7. Makronissos Beach
Makronissos Beach is a family-friendly, clean, accessible beach with superb crystal clear waters where you can swim, snorkel, sunbath, jet ski, go parasailing or try a fun banana boat ride.
There’s free public parking and a variety of snacks and food items available along the coast as well as sun beds for hire and parasols for shade.
- Location: Southeastern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for beach activities and enjoying the clear, warm waters).
- Activities on offer: Swimming, beach sports, sunbathing, and exploring nearby archaeological sites.
- Accommodation: Asterias Beach Hotel, Dome Beach Hotel & Resort, and NissiBlu Beach Resort.
- Map Location and Directions
My personal highlights…
- Enjoying a scenic picnic along the golden sand shores.
- Going water-skiing along the turquoise waters.
- Visiting the fascinating Makronissos Necropolis archaeological area which featured 19 tombstones carved from rock.
8. Limassol
The seaside town of Limassol is not known for its beaches. Its residents will argue to the nail that their city‘s beaches are equivalent to the beaches of the rest of the island. They are not.
Limassol is a fine holiday destination because it is a city. Hence, it boasts a wide range of entertainment, dining, and sightseeing options unparalleled in holiday resorts. The city also hosts the country’s largest Carnival parade every spring, and thousands attend.
- Location: Southern part of the country, along the southern coast.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for pleasant weather and fewer tourists, ideal for enjoying the seaside city).
- Activities on offer: Visiting the Limassol Castle, walking along the marina, enjoying local restaurants, and exploring nearby wine villages.
- Accommodation: Amara Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, and The Royal Apollonia.
- Map Location and Directions
My personal highlights…
- Indulging in a delicious brunch while gazing at picturesque sea views at Pier One.
- Taking a trip to the Fasouri Waterpark, home to 30 different water slides.
- Venturing into the town’s main square and seeing the 14th-century Limassol Castle and the innovative Lanitis Art Foundation.
9. Coral Bay
In my opinion, a visit to Cyprus would not be complete without a trip to Coral Bay! Coral Bay is an excellent beach location with sandy shores and droves of tourists, but even during the high season, this beach maintains an uncrowded landscape.
Visitors can easily access Coral Bay via car or public transportation. The bay’s location allows for some waves, making it a hot spot for families with young kids. Still, the current remains remarkably calm compared to other beach areas.
- Location: Southwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for calm, warm waters and a great setting for swimming and sunbathing).
- Activities on offer: Swimming, jet skiing, diving, and beach walks.
- Accommodation: Coral Thalassa Boutique Hotel, Coral Beach Hotel & Resort, and Sentido Thalassa Coral Bay.
- Map Location and Directions
My favorite highlights…
- Hiring a boat to explore the bay’s coast.
- Going on a local shore dive and seeing pretty fish and coral.
- Going go-karting (on a track located near the bay).
10. Lara Bay
I love Lara Bay! This horseshoe-shaped bay provides pristine coastal views and wildlife that are unique to this area. Wild goats and birds have found their paradise on Lara Bay, but uniquely, it is the breeding ground for green turtles, so be sure to watch where you choose to relax on this beach.
Due to its remote location and virtually deserted nature, it is recommended that you bring your shade, food, and drink. You can enjoy a day at Lara Bay in Cyprus with a little preparation and an adequate four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Location: Northwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for witnessing the nesting of loggerhead turtles and enjoying a secluded beach experience).
- Activities on offer: Turtle watching, beach walks, and swimming.
- Accommodation: Aphrodite Beach Hotel, Anassa Hotel, and Droushia Heights Hotel (nearby).
- Map Location and Directions
My personal highlights…
- Sunbathing, picnicking along the soft golden sand, and soaking up the peaceful ambience.
- Taking a dip in the clear blue waters.
11. Aphrodite’s Rock
I personally think no trip to Cyprus is complete without a visit to Aphrodite’s Rock, a rock formation off the western coast of the island near the city of Paphos.
This is a must-see sight and a nice place for a swim. There are ample parking spaces and a no-frills café nearby, and the site is well signposted.
There is a direct bus from Paphos’ harbour to the Rock, and it is worth combining it with a visit to the city.
- Location: Southwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for moderate temperatures and quieter surroundings to enjoy the scenic views).
- Activities on offer: Swimming, photography, and hiking along the scenic coastline.
- Accommodation: Columbia Beach Resort, Aphrodite Hills Resort, and Paphos Gardens Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
My favorite highlights…
- Going for a swim around the rock three times to unlock an array of blessings (as the ancient myth says)!
- Capturing Insta-worthy shots at this magnificent natural beauty landmark.
- Visiting the other local villages nearby, Kouklia and Pissouri, which are filled with nature trails and golf courses.
12. Caledonia Falls
If you do not like the sea, you might want to visit some of the country’s mountain resorts. Cyprus is not particularly famous as a ski destination as the country only gets small amounts of snow, if any, during the winter months.
The mountains provide an excellent opportunity to go hiking and escape the heat. Caledonia Falls is the country’s most famous waterfall. It is located in the middle of the Caledonia nature trail, which runs along the Kryos Potamos River and joins the village of Platres with Troodos Square.
If you start the trail at Troodos Square, you will walk downhill among beautiful scenery, the sweet sound of birds, and running water. You can then visit the Mountain Resort of Platres, which provides several dining and relaxation options.
- Location: Central part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring (for ideal hiking conditions and to see the waterfall at its most vibrant).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography in the Troodos Mountains.
- Accommodation: Casale Panayiotis (Kalopanayiotis), Linos Inn, and Troodos Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
My personal highlights…
- Taking a shower underneath the waterfall, one of the highest and most famous on the island.
- Taking a guided tour which took me to the waterfall via Platres village.
- Discovering the enchanting scenery by hiking through the lush forest.
13. Cape Greco
Cape Greco is considered one of the country’s most beautiful areas. It is an area of sea caves with crystal clear waters, making it a great place to swim.
A small, white chapel is built on the cliff’s edge, a great place to practice your photography skills. This is also a very popular location to get married!
- Location: Southeastern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for scenic hikes, cliff diving, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area).
- Activities on offer: Cliff diving, hiking, cycling, and exploring sea caves.
- Accommodation: Grecian Park Hotel, Konnos Bay Hotel Apartments, and Sunrise Jade Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
My personal highlights…
- Checking out the Kamara to Koraka Bridge, surrounded by romantic walks and breathtaking views.
- Diving into the deep blue sea and exploring the sea caves, known for being an underwater paradise.
- Ending my day by watching a beautiful sunset from the bay.
14. Akamas Peninsula National Park
Akamas is an area in Cyprus’s Northwest extremity. The park supports a range of animals and plants, many of them endemic to Cyprus. It is one of the few untouched areas of the country, and I personally think it’s a must-see for those looking for more than just a ‘sun-sea-beach’ holiday!
- Location: Northwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the rugged landscapes without the summer heat).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, snorkeling, exploring nature trails, and turtle watching.
- Accommodation: Anassa Hotel, Aphrodite Beach Hotel, and Droushia Heights Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
My favourite highlights…
- Hiking along a trail (there are three to choose from) and discovering incredible gorges, striking valleys and stunning rock formations.
- Taking in the gorgeous scenery and picture-perfect views.
- Finding the Baths of Aphrodite, which are filled from natural springs.
15. Kalopanayiotis
Your trip to Cyprus will be remarkable and introduce you to some breathtaking villages. However, if you skip a visit to Kalopanayiotis, you’ll pass up a golden chance to explore one of the most stunning villages in the region!
Located in the Nicosia District of Cyprus, Forty-five traditional homes have been lovingly updated to accommodate modern needs while maintaining their original charm. Along with their spectacular accommodations, the area maintains two natural springs frequented by locals and visitors alike.
- Location: Central part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring (to enjoy the lush greenery and explore the traditional village in pleasant weather).
- Activities on offer: Spa visits, hiking, visiting monasteries, and exploring traditional Cypriot villages.
- Accommodation: Casale Panayiotis, Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort, and Linos Inn.
- Map Location and Directions
My personal highlights…
- Discovering the relaxing Kalopanayiotis Mud experience at the Myrianthousa spa.
- Tasting local cuisine at the traditional Taverna, Old Cinema.
- Enjoying local wine at the kitsch Kafe Oinos.
