I’ve listed for awareness and historical insight only as it’s closed. Hopefully it will open again in the future.

Nissi Beach – Ayia Napa

Nissi Beach is one of Cyprus’s most beautiful beaches. This beach, named after its islet, Nissi, which it’s connected to by a sandbar, provides soft mounds of golden sand under your feet, the gentle waves characteristic of the beaches in Cyprus, and a hip, young party vibe.

There is music playing on the beach throughout the day, several cool bars/cafes, and there’s even a dance floor. On Tuesdays and Fridays from 15:00-18:00 the dance floor hosts a foam party. Some call it an Ibiza wanna be.

You can walk to the islet to see the views and explore (above left). When water levels are low, you’ll be walking on mostly sand. When they’re higher, you will be wading in the sea. Resist the urge to go barefoot, as the islet is rocky and tough on your feet.

Nissi Beach is located in Ayia Napa on the southeastern coast of Cyprus. To get here by bus, take the 101 if heading north or east and the 102 if heading south or west. Get off by the Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel and Nissi Beach Resort at the Nissi Beach bus stop on Nissi Avenue (that’s a lot of Nissi’s!). Walk towards the coast. See the details of the 101 here. The 102 follows the same route but in the opposite direction.

There is also parking if arriving by car, although it fills up fast, so get there early. As this is a popular spot, taxis will also be hovering nearby to pick you up if you decide to arrive via taxi.

Glyki Nero Beach – Ayia Napa

Glyki Nero beach, a family beach, is nestled between the sea and enchanting, green rolling hills. It’s also within walking and swimming distance to Lover’s Bridge (see below), making it a perfect location if your plan is to explore that as well.

If swimming to Lover’s Bridge, you’ll discover sea caves along the way. Note: only swim to Lover’s Bridge if you’re a good swimmer because it’s over 2,000’, about 600 m, away. It’s about a 10-minute walk along a rocky beach.

There are several restaurants nearby, most notably, Maistrali Seafood Seaview, which offers stunning views and fabulous food (below right). Due to its hillside location, the restaurant also gets a welcoming, cooling breeze from the sea. I loved this place!

Glyki Nero Beach is close to central Ayia Napa, on the southeastern coast of Cyprus (east of Nissi Beach). The closest bus stop is the Marina bus stop, just south of the Sculpture Park. Take the 101 if heading north or east, or the 102 if heading south or west. See the details of the 101 here. The 102 follows the same route, but north to south. There is parking nearby if driving.

Makronissos Beach – Ayia Napa

Makronissos Beach is another golden sand beach with gentle waves, popular with families. This unique area has a small land formation jutting into the sea. It’s in the shape of a fish tail, with beach on both sides. It also offers a bit of archeology, as at the tip of the tail, there are some ancient tombs to explore. They are free and open to the public.

This beach is also in Ayia Napa, west of Nissi Beach. To get here by bus, take the 101 if heading north or east and the 102 if heading south or west. Get off at the Makronissos Beach bus stop on Nissi Avenue. See the details of the 101 here. The 102 follows the same route, but in the opposite direction.

Konnos Beach – Ayia Napa

Konnos is a small family beach that feels secluded due to the wooded headlands behind it. It’s quite picturesque when looking down from street level.

There are steps leading down to the beach, which offers plenty of soft sand and gentle waves. This beach also has some rocky areas, which make it interesting visually. It also makes it fun to explore by snorkel.

This beach is located on the eastern side of Cyprus, up around the corner from Cape Greco. To get here by bus, take the 101 if heading north or the 102 is heading south. Get off at the Konnos Bay bus stop on Leoforos Konnou Avenue by Konnos Bay Hotel. See the details of the 101 here. The 102 follows the same route, but in the opposite direction.

Fig Tree Bay – Protaras

This beach is on Cyprus’s east coast in Protaras, which is above Ayia Napa. It gets its name from the fig trees that used to thrive here. It offers a long stretch of golden sand, over 1,600’ long (500 m), lined with many restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels.

This beach is also popular with families and it also has an islet you can swim to. The harbor at the northern end of this beach is where the boat tours to see the sites along Cape Greco (Lover’s Bridge, the Sea Caves, and the Blue Lagoon) start.

Being a family beach, it’s relatively quiet here at night. This makes Protaras a great place to stay with minimal thumping music late at night. If you want to explore the beaches of Ayia Napa, or the sites on Cape Greco, they’re close by and the 101/102 runs regularly here in peak season.

There are several bus stops for the Fig Tree Bay area, which is north of Ayia Napa on the east coast. With so many stops, I found it best to use my GPS on the bus to determine where I wanted to get off. See the details and stops of the 101 and 102 here.

Kourion Beach – Limassol

Kourion Beach is a pebbled, grey sand beach located below the Kourion Archeological Park. The great features of this beach include the Curium cliffs in the distance and the fact that there is limited development as it’s close to protected Kourion Archeological Park. The beaches on the east coast of Cyprus are better, this just provides an interesting option. It’s also perfect to pair with the Kourion Archeological Park.

It’s very windy at this beach, so if you’re into windsurfing, this is the place to do it. Google opportunites for lessons/rentals in advance.

This beach is about 17 km west of Limassol. To get here by bus, take Limassol Bus 16B from the Leontiou EMEL Central Bus Station (across from the old hospital). The bus ride is about 45 minutes.

A warning on the buses in Limassol, especially this one. They do not follow the schedules noted on the website. I waited at the Kourion Archeological Park bus stop for about 3-4 hours trying to catch a bus back to Limassol. Several were scheduled, but never showed. While waiting, I talked to another tourist that had bus issues. His driver had dropped him off a mile short of the Kourion bus stop, stating that he could not drive in British Territory. Yet that is the bus route (Kourion is on British Territory)! Some expats were also at the bus stop and said irregular buses were common in Limassol. I experienced this occasionally everywhere, but more consistently for the tourist sites west of Limassol. Unless you have massive amounts of patience, or no other options, I suggest driving to Kourion.

Paphos Beach

The main beach in Paphos is not a sandy beach, and the water is a little rougher than on the east side. The advantage of this beach, however, is that it gets sunsets, as it’s on the west side of the island. If oceanside sunsets are your thing, Paphos may be a good option for you. Of course the archaeological sites here, and the other sites on the west side of the island (see below) are a draw too.

Paphos was not my favorite beach or city (which was a little run down and neglected), but many like it, so I’ve added it here. I could not not find much detailed information on where to stay before visiting, so visited all the cities in this post to be able to write the details for you. At the very least, Paphos is worth a stop for the archaeological sites, Aphrodite’s Rock, and the Blue Lagoon, but not much more.

That said, there are a few sandy beach spots, like at Alexander The Great Hotel, or at Lighthouse Beach beyond the Kato Paphos Archeological Park. If you’re looking for plush, thick sand, however, the options are limited.

There is a long boardwalk here, lined with plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, and boutique hotels with views to the sea, so it’s quite lively. It’s perfect to take a walk at sunset. You’ll see everyone out walking the boardwalk dressed for dinner or an evening out. My favorite time of day on Paphos Beach.

Coral Bay – North of Paphos

Coral Bay, about 20-minutes north of Paphos, is a very popular beach resort and has a better beach than Paphos itself. The crescent-shaped, golden sand beach forms a beautiful bay, lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife options.

To get to Coral Bay by bus, take Paphos Bus 615 from the Kato Paphos Bus Terminal. This is a popular tourist location, so buses run frequently.

Varosha Ghost Town Beach – Famagusta

Varosha, once the most popular beach in Cyprus, attracting celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Raquel Welch, and Bridgette Bardot, is now a ghost town. It’s located on the Turkish side of Cyprus in Famagusta. When the Turkish took over northern Cyprus, they displaced all the residents, including everyone at this famous beach. It was tragic. One man told me that his wife was a baby living here at the time. Her mother thought her husband had her and her father thought this wife had her, so she was abandoned here. I’m not sure how she eventually got out, but I’m sure there are thousands of heartbreaking stories like this.

The ghost town is now a tourist attraction. You can take tours to areas nearby and hear tales from both its glorious and scary past.

Best Tourist Attractions Of Cyprus: Land Features

For me, the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Cyprus rank second (after the beaches) as the best of the tourist attractions here. Cape Greco National Forest, on the east coast, was by far my favorite place to explore. But there are also some gorgeous sites along the west coast too. Best of all, these sites are all free (except for any transportation to get there).

Lover’s Bridge – Cape Greco

This natural bridge is stunning, set against the backdrop of the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea. It gets its name from a tradition that says lovers kissing here will get their wish. It’s popular to jump off the bridge into the sea, but make sure water levels are high enough before you do so.

This bridge is located east of Glyki Nero Beach in Cape Greco National Park, Ayia Napa. If arriving by bus, take the 101 if heading north or east and the 102 if heading south or west. Get off at the Marina bus stop (just south of the Sculpture Park).Walk south and east to the coast. There is also a small parking lot if driving.

The Sea Caves – Cape Greco

These magnificent caves were once hiding places for pirate booty and other illicit goods. Today, it’s a popular spot for watching the sunset and cliff jumping. it’s also very popular for sunset wedding photos. I visited twice on my trip and there were couples taking wedding photos each time.

You can see the many caves along the coast. Plus there’s one you can climb down to at the end of the left side. If you don’t see it, walk to the edge and ask around, people will show you. Make sure to wear good footwear (or go barefoot) as it’s rocky and takes agility. Cliff jumpers also use this same spot to climb back up after getting out of the water, so the rocks can also be wet.

These caves are located 3 miles (about 5 km) east of Lover’s Bridge in Cape Greco National Park, Ayia Napa. If arriving by bus, take the 101 if heading north or east and the 102 if heading south or west. The place to exit looks barren, except for a gravel road to the sea. There is a tiny, tiny sign that says Sea Caves. It’s best to ask the driver, or, if coming from the north, it’s the stop after Cavo Greko, the stop for the viewpoint (below). There is also a parking lot in the dirt area before the caves if driving.

Cape Greco Viewpoint – Cape Greco

This clifftop viewpoint is ideal for watching the sunset, as it faces the sea to the west. It’s located east of the Sea Caves, not far from the tip of Cape Greco in Ayia Napa. The hike up is 311’ (95 m). It doesn’t take too long, but make sure to leave enough time to hike up before the sun sets. It can get windy up there, so bring a sweater or jacket if it’s cool out.

If arriving by bus, take the 101 if heading north or the 102 if heading south. Get off at the Cavo Greko bus stop by the peninsula. Follow the road to the east, then turn to the left towards the coast. If driving, there is a dirt parking lot.

Aphrodite’s Rock – South of Paphos

Aphrodite’s Rock, according to legend, is the birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite. She rose from the sea here, escorted to the beach on a shell. The other legend says that if you swim around the rocks three times you will find your true love. The waves are quite strong though, so it’s not recommended.

This site makes a nice afternoon or day trip from Paphos. There’s a beach here, but it’s heavily pebbled, so not the most comfortable for sunbathing. The waves are also a little intense, so I would not recommend it as a place to swim. That said, many people will be doing both. Bring good footwear, as it’s tough to walk here in flip flops, sandals, or bare feet. I ruined my sandals walking here :(.

You can also climb the large rock on the beach (below), even though you’re not supposed to (as you can see below).

There’s a snack/souvenir shop with restrooms across the street from the beach. There is also a restaurant about a mile away, that’s walkable, but up a steep hill. It’s a great lookout point to see the entire area and offers better food options than the snack shop. The people that work there are super nice too.

Aphrodite’s Rock is located about 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Paphos. To get here by bus, take Paphos Bus 631 from the Kato Paphos Bus Terminal. It’s about a 45-minute ride. Aphrodite’s Rock is the last stop on the route. You can’t miss it with the rocks in the sea beside the bus stop.

After exiting the bus, walk to the snack shop as there’s an underground tunnel to get across the street.

The Blue Lagoon – Akamas Peninsula, North of Paphos

In Akamas Peninsula National Park, on the northwest coast of Cyprus, there’s a protected, natural bay with crystal-clear blue water and stunning views called the Blue Lagoon. It’s ideal for a relaxing swim, as well as snorkeling and diving. As it’s really pretty here, it’s really popular, which means there will be a lot of people here. More specifically, a lot of boats with tourists here.

If driving, the road can be treacherous in spots, so a 4 x 4 is required. It’s better to visit by boat. Many leave from Latchi Harbor, while some provide boat transfers from Paphos to the harbor. Or, get to Latchi Harbor on your own by taking Paphos Bus 645 or 641 from the Kato Paphos Bus Terminal to Poli Crysochous. From there, Latchi, where most boat tours start, is about a 40-minute walk.

The Blue Lagoon – Cape Greco Peninsula

There’s another site called the Blue Lagoon on the east side of Cyprus. It’s located on Cape Greco Peninsula in Ayia Napa. The brilliant blue water is mesmerizing against the rocky outcrop beside it. The rocks are not easy to walk on, so make sure to wear good footwear. There are also not really flat spots to lay in the sun. You just find a spot for your stuff and head down to the water. The rocks near the water will be slippery, so be careful. The water, however, feels fantastic here.

This site also has refreshments as there are vans selling food a drinks here. You can get burgers, fries, ice cream, margaritas, beer, and more.

It’s best to drive to this Blue Lagoon, as it’s a bit of a hike from the bus stop. Even better, many people rent buggies in town and drive to the peninsula as there are also dirt trails to ride around on. There is parking.

If you do take the bus, take the 101 north or 102 south (depending on where you start). Exit at the Cape Greko bus stop (same stop for Cape Greco Viewpoint). You’ll see the tourist center to the east. Head towards it, but look for the wooden sign that says Aphrodite Path on your right (below). Follow the trail down to the sea. It’s rocky, with a little hill. The trail eventually merges with the road to it. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the Blue Lagoon (almost 1 mile), which is on the north side of the peninsula.

Best Tourist Attractions Of Cyprus: Archeological Sites

With the diverse and long history of Cyprus, there are also several fascinating archeological sites, another list of must-see tourist attractions here. They showcase the rich history of Cyprus, some dating back as far back as Neolithic times. Most of the visible ruins, however, are from the Roman era. The artifacts found by researchers at these sites are located in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. If you visit any archaeological sites, make sure to also visit the museum.

Kourion Archeological Park – West of Limassol

Of all the archeologists sites listed here, Kourion Archeological Park was my favorite. Definitely one of the top tourist attractions of Cyprus. This ancient Greco-Roman city, perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean has the best preserved ruins and the most beautiful location.

Evidence of life here dates back as far as the 4th-6th century BC, yet the ruins here are from the Roman era.

The ruins of the large Roman villa overlooking the sea, the Complex of Eustolios, are stunning. This sprawling complex is full of mosaics. My favorite was the mosaic of Ktisis (below right). She’s holding a measuring instrument equating to a Roman foot. The inscription around her head indicates that she personifies the creation of the world.

The ancient theater is nearby, and in such good condition it’s used for performances today. You can also explore more areas to see the old Forum, the public baths, and the mosaics in more villas, like the Gladiator scene (above right).

Expect to spend a few hours here as there’s a lot to see spread in a vast area. It’s best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon as there is little shade. Also, bring water. There are some vending machines selling water bottles, but they only accept coins. At least the credit card purchase option was broken when I was here. Other than this, there are no food or beverages here.

How To Get To Kourion Archeological Park

The Kourion Archeological Park is about about 11 miles (18 km) west of Limassol. There is a parking lot here if driving (which I recommend). Driving also allows you to combine Kourion with nearby Kolossi Castle (which you cannot do via bus) and the Sanctuary of Apollo.

If taking the bus, take Limmasol Bus 16B from the Leontiou EMEL Central Bus Station across from the old hospital. The bus ride is about 40-minutes. See my note on the buses of Limassol under Kourion Beach above as they are not consistent. Particularly this bus! Possibly because this site is located on British Territory and some drivers seem to have ill will towards the area.

The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates – West of Limassol

The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, which I did not visit, was a center for worshiping Apollo dating back as far back as the 8th century BC. Apollo Hylates means “God of the Woodlands”. Apollo was revered in Cyprus as being a God of the forests and woodlands who gave healing and protection to his worshippers.

The remains of this site today, however, date to the 1st century when it was expanded to accommodate the growing number of worshipers. Part of the ruins have been reconstructed.

The Sanctuary of Apollo is about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) west of Kourion. There is no public transportation to this site. If you don’t have a car, try to arrange a taxi from Kourion. Cyprus does not have Uber, they use CABCY, which you can download.

Kato Paphos Archeological Park – Paphos

The ruins of this UNESCO listed ancient Greco-Roman city are wonderful. There are several ancient villas here and although all that remains are the detailed mosaic floors and a few architectural elements, it’s fascinating.

The villas include the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus (which is pictured below), the House of Aion, and the House of Orpheus. There’s also the Odean, or theater, which held up to 1,200, and the Old Agora, which is still under excavation. All dating from around the 2nd century.

There’s also an old fortress, or castle here, Saranta Kolones Castle, or 40 Columns Castle. It was built in the 7th century to protect the port and city.

The archaeological park is within walking distance of Kato Paphos, near the waterfront. This park is large, covering a lot of ground, and the details are interesting, so expect to spend a few hours here. Try to visit early in the day or late afternoon as there’s not much shade from the sun‘s heat.

Tombs Of Kings – Paphos

Another must-see site in Paphos is the Tombs of Kings, with tombs dating back to the 3rd century BC. These tombs, carved into the rock, mirror the philosophy of some Egyptian tombs, where underground tombs were built like houses for the living, including colonnaded courtyards. There are several of these grand tombs here, mislabeled as tombs of Kings, due to their grand nature. They are actually tombs of officers and distinguished personalities.

Plan to spend a few hours here, as the area to explore is large. As day time temperatures here can be quite warm, and there is little shade, plan to visit early in the morning or late afternoon. This is another good place to bring your own water.

This site is located about 1.25 miles (2 km) north of central seaside Paphos on Tombs of Kings Avenue. If driving, there is a small, free, parking lot here. To get here by bus, take Paphos Bus 615 towards Coral Bay. Ask the driver where to exit for the Tombs of Kings. The return stop will be on the opposite side of the street, towards Kato Paphos.

Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement – Between Limassol and Larnaca

Choirokoitia is a Neolithic settlement from the 7th to the 4th millennium BC. The site is important to historians, showcasing the success of the first human occupants, who they believe were farmers from the Near East. That said, there’s not a lot to see as it’s completely in ruins, expect for a few reconstructed circular homes and remnants of walls.

Only part of the site has been excavated, so this UNESCO Heritage site may provide much more in the future.

This ancient settlement is located about 3-4 miles (6 km) inland, at the foothills of the Troodos massif between Limassol and Larnaca. I did not visit myself, but read that you can take Larnaca Bus 45 from Finikoudes to Choirokoitia. I also read that there are two entrances, and that if one is closed, try the other entrance.

Best Castles Of Cyprus

The castles, or fortresses, of Cyprus are another of the top tourist attractions here. Most hark back to the Middle Ages, many built by the Ottoman’s when they ruled, and others were built by Crusaders.

Kolossi Castle – West Of Limassol

Originally built in the 13th century as a command center for the Knights of the Order of Saint John, it was rebuilt in the 15th century by the Knights of the Templar. The Knights produced a famous sweet wine, that became known as the ‘vin de Commanderie’, after the Grand Commanderie (Kolossi castle). It’s one of the oldest appellations in the world.

The castle has three stories, with the entrance on the second, there is a spiral staircase leading to the third and more stairs that lead to the rooftop. The ground level includes the chambers under the castle, and the remains of the previous fortress. The ruins of a sugarcane factory, currently under excavation, are next door.

Kolossi Castle is located about 9 miles (14 km) west of Limassol. It’s about 4 miles (7 km) east of the Kourion Archeological Park, so it’s perfect to pair the two. There is a small snack shop here.

Limassol Castle – Limassol

The story behind this castle is more fascinating than its looks (below left) or at least castles located on this spot prior to this one. Tradition says that Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in a former building here and crowned her the Queen of England in the 12th century. It also states that they toasted the ceremony with the vin de Commanderie, Cyprus’s exclusive wine, made in the vineyards near Kolossi castle above.

The castle standing today was built under Ottoman rule in the 16th century. It’s located in a lively area surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and bars, so a magnet for activity in the evening. It’s located near the Old Harbor in the heart of Limassol. Agiou Antoniou Street, full of more cafes and bars, as well as coffee shops and stores is also nearby making this a fun place to visit. The stores, however, are mostly closed in the evening hours. Ideally a get here late afternoon and stay into the evening.

Larnaca Castle – Larnaca

Larnaca also has a 16th century Ottoman castle on Finikoudes beach (above right). It’s near the center of town just yards from the main city bus stop. It now serves as tourist attraction, with its courtyard used for open-air performance and the Larnaca Medieval Museum on its second floor.

Paphos Castle – Paphos

This castle is located at the northern end of the boardwalk in Paphos. Dating back to the 10th century it started as a Byzantine fortress. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, most recently by the Ottoman’s in the 16th century.

Today it serves as an exhibit space, often with artwork on the walls for a small entrance fee. If you stay in Paphos, make sure to visit at night, as it’s beautifully lit.

Saint Hilarion Castle – Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus

This castle is perched high in the Kyrenia mountain range, overlooking the sea in the Turkish part of Cyprus. They say on a clear day you can even see all the way to mainland Turkey!

I really wanted to see this, but being on the Turkish side, it’s a little more challenging to access. Plus, there are so many sites to see in Cyprus, I really didn’t have the extra time. This will be a future trip for me.

It’s the one of best preserved Crusader castles in Cyprus and it looks absolutely spectacular in photos. This castle, originally built as a watchtower, later became a summer resort for Lusignan nobility.

To get here, you need a car, but rental cars cannot drive across the Green Line for insurance reasons. This means you need to take a bus, or drive to the Green Line, then cross and rent a car on the other side. Or you can take a tour.

Ancient Salamis

This was reportedly the capital of Cyprus in 1100 BC and prospered in Roman times. I was not able to visit this site either, but have read there is an ancient gymnasium surrounded by statues, a theater holding about 15,000 spectators, and public baths.

This site is on the Turkish side of Cyprus, about almost 4 miles (6 km) north of Famagusta.

Best Cathedrals and Mosques Of Cyprus

Along with the diverse history of Cyprus, which has been ruled by many, there’s also diverse religious history. The top religious sites here include the following.

Saint Lazarus Church – Larnaca

This 9th century Greek Orthodox church was named after Lazarus of Bethany from the New Testament, who was raised from the dead by Jesus. According to some believers, Lazarus fled to Cyprus fearing for his life, was made a Bishop, and lived in Larnaca (formerly Kition) for 30 years. This church was built over the tomb believed to be his and is a pilgrimage site for believers.

Saint Lazarus Church is located in The Old Town of Larnaca, a 2-minute walk from Larnaca Castle and Finikoudes Beach. Make sure to visit the inside. It’s very charming, with delicate crystal chandeliers hung from ancient brick archways and gilded decor. Entrance is free.

Hala Sultan Tekke – Larnaca

Hala Sultan Tekke, or the Mosque of Umm Haram is a shrine to Umm Haram, foster-mother of Mohammed, reportedly built over her tomb. As such, it’s an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.

It’s located 3-4 miles (6 km) from Larnaca on the western edge of Salt Lake.

Semeliye Mosque – Nicosia (Turkish Side)

This Mosque was once an important Cathedral, the Cathedral of St Sophia, used for coronations of Kings in Cyprus. It was converted to a Mosque after the Ottomans took the city from the Venetians. It’s interesting to see minarets mixed with traditional Cathedral architectural elements. As of December 2022, it is closed for remodeling.

This Mosque is located on the northern side of Nicosia, north of the Green Line. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Ledra Street Checkpoint.

Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St. Paul’s Pillar – Paphos

The ruins of Agia Kryiaki Chrysopolitissa date to the 13th century, built over an original 4th century structure. It was built near Saint Paul’s Pillar, which according to tradition, is where Saint Paul was flogged for preaching before the island was converted to Christianity. This pillar has a small sign at its base.

This church makes a nice side trip if visiting Paphos. Unfortunately, it was closed for repairs when I was here. It’s located near the Kato Paphos Bus Terminal.

Best Museums Of Cyprus

Cyprus Museum

With all the archeological digs on Cyprus, another one of the top tourist attractions here is the Cyprus Museum, which houses the artifacts found within them. They date from the Neolithic Age to the Roman era.

As all the artifacts (except the mosaics) have been removed from the archaeological sites of Cyprus, they feel a bit empty when visiting. This museum helps fill the voids and complete the picture of the empty sites, so I found it fascinating. Expect to spend at least an hour here. More if you love this type of detail.

This museum is located in Nicosia, just south of the Green Line, within easy walking distance of the intercity bus station.

A. G. Leventis Gallery

The A. G. Leventis Gallery is an art gallery, showcasing artwork from Cypriot, Greek, and European artists, including some works by Monet, Renoir, Chagal, and more.

It’s about a 5-minute walk south of the Nicosia intercity bus station, south of the Green Line.

Crossing The Green Line At Ledra Street – Nicosia

The Green Line is a buffer zone between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). It’s the result of long-standing tension and civil strife between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, and later by the takeover of northern Cyprus by Turkey in 1974. In 2008, the land mines were cleared, the barricades were torn down, and checkpoints were added, opening the border.

You will likely hear that it’s not safe in northern Cyprus from locals, yet, understandably, the Cypriots have real reasons to see it as unsafe. After all, their country was invaded and thousands were displaced from their homes. And still are today. Yet for tourists, it’s safe and easy to cross the Green Line on Ledra Street in Nicosia, and one of the top tourists attractions in Cyprus. Of course, if you sense any unrest or see demonstrations, avoid this.

Crossing literally means showing your passport when exiting the southern side of Nicosia, walking about 10 meters and showing your passport to enter the northern side of Nicosia.

Once you cross into northern Nicosia, there are many cafes, shops, the old Turkish roadside inns (below), Semiliye Mosque, the old city walls, the old city gates, the old marketplace, and more. See my post on The Best Things To Do In Nicosia for all the details.

Best Hans Of Cyprus (Old Turkish Roadside Inns)

Han is the Turkish word for inn. Both these roadside inns are located on the Turkish side of Nicosia, north of the Green Line. Created as resting places for travelers from Turkey, they practically sit side by side, just a few minutes walk from the Ledra Street Checkpoint.

Büyük Han

Büyük Han, built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, has recently been restored to house galleries, shops, cafes, and more in its former ‘rooms’. This Han is quite charming and a great place to explore if visiting northern Nicosia.

Kumarcilar Han

Kumarcilar Han, built in the 17th century, is smaller. After years of neglect, it has now also been restored with a cafe and shops. There was live entertainment here when I walk by. It looked like the perfect place for an afternoon beer. It’s located just north of Büyük Han.

Best Nightlife Of Cyprus

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is well known to have the liveliest nightlife in Cyprus, its premier party destination. There are over 80 bars and nightclubs, staying open into the early hours the morning. Often with the party spilling into the streets. And this town is not that big!

Clubs have a variety of themes, so try several until you find the one that suits your style. There are pub crawls, designed to help navigate them, which also offers the benefit of meeting other like-minded partiers. If you’re big into partying, this will be the best place for you to stay. If not, keep in mind that it will probably be noisy all night.

Limassol

Limassol has a vibrant nightlife with clubs and bars in the area around Limassol Castle in the Old Town. The cafes here also double as nightlife options.

Larnaca

Larnaca also has a party scene, with beach parties, sports bars, dance clubs, and night clubs around Finikoudes and Mackenzie Beach. Mackenzie’s attracts more of the younger crowd.

Paphos

The nightlife in Paphos is a little ore chill than other cities, but still hopping, especially late on weekends. Agiou Antoniou is the party street, lined with clubs and bars. Honesty, many of the clubs on this street have become derelict and abandoned in recent years, but there’s still plenty of bars.

Want to Learn More About Cyprus?

In this post I’ve highlighted only the best tourist attractions of Cyprus, but to learn more about all the top sites here, see my individual posts on Ayia Napa, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, and Paphos.

I also created a Travel Guide for Cyprus to see the highlights, as well as how to get around, safety, visa issues, money matters, and more.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on the best tourist attractions of Cyprus. If you think I’ve missed something, or want to add a comment, please drop me a note below.