Ancient stone, painted churches, crusader castles
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.
Ancient Kourion
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.
Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
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.
Avakas Gorge
A narrow limestone gorge on the Akamas peninsula, walkable between high carved walls. A there-and-back trail leads in among boulders and a year-round stream.
Baths of Aphrodite
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.
Caledonia Waterfalls (Kalidonia)
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.
Cape Greco (Cavo Greko)
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.
Choirokoitia (Khirokitia)
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.
Church of Saint Lazarus
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.
Fairytale Museum, Nicosia
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
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.
Kolossi Castle
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.
Kykkos Monastery
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.
Larnaca Salt Lake
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.
Limassol Castle
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.
Mount Olympus (Chionistra)
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.
Nicosia Old Town
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.
Omodos Village
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.
Paphos Archaeological Park
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.
Tombs of the Kings
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.
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