Vacation in Cyprus: Written By Locals

Are you wondering how is it like to have a vacation in Cyprus?

If so, then you are in the right place.

Beautiful beaches with crystal clear blue waters, picturesque villages, UNESCO archaeological sites and churches, monasteries, amazing resorts, scuba diving, golf, excursions, guided tours are a few of the things you can see and do on the island of love, Aphrodite’s birth place…

…and let’s not forget our hospitality.

As locals, we can give you many reasons to visit our island.

So here they are…

We chose our top 10 favorite activities and attractions – among others – as reasons to visit Cyprus.


Note: There are tons of reasons to visit our island. If you wish to learn more then click on these links...attractions, water activities, land activitiesgolf, diving, itineraries, routes (road trips), tours, beaches and UNESCO.


  • Tourism in Cyprus: Cyprus is one of the top holiday destinations in Europe and the islanders' main source of income.




So let's start...


Quick links:

  1. Beaches
  2. UNESCO Archaeological Sites
  3. Explore the Troodos Mountains
  4. Excursions in Akamas Peninsula (National Park)
  5. Water Tours
  6. Old Town of Nicosia and the Old Town of Limassol
  7. Cypriot Mediterranean Cuisine
  8. Visit Picturesque Villages
  9. Wine Tasting Tours
  10. Kykkos and Trooditissa Monasteries


1. Vacation in Cyprus: Beaches

Stunning beaches with crystal clear blue waters.

From Ayia Napa and Protaras resorts to Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, there are so many blue flag beaches that you won’t be able to see them all if you are staying just for a week.

White sand, dark gray sand and pebbled beaches are waiting for you. I remember when we were little kids, our parents used to take us to a beach in Larnaca where the water was so shallow. The best beach ever for kids.

Anyway, if you are a sea lover, then you have a very good reason to visit Cyprus.

See Cyprus beaches for more information.


2. Vacation in Cyprus: UNESCO Archaeological Sites

What's a vacation in Cyprus if you don't visit at least one of our archaeological sites? The island has a rich history! If you are a history buff, then this reason should make you pack your things, book your flight and your accommodation...and...

...welcome to Cyprus :-).

Two of our favorite archaeological sites are located in Paphos and Limassol. Kato Paphos archaeological park in Paphos and Kourion archaeological site in Limassol can make our day.

Kato Paphos archaeological park is within walking distance from Paphos castle (fort). You pay to enter the site but it’s well worth it.

Kourion is in Limassol. Its’ location is one of the most scenic in the whole island. Again, you pay to enter, but it’s well worth it.


3. Vacation in Cyprus: Explore The Troodos Mountains

Cyprus combines sea and mountains. Within 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the traffic) you can drive from the sea shores of the island to the mountains.

It’s an unforgettable experience.


You can explore Troodos by renting a car (that's the best choice in our opinion) or by booking a guided tour.

4. Vacation in Cyprus: Excursions in Akamas Peninsula (National Park)

The national park of Akamas is in Paphos district. We visited so many times Akamas peninsula that we lost count. It’s wonderful there!

Rent a quad or a 4x4 car or have a Jeep Safari in our National Park in Paphos and drive along the coastline to see the Baths of Aphrodite, the famous blue lagoon beach and more.

It's an adventurous experience! 


Make sure you take lots of water with you, sun cream, sunglasses and a hat, because especially in summer the sun is very hot.

5. Vacation in Cyprus: Water Tours

There is an excellent choice of boat tours and cruises from Latchi (Paphos), from Paphos and from Ayia Napa harbor.

The party on these tours is very lively, so get ready for a fun day out.

For more information on Cyprus tours click here.


6. Vacation in Cyprus: Old Town of Nicosia And The Old Town of Limassol

Old town of Nicosia is in Nicosia district and Old town of Limassol is in Limassol district.

You can stroll the streets or have a guided tour of these two old towns which are full of history. You will see historic buildings, quaint neighborhoods, shops and more.


Note: Needless to say that you should take the camera with you. In matter of fact, everywhere you go on the island you will need your camera because the island is very photogenic.

7. Vacation in Cyprus: Cypriot Mediterranean Cuisine

Are you a foodie?

Food lovers will love Cyprus because the island is famous for its Mediterranean cuisine. Our cuisine is part of our culture and we are proud of it. Delicious food at its best! A great experience if you are a foodie!

Cypriot Mediterranean food includes - among others - makaronia tou fournou (pasta baked in the oven), mousaka, souvlakia, sheftalies, halloumi (Cyprus cheese), souvla, ofto kleftiko, salads, fish meze (various small fish dishes), meat meze (various small meat dishes), koupepia, loukanika (Cypriot sausages) and many more.


8. Vacation in Cyprus: Visit Picturesque Villages

There are so many villages in Cyprus that it will take you a while to tour most of them. All you have to do is rent a car or book a tour and start exploring.

For example Omodos, Kakopetria, Platres, Kalopanayiotis, Pedoulas and Agros are some of the best villages you can visit on the island. They are a must-see attraction.


Note: For more information on the countryside (Cyprus villages) and agrotourism click the links.

9. Vacation in Cyprus: Wine Tasting Tours

Cyprus is famous for its wines, especially the sweet wine (yes sweet wine :-) ) called Commandaria.

Commandaria is the oldest wine in the world.

Wine tasting tours are the best to meet friendly and hospitable Cypriot people and taste the best wine in the island.

If you wish to tour the wine villages on your own you can do it by renting a car. Otherwise you can book a tour.


10. Vacation in Cyprus: Kykkos And Trooditissa Monasteries

Kykkos monastery is located in Nicosia district and Trooditissa monastery is located in Limassol district.

These two monasteries are in the mountains. The route to get there is amazing, so don’t forget to take the camera with you and start exploring the island’s history…

…because religion is part of our history.


You don’t have to be religious to visit the churches and monasteries of Cyprus.

If you want to tour the island at your own pace then it’s best if you rent a car, especially if you are touring the mountains of Cyprus.

Are these 10 reasons good enough to have your vacation in Cyprus? :-)

If not, then explore our step-by-step guide (this website) some more to find out more reasons to visit the island of Aphrodite (Goddess of Love and Beauty), hence the island of love.