Things to do in  Cyprus

Terraced vineyards hint at Omodos’ reputation for good wine, but there’s more than wineries to this quaint mountain town. From cobblestone lanes to Byzantine art, it’s a great introduction to the villages of the Troodos Mountains. Add a historic monastery, shops, and tavernas for a deservedly popular day-trip destination.

A looming stack of rocks standing proud off the southwest coast of Cyprus, the UNESCO-listed Rock of Aphrodite, or Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek), is one of the island’s most famous landmarks and the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, according to Greek mythology.

The pine forests and steep valleys of Cyprus’ largest mountain range shelter villages, hiking trails, and historic monasteries. The range’s literal high point is Mount Olympus, which, at 6,404 feet (1,952 meters), is the island’s tallest summit. These heights offer cool weather, making them the perfect spot to escape the summer heat.

Set on an isolated beach, the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station presides over the shelled creatures who come here every year to nest. Devoted conservationists keep an eye on the green and loggerhead turtles, safeguarding the eggs and young hatchlings and educating the public on the turtles’ plight.

According to Greek legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility and love, watched her lover, Adonis, die in her arms here in this freshwater natural pool. Set beneath a tumbling waterfall and surrounded by verdant greenery, the site also features a statue of the two mythical lovers, which is said to boost the fertility of those who touch it.

With slides, drops, and a wave pool, Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is among the city’s top attractions. Even the names of the rides hint at adventure—try the Free Fall, Kamikaze, or Cannon Drop before relaxing on the Lazy River. Visitors with small kids will find plenty of fun at the family-friendly Mini Volcano and Mini Bubble.

Forested slopes surround this mountain village, where cobblestone streets wind between typical Cypriot houses. With a long folk tradition of making lace and silverwork, it’s also a top destination for shoppers coming to browse workshops. The village is divided into the upper town, Pano Lefkara, and a lower area, Kato Lefkara.

The archaeological remains of Kourion are by far the island’s most important historical discoveries. As one of Cyprus' most prominent city-kingdoms of antiquity, Kourion was built on a hillside that overlooks the southern coast and its ruins date back to the Roman and early-Byzantine periods.

Spread along the southwestern coast of Cyprus, the sprawling Tombs of the Kings are eight excavated tombs dating back to the third century BC. Around 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats are estimated to have been buried there, along with a substantial trove of jewels and personal effects, long since pillaged by grave robbers.

Opened in 2003, the Pafos Zoo, outside Paphos (or Páfos), Cyprus, is a sprawling, 25-acre center for wildlife conservation. Spend a day here seeing animals from around the world, from giraffes and lemurs to bats and water monitors. The zoo is particularly well known for its extensive collection of birds.

A top attraction in Paphos, Paphos Archaeological Park is home to some of Cyprus’ most important historic ruins. Visit this sprawling open-air museum—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along the coast near Paphos Harbor—to see a number of ruins dating to the late Roman period, plus a few that are even older.

Kolossi Castle is a former crusader stronghold from the late 12th century though the structure itself was built during the 13th century and founded by the Knights Hospitaller (also known as the Order of St. John. The three-story tower is one of the more striking remnants from Cypress’ medieval era.

Forested hills surround this grand Orthodox monastery in the Troodos Mountains. It’s a gorgeous setting, but the real treasures are inside the monastery church, a trove of gilded woodwork, historic icons, and wall paintings. The onsite Monastery Museum displays everything from pre-Christian antiquities to Byzantine vestments.

Fasouri Watermania is among the most popular water parks in Cyprus, with dozens of different slides, a lazy river, and the biggest wave pool in the country. While water attractions are the main draw, there’s also a massage parlor, a fish spa, and a temporary-tattoo studio, along with a handful of restaurants and snack bars.

Founded in 1159 by Cypriot saint and writer Neophytos, the Agios Neophytos Monastery is among Cyprus’s most striking religious buildings, carved into a mountain rock just north of Paphos. Though a small number of monks live here, the main attraction for visitors is the museum, full of religious manuscripts, garments, and other artifacts.