19 ancient sites, monasteries, castles, and cultural landmarks across Cyprus, from the Tombs of the Kings and Paphos Archaeological Park to Aphrodite's Rock, ancient Kourion, and the mountain monastery of Kykkos. Planning a day-by-day list? See things to do in Cyprus.
A Greco-Roman city on a cliff above the sea near Episkopi, west of Limassol. The restored theatre and the mosaic floors of the House of Eustolios are the main draws.
Photo: Ray Ok via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)
A coastal sea stack on the Paphos-to-Limassol road, known in Greek myth as the birthplace of Aphrodite. A pebble beach and a clifftop viewpoint frame the rocks.
Photo by Dmytro Nazarko on Unsplash · Unsplash License
A narrow limestone gorge on the Akamas peninsula, with high carved walls; the nature trail is temporarily closed. A there-and-back trail leads in among boulders and a year-round stream.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
A small natural grotto and freshwater spring near Latchi, on the edge of the Akamas. A shaded pool tied to the myth of Aphrodite, and the start of coastal trails.
Photo: Arnold Schott via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
A 12-metre waterfall in the Troodos Mountains near Pano Platres, reached by the well-marked Kalidonia nature trail that follows the Kryos Potamos stream through pine forest. One of the tallest and most iconic waterfalls on the island, and one of the most popular short hikes in Cyprus.
A headland national forest park near Ayia Napa, with limestone sea caves, clifftop trails and viewpoints over clear water. Part of the Ayia Napa area on the southeast coast.
Photo: Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
A Neolithic settlement in the Larnaca district, occupied from the 7th millennium BC. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with reconstructed round dwellings beside the excavated ruins.
Photo: Klaus D. Peter, Wiehl, Germany via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0 de (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/de/deed.en)
A stone Byzantine church in central Larnaca, built over the reputed tomb of Lazarus. A carved iconostasis and a crypt beneath the altar are the main features.
Photo: Viaggiamocela via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
A small non-profit museum in Nicosia's walled old town devoted to fairy tales, legends and myths from Cyprus and beyond, set in a restored old house near Paphos Gate with interactive rooms, a dress-up corner and a reading nook for storytelling.
Kakopetria is a mountain village in the Troodos range, Nicosia district, Republic of Cyprus, known for its preserved old quarter of stone houses with wooden balconies, the Karkotis river running through the village with its stone footbridges, and the restored 1754 Mylos tis Gonias watermill.
Photo: Dmitry Panov via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)
A compact medieval castle west of Limassol, rebuilt in 1454 by the Knights Hospitaller. The estate is tied to Commandaria, one of the oldest named wines in the world.
Photo: Bukvoed via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
One of the wealthiest Orthodox monasteries in Cyprus, high in the Troodos. Founded in the late 11th century, it is known for gilded interiors and a revered icon of the Virgin.
Photo: Berthold Werner via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
A seasonal salt lake near Larnaca that fills in winter and draws migrating flamingos. The Hala Sultan Tekke mosque stands on its western shore among palm trees.
Photo: An. Antoniou via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
A medieval castle in the old town of Limassol, near the historic harbour. It houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, with armour, tombstones and everyday objects across the centuries.
Photo: Viaggiamocela via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
The highest point in Cyprus at 1,952 m, also called Chionistra, in the Troodos. Forest trails ring the summit, and the slopes host the island's small ski area in winter.
Photo: Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
The walled historic centre of the capital, ringed by star-shaped Venetian fortifications. The pedestrian Ledra Street, museums and old quarters fill the south side.
Photo: Молли via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
A traditional wine village in the Troodos, built around the Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) monastery. Cobbled lanes, small wineries and local crafts fill the centre.
Photo: Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
A large archaeological park at Kato Paphos with Roman villa mosaics, an Odeon and an agora. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its mosaics and ancient remains.
Photo: tomasz przechlewski via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
An ancient necropolis of underground tombs carved into the rock near Paphos, part of the Paphos UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some chambers are ringed with Doric columns around open courts.
Photo: Nikodem Nijaki via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
Pick the sites near your base, check their opening days, then use the travel guides to fit them into a route.