Cyprus Travel Guide

Nicosia (Lefkosia) is the historic capital of Cyprus, encircled by 16th-century Venetian star ramparts. It is the last divided capital in Europe, where the pedestrian Ledra Street checkpoint allows simple passport passage between south and north.

Limassol (Lemesos) is Cyprus cosmopolitan southern hub, featuring a restored medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart married, a sprawling palm-fringed seaside promenade (Molos), and an upscale marina.

Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure trove on the southwest coast. It features some of the finest Roman floor mosaics in the world (Dionysus, Theseus), the subterranean Tombs of the Kings, and a picturesque Byzantine harbor castle.

Larnaca is Cyprus main international gateway and its most relaxed coastal city. It features the palm-lined Finikoudes promenade, the 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus, a medieval fort, and the great Salt Lake where thousands of pink flamingos feed in winter.

Ayia Napa is famous for having the finest white-sand beaches and crystal turquoise water in Cyprus, anchored by Nissi Beach and the dramatic sea caves of Cape Greco national park. While high summer is club-focused, shoulder months offer tranquil swimming.

Rising to nearly 2,000 meters at Mount Olympus, the pine-covered Troodos Mountains offer a cool, fragrant alpine retreat from the coastal heat. The region is dotted with 10 UNESCO-listed painted Byzantine churches and traditional stone wine villages like Kakopetria and Omodos.