Sightseeing in Cyprus

It would be impossible to list all the attractions for sightseeing in Cyprus, as there are just so many. The island features heavily in Greek mythology, and has a very strong association with Aphrodite, a mythological character that is certainly worth learning more about.

From Paphos, you can visit Aphrodite's Rock, which is an interesting rock formation on the coast that's said to be where the goddess arrived on the island. Paphos is actually the best place to base yourself if you want sightseeing to be one of the main features of your trip, as there are numerous historical monuments in the city, not to mention its entire centre being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among the must-visit landmarks in Paphos are the castle, the Tomb of the Kings, the Temple of Aphrodite and Paul's Pillar.

Limassol also has its fair share of historical sites - including Limassol Castle and the Kourion Theatre, which is part of the large Kourion archaeological site, located to the west of Limassol. Highlights here include the remaining villas and their mosaic floors, as well as the Nymphaeum.
 

Active attractions in Cyprus

As Cyprus is an island, it's no surprise that there are plenty of active things to do along its coast, with various water sports on offer for adventurous holidaymakers. Naturally, the summer, when the water is at its warmest, is the best time to have a go at a range of water sports, including surfing, scuba diving, and kite and wind surfing.

This is a great way to make the most of Cyprus's natural attractions, not to mention to cool off when the weather is at its hottest.

If you want to discover the island's stunning scenery and you're more the kind of traveller who loves on-land adventures, you really need to hop on a bike or stride out on foot. There are some outstanding hiking and cycling routes around Cyprus that will lead you through some of its most picturesque landscapes.

The Akamas Peninsula, which is located in the north-west of Cyprus, is a wonderful place to explore, with pristine beaches, rolling hills and rugged cliffs. There is also some rare flora and fauna in this region, so keep your eyes out for the likes of orchids and tulips by the paths, while loggerhead and green turtles are known to breed on the beaches here.

The Troodos Mountains are another top destination for hiking, although best visited in the spring and autumn, as the winter months can see snow falling on the peaks, while the summer is often too hot for hiking.

Sampling the local cuisine

If you're something of a foodie, a holiday in Cyprus will excite your tastebuds, thanks to its traditionally Mediterranean cuisine that has strong Middle Eastern influences. There are lots of wonderful dishes you should try, with seafood featuring on many menus and some delicious meat casseroles and baked dishes also available.

Moussaka, afelia and sea bass lavraki are among the options you'll most commonly see; although an absolute must if you want a flavour of Cypriot cooking is a meze. This gives you the chance to sample many small dishes (think of it as the Greek equivalent of Spanish tapas, as well as tasty dips like tahina, talattouri and taramosalata.
It's best to head to one of the local tavernas for an authentic meze - you won't get a better introduction to Cypriot cuisine than this.

Depending on when you book your holiday to Cyprus, you may be able to sample some of the island's delicious fresh fruit, including nectarines, figs, cherries, avocadoes, watermelons and mandarins, all of which are grown here.

Limassol is also surrounded by Cyprus's best-known wine regions, so you can try a few of the local tipples on a vineyard tour if you're based in this city.

Relaxing and unwinding

Of course, Cyprus is an island and it's blessed with stunning stretches of coastline. One of the best things to do on a holiday here is to simply relax on the beautiful beaches and take advantage of the wonderful weather.

You can stick to the beaches close to your hotel, or explore further afield and head to some of the quieter coves and bays in places like the pristine Akamas Peninsula. If you want to be based somewhere peaceful, head to Pissouri, which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Limassol, but still within easy reach of the city.

There are also numerous wellness centres located in Cyprus, where you can be completely pampered and indulge in beauty treatments and massages. This is the perfect way to get your holiday off to a relaxing start, or to ensure you return home feeling refreshed after your break.