Republic of Cyprus Paphos
A harbour town built on a UNESCO site: Roman mosaics, rock-cut tombs, a medieval fort and the easiest base for the wild west coast.
The island-wide travel portal
Cyprus, the whole island
Roman mosaics and painted mountain churches, sea caves and white-sand coves, a divided capital and Aphrodite’s own birthplace. Eleven destination guides, honest logistics and the tours worth booking.
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Why Cyprus?
A small island with ten thousand years of stories
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, about 225 km from west to east. In a single week you can swim in turquoise coves, walk through pine forest at over 1,500 m, stand on Roman mosaic floors and cross a medieval city wall on foot.
It is also one of the sunniest places in Europe, with a long, dry summer and mild winters, two international airports, good motorways along the south coast and English widely spoken. Distances are short — Paphos to Ayia Napa is about two and a quarter hours by car — so two or three bases cover the whole island.
11destination guides, six pages each
3UNESCO World Heritage Sites
300+sunny days a year (approx.)
2international airports: Larnaca & Paphos
One island, two sides
Since 1974 Cyprus has been divided by a UN-controlled buffer zone, the Green Line. The Republic of Cyprus in the south is an EU member using the euro; the north is administered by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and uses the Turkish lira. Visitors can cross at official crossing points with a passport or EU ID card — most come on day trips to north Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta. Rules for hire cars and documents differ; see the travel guide before you go.
Where to go
Eleven destinations across the island
Each destination is a small guide in itself: overview, tours and tickets, things to see, getting there, a practical travel guide and when to go.
Republic of Cyprus 
Republic of Cyprus Akamas Peninsula & Latchi
The wild north-west tip of Cyprus: Blue Lagoon boat trips from Latchi, the Baths of Aphrodite, the Avakas Gorge and empty beaches.
Republic of Cyprus Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
The sea stack where Aphrodite rose from the foam, on a wild stretch of coast between Paphos and Limassol — with her ancient sanctuary nearby.
Republic of Cyprus Limassol
Cyprus’s lively second city: a medieval castle and old town, a seafront promenade and marina, with Kourion and Kolossi close by.
Republic of Cyprus Troodos Mountains
Pine-forested mountains with UNESCO painted churches, Kykkos Monastery, waterfalls, Mount Olympos and the wine villages of Omodos and Lefkara.
Republic of Cyprus Larnaca
The main airport town: a palm-lined seafront, the Church of Saint Lazarus, flamingos on the salt lake and the Zenobia, one of the world’s top wreck dives.
Republic of Cyprus Ayia Napa & Cape Greco
White-sand beaches, the sea caves and cliffs of Cape Greco, boat cruises and the island’s liveliest nightlife — around a quiet Venetian-era monastery.
Republic of Cyprus Protaras & Fig Tree Bay
A family-friendly resort of sandy coves — Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay — with a hilltop chapel, a seaside promenade and cruises along Cape Greco.
Republic of Cyprus Nicosia
The divided capital inside star-shaped Venetian walls: the Cyprus Museum, Ledra Street and a walk across the Green Line to the Selimiye Mosque and Büyük Han.
North · via crossing Kyrenia (Girne) & Bellapais
In the north of the island: a horseshoe harbour under a Venetian castle, the Gothic abbey of Bellapais and the fairy-tale ruins of St Hilarion.
North · via crossing Famagusta (Gazimağusa) & Salamis
In the north-east: a Venetian-walled city with a Gothic cathedral turned mosque, Othello Castle, and the vast ancient city of Salamis.
Top experiences
Six things Cyprus does better than anywhere
If you only have a week, build it around three or four of these.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
Take a boat from Latchi along the wild Akamas coast to a sheltered bay of impossibly clear water — the island’s favourite day out.
Walk among the Paphos mosaics
Roman villas whose floors still show the gods and heroes of Greek myth, inside a harbour town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Find the painted churches of the Troodos
Barn-roofed mountain chapels hiding Byzantine frescoes, Kykkos Monastery and wine villages — and cool air when the coast swelters.
Cruise the sea caves of Cape Greco
Arches, caves and coves along the south-east tip of the island, by boat from Ayia Napa or Protaras or on foot along the clifftop trails.
Cross the Green Line in Nicosia
Walk down Ledra Street, show your passport and step into the Gothic Selimiye Mosque and the Ottoman Büyük Han — the divided capital in one afternoon.
See Aphrodite’s Rock at sunset
The sea stack where the goddess of love rose from the waves, on a wild stretch of coast between Paphos and Limassol.
Hand-picked experiences
Featured tours from across the island
Real, bookable tours and tickets from GetYourGuide, chosen from several destinations — the ones that fill up first in summer.
Day trip from €38.95 From Paphos: Blue Lagoon and Baths of Aphrodite Day Trip
Coach transfer to Latchi, a boat to the turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon for swimming, and a stop at the Baths of Aphrodite on the way — the easiest way to see the Akamas coast without a car.
Boat trip from €30 Protaras: Turtle Cove and Blue Lagoon Cruise
One of the island’s most-booked cruises: along the cape to Turtle Cove and the Blue Lagoon with swim stops.
Boat trip from €50 Ayia Napa: Lazy Day Cruise to Turtle Cove and the Blue Lagoon with Lunch
A very popular cruise from Ayia Napa harbour along Cape Greco, with swim stops at the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove and lunch on board.
Day trip from €55 From Paphos: Troodos Mountains and Villages
A long-running, very popular day from Paphos into the mountains and villages; route details on the listing.
Boat trip from €25 Latchi: Nafsika II BBQ Cruise to the Blue Lagoon
A relaxed cruise from Latchi harbour along the Akamas coast to the Blue Lagoon, with swimming time and a barbecue lunch on board.
Snorkelling from €15 Larnaca: Snorkelling at the Zenobia Wreck plus Mini Cruise
A short boat trip out to the Zenobia site, where you can snorkel over the wreck in clear water; good value for non-divers.
Day trip from €55 Famagusta and Salamis Tour from Ayia Napa, Protaras or Larnaca
A highly rated day visiting the walled city of Famagusta and the ruins of Salamis, with transport from the east coast.
Jeep tour from €65 Paphos: Troodos Mountains and Aphrodite’s Rock 4×4 Tour
A highly rated 4×4 day from Paphos combining mountain villages in the Troodos with a stop at Aphrodite’s Rock.
Destinations at a glance
Which destinations suit your trip?
A quick comparison — follow any name for the full guide.
| Destination | Best for | Ideal stay | Without a car? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paphos | Mosaics, tombs, harbour, base for the west | 3–4 nights | Easy in town; tours for day trips |
| Akamas Peninsula & Latchi | Blue Lagoon boat trips, hiking, wild coast | Day trip or 2–3 nights | Boat trips with transfers from Paphos |
| Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) | The classic sea-stack view, a swim, Kouklia | 1–2 hours | Hard — car or tour |
| Limassol | City life, food, Kourion and Kolossi | 2–3 nights | City yes; tours for the sites |
| Troodos Mountains | Painted churches, monasteries, forest trails, wine | 2–3 nights | Hard — a car or tours |
| Larnaca | Saint Lazarus, flamingos, Zenobia wreck dive | 2–3 nights | Easy — compact, near the airport |
| Ayia Napa & Cape Greco | Beaches, Cape Greco, cruises, nightlife | 3–7 nights | Yes — buses and boats |
| Protaras & Fig Tree Bay | Family beaches, Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay | 4–7 nights | Yes — buses and the promenade |
| Nicosia | Museums, the walled city, crossing the Green Line | 1–2 nights | Easy — on foot and by bus |
| Kyrenia (Girne) & Bellapais · North · via crossing | Harbour, castle, Bellapais, St Hilarion (north) | Day trip or 1–2 nights | Tour, or bus and taxi via Nicosia |
| Famagusta (Gazimağusa) & Salamis · North · via crossing | Walled city, Gothic cathedral, Salamis (north) | Day trip | Tour from the east coast |
When to go
The seasons in brief
Cyprus has long, dry summers and short, mild winters. What changes is the heat, the sea temperature and the crowds.
Spring (Mar–May)
Wildflowers, green hills and comfortable sightseeing; Easter is the biggest festival of the year. The sea warms through May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and dry, often above 30 °C on the coast and hotter inland. Warm sea and every boat trip running — and the highest prices.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
For many the best season: the sea at its warmest, fewer crowds after mid-September, harvest and wine festivals.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild on the coast with some rain, snow on the Troodos summit, quiet archaeological sites and low prices.
Sample routes
Itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 14 days
Realistic routes with sensible driving days, each linking to the destination guides you need.
5 days
Paphos, the Akamas & the Troodos
The west of the island from one base: archaeology, the Blue Lagoon and mountain villages.
7 days
The south coast: Paphos to Larnaca
West to east along the south coast, with the mountains in the middle.
10 days
Coast, mountains & the capital
The south coast plus Nicosia and the beaches of the east.
14 days
The whole island, north and south
Every region, including Kyrenia and Famagusta in the north.
Live availability
Bookable right now across Cyprus
Live prices and dates from GetYourGuide for the whole island. Every destination guide has its own live list.
Where to stay
Hotels in every destination
From beachfront resorts to mountain inns and city boutique stays — three examples here, and a full list grouped by destination.
Annabelle
📍 Kato PaphosA long-established five-star hotel on the seafront in Kato Paphos, a short walk from the harbour and the mosaics.
The Mill Hotel
📍 KakopetriaA converted mill hotel in the old quarter of Kakopetria, by the river and close to the painted churches.
MAP Boutique Hotel
📍 NicosiaA four-star boutique hotel in Nicosia, well placed for the city centre.
Plan your days in Cyprus
See more of the island, with less driving
Boat trips, mountain days and cross-island tours take the winding roads and the logistics off your hands. Compare tours and tickets across Cyprus and book in a couple of taps.
Good to know
Cyprus trip-planning FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Cyprus?
Five days is enough for one region — for example Paphos, the Akamas and the Troodos. A week lets you add Limassol or Nicosia; ten days to two weeks covers the whole island, including a day or two in the north. See our sample itineraries.
Which is better as a base, Paphos or Ayia Napa?
Paphos for archaeology, the Akamas and the western Troodos; Ayia Napa or Protaras for the best sandy beaches and Cape Greco. Limassol and Larnaca are central and work for day trips in both directions.
Do I need a car in Cyprus?
Not for the towns, which are linked by Intercity buses, and not if you are happy to use tours for the countryside. A car is very useful for the Troodos, the Akamas and Aphrodite’s Rock. Cyprus drives on the left, and there are no trains. See getting there and around.
Can I visit the north of Cyprus?
Yes, visitors routinely cross at the official crossing points with a passport or EU ID card. Hire cars need the rental company’s permission and separate insurance bought at the crossing. Check current rules and your government’s travel advice; details in our travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Cyprus?
April to June and September to October offer warm weather without the peak heat and crowds of July and August. Winter is mild and quiet. See when to go.
Is Cyprus expensive?
It is mid-priced for southern Europe: beach resorts in July and August are expensive, but meals, buses and archaeological sites are reasonable, and spring, autumn and winter bring good hotel deals.