Traveling to Cyprus For the First Time
Tucked into the furthest corner of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is an underrated travel destination. With untouched ruins and lively cities, the country is rich with culture and history.
Discovering gorgeous vistas around every turn, enjoying local spins on Greek dishes, and learning about the country’s history and politics were all highlights of my trip.
Ayia Napa
The Mediterranean resort town of Ayia Napa, which is located on the southeast coast of Cyprus, is renowned for its beaches and nightlife. It can be a fun place to visit for all ages, but it is especially popular among those who like to party during the summer months. While this is true, there is much more to this city than just clubs and drinks.
Ayia Napa is known for its beautiful, clean beaches and emerald waters. It is also home to a number of unique attractions, such as the Thalassa Museum of the Sea. This museum has a variety of exhibits, including the reconstructed remains of a shipwreck. The museum also has many other interesting items, such as fossils and rare gems. The museum is open year-round and admission costs are moderate.
You can also check out the Makronissos Archeological Site, which is a necropolis with rock-cut tombs. It is believed that the area was a burial ground in ancient times. In the 15th century, the Ayia Napa Monastery was built on the site of a cave that contained a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. The monastery was named after this sacred image, which is believed to have been rescued from iconoclasts by a traveler.
Another must-visit place in Ayia Napa is the Nissi Beach, which has lush palm trees all around. This beach is a good choice for families with children because the water is calm and safe. Those who want to take a break from the beach can go to one of the restaurants, cafes, or family-friendly bars that are located nearby. The best time to visit this beach is before 11:00 or after 17:00, when the crowds are smaller.
If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, try the Aqua Park Ayia Napa. This waterpark features a number of attractions with a Greek theme, including Poseidon’s Wave Pool and Apollos Plunge. You can also ride down the Phaethon’s Flume and drop down to Atlantis. There are plenty of Doric columns and statues, too!
Ayia Napa is also home to a number of shops and markets. You can find everything from souvenirs to electronics here. There are also a few convenience stores that sell food and drink. If you’re looking for a larger grocery store, you can find one in Paralimni, which is about 6 kilometres away from Ayia Napa.
Larnaca
Although it has the beach and a few of the usual tourist attractions, Larnaca doesn’t feel overrun with high-rise hotels and is more laid-back than some of the other resort towns on Cyprus. This makes it a good place to stay when visiting Cyprus for the first time, as you can easily get around town and see many of its historic sites without having to deal with huge crowds.
A must-see sight in Larnaca is the Agios Lazarus Church, which was built in the ninth century. It is said that Saint Lazarus returned to this area after being resurrected, so the Church is a religious site as well as an architectural masterpiece. You can also visit the adjacent Byzantine Museum, which houses some religious icons and relics.
Another impressive historical site in Larnaca is the Kamares Aqueduct, which was constructed by the Ottomans to supply the city with fresh water. It still stands today, and its 33 arches are quite an impressive sight. You can also visit the nearby tomb of Umm Haram, a companion to the Prophet Muhammad, which is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.
The Larnaca Promenade is a great place to walk and take in the atmosphere of this peaceful seaside town. You can see many of the city’s main landmarks, including the Castle, from here and stroll in the marina to admire the luxury yachts lining the pier. Another nice spot to visit is the Marble Bust of Zeno, a monument to the philosopher who was born in Larnaca in 334BC.
One of the most popular activities for families in Larnaca is the WaterWorld Water Park, which offers rides for all ages and is located right by Finikoudes Beach. The park has rides from super-speedy tubes to family friendly inflatables, and it is open all year round.
If you’re not interested in renting a car, you can take the Intercity Buses to explore the island, as they connect all the major cities several times per day and cost only EUR 5-9 for a ticket. The buses are clean, comfortable, and run regularly.
Famagusta
Located in the southeastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is a perennial hot spot that offers endless sandy beaches and an amazingly sunny climate. The island is a popular summer getaway for Europeans looking to escape the dreary winter weather and work on their tans. However, it also boasts a wealth of culture and history that should not be overlooked.
Although it is easy to see why many visitors come to Cyprus solely for the beaches and the nightlife, there is much more to the country than meets the eye. For travelers interested in exploring the country’s rich history, there are a number of historic sites worth visiting. Some of these are a bit off the beaten path, but they all have their own unique charm and offer a glimpse into the past that is quite different from what you might experience in other parts of the world.
For example, there are ruins from a unique Hellenistic city at the archaeological park of Engomi. There is a preserved amphitheater that can hold 1500 people, as well as other ancient structures and remains of habitation from the Hellenistic period. Another intriguing place to visit is Salamis, a coastal site with a well-preserved theater that dates back to the Roman era.
A trip to the old part of Famagusta is also an excellent way to learn about the island’s complicated history. Known as Varosha to the locals, it was the country’s capital until it was overrun by the Turkish army in 1974. The surviving medieval walls and a number of churches are still intact. One of the most prominent structures is the tower known as Othello’s Tower, named after a lieutenant-governor who was allegedly the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Othello.
Most of the country’s most important cultural sights are found in the old town, and the best way to explore them is on foot. Getting around is easy, and public transportation is available in most major cities and towns. If you decide to rent a car in Cyprus, make sure that it is insured and that you have a valid driving license. Renting an economy class car in Ayia Napa will cost about 15 euros per day, in Larnaca - about 16 euros per day. Tipping is common in Cyprus, and adding a few Euros to the price of a taxi ride or for the services of a hotel porter is appropriate.
Limassol
Tucked away in the far corner of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a little-visited island with gorgeous vistas, lively cities, and history to rival more renowned destinations. It’s a perfect spot for first-time travelers looking to experience all that the country has to offer. Whether you’re sampling Cypriot spins on Greek delicacies, talking to welcoming locals eager to meet tourists, or lounging on the endless beaches, your trip will be filled with sights and experiences that will make for a trip to remember.
With its centuries-old castle, quaint harbor, and array of museums, Limassol is the best home base for exploring the rest of the island. Its tavernas serve classic dishes like afelia and kleftiko, while gourmet restaurants and elegant cocktail lounges offer European, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. In the center of town, a concentration of cafe culture brings residents and visitors together to enjoy morning coffee or lunch outdoors.
Outside of the city, visit the 15th-century Kolossi Castle, once the headquarters of the Knights of St. John. This impressive structure was built atop the ancient town of Episkopi, and today houses the island’s most important archaeological site. You can also head north to the stunning Avakus Gorge, which is a natural beauty that’s perfect for hiking and swimming.
Aside from the beaches and cultural sites, you can also explore Cyprus’ beautiful wine villages. These include Lofou, Anogyra, Vassa (home to the Zivania Museum, a local brand of white spirit), and Omodos, among others. They’re all worth a visit to taste the country’s excellent dessert wine, Commandaria.
If you’re planning your first trip to Cyprus, the ideal length of time for sightseeing is about 7 days. This will give you enough time to visit a few of the dynamic cities and still have plenty of time to lounge on the beach and catch some rays. However, it’s possible to see more if you plan for shorter trips as well. Just make sure that you choose accommodations with convenient access to transportation and pack a lot of sun protection. You’ll also want to have a car rental ready in case you decide to venture outside of the cities.