Discover the best things to do in Cyprus with this in-depth guide.
Cyprus. With its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to its ancient ruins and vibrant nightlife, it’s little wonder that it’s cemented its reputation as a European island escape with a difference.
Do you ever have one of those places that you remember with such pleasant memories that you’re almost worried about going back?
I had memories of a heady trip to Cyprus as a young teenager – I was smitten by the island’s stunning beaches, rugged landscapes and friendly people.
Fast forward quite a few years and my recent trips to Cyprus haven’t let my memories down.
Ready to explore some of the best things to do in Cyprus?
Let’s start off with this. If you’re somewhere cold and dreary, the idea of being on a beach somewhere in Europe might feel utterly insane, but it’s not.
What can you do in Cyprus? One of the most obvious answers is to settle down on a beach with a good book and enjoy the year-round sunshine.
Cyprus has a seemingly endless number of beaches – complete with warm turquoise waters and fine, white sand.
Nissi Beach is the island’s best-known.
Located in Ayia Napa, it’s an easy walk from the centre of the town. Conjure up the vision of a crescent-shaped beach with golden sand, shallow waters (perfect for families) and plenty of things to do to keep you occupied – water sports, bars, restaurants and nightlife – and you’ll have it right.
Head to Pissouri for a wealth of water sports in a sheltered cove (if you walk along the coastline, you can also find a few small beaches which are rarely inhabited by other sunseekers).
If you’re looking Cyprus Tourist Blog for somewhere a bit more rugged, Governor’s Beach boasts the clearest waters and a rocky coastline that’s ripe for exploration.
There are also tons of beautiful beaches in Paphos to visit if you plan to get some rest and relaxation.
If I had to pick one, I’d probably opt for Latchi, thanks to the smaller number of visitors but picture-perfect views from your sun lounger. Alternatively, Larnaca also has some cool beaches too.
Your biggest problem? Which beach to pick.
Cyprus has a long and interesting history. When I say long, I mean it – there’s evidence of human habitation on the island dating back to 10,000BC. Over the years, Cyprus has been ruled by the Venetians, the French and the English (to name a few) – all have left their stamp on the island.
Few places can match Cyprus for the sheer number of historical sites dotted across the island. So if you’re wondering what you can do in Cyprus and love to discover ancient sites, you could spend your whole trip doing that.
The Troodos Mountains run across the centre of Cyprus, providing a welcome cool in the hot summer months and brimming with hiking opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a multi-day expedition, or a short morning’s hike, the Troodos are the best place to start.
Some popular hikes in the Troodos mountains include:
The relatively short hike (1 hour each way) from Pano Platres to Caledonia Waterfalls is a good place to start. Though uphill, the gradient isn’t steep and the sight of the Cyprus Beaches falls is worth the effort.
Olympus Summit: This hike is more difficult, and takes about 7 hours to complete. The summit offers stunning views of the island.
Prastio – Akamas Ridge: This hike is also difficult, and takes about 8 hours to complete. It offers beautiful views of the Akamas peninsula.