One Week in Cyprus

The set-piece sights — the ones people come to Cyprus having already heard of.

1. Tombs of the Kings - PaphosNestled along the sun-drenched coastline of Paphos, Cyprus, the Tombs of the Kings stand as a testament to the island's rich tapestry of history and culture....First stop · Paphos
2. Paphos Acropolis - OdeonPaphos Acropolis is made up of ancient ruins and buildings of great historical value. The Acropolis is situated near the new Paphos Lighthouse, in the Paphos...1.7 km on · Paphos
3. Paphos CastlePaphos Castle, also known as Paphos Harbour Castle, stands as a testament to Cyprus's rich and tumultuous history. Located at the western end of Paphos Harbour,...0.7 km on · Paphos
4. Palaipaphos (Kouklia) Archaeological Site Palepaphos which means old Paphos was one of the most honoured praying centres of the Greek world, and was once a city-kingdom of Cyprus. The city of Palepaphos...18.4 km on · Paphos

A slower day on the water. Distances here are short; the point is to stop moving.

1. Pachyammos BeachFar from the bustling resorts and crowded promenades of southern Cyprus, Pachyammos Beach offers a different kind of coastal experience—quiet, authentic, and...First stop · Paphos
2. Coral Bay Beach, CyprusCoral Bay is a crescent-shaped bay in the Peyia municipality, about 11 km north of Paphos — roughly a 15 minute drive. It runs some 500 to 600 metres between two...13.3 km on · Paphos
3. Lara Beach, AkamasLara Beach, located on the rugged Akamas Peninsula, in Paphos , Cyprus, is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters. This...12.7 km on · Paphos
4. Petra tou RomiouAlong the sun-kissed southwestern coast of Cyprus, between the cities of Paphos and Limassol, rises one of the island’s most legendary landmarks: Petra tou Romiou...43.6 km on · Paphos

Walking shoes. Several of these are trailheads rather than places you drive into.

1. Adonis Baths Waterfalls - Kili VillageHidden in the hills near Paphos, the Adonis Baths Waterfalls are one of Cyprus’s most captivating natural landmarks. More than a simple waterfall, this place is...First stop · Paphos
2. Asprokremmos DamNestled amidst the rugged beauty of Cyprus, Asprokremmos Dam stands as a testament to the island's engineering ingenuity and its commitment to water management....19 km on · Paphos
3. Paphos Forest Hidden deep in the mountainous northwest of Cyprus, Paphos Forest is one of the island’s most majestic natural realms. Sprawling across the rugged terrain of the...33.4 km on · Paphos
4. Akamas PeninsulaAkamas Peninsula: Cyprus' Untamed Jewel Tucked into the rugged northwest corner of Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula is a wild, windswept land where cliffs plunge into...30.3 km on · Paphos

Inland and uphill. Roads are narrower and slower than the map suggests — allow more time than the distance implies.

1. Platres VillagePlatres is one of the most beloved mountain villages in Cyprus, known for its cool climate, natural beauty, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere. Located in the...First stop · Limassol
2. Omodos VillageNestled within the gentle folds of the Troodos Mountains, Omodos is one of Cyprus’s most picturesque and historically rich villages. Just a short drive from...6.4 km on · Limassol
3. Pedoulas Village High in the folds of the Troodos Mountains, where pine forests meet crisp mountain air, lies the village of Pedoulas. Hidden in the fertile Marathasa Valley, this...13.3 km on · Nicosia
4. Kalopanayiotis VillageTucked into the folds of the Troodos Mountains, Kalopanayiotis is a village where every stone seems to carry memory. It is a place shaped by water and faith, by...2.7 km on · Nicosia

A walking day. Everything below sits close enough together to do on foot.

1. Limassol CastleLimassol castle dates back to the Medieval Period and is located at the centre of the historical Limassol very close to the Limassol harbour. The castle was built...First stop · Limassol
2. Limassol MarinaLimassol marina is a landmark for Cyprus and it has changed Limassol’s image. The Limassol marina has already been named as one of the most attractive and...0.3 km on · Limassol
3. Molos (Multifunctional seaside park) in LimassolIn the vibrant coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, there’s one place where locals and visitors alike come to breathe, stroll, and connect with the sea: Molos. This...0.9 km on · Limassol
4. Limassol Archaeological MuseumThe Limassol Archaeological museum was founded in 1948 and was originally housed in the Limassol Castle. In 1964, during the conflicts, the museum stayed closed...1.2 km on · Limassol

Cyprus has ten UNESCO-listed painted churches in the Troodos alone. Dress modestly; several still hold services.

1. Church of Saint Lazarus (Agios Lazaros), LarnacaThe Church of Saint Lazarus (Agios Lazaros) in Larnaca was built in the late 9th century and is one of the most important Orthodox churches on the island. It is...First stop · Larnaca
2. Panagia Angeloktisti ChurchPanagia Angeloktisti Church is located in the village of Kiti, in Larnaca. The church, dates back to the 11th century and was erected over the ruins of an earlier...9.2 km on · Larnaca
3. Stavrovouni MonasteryStavrovouni Monastery is situated on the highest point of the mountain of the same name (Stavrovouni), which is in located in Larnaca. This mountain was...13.1 km on · Larnaca
4. Agios Nikolaos Cathedral - Ammochostos In the timeless maze of the old walled city of Famagusta, one monument stands above all others, both in scale and in significance—the majestic Agios Nikolaos...50.9 km on · Famagusta

A slower day on the water. Distances here are short; the point is to stop moving.

1. Nissi Beach, CyprusNissi Beach, located on the beautiful island of Cyprus, is a paradise for beach lovers and sun worshippers. With its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and range...First stop · Famagusta
2. Fig Tree Bay, ProtarasCyprus is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque coastlines, but one that stands out above the rest is Fig Tree Bay in Protaras. Located on the eastern...8.3 km on · Famagusta
3. Konnos Bay, CyprusKonnos Bay is a small, sheltered cove on the Famagusta coast, between Ayia Napa and Protaras. It sits in a horseshoe between rugged cliffs and greenery, which is...3.8 km on · Famagusta
4. Finikoudes BeachWhere the City Meets the Sea Larnaca is a city that blends history, hospitality, and hedonism—and nowhere is that more evident than at Finikoudes Beach....39.9 km on · Larnaca