Cyprus: Here are 10 amazing places you just have to experience is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs.
The shared holiday island has it all
Many Danes naturally dream of a holiday in the southern sun. A destination that always offers warm weather, beautiful beaches and beautiful nature is wonderful Cyprus.
When you travel to Cyprus, you will discover that the island is roughly divided in the middle into a northern and a southern part, and it is not always possible to cross the border between the South and Northern Cyprus, so pay attention to which part you are going for.
Both the Greek and Turkish sides of Cyprus are excellent destinations and there is plenty of history, gastronomy and delicious bathing water to plunge into.
This time we focus on the southern part.
If you have to fly to Northern Cyprus, you must via Turkey, while you can fly directly to the southern Greek-speaking part of the island with both scheduled, low-cost and charter flights from Denmark. The largest airport is in Larnaca on the southeast coast, and this is where most people fly to.
Alternatively, you can fly to Paphos in the west. It is mainly charter flights that land here. Cyprus is not bigger than you can easily get around, so it is no problem to arrive in e.g. Larnaca and explore the western part of the island from there.
It is also possible to sail to Cyprus. From Tasucu on Turkey's south coast, there is a ferry to Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus, where the crossing takes 6 hours. Ferries to the southern part of Cyprus from e.g Greece og Israel are rather irregular and routes come and go.
The best chance of finding an open ferry route is during the summer months, but remember to check the latest information on sailing schedules before packing.
At the editorial office, we have through advice from our travel community on Facebook gathered good tips for what to experience in the country. Read the 10 favorites and get inspiration for what to experience next time you travel to Cyprus.
Our favorites in Western Cyprus
In the western part of Cyprus lies – literally – a sea of sights and experiences await. Go to the Blue Lagoon and swim in beautiful surroundings with crystal clear water.
If you are more into fresh water, then Aphrodite's Bath is also here; an enchanting lake, located next to a natural cave, which the goddess Aphrodite according to legend came to bathe in. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite was born in Cyprus on the cliff Petra tou Romiou.
Aphrodite's youth Adonis has also left his mark on Cyprus at the Adonis Falls near the village of Peiya.
If we stick to the Greek gods and myths, then the western part of Cyprus also offers Mount Olympos. The mountain rises 1952 meters into the air, is the highest point in Cyprus and is part of the Troodos mountain range.
In general, western Cyprus is dominated by the Troodos mountains, and on many mountain peaks you will find mountain hotels, churches and Byzantine monasteries – for example the monastery of Kykkos, which is known for its bejeweled icon of the Virgin Mary.
In western Cyprus you will also find old castles and other relics of the past. Here the Kolossi castle close to the city of Limassol can be recommended. Limassol is located right in the middle of the south coast of Cyprus and is actually surrounded by a stretch of Great Britain in the form of British military bases.
Cyprus is a bit of a patchwork of small pockets belonging to the British Crown, and the British presence on the island is still felt. However, it is clearly the Mediterranean atmosphere that you feel most clearly.
Here are 4 other lovely places and sights in Western Cyprus:
- Paphos – Beautiful coastal city with many ruins from ancient times. Paphos is the gateway to western Cyprus and the Troodos Mountains
- Peyia – The village is located high up and has a fantastic view of Coral Bay and the church of Agios Georgios. Peyia is close to the large city of Paphos
- Latchi – From here you can take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon
- Limassol – Beautiful city with many things close by. Nice long beach promenade. Right in the center stands the castle where it is said that Richard Løvehjerte lived and was married in the 1100th century
Our favorite sights in Eastern Cyprus
In central Cyprus you will find the world's last divided capital: Nicosia, which is called Lefkosa on the Turkish side, is a sight that must be experienced for yourself. The city is divided by a wall or border, which cuts off streets and is guarded by armed military. It may sound unsafe, but it is not.
The Greek side of the city is very reminiscent of the big cities we know from the rest of Europe with nice and clean wide streets and well-known shops that you could find anywhere else - of course sprinkled with Greek-Cypriot charm and atmosphere.
The Turkish part of the city is more chaotic with narrower streets and bazaars and restaurants between the famous shops, but at least as charming.
When you're in Nicosia, it's worth visiting both sides of the wall if you can. Check the latest border crossing rules when you're there – things can change quickly on those edges.
Eastern Cyprus, like the rest of the island, offers delicious beaches and crystal clear water. Cyprus is said to have the cleanest and clearest water in all the Mediterranean , so a visit to the beach is not to be missed. If you go all the way to the easternmost point of South Cyprus, you can walk over a natural stone bridge to the Cape Greco peninsula.
Here you can snorkel, try out water sports and dive into underwater caves. On Cape Greco itself, there are a handful of hiking trails of varying difficulty.
Should you get enough of the water in the wild nature, the eastern part of Cyprus also offers more controlled water experiences. Here we find both water amusement parks such as WaterWorld in Ayia Napa and the Ocean Aquarium in Protaras.
If you want to delve a little more into the Cypriot culture, you will also find a sea of small churches and mosques, for example the church of Agioi Saranda and the mosque Hala Sultan Tekke near Larnaca. If you travel to Cyprus to experience nature on land, you will also find national parks that are definitely worth a visit.
Here are more travel favorites and attractions in Cyprus:
- Ayia Napa – Gorgeous beaches and great place for party-goers. Enjoy life on, among other things, the popular beach Nissi Beach. Close to the city is the large water park WaterWorld, which is super child-friendly
- Larnaca – Cozy beach town with a nice and wide promenade. The city also offers the famous church of Saint Lazarus, which is called Agíou Lazárou locally, small cozy streets and the important mosque Hala Sultan Tekke close to the airport. Most flights to Cyprus land in Larnaca
- Cape Greco – The national park is a great place for snorkeling and also has a really beautiful sunset. Here are a number of hiking routes that will get your pulse up a bit. Remember drinking water and a sun hat - there is not much shade on the rocks
- Pyrga/Stavrovouni – Close to the town of Pyrga, on top of a hill, you will find the Greek Orthodox monastery of Stavrovouni. The monastery is for men only, but the view and the chapel can be enjoyed by all
- Pano Lefkara – Beautiful village consisting of both an upper and lower part
- Protaras – Here you will find beautiful beaches – not least Fig Tree Bay – and inside a rock hides the church of Agioi Saranda. Protaras is Ayia Napa's slightly more relaxed neighboring town
Stay tuned inside ours travel community on Facebook to get even more reader favorites and inspiration for your summer vacation.
Now you are hopefully better equipped to plan future trips to Cyprus.
What to see in Cyprus - here are the biggest sights and attractions
- The world's last divided capital, Nicosia/Lefkosa
- The Troodos Mountains
- Aphrodite's Rock
- The blue Lagoon
- WaterWorld in Ayia Napa
- Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca
- Cape Greco
- St. Lazarus Church
- Agioi Saranda
Did you know: Here are the 7 cities in Europe with the most hours of sunshine
7: Nice in France – 342 hours/month
6: Valencia in Spain – 343 hours/month
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