Things to do in Cyprus: 25 ideas

Archaeological antiquities, diving to the sunken ferry, photography for pink flamingos, gastro tours , gorgeous beaches with emerald water: the list of interesting things in Cyprus is huge! How to diversify your leisure time on the island? We have compiled for you a list of ideas for a great time in Cyprus.

Diving to the sunken ship in Larnaca

Diving is possible not only in the Red Sea, but also in the Mediterranean. There are many diving centers in Cyprus, offering a glimpse into the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most interesting locations is located near Larnaca - the sunken ferry Zenobia. Due to problems with the onboard control computer, in 1980 he went to the bottom. The ferry is 172 meters long and 28 meters wide. It has already become a "home" for many marine life. But this dive is only for the pros. The minimum depth on the starboard side is 16.5 meters, and the maximum is 42 meters. At the moment of flooding, along with the ferry, more than a hundred trucks with the remaining cargo, electrical appliances, army equipment, Lego toys, cars went to the bottom.

You can get inside the ship through the compartments and swim in the holds, looking at the flooded treasures.

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Watch the fountain show

In the summer, magic comes to Protaras every evening. Dancing fountains come to life: a fantastic and bewitching attraction, an extravaganza of water and flame. The fire and water elements meet together, merging in magical images. Lasers draw amazing patterns on water droplets. This is the most famous show, and tourists from all over Cyprus come to see it. The show of dancing fountains includes 4 thematic performances: jets of water fly 15 m up and then fall down. 18 thousand water devices, 65 fountains, 3200 submerged LED spotlights were used. Thanks to lasers, stories come to life right on the water, telling about the wonders of the world. One of the most striking performances is a volcanic eruption. The show is held in a closed complex that looks like a theater. Only instead of the stage there is a pool and a playground with scenery. By the way, the complex has restaurants and bars with a buffet and a wide variety of dishes.

The show starts at 21:00, duration is 1 hour, tickets cost 23 euros (15 euros for children). With a "buffet" - 38 euros and 25 euros.

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See the ghost area in Famagusta

Varosha is an abandoned area, from which all the inhabitants disappeared at one moment. They left their homes, taking with them only what could fit in their hand. Once it was a popular resort where world celebrities came: Brigitte Bordeaux and Elizabeth Taylor visited Varosha. There were many modern hotels, entertainment facilities, bars and restaurants, nightlife was in full swing - in the 70s the resort was at the peak of popularity. But in 74, the Turkish army invaded Cyprus in response to a political coup. The Turks occupied Famagusta, and the Greek population of Varosha was given one day to leave the area. Almost 50 years have passed, and it still remains empty. Varosha cordoned off by the Turkish army, and around the perimeter there are observation points. The ghost district with its urban landscapes can be seen from the side, but it attracts history buffs.

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Engage in water activities

On almost every beach you will find a huge selection of entertainment. You can ride bananas, fly over the sea on a parachute, take an underwater walk, go kayaking, try kite surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding . Of course, you will find the most water activities in cities such as Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca.

Take the whole company or family to the water park. There are several of them in Cyprus. The largest is in Ayia Napa, it competes with the best water parks in Europe and is stylized as ancient Greece. In Paphos and Limassol you will also find water parks with water slides.

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Walk along hiking trails

A trip to Cyprus is not complete without seeing some of the most beautiful corners of the island. You can see the incredible panorama of the Mediterranean while walking. One of the popular routes, which covers many attractions, passes through Cape Greco. Children over the age of 7 can take this trail.

Path of Aphrodite - 7.5 km along the coast, the giant oak and the ruins of the Rigenas tower. But most importantly - the views! The Adonis trail, 7.5 km long, is interesting: it is for physically prepared conquerors of the trails.

In Larnaca, you can take a walk along the longest Finikoudes promenade - 4.5 km to Mackenzie beach. You can go on such a trip even with small children and get off the route anywhere by stopping by an ice cream cafe. The seven-kilometer Artemis trail wanders through the paths of the Troodos mountains: along the ring route you can reach the top of Cyprus - Olymbos.

The Caledonia trail will lead you to the waterfall of the same name. It is quite difficult, with steep descents. When going for a walk, wear comfortable shoes and do not go on the route in the summer at noon. Better get up early in the morning, refrain from such walks in July or August. Take an adequate supply of drinking water.

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Ride bikes

Cycling in Cyprus is pure pleasure. Both amateurs and professionals will find interesting routes. They are designed for both the day and the whole week. For example, Limassol - Amathous - Governors beach 15 km long, Polis - Akamas 22 km, Lintrodontas - Agros 51 km. And Nicosia - Solea Valley is a route of 156 km, so that every cyclist will find interesting trails for himself. One of the most scenic routes runs from Ayia Napa to Paralimni and on to Cape Greco. It can please you with a cool rest in the shade of trees even in the hottest months. Rent a bike - and you will have a great leisure time.

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Taste knight's wine

The wine of the Crusaders and the love of Commandaria is known far beyond the borders of Cyprus. It is found in the works of Homer and is considered the oldest wine in the world. Just Cypriot wine was drunk at the magnificent wedding of Richard the Lionheart, which was played in Limassol. The mention of it goes back to the time of the Crusades. Thick sweet wine was to the taste of the knights of the Knights Templar. Wine became popular with the English and French nobility. And now you can taste the wine at the annual wine festival in Limassol or go to the market for it. And also see the very monastery where the famous wine was made from time immemorial.

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Swim at Nissi Beach

The most beautiful and popular beach in Cyprus is located in Ayia Napa. She is called the local Ibiza for loud party. The beach is interesting not only for youth parties, but also for amazing natural beauties. The water shimmers like an emerald! It surprisingly contrasts with the sky, which has acquired a lilac hue. Incredible spectacle! Be sure to enjoy the magnificent panorama.

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Take a selfie in a swimsuit in front of an airplane

There is an interesting beach in Larnaca, from where everyone posts original photos. The fact is that there is an airport across the fence from the beach. And planes take off right above the heads of vacationers! Tourists who try to capture the moment and capture themselves in a swimsuit against the backdrop of an airplane are a common sight.

The beach is called Mackenzie. It is easy to get there by bus number 425.

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Take a pilgrimage tour

The Cypriot Orthodox Church is one of the oldest in the world. She has been leading her story since 45! It is in Cyprus that the tomb of Lazarus, who was resurrected by Christ, is located. It was Cyprus that preserved many ancient monasteries, where miraculous icons and relics of saints are kept. They have become a place of pilgrimage. Touch the relics: visit the monastery of St. Thekla, the catacombs of St. Solomon , the monastery in Ayia Napa.

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Go fishing

An ideal solution for those who want to combine a sea holiday with a useful pastime. Cyprus is a real paradise for fishermen, where you can relax with the whole family on a boat or yacht and return with a trophy. Summer and autumn months are the time of tuna migration. Along the coast of Cyprus you can catch a great specimen! Or catch marlene, dolphin, horse mackerel, mullet, flounder and even shark. There are about 260 species of marine life in the Mediterranean Sea!

The catch can be prepared immediately as sashimi with soy sauce or as carpaccio with olive oil and lemon. For avid fishermen, multi-day tours are organized: a trip on a yacht, combined with scuba diving and fishing. It is interrupted by parking at the most interesting places on the island.

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Play golf

Cyprus is a luxury holiday destination. And offers its guests a game of oligarchs, gentlemen and millionaires - golf. For example, next to Paphos there is a golf club with an area of 65 hectares. Experienced instructors will help you improve your skills or make your first hits in this game. And one of these clubs is located near the Stone of Aphrodite.

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Arrange a gastro tour

Did you know that you can go on a gastronomic tour of the villages of the island, and get acquainted not only with culture, but also with food? Visit wineries, a cheese factory, an oil mill, traditional Cypriot village houses. You will see how Cypriot sweets and meat delicacies are made, get acquainted with the production process of wine, zivania and other products from grapes. You can watch how halloumi cheese is born, how olive oil is made, and how different products are made from carob. Treat yourself to hot bread straight from the rustic oven, taste the taste of freshly picked fruit. And what about Cypriot honey and monastery wine cellars?

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Go shopping

In each city you will find many souvenir shops and brand shops. Look at the lace from Lefkara, amazingly fine work. Get some silver jewelry: it's tax-free, so it's pretty cheap. Taste traditional wines and liqueurs, including the sweet dessert wine Commandaria. Buy olive oil, halloumi goat cheese, halva, Turkish delight, Cypriot cosmetics based on rose or olive oil.

But do not count on sales: the time of their holding is regulated by the state. There are several discount periods that are timed to coincide with Easter and Christmas. Then the prices are reduced for almost all goods in stores.

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Nightlife in Ayia Napa

In the evening "local Ibiza" is filled with music and light: the lights of night discos, restaurants, bars are lit, which invite visitors to rhythmic music. Be sure to go at least once in the evening to Ayia Napa to have fun until the morning on noisy party. Go to a foam party and go to different pubs!

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Find youth in Aphrodite's bay

To visit Cyprus, and not look into the very place where the goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite appeared to the world from the sea foam? Oh, no! The bay dedicated to the goddess of love is one of the main attractions. The beach, surrounded by rocks, has bizarre shapes. The flow of tourists never dries up! After all, according to legend, if you touch the very Stone of Aphrodite, you will recharge with youth and health. And couples in love will find happiness for life.

It is more convenient to get from Paphos: bus number 631 is suitable. By car, first choose the A1 highway to Kouklia, then the M6 highway.

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Watch the flamingos

Every year a small miracle happens in Cyprus: flocks of beautiful pink birds fly to the salt lake in Larnaca to rest during their tiring flight. Pink flamingos appear in late autumn or December. They chose a salt lake, which is located near the airport.

You can get there by bus number 425 from the center of Larnaca. The lake is located near Larnaca Airport.

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Visit turtle beach

Have you ever been to a beach with a "beware of baby turtles" sign? There is a unique place in Cyprus located on the Akamas peninsula. Lari Beach is a nature reserve where rare green turtles come every spring. They have been laying their eggs in one place for hundreds of years. Therefore, the second name of the beach is turtle. Their masonry is specially protected with metal frames. Nearby is a station where injured turtles are helped. You can see them in aquariums. By the way, seals can also be found in nearby caves.

How to get there. Ride from Paphos by bus number 615 or number 616 to the turn to the Akamas Gorge. We leave by car on the E701 highway, then turn onto the E706 highway.

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Walk along the most beautiful promenade

The most beautiful promenade in Cyprus certainly belongs to Limassol. It's just fantastic: an incredible promenade with turquoise decorative pools, bridges leading to the sea, attractions, its own amphitheater, original sculptures. Be sure to check it out!

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Travel to Nicosia, the capital of two countries

Nicosia is an amazing capital. It is divided into two parts and is the main city for two republics at once: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Each has its own government. And the capital itself is divided into two parts - northern and southern. There is a buffer zone in the middle, which tourists can freely cross in both directions.

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For silver and lace in Lefkara

Unique handmade silver items - real works of art! Lefkara is a village on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, which lies between Larnaca and Limassol. About a thousand people live in it, but it is known to the whole world. But not only with their silver filigree jewelry. World fame brought the legendary lace, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List! And silver items from local craftsmen are simply masterpieces!

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Climb Olymbos

Mount Olymbos is the highest point in Cyprus. It reaches 1952 m and is located almost in the very center of the island. Being the peak of the Troodos mountain region, in winter the mountain turns into a ski resort with pistes and lifts. And in summer it attracts many tourists and lovers of hiking. Connoisseurs of such recreation can choose ecological trails in the form of one-day tours or long hiking trails. Even the laziest can take a taxi up and then go down to the villages along asphalt or trails for 15-20 km.

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Study antiquities

The island of Cyprus is an island of legend, covered with myths. A cradle where civilizations were born and died. It has preserved many architectural monuments from Greek and Byzantine to Ottoman and British culture. Of the most interesting places - the archaeological park in Paphos and Kourion near Limassol.

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Travel to the Turkish side of Cyprus

It so happened that in 1974 the Republic of Cyprus was divided into two parts: southern and northern. The northern part is under Turkish control and is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This is an unrecognized republic, so tourists choose the south for their vacation. But it is worth seeing Cyprus from the other side. There are magical landscapes! After all, it was not in vain that earlier the best resorts were located on the northern coast. Visit historical sites, take a look at ancient Famagusta: you will see the difference in life between the northern and southern parts.

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Take a walk in the botanical garden

Cyprus has an amazing blooming corner: the huge Cyherbia botanical garden! It is divided into several theme parks: medical, aromatic, women's garden. And also a pest control garden, a relaxation garden, a spice garden and a traditional Cypriot garden. Plants are grown in environmentally friendly conditions. In June, fields with fragrant lavender bloom. All beauty is complemented by decor in the form of ancient amphorae and sculptures. In winter, trees are decorated with colorful lanterns and themed decorations. One of the parts of the park repeats the contour of Cyprus, similar to a leaf.

Try the Cypriot labyrinth: 600 meters of winding hedgerow paths. Fabulous quest for the whole family!

You can walk around the garden in just an hour. Entrance fee - 5 euros.

The Botanical Garden is located on the highway between Larnaca and Ayia Napa, not far from the village of Avgorou.

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Cyprus is rich in natural beauty and history, infrastructure and cuisine. Even a week is not enough to get to know the hospitable land properly. And there will be enough entertainment and activities for an active and interesting holiday.