Cyprus vacations

Discover a medieval castle, a grand mosque and sandy Mediterranean beaches in Larnaca, where Turkish and Greek history blends with warm Cypriot hospitality.

Legend comes alive in the tiny seafront town in Cyprus. Discover palm-lined beaches, luxury resorts and one of the richest archeological sites in the Mediterranean.

With its unique fusion of Greek and Turkish influences, the Cypriot capital offers fascinating history, fresh Mediterranean cuisine and a cobblestoned old town straight out of a postcard.

Inhabited for more than 10,000 years, this island nation brims with ancient history. At Paphos Archaeological Park, find fortresses and tombs among Roman city ruins. Visit the Kourion Archaeological Site to explore a Greco-Roman theater on a hilltop. And don’t miss the Neolithic village of Choirokoitia, the island’s first permanent settlement and one of the most unique things to see in Cyprus.

Cyprus is one of the world’s oldest wine producers, with a history stretching back 6,000 years. The best way to experience it is touring one of its seven wine routes. The Laona to Akamas route offers some of the country’s best whites, made with indigenous ‘xynisteri’ (white) grapes. Or take the Commandaria route to taste the island’s oldest wine, stopping at medieval castles and hilltop villages.

Like a rippling green carpet across southern Cyprus, the Troodos Mountains are among the island’s finest natural treasures. Here, you’ll find the highest peak, Mount Olympus. Hike through pine and juniper forests to reach panoramic viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. Or stroll through hilltop villages like Pedoulas, home to Byzantine churches, cherry orchards and the fascinating Folklore Museum.

One of Cyprus’ most famous beaches is Aphrodite’s Beach, with its distinctive rock stack where legend says the Greek goddess was born. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is all white sand and crystal-blue water, buzzing with beach bars and volleyball games. Near Paphos, family-friendly Coral Bay offers gentle surf, while the remote and beautiful Lara Bay is a nesting site for green turtles.

Natural beauty is everywhere here. Cape Greko National Park reveals the island’s diverse geology, with rugged cliffs, arches and sea caves. The Akamas National Park is a patchwork of rocky gorges, evergreen forests threaded with hiking trails and the spectacular Blue Lagoon. You’ll find endless hiking in the Troodos Mountains — try the Artemis Trail for a pulse-raising tour of Mount Olympus.

Cypriot cuisine showcases fresh local produce, often served as a ‘meze’ (sharing dish). Try ‘souvlakia’ (grilled meat kebabs served with fresh salads and pitta), ‘koupepia’ (stuffed grape leaves) and ‘moussaka’ (layered eggplant casserole). Salty halloumi cheese is a national delicacy you can’t miss. Dinner is usually served late — restaurants in Cyprus often don’t open before 7pm.

Many of the best museums in Cyprus are in the capital, Nicosia. At the Cyprus Museum, feast your eyes on archeological treasures dating back to the Neolithic era. At the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, see modern artworks in a former power station. For a deep dive into the city’s history, from the Bronze Age to the present day, visit the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia.

With year-round sunshine, there’s no wrong time to go to Cyprus. Spring offers blooming landscapes and mild temperatures for hiking. Summer brings perfect beach weather, but be prepared for higher rates and bigger crowds. In fall, enjoy quieter beaches, warm days and events like the Cyprus International Film Festival.

It’s possible to have a cheap vacation in Cyprus. You can get an inexpensive meal for around 15 euros (€), while coffee or local beer costs about €3. You’ll pay around €9 for a short taxi ride, or you can hop on a local bus for a couple of euros.