Best Travel Guide Cyprus | ArrivalGuides.com

CyprusGuide was updated: 2025-05-21

Clear blue waters, mild temperatures and caressing sunshine. It is easy to see how the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born from the waves lapping onto the Cypriot shore. The mythology, language, traditions and lifestyle are Greek, but the island features a beauty that is shrouded by its own, one-of-a-kind atmosphere, shaped by a structure that divides Cyprus and its capital Nicosia into the Turkish North and the Greek South. Its multi-faceted personality has an allure that attracts tons of holidaymakers.

Do & See

Cyprus is a stunning and diverse island, boasting a wide array of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. For a taste of culture and history, consider a trip to Nicosia — the capital city of Cyprus. It's famed for its rich history, cultural hotspots, and buzzing nightlife. Alternatively, make your way to Pafos, a coastal city in the southwest, where you'll find ancient ruins like the captivating Pafos Archaeological Park. If you're craving outdoor adventures and natural beauty, the Troodos Mountains are a must-visit. Located in the heart of Cyprus, this mountain range is celebrated for its gorgeous landscapes, hiking trails, and cultural gems. On the western coast, you'll discover the unspoilt Akamas Peninsula, with its pristine beaches and scenic hiking paths.

Pafos

Pafos is located on the southwest coast of the island and is sheltered from the north by the Troodos mountains. It has a temperate climate, one of the healthiest in the Mediterranean. Beautiful countryside, a cosmopolitan resort, historical sights as well as sporting activities, the Pafos region has something for everyone at any time of year. Pafos, with its pleasant harbour and medieval fort, combines a dynamic holiday resort with spectacular countryside, unspoiled nature and sensational history. The region offers the possibility of enjoying both sea and mountains, as well as getting a taste of the island’s culture with its many archaeological sites. Feel the romance floating through the air in the place where Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, once roamed. Swim in the sea by the rocks known as Petra tou Romiou, where she was believed to have risen from the waves, make a pilgrimage to her sanctuary at Kouklia, or visit the grotto near Polis where she supposedly bathed. Whatever you desire: activity, tranquillity, good food, fine wine, spas, nature, bird watching, scenic walks, golf, culture — the Pafos region offers it all.

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Archaeological Site of Nea Pafos

Delve into the captivating blend of ancient Greek and Roman history at the Pafos Archaeological Park, situated in Nea Pafos on the southwest coast of Cyprus. This extensive site, still under excavation, encompasses a significant part of the ancient city that dates back to prehistoric times and spans through the Middle Ages. Founded in the late 4th century BC, Nea Pafos was once encircled by formidable walls and served as the centre of political and administrative life in Cyprus. Today, the park is renowned for its enchanting collection of well-preserved mosaics that depict Ancient Greek myths. These intricate and colourful masterpieces can be found in the remains of opulent Roman villas, which are among the park's most remarkable discoveries. As you wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that influenced the lives of the early inhabitants of the island. From the worship of gods to the emergence of early Christians, the ruins of Nea Pafos offer a fascinating insight into a bygone era.

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Pafos Castle & Harbour

Pafos Harbour is a vibrant hub of activity, where you can savour freshly caught fish at charming seafood restaurants or grab a quick snack and drink before embarking on thrilling water sport adventures or day boat trips. At the heart of this bustling area stands the majestic Pafos Castle, a medieval fortress with its base partially submerged in the sea. Since the 13th century, Pafos Castle has been an imposing presence, serving as a watchtower for potential seafaring invaders, a prison, and even a storage facility for salt supplies during British rule. Today, this historic monument is a stunning backdrop for an array of cultural events, including music, dance, and pop concerts that take place throughout the summer months. The castle is a testament to the various powers that controlled Cyprus and their efforts to solidify their rule over the land. As a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the area, Pafos was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2017. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this remarkable site and soak up the lively atmosphere of Pafos Harbour during your visit to Cyprus.

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Edro III Shipwreck

The Edro III Shipwreck is one of Cyprus’ few coastal shipwrecks visible without getting wet. Nevertheless, divers should also be excited by what lies beneath the surface. Stranded just 20 metres offshore near Pafos’s sea caves since 2011, this 83-metre freighter tilts at an angle, its hull rusting into abstract patterns against the limestone cliffs. The Sierra Leone-flagged vessel ran aground in a storm while transporting plasterboard to Rhodes, its crew rescued by British forces. For divers, the wreck offers a rare shallow exploration (5 metres at its deepest). The propeller remains intact, though a gaping hole in the starboard side reveals corroded forklifts frozen mid-task. Schools of fish dart through the skeletal frame, while scattered debris leads to two nearby reefs: one culminating in a sea cave, the other dropping into an 18-metre gully. Above water, the wreck’s industrial starkness against the Mediterranean blues makes it a magnet for sunset photographers. Local operators run guided dives, but even snorkellers can appreciate the eerie spectacle. With removal deemed impractical, Edro III seems destined to remain Cyprus’ most accessible maritime time capsule.

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Aphrodite's Rock

Aphrodite's Rock is a captivating geological formation situated along the stunning coastline of southwest Cyprus, between Pafos and Limassol. This sea stack is not only famous for its natural beauty but also holds great mythological significance as the alleged birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Legend has it that Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam and was escorted to this very beach on a shell. The area is also associated with the Byzantine hero Digenis Akritas, who supposedly hurled the giant rocks into the sea to protect Cyprus from Saracen Arab invaders. This act gave the site its name Petra tou Romiou, meaning "rock of the Greek." Visitors to Aphrodite's Rock often swim around the rock, believing that doing so three times can bring blessings such as eternal youth, beauty, good luck, fertility and true love.

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Kolossi Castle

Kolossi Castle, a former Crusader stronghold, is steeped in history. The original castle was likely built in 1210 by the Frankish military, while the current structure dates back to 1454, constructed by the Hospitallers under Commander Louis de Magnac. The castle once held great strategic importance and housed extensive facilities for sugar production, a major export for Cyprus during the Middle Ages. Today, the castle consists of a three-story keep and an attached rectangular enclosure, showcasing military architecture of its time. The region is also renowned for the production of the sweet wine, Commandaria, which is considered one of the oldest continuously-produced and named wines globally. The wine was declared to be the "wine of kings and the king of wines" by Richard the Lionheart when he celebrated his conquest of Cyprus by wedding a Spanish princess in this very castle.

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