Must-Visit Attractions in Cyprus

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Kykkos monastery is adorned with decorations and antique exhibits made from precious metals such as gold, silver, brass, and bronze. Set on a mountain peak, you will need to bring your hiking gear if you want to reach this spot. The museum found at the centre will give you an account of the pre-Christian history contained in the manuscripts and other documents. At the end of your journey, settle down with a glass of wine, before descending. You might want to join locals and other visitors on August, 15 and September, 8 for the annual religious fairs.

It is not just the myth of the Greek goddess of love and beauty that attracts visitors here – people also enjoy swimming in the cool waters during summer, some in the hope that they will regain their youth, others, just for pleasure. Whichever takes you, Aphrodite’s rock is a perfect destination for a summer afternoon. Come and be a witness of Cyprus’s beauty in the vast sea that gave ‘birth’ to a goddess and the magnificent sites surrounding it.

Standing majestically with part of its base in the sea, Paphos Castle was built as a fort to protect the harbour. Today, the building, which has seen several recreations over the years, stands proud and provides perfect backgrounds and grounds for cultural events and festivals, one of them being the Aphrodite festival which is held every September. Culture abounds in Paphos – as a result, it was picked as the European Capital of Culture in 2017. The castle is a perfect representation of the powers that controlled Cyprus at the time, and the extent each went to exert their rule on the land.

Adventure lovers, rejoice: the famous Mount Olympus is the highest point in Cyprus, standing at 1,952 metres (6,404 feet). It is located in the Troodos Mountains, roughly in the centre of the island, and looks over vast rugged land with the Mediterranean Sea shimmering at a distance. Use the opportunity to take landscape images of the island – but do so with caution; in summer, snakes slither across the surface in search of shade or food. Be sure to wear the right gear, bring insect repellent, and don’t wander deep into the forest away from the trails. If you decide to visit in winter, there are activities on offer such as mountain skiing.

Kolossi has played an important role in Cyprus’s history, with its surrounding land once used as sugarcane plantations. Today, the villages surrounding the castle are vineyards for the renowned Commandaria wine. The ruins of Kolossi include a kitchen, a sugar factory to the east of the castle, a fireplace and the castle’s main chamber. Additionally, you can extend your visit to the winery and villages to acquaint yourself with the traditional art of making Commandaria – one of the oldest named wines in the world.

The sandy beach in Protaras is yet another Blue Flag holder with clear waters and golden sands for that perfect summer holiday. You can bask with a book in one hand and a drink in the other, or you can opt for an activity such as water skiing, parasailing or windsurfing. If you have children, rest assured that the shallow waters make it a perfect destination for families with young kids – and the picture-perfect paddling pools will keep your children engaged throughout.

Summer in Cyprus can be extremely hot – Fasouri Watermania offers a range of water activities to cool down when it all gets too much. The extraordinary water adventure park is the largest water park of its kind on the island. There are food and beverage outlets aplenty, and if ever you needed a (temporary) tattoo to remind you of the summer holidays, you’ll find one at this spot. Come prepared to enjoy water activities and impulse buying – there’s something for all ages.

To learn more about the history of Cyprus’s civilisation, Cyprus Museum is the ultimate destination. Nothing at this premise is short of magnificent. With its incredibly ancient artefacts, your trip here will introduce you to not only the history of the island, but the important role Cyprus played in the quest for civilisation. Leave at least an hour to meander through rows and rows of well-labelled and chronologically arranged relics. Showcasing some of the oldest cultural heritage of the land, it is home to unique archaeological treasures.

This is a must-visit attraction for classic car lovers. The museum prides itself in having a huge collection of cars with the oldest being a Ford Model T roadster from 1912. One of the valuable collections at the site is a car donated by the US government to the Cyprus President Makarios III. Make your visit memorable by hiring and tootling around the island in a classic machine – the car rental service comes with a driver. It is a wedding destination for many, and the grounds can be used for photo shoots.

Guzelyurt is one of the most beautiful villages on the island. Also known as Guzelyurt Museum, this attraction has both natural history and archaeological sections. The natural history section has stuffed animals native to Cyprus, while the archaeological section boasts an excellent collection of artefacts from the prehistoric age to the Byzantine period. A number of interesting artefacts include the recently found golden leaves of Soli, an ethereal tiara of gold leaves, among many other cultural finds. Next door is St Mamas Church, an attraction you do not want to miss.

Being the only preserved ship from Greece’s Classical Age, the Star Ship gives a glimpse into the life of the crew members at the time. The ship, which was rediscovered in 1967, now sits together with her cargo in the museum. Within the same building are other attractions including a 12th century chapel, a tomb of an Ottoman conqueror, and archaeological finds. After the visit around the castle, relax at the harbour and enjoy a meal of fresh fish.

Boasting golden sand and shallow waters enclosed within limestone headlands, Coral Bay is one of the most striking beaches of the island. Hire a sun lounger and an umbrella and enjoy Cyprus’s sun – with its family-friendly options, those with children will find this spot fun too. Food joints and bars are strategically located within walking distance.

If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, head to this olive park located in the picturesque village of Anogyra. From here you can gain an insight into the real rural life of Cypriots as they go about their duties – there’s no better way to learn about a community’s culture than by spending time with them. The museum takes visitors through a journey of everything related to olives, including extraction methods to the benefits of olives and the role they plays in Cypriots’ houses.

Located in the old town of Nicosia, Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum was started some 20 years ago. Today, it houses more than 150 different types of motorcycles, the oldest being a 1914 machine. A collection of the mammoth machines used at special occasions in the past are also exhibited here. They include a military motorcycle used by the army during World War II, and those used in the presidential guard of Archbishop Makarios III.

Explore more of the Mediterranean on our eight-day adventure around Greece – highlights include a tour of the historic sights in Athens, and island-hopping around Milos, Naxos and Santorini.