Cyprus is a small island with a paradise climate. This place everyone dreams to visit. Cyprus has incredible nature and beaches with the azure sea. But Cyprus is not only a coastal holiday.

Do you know that Cyprus is also referred to as a European salad made with Asian spices?

The island is a blend of Turkish and Greek cultures, architecture, art, and languages. This has made Cyprus special and attractive for guests. And many people who visit the island for the first time have a question: "Where to go in Cyprus first?"

We have prepared the 10 best places to visit in Cyprus. You can visit all of them or choose the most interesting for yourself.

Spoiler alert: there will be no beaches here. Beaches in Cyprus are a particular topic.

So, the best places in Cyprus where to visitare

ANCIENT KOURION

Most visitors to Cyprus know that the city is very ancient. But how is it really old?

Archaeologists state that the first people settled in Cyprus 10,000 years ago.  But to Cyprus, the greatest glory brought the Mycenaeans. A nation that participated in the Trojan War.

They built Kourion in the 12th century BC. Kourion was formerly one of the main cities of Antiquity. Today Kourion is an Archaeological Park on the southwest coast of Cyprus, near Limassol. In 2022 hundreds of people visited it and it has become one of best places to visit in Cyprus

What can you find here?

- The gorgeous Greco-Roman theatrewhich was built in the 2nd century BC. Subsequently, it was often updated and supplemented. The theater could have accommodated more than 3000 people. Today it is used for performances, concerts, and other events.

- House of Eustolios the residence of a well-to-do resident of the city. The house has few rooms and unique Roman baths - thermae. Visitors are also interested in the mosaic on the floor, which covers most of the room.

- House of Achilles. Roman villa of the first half of the 4th century. The building is half destroyed. But the was preserved mosaic depicting the popular story of Odysseus disclosing the true identity of Achilles.

- House of the Gladiators, which is significant because the mosaic in it depicts the fighting scenes of gladiators in Cyprus.

- The temple of Apollo Hylates. The cult of Apollo began in the 8th century BC. This best place in Cyprus was one of the main religious centers of ancient

Cyprus. It underwent many changes. The ruins that are now in their place date back to the 1st century AD.

- The Small Basilica Outside the Walls. A small part of the large complex that has survived to this day. The basilica was built in the early 5th century. It was decorated with many works of art, including marble sculptures. It was destroyed in the 7th century and most of the sculptures were transferred to another church.

The archaeological park is open every day, all week. It welcomes all the fans of ancient history.

SAINT HILARION CASTLE

There are countless castle structures in Cyprus. But one of the most grandiose is the castle of St. Hilarion. Of all the places in Cyprus, this is one of the few that are breathtaking.

It also dispels one of the stereotypes about Cyprus: Cyprus is not just about ancient Greece and Rome.

Hilarion Castle is located high in the mountains. This place has been transformed several times. At first, being a monastery, it was turned into a fortress and then passed into the status of a castle.

The peculiarity of the castle is that it seems to have merged with the mountain on which it stands. There are three courtyards on different levels. In the lower one, there were stables and barracks for the guards. In the second chamber there was a church, and in the upper lived members of the royal family.

It was built by the Byzantines in the 11th century to protect from Arab pirates.  Later the castle became a summer resort for the nobility of Lusignan. They waited in the castle on hot summer days. In the 15th century, Cyprus was occupied by the Venetians and the castle was deserted for a long time.

The worst tragedy at the castle happened to Prince John Antioch, the brother of Peter I, King of Cyprus. The prince and his family had moved into the castle to protect themselves from attacks by the Genoese. Having been manipulated by Queen Eleanor, John believed that the Bulgarian mercenaries serving in his guards were conspiring behind his back. This factor incredibly distressed the prince. He killed all the guards one by one, and their bodies were thrown from the highest tower.

After hearing this story, a lot of tourists feel this place is creepy. But the castle still attracts many visitors.

LARNACA

The biblical themes are also woven into the history of Cyprus.

We all know the story of the righteous Noah and his Kovecheg. According to legend, one of Cyprus' cities, was founded by his grandson, Kittiom. We're talking about Larnaca.

There are several other curious facts about this city:

- In 333 BC the city was invaded by Alexander the Great

- From 312 BC under the Egyptian Ptolemies, then the Roman and Byzantine empires

- During the 7th to the 10th century, the city was in a state of neglect after earthquakes and Arab raids

- Since 1570 it was under Turkish rule

- The modern city name may have come from the Greek word ''larnakes," which means ancient sarcophagi. Many of them were found in this area.

Of all the cities to visit in Cyprus, Larnaca deserves special emphasi. In 2022 Larnaca is a peaceful family-friendly resort. There are many Cyprus places to visit historical attractions, hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The popular entertainment is a rambling ride along Palm Promenade and the scenic beach is the most popular attraction.

Many outsiders fall in love with Larnaca so much that they stay here longer. And often they buy or rent a house and stay here forever.

In between the beautiful beaches and tourist sites, there are many beautiful locations to see:

- The Church of Saint Lazarus may be a Roman Catholic church found within the West Bank town of al-Eizariya, recognized with scriptural Bethany. The church is found in near vicinity to what Christian convention holds to be the tomb of Lazarus and the location of the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

- Larnaca Castle is an Ottoman development that dates back to 1625 A.C. and another place where to go in Cyprus. Be that as it may, the castle was initially built after the 14th century A.C. by the Lusignan Lord James I (1382-1398). It was a portion of an arrangement of guard developments that took put in arrange to observe and ensure the south-eastern side of the island.

- Hala Sultan Tekke. It is a critical Islamic landmark, one of the foremost respected top destinations in Cyprus within the Muslim world and it is utilized to this day for devout purposes. The mosque was built over the grave of Umm Haram or Ummü Haram, who was accepted to be the sister of the Prophet Mohammed’s cultivate mother or an adherent from Medina to Cyprus.

- Kamares Aqueduct, also known as the Bekir Pasha Aqueduct. Found exterior of the city, close to the ancient street to Limassol, it was built beginning in 1747. Tassos Mitropoulos has depicted it as the foremost unmistakable water supply built in Cyprus.

KARPAS PENINSULA

Karpas has many names. It is called "the edge of the world", "a piece of paradise", and "the lost paradise".

When you are on the plane to Cyprus you will see a long peninsula - this is Karpas. In this Cypre place, you will find endless desert beaches, wild donkeys, and mountains. You will find an incredible place, unlike anything else in the world. Karpas has a lot best places to visit in Cyprus.

What can you see here except nature?

- Cape Apostolos Andreas is the north-easternmost point of the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus. The Apostles Andreas Monastery is located five kilometers westward of the cape. Herodotus mentions the Cyprus places as "Keys of Cyprus" as he writes about a battle between Darius I and the Greeks.

- Dipkarpaz is the only large settlement of the protected peninsula with a population of about 5 thousand people. It was originally part of the Famagusta district, however, after 1974, it became part of Northern Cyprus.

- Kastro Hill Cave Tomb which still contains shallow niches carved into its floor where the bodies of those who died here lie.

- Panagia Kanakaria.An ancient Byzantine church, one of the oldest on the island. It was built in the 6th century and has been preserved in its original form.

ANCIENT SALAMIS

What do you think about walking around the ancient city for a while?

We all know that in Cyprus you can find many ancient places now. But Salamis will win you over!

-Salamis was the center of the political and economic life of the island for 1.5 thousand years. At the beginning of our era, the city's population reached 200,000 people. And the archaeologists' discovery of the city remains the most remarkable in history.

-According to Greek myths, the city was founded after the Trojan War. Then it was ruled by the Pharaohs of Egypt. It then passed under the authority of the Romans, and then returned to the Jews. But as early as the 1st or 2nd century B.C. it became a center for the dissemination of Christianity in Cyprus.

-The theatre with 50 seats and a capacity of 15,000 spectators is the most spectacular site. Around the building that had been excavated are many empty niches that contain marble. When Christianity was accepted as a state religion, these sculptures became symbols of rejection and were smashed. Even so, any traces of Roman idolatry remain today – in particular, the remnants of mosaic paintings can still be seen throughout the city.

-In the buildings of the Great Hall, it is possible to see Sudatorium (hot baths), Caldarium (steam baths), and Frigidarium (cold baths). Before the Christian period(until 400 announcements) it was a rather varied megacity. The marble columns were covered with multicolored stucco, colored statues, and multitudinous polychrome mosaics, of which only many remain. It was during the Christian period that the walls were erected with blockish halls located at regular intervals, but all that can be seen moment are mounds of sand.

COLOSSI CASTLE

Colossi Castle is a fine example of military architecture and the best place in Cyprus. The typical features of a fortification at the time included defenses and gun loops over the entrance, from which hot oil could be thrown at the foes amid approaching assaults. 

The position of Colossi held great strategic significance during the Middle Ages, with the installations for producing sugar from the original sugarcane. one of Cyprus’ main exports at the time Kolossi was the base of a strong military constraint, the Ioannina Brigade, also known as the Commanderie, which controlled and abused the rural delivery of the larger region, which included about 60 towns. 

It was first constructed in the 13th century and was rebuilt in its present form in the 15th century.

Nowadays, you'll be able to explore the exceptionally well-preserved Castle. You'll climb from the cellar to the roof to study the encompassing region, the same see that would have been delighted in by Kolossi’s occupants over a century prior. Visitors ought to too test a few of the neighborhood area’s sweet wines known as Commandaria. The sweet wine is celebrated after the marriage of Richard the Lionheart hitched Berengaria of Navarre at conterminous Limassol when the lord blazoned the wine to be the “wine of autocrats and lord of wines”.

CAPE GRECO

Cyprus where to visit more? If you want to enjoy nature in Cyprus places, you will be fine in this space.

It is an area of unspoiled environment that the government has conserved. There are numerous pathways for biking and hiking. Using a bus, a rental car, or an ATV to get here is simple. Excellent swimming and diving conditions can be found at Cape Greco.

If you're wondering when the best time to visit the Cape is, look no further, autumn, winter, spring, summer - it is beautiful here at any time of year.

There are many good places to see in Greco:

- In Cyprus, one of the best walks is the Aphrodite Trail. Stunning vistas of the aquamarine lagoons make it a favorite among tourists. If you, do it in the spring, you can be rewarded with an abundance of wild spring blossoms, such as stunning shaking cyclamen, the smallest vetch, the star of Bethlehem, and multicolored anemones.

- Love Bridge is place where lovers ‘’lock’’ their love.It is a work of art made by nature, the best creator. Due to the romanticism, the setting inspires, particularly at sunset, this particular spot is very well-liked by photographers and honeymooners.

- AgioiAnargyri Chapel. On the edge of a vertical cliff above the sea stands a small chapel dedicated to St. Anargyroi.There is a grotto of holy water below the chapel.Many couples decide to have their wedding ceremony and child baptism there as well.

- Sea Caves. The sea caves are a magnificent natural feature that lines Ayia Napa's coastline. They draw a sizable throng all year long because of their gorgeous rock formations and breathtaking sunsets.Rocks were eroded over years by waves pounding against the cliffs, creating the caves. They can be cautiously explored by foot or by boat. According to legend, pirates and smugglers of the Mediterranean utilized the caves to conceal their loot and store illegal goods.

 

TROODOS VILLAGES

Troodos villagesand other places in Cyprus where to visit.Troodos has quaint little villages with winding roads and ethnic architecture. They are generally surrounded by orchards, vineyards, and pine trees, all of which have their distinct odors and aromas, and are located on the mountain slopes. These little rural towns are well known for their inviting hospitality and authentic regional cuisine.

There are a lot of these villages, but we will tell you about a few of them.

- Kakopetria village, which is 2,700 feet above sea level and located in the highest portion of the Solea valley, is a well-liked destination for both locals and visitors. The settlement is located close to the Karkotis River and is surrounded by a lovely green environment with giant oak trees.

- Kalopanayioitis settlement is located in the Marathasa valley. Just one of many Cyprus landmarks listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the nearby Agios IoannisLampadidistis Monastery, which is a well-liked tourist destination. Several of the island's more impressive resorts, also features sulfur springs, classic buildings, and a magnificent valley.

- A whole other settlement located in the Marathassa valley, at a height of 1,200meters on Troodos Mountain, is It is situated in a stunning setting, surrounded by cherry and fir trees, as well as river waters.

- Either of Cyprus' most picturesque villages, is located in the Troodos Mountains' southern lowlands. Omodos, which is located in the country's famed wine-producing region and is situated at an elevation of 900 meters, is just a 30-minute drive from Limassol town.The Monastery of the Holy Cross, which, according to documents, dates back to Saint Helena's visit to Cyprus, is the center of the settlement (A.D.337). A portion of the Holy Rope, which was used to bind Christ's arms to the Cross, is kept in the monastery.

- Galata, together with its adjacent village of Kakopetria, hosts tens of thousands of tourists each year. Galata is located 60 kilometers west of the city in the picturesque Solea Valley of the Troodos Mountains. It is surrounded by lush vegetation on both banks of the Klarios River.

THE HOUSE OF DIONYSUS

Maybe this is where Dionysus was drinking his wines. Maybe the gods of Olympus were entertained in this house. We do not know that for sure. But we may see surprising remnants building of the Greco-Roman type.

The rooms in the House of Dionysos were placed around an inner courtyard, which served as the home's heart. The house appears to have been constructed around the end of the second century AD, wrecked by the earthquake of the fourth century AD, and then abandoned. 2000 square meters make up the House of Dionysus, of which 556 are mosaic floors painted with mythic, antique, and hunting scenes. The principal features of this house are the beautiful mosaics.

House is part of the top destinations in Cyprus Paphos Archaeological Park. Paphos is home to a significant portion of an important ancient Greek and Roman metropolis. Its historical sites and monuments span prehistory to the Middle Ages. In addition to the House of Dionysus were found enormous and complex Roman villas including the House of Aion, the House of Theseus, and the House of Orpheus, all with superbly conserved mosaic floors, are among the most important archeological finds to date. The "Tombs of the Kings" necropolis as well as an agora, asklipieion, basilica, odeion, and Hellenistic-Roman theater have all been found during excavations.

CYPRUS MUSEUM

Last but not least in our top is Cyprus Museum. From the ninth millennia BC through the early Byzantine era, the museum covers the island's history. Beginning in 1907, the Cyprus Museum was constructed in stages. The museum was built in the neoclassical style designed by the architect Nikolaos Balanos, whose idea it was to decorate the facade of the building in the form of an ancient temple. Today, the Museum of Cyprus consists of 14 exhibition halls arranged around a central room that houses an office, a library, a store, and a restoration workshop.

Major highlights of Cypriot archeology and history are on show in the museum's exhibition rooms, along with historic artifacts that provide visitors a glimpse into daily life in prehistoric Cyprus.

Ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, coins, copper objects, and other artifacts are all shown chronologically in the various museum galleries as part of the collections. Aphrodite of Soloi's statue dated to the first century BCE and a bridge idol from the Chalcolithic era is only a couple of the collection's historically significant objects. Early Bronze Age pottery from Vouni and Late Bronze Age golden jewelry from Egkomi are also included.

Every year, recurring exhibitions on a variety of fascinating topics from ancient life are held at the Cyprus Museum.

If you come to Cyprus just to rest by the sea and are not planning to visit ruins or other historical sites, a museum will help you immerse yourself in the history of Cyprus.

There's a lot to say about Cyprus. It is better to visit all the interesting places on your own and form your own opinion about the island.