Visit Petra tou Romiou, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite
A dramatic sea stack formation on the southern coast where Greek mythology places the goddess's emergence from sea foam.
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Eastern Mediterranean
Things to do in Cyprus
A divided island with Greek and Turkish halves, ancient ruins tied to the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, and a Mediterranean coastline with genuinely warm year-round water.
Explore Cyprus on the map →Budget$$
Best for6-8 days
CapitalNicosia
VisaVisa-free entry for up to 90 days for US/UK/Canada/Australia passport holders; Cyprus is an EU member but not yet part of the Schengen Area, so it maintains its own separate visa-free arrangement.
CurrencyEuro (EUR) in the Republic of Cyprus; Turkish lira used in the north
LanguagesGreek (south) and Turkish (north); English widely spoken
InternetExcellent
Typical lodging$35–$95/night
Driving sideLeft
Power & voltage230V / 50Hz (Type G plug)
Time zoneUTC+2
Emergency number112
Dialing code+357
★★★★★ Beaches★★★★★ Culture★★★★★ Photography
Visa rules and emergency numbers can change without notice. Confirm the specifics for your nationality and dates before you travel.
Travel smart
Tap water is safe to drink. 10% is standard.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Cypriot north, a political reality visitors encounter directly when crossing the UN buffer zone through Nicosia, the world's last divided capital. Greek mythology places Aphrodite's birth at Petra tou Romiou on the island's southern coast, adding a layer of ancient legend to a landscape already dense with genuine Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader-era ruins.
When to go
SpringMarch–May
Mild and blooming, with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures for hiking the Troodos Mountains and touring ruins.
SummerJune–August
Hot and the busiest, priciest season, with reliably warm swimmable water along the coast.
AutumnSeptember–October
Still warm enough to swim, with fewer crowds and the sea at its warmest after summer heat.
WinterNovember–February
Mild on the coast, cold enough in the Troodos Mountains for a short but genuine ski season.
20 things to do
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Culture & history
10Explore the Tombs of the Kings near Paphos
An underground UNESCO-listed necropolis of elaborate rock-cut tombs dating to the Hellenistic and Roman periods, despite the misleading name (no kings were actually buried here).
Cross the UN buffer zone into Northern Cyprus
A crossing point in Nicosia, the world's last divided capital, allows visitors to explore the Turkish Cypriot north's old town and Kyrenia's harbor.
Hike in the Troodos Mountains' painted churches
A UNESCO-listed cluster of Byzantine churches with well-preserved medieval frescoes, scattered through pine-forested mountain villages.
Explore the Roman mosaics of Paphos Archaeological Park€2.50–4.50
Exceptionally well-preserved Roman-era floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes, among the finest examples found anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Wander the old harbor of Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus
A picturesque Venetian-era harbor ringed by a hilltop castle, offering a quieter, less-developed contrast to the south's resort towns.
Visit the ancient city of Kourion
A Greco-Roman city on a coastal bluff, with a restored amphitheater still used for performances and sweeping Mediterranean views.
Explore Nicosia's divided old town
Venetian-era walls encircle a capital split by a UN buffer zone, with distinct Greek and Turkish Cypriot quarters on either side.
Visit the Stavrovouni Monastery
A monastery perched atop a mountain since the 4th century, said to house a fragment of the True Cross, with sweeping views over the plains below.
Explore the Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement
A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving one of the most complete prehistoric settlements in the eastern Mediterranean, dating back roughly 9,000 years.
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Adventure & outdoors
1Ski Mount Olympus in the Troodos range
Cyprus's highest peak, offering a short but genuine ski season, an unusual pairing with the island's Mediterranean beach reputation.
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Beaches
2Relax at Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa
One of Cyprus's most famous beaches, with clear turquoise water and a lively adjacent nightlife strip for those wanting both.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon of the Akamas Peninsula
A protected, undeveloped stretch of coastline with clear turquoise coves, reachable by boat tour or a rougher 4x4 drive.
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Food & drink
3Eat meze, Cyprus's multi-course shared feast
A long procession of small dishes, dips, grilled halloumi, souvlaki, and more, treated as a genuine social occasion rather than a quick meal.
Sample commandaria, one of the world's oldest named wines
A sweet dessert wine with a documented history stretching back over 2,000 years, produced in mountain villages using traditional methods.
Try halloumi cheese at its source
Cyprus's most famous export, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, best grilled fresh at a taverna rather than the exported, packaged version.
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Wildlife
2Watch loggerhead turtles nest at Lara Beach
A protected beach on the Akamas Peninsula where green and loggerhead turtles nest each summer, monitored by a conservation project.
Visit the salt lake and flamingos of Larnaca
A seasonal salt lake beside an Ottoman-era mosque, drawing migratory flamingos each winter in one of the island's more unexpected wildlife sights.
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Nature & scenery
2Hike the Caledonia Falls trail in the Troodos
A shaded forest trail leading to Cyprus's tallest waterfall, a cool escape from summer coastal heat.
Explore the Cape Greco sea caves and coastal trails
Dramatic limestone cliffs and sea caves at the island's easternmost point, popular for coastal hiking and cliff-diving photography.
Common questions
▾Do I need a visa for Cyprus?
US, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Cyprus is an EU member but not part of Schengen, so it has its own separate entry rules distinct from most of the rest of the EU.
▾Can I cross between the Greek and Turkish sides of the island?
Yes, crossing points in Nicosia and elsewhere allow day trips or longer stays across the UN buffer zone, though it's worth checking current requirements and being aware of the island's contested political status when planning.
▾Which side of Cyprus should I visit, south or north?
The Republic of Cyprus (south) has more developed tourism infrastructure, Larnaca and Paphos' ancient sites, and easier logistics; Northern Cyprus offers quieter beaches and Kyrenia's atmospheric old harbor for those wanting to explore both.
▾How many days does Cyprus need?
6-8 days covers the ancient sites around Paphos, the Troodos Mountains, and a beach stint comfortably, with an optional extra day or two to cross into the north.
▾Is Cyprus expensive?
Mid-range for the Mediterranean, comparable to Greece or Malta, with costs rising in peak summer season along the main resort coastlines.
▾How much does it cost to visit Cyprus's archaeological sites?
Entry to major sites like the Tombs of the Kings or Kourion typically runs €2.50-4.50 per site, inexpensive relative to similar ancient sites elsewhere in the Mediterranean. A combined ticket covering several Paphos-area sites can save a bit if you're visiting more than one.
