Why go to Cyprus
Cyprus is a small island with a long memory. Within an hour's drive you can swim in clear water, stand in a Roman theatre cut into a cliff, and be sitting in a pine-scented mountain village with a glass of local wine. The sea is warm well into November, the food is generous, and the layers of history (Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, British) are all visible without much effort.
It also works for different kinds of trips. Couples go for the coast, hikers for the Troodos, and families for the easy distances. It is not a remote escape: the south coast has plenty of package-holiday sprawl. But step ten minutes away from it and the island becomes much more interesting.
What to see: the places worth your time
- Paphos Archaeological Park. The floor mosaics in the House of Dionysus and neighbouring villas are the reason to come. Go early, before the heat and the coach groups.
- Tombs of the Kings, Paphos. Despite the name, these are rock-cut tombs of local aristocrats. They are quiet, windy and atmospheric near sunset.
- Kourion. A Greco-Roman site on a headland west of Limassol, with a restored theatre looking straight out to sea. Sit in the top rows and you will understand why they built it here.
- Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock). Legend says the goddess was born from the foam here. It is a roadside stop with a pebble beach. Come for the story and the light, not for a long swim.
- The Troodos Mountains. Villages such as Omodos, with its wine shops and cobbled square, plus the UNESCO-listed painted Byzantine churches, and the vast Kykkos Monastery. It is cooler up there, sometimes by 10 degrees or more.
- Nicosia old town. Inside the Venetian walls you find workshops, cafés and the Laiki Geitonia quarter. The capital is still divided, and crossing the Green Line on foot at Ledra Street is a sobering and easy half-hour detour. Bring your passport.
- Larnaca. The Church of Saint Lazarus is the main sight, and Hala Sultan Tekke, a mosque beside the salt lake, is lovely in its stillness. In winter flamingos gather on the lake.
- Cape Greco and the Ayia Napa coast. The sea caves, cliff paths and turquoise coves here are the best scenery on the east side. Nissi Beach is pretty but packed in July.
- Akamas Peninsula. The wild northwest, with walking trails, the Baths of Aphrodite and beaches like Lara Bay, where turtles nest in summer and a conservation station protects them.
- Lefkara and Khirokitia. Lefkara is the lace-and-silver village, touristy but photogenic. Khirokitia is a Neolithic settlement about 7,000 years old, worth an hour if you like early history.
Things to do beyond sightseeing
Hike one of the Troodos nature trails, such as the Caledonia waterfall path, which is short and rewarding. Take a boat trip from Latchi towards the Akamas coast. Visit a village winery around Omodos and try Commandaria, the sweet dessert wine that the island has made for centuries. In Limassol, walk the old town and the seafront promenade in the evening, when the city comes alive.
If you like snorkelling, the rocky coves around Cape Greco and Paphos are better than the big sandy beaches. In winter there is even skiing on Mount Olympus in the Troodos, although only a few runs and not for serious skiers.
How many days and a suggested route
Four days gives you a taste. Seven is the right amount if you want to see the island without rushing. Ten lets you slow down and add the Akamas or a few mountain nights.
- Days 1-2: Larnaca and the east. Land, see the town, then spend a day at Cape Greco.
- Day 3: Nicosia. Old town, the walls and the Ledra Street crossing, with a lunch of meze.
- Days 4-5: Troodos. Painted churches, Omodos and a walk. Sleep in a village if you can.
- Day 6: Limassol and Kourion. Old town in the morning, ruins in the afternoon.
- Day 7: Paphos. Mosaics, tombs, a harbour dinner.
When to go
April, May, late September and October are the sweet spot. It is warm enough to swim, the heat is manageable and the island is greener in spring, with wildflowers in March and April. July and August are very hot, often above 35°C inland, and crowded and pricey on the coast. Winters are mild on the coast (around 15-18°C by day), rainy at times, and good for sightseeing and walking. The Troodos can get snow from January to March.
Where to stay
- Larnaca. The practical base: close to the airport, with a relaxed seafront and good-value hotels and apartments. Good for budget travellers.
- Limassol. The most urban and polished choice, with the best restaurants and nightlife. Mid-range to high prices. The old town has the most character.
- Paphos. Best for history and a calmer atmosphere. The harbour area (Kato Paphos) is convenient, though touristy.
- Ayia Napa and Protaras. Beach-focused. Ayia Napa is busy and loud, while Protaras is quieter and more family-oriented.
- Troodos villages. Small guesthouses in stone houses are the best value for atmosphere. Book ahead in summer.
- Nicosia. Fewer tourists, good for a night or two, with decent city hotels at fair prices.
What to eat and where
Order meze. It is a long parade of small dishes (dips, grilled halloumi, sausages, olives, salads, then meat or fish), and it is the best way to eat on the island. Share it between at least two people and do not fill up on bread early on.
Other things to try: souvlaki and sheftalia (grilled minced-meat parcels), kleftiko (lamb baked slowly), koupepia (stuffed vine leaves), and loukoumades (honey doughnuts). Coffee is Cypriot style, thick and served in small cups, sweet or not. Zivania is the local spirit and is strong.
For where: village taverns in the Troodos, family places in Nicosia's old town, harbour fish restaurants in Larnaca and Paphos, and the Limassol old town for something more modern. As a general rule, eat where locals fill the tables at lunchtime, and avoid the menus with photographs.
Getting from the airport and getting around
Most visitors land at Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO). Larnaca airport is about 10 minutes from the town centre by taxi, with fares around €15-25. Nicosia is roughly 45 minutes away, Limassol about an hour, and Ayia Napa about 45 minutes. Paphos airport is close to the town, around 15 minutes.
The honest advice: rent a car. Public buses exist and connect main towns, but they are infrequent and rarely reach villages, beaches or archaeological sites. Traffic drives on the left, a British legacy, so give yourself a day to adjust. Roads are good, and distances are short. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work in the cities, and there are shared inter-city taxis. If you plan to cross to the north, ask your rental company about insurance before you go.
Rough daily budget
- Budget: about €60-90 per person: hostel or simple apartment, souvlaki and bakery lunches, buses and the odd taxi.
- Mid-range: about €110-170: decent hotel, car hire shared between two, meze dinners, entry fees.
- Comfortable: €200 and above, especially in Limassol and in high season.
Prices go up noticeably in July and August. Archaeological sites generally cost a few euros each.
FAQ
Do I need a car in Cyprus?
If you want to see more than one town, yes. Buses cover the main routes only, and mountain villages and many beaches are impractical without wheels.
Is Cyprus good for a short trip?
Yes. A long weekend in Paphos or Larnaca works well, especially in spring and autumn, but you will see more with five days or more.
Can I visit the north?
Yes, via crossing points in Nicosia and elsewhere, with a passport or valid ID. Check current rules and car insurance conditions before you go.
What currency is used?
The euro in the Republic of Cyprus. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for village cafés and small sites.
When is the best month to swim?
June to October is the most reliable. September is often the best, with warm sea and fewer crowds.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Guide updated 21 Oct 2026