Fame should be the second name of Cyprus, an island country in the Mediterranean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, magnificent architecture, and numerous UNESCO Heritage sites. A common saying is that if you turn a corner in Cyprus, a World Heritage site will stand before you. Fascinating, right?

The beauty of the area thus makes it a hot spot for tourists — both local and international — who come from all walks of life to experience the famed structures and landscapes (i.e., cathedrals, fortresses, beaches, and lakes). In this article, we’ll briefly introduce the country, Cyprus, and examine the top four must-visit spots for every tourist or vacationer.

Cyprus: A Brief History

Home to over a million inhabitants, 98% of which are Greek, Cyprus is located south of the coast of Turkey, west of Lebanon and Syria, east of Egypt, and North of Greece. It is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean at 9,251 km2 and is reported to be the original island of love.

From time immemorial, many ethnic groups have called Cyprus home — from the Mycenaean Greeks to Turks to Assyrians, the list goes on. However, from 1914 to 1925, Cyprus was part of the British Empire and a Crown colony from 1925 to 1960, when it gained independence.

Due to the cultural diversity in Cyprus and the decades of civilization it witnessed, the island has innumerable relics from past eras and empires. These antiquities have become tourist attractions today, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Top 4 Spots to Visit When Touring Cyprus

When touring Cyprus, running out of places to visit is almost impossible. It is safe to say that the island is a colony of attractions. However, a few locations stand out among the many, receiving tons of visitors yearly. Thus, if you are in Cyprus briefly and still desire a complete holiday experience, these sites should be on your list:

Paphos

Known as the ultimate couple spot in Cyprus, Paphos is a beautiful town nestled at the top of a hill and fringe of the coast. It houses scenic beachfront restaurants, great shopping spots, and luxury hotels. The upper and newer part of town (Pato Paphos) offers visitors a breathtaking view of the landscape, and it is common to find lovers gazing at the stars or surrounding landmarks from the top of the hill. 

On the other hand, the lower and older part of town (Kato Paphos) holds major resort areas, such as beach lounges, and restaurants. It also hosts grand monuments like the ruins of the houses of Dionysus, Aion, and Orpheus.

Another great attraction to the town is Aphrodite Beach, the presumed birthplace of the Greek beauty god. According to retold tales, Aphrodite arose from the foams near a rock on the beach, and to date, locals and visitors claim to see her appear as foam pillars created by waves splashing against the rocks.

If you are keen to have a romantic holiday with your significant other, visiting the beauty god’s birthplace won’t be a bad idea.

Limassol

Known as the ultimate couple spot in Cyprus, Paphos is a beautiful town nestled at the top of a hill and fringe of the coast. It houses scenic beachfront restaurants, great shopping spots, and luxury hotels. The upper and newer part of town (Pato Paphos) offers visitors a breathtaking view of the landscape, and it is common to find lovers gazing at the stars or surrounding landmarks from the top of the hill. 

On the other hand, the lower and older part of town (Kato Paphos) holds major resort areas, such as beach lounges, and restaurants. It also hosts grand monuments like the ruins of the houses of Dionysus, Aion, and Orpheus.

Another great attraction to the town is Aphrodite Beach, the presumed birthplace of the Greek beauty god. According to retold tales, Aphrodite arose from the foams near a rock on the beach, and to date, locals and visitors claim to see her appear as foam pillars created by waves splashing against the rocks.

If you are keen to have a romantic holiday with your significant other, visiting the beauty god’s birthplace won’t be a bad idea.

Nicosia

What do you call a vacation to Cyprus without a visit to its capital city? We’ll say a work trip. Any tourist visiting Cyprus must set foot in its capital city because of its beauty and fantastic architecture.

Nicosia is shared between the traditional Greek Republic of Cyprus and the northern part of Cyprus, controlled by Turkey. Thus, it is fair to call it a dual capital. Notable attractions in the city include the Byzantine Museum, the famous Ledra Street, and the Ledra Observatory Museum, among others.

Ayia Napa

No city comes close to Ayia Napa regarding nightlife, except Limassol. Ranked as one of the best places to stay in Cyprus, this region also competes with the likes of Mykonos and Ibiza, attracting tons of party goers. Ayia Napa has a serene cliff coastline with pretty sandy beaches and the Cape Greco national forest park in the far east.

Due to its intense nightlife, it’ll be best to consider other locations than Ayia Napa for family vacations. Nevertheless, it is best for youthful tourists who want to party and have fun all night. The Ayia Napa Square is the center of attraction for visitors as it is the go-to arena for downing good drinks, listening to live music, and partying through the night. 

Other noteworthy sites in the city include Nissi Beach, the 16th century Ayia Napa Monastery, Grecian Beach, Thalassa Museum, etc.

Conclusion

Cyprus remains one of Europe’s top tourist locations, receiving a minimum of 4 million tourists annually. Visitors come from far and wide to witness the island’s awesomeness. 

If you want to travel to Cyprus soon, finding a reliable travel agency to sort out the paperwork should be a priority. Godspeed!