Cyprus Sightseeing

The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, offers visitors many historical sights as well as the chance to walk around the maze of the streets in the walled Old City. There are also many other sights to see across the island including the infamous Tomb of the Kings in Paphos and churches, mosques and parks located farther afield. Whatever time of the year you come here and no matter how old you are, Cyprus offers an exciting journey through history.

Amathus
Historically, this was one of the most ancient royal cities of Cyprus. Now in ruins and partly covered by the sea, evidence suggests that human activity was present in the city from as early as 1100 BC. You can see remains of the Acropolis, the historic temple of Aphrodite and the Necropolis. Visitors have the chance to explore the area and see rare archaeological treasures.

Cedar Valley
Cedar Valley is a must for lovers of nature. It can be found within the Troodos and the valley is appropriately named. There are thousands of Cyprus cedar trees to be found here. Due to the remote location of the valley, you will be guaranteed of peace and quiet as well as a possible glimpse or two of the wild Cypriot and the moufflon, a kind of wild sheep, the national symbol.

Choirokitia
If you are a lover of history, the remains of Stone Age settlements at Choirokitia will fascinate you. The site, found in between Larnaca and Limassol, is home to remains that are exceptionally well preserved and date back to the 6th century BC. It is one of the earliest human settlements and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 60 Stone Age houses can be found at this site as well as original streets and a large mansion.

Larnaca
Located close to Larnaca Airport is the Hala Sultan Tekkesi, a historic mosque, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The mosque lies on the edge of Larnaka Salt Lake and is a winter home of migratory flamingos. 

Larnaca is also home to many museums, which include the Byzantine Museum; District Archaeological Museum; Pierides Museum and the Natural History Museum. 

In the northwest of Larnaca, you can find the ruins of ancient Kition, which is what ancient Larnaca was known as during biblical times. The remains of five temples dating back to the 13th century BC are still visible, with the Phoenician Temple of Astarte being of particular interest. This was built on the ruins of an earlier Bronze Age temple. The lower part of the northern city walls are also still visible.

Limassol
The ancient ruins of Kourion and the castle at Kolossi can be visited together in a day. They are two stunning examples of Cyprus’ historical importance. The Kourion sites date back to the 2nd century AD and Kolossi dates back to the 13th century. The ruins at Kourion are located amid breathtaking scenery and are thought to be one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Kolossi Castle was the home of the Knights Hospitallers and is a fascinating sight to see. Both sites offer the chance to step back in time and experience life hundreds of years ago.

Nicosia
Nicosia is a city divided by ancient walls. The walls were built by the Venetians in the 1570s and most of the historic monuments in the city can be found within these walls. The Old City houses the famous Laiki Yitonaik tourist quarter as well as many beautiful churches. One of the best ways to see all of the sights is to walk along the winding streets inside the city.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the old part of the city is the House of the Dragoman. Built in the 15th century, it is a stunning example of Venetian and Ottoman building styles. The dragoman was a translator to the Turkish governor and liaised between the Ottoman government and the leaders of the Orthodox Christians. He was beheaded in 1808, but his house remains largely as it was then.

Paphos
You will find many wonderful sights in Paphos including the world-famous Tombs of the Kings. These tombs are very similar to Egyptian tombs and are carved out of solid rock with beautiful pillars.

Paphos’ harbour attracts many visitors year-round. The quay is surrounded by restaurants, cafés and tavernas as well as beautiful scenery and views.

The castle in Paphos is the remains of a much earlier castle dating from 1391, which was destroyed. The Ottomans used the castle as dungeons and the British used it as a warehouse for salt. The views from the top are superb.

Troodos
The scenery to be found in the forested Troodos Mountains is breathtaking. The highest peak in Cyprus is Mount Olympus, which has a summit that is snow covered in winter and has skiing facilities.

There are 10 churches found in the Troodos, known as the Painted Churches. Panayia tou Araka, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Pea, is one of them and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be found near the village of Lagoudera and is surrounded by trees and wild peas, which give it its name. The church itself is very small, but size does not matter when you walk inside and see the vibrant colours. The frescoes are stunning and date back to the 12^th century.

Dance the Night Away in Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is a clubber’s paradise. It is brimming with top nightclubs and famous DJs are known to make appearances throughout the summer months. Clubs are open throughout the night for those who like to dance. The resort is not for the faint hearted, as people here party all night, sleep all day and do the same thing over and over again.

Have a Picnic in a National Park
There are picnic sites located in most national parks on the island. The picnic areas are all equipped with car parking, toilets, drinking water, tables and benches, barbecue facilities and children's play areas. Having a picnic at one of these parks is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon and make a great family day out.

Look After a Donkey for a Day
Located in Vouni village, the Donkey Sanctuary is an animal lover's paradise. Old and unwanted donkeys are cared for and able to live out their days in peace. The main sanctuary is situated in beautiful hill country, around the picturesque village of Vouni and occupies a number of fields, with more than a dozen enclosures of stables, stores and exercise yards. Whenever possible, especially during winter and spring when there is fresh food, the animals are taken out to graze.

Take a Jeep Safari
It is possible to take a jeep safari into the stunning Akamas peninsula, which is an area of mountains, valleys and forests. There are deserted beached located throughout the peninsula, where you can swim in the crystal clear sea.

Visit the Troodos Mountain Range
Reach the peak of Mount Olympus, the highest point on the island, and take in the spectacular views. There are mountain springs to be found across the area, which offer pure drinking water. There are also churches, villages and other sights to be found deep within the forests. In winter, the mountains play host to skiing holidays and ski-championships, which are popular with people from all around the world.

Wine-tasting
It is possible to join a wine tasting group and visit the famous monastery of Chrysoroyiatissa. Here you will be invited to sample some of the finest local wines as well as delicious local cheeses. Cypriot wines are renowned for their taste and were once said to be enjoyed by the Greek Gods who travelled to Paphos purely for the wine.