The third-largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus pairs reliable sunshine and golden beaches with ancient ruins, mountain villages and some of the friendliest hospitality in the region. Warm well into autumn and increasingly popular year-round, it is a classic sun-and-culture holiday destination. Here is what to know.
Beaches and Resorts
Cyprus is famous for its coast. Lively Ayia Napa and Protaras in the east have the best sandy beaches and nightlife; Paphos in the west mixes beaches with history; and cosmopolitan Limassol offers a long seafront, marina and buzzing dining scene. Blue-flag beaches and warm, clear water are the island’s calling card.
Ancient History
The island is steeped in myth and history. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite rose from the sea at Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock). Don’t miss the spectacular Greco-Roman ruins and theatre at Kourion, the intricate mosaics and Tombs of the Kings at Paphos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the painted Byzantine churches of the Troodos Mountains.
Mountains, Villages and Food
Inland, the pine-clad Troodos Mountains offer cool air, hiking, wineries and stone villages — even skiing in winter. Cypriot cuisine is a highlight in itself: a long meze of grilled halloumi, souvlaki, dips and fresh salads, best enjoyed slowly with a glass of local wine.
Good to Know
Cyprus has been divided since 1974: the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus governs the south, while the north is under Turkish control, separated by a UN buffer zone through the capital, Nicosia. Most tourism is in the south; visitors can cross to the north at official checkpoints. The best months are May–June and September–October, when it is warm but not scorching.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
May, June, September and October offer ideal weather; the sea stays warm into November, and summers are very hot.
What are the top sights?
The beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras, the ruins and mosaics of Paphos and Kourion, Aphrodite’s Rock, and the Troodos Mountains.
What are the main airports?
Larnaca (LCA) is the largest; Paphos (PFO) serves the west of the island.
