Situated where Europe meets the Middle East and Northern Africa, Cyprus is the legendary land of Aphrodite and a haven for sun worshippers. Blessed with sun-drenched beaches and a rugged mountainous interior, and adorned with villas dressed in mosaics and vineyards, Cyprus is a perfect summer destination. Especially since summer seems to be never-ending here.
Renowned for its archaeological sites that tell stories about ancient civilizations and separated into a Greek south and a Turkish north, this country is rich in history and incredibly intriguing. However, if you’re not here for the history, you can always head straight to one of its splendid beaches and relax at one of the many resorts along the coastline.
Paphos
One of the most famous summer resorts in Cyprus, Paphos has its own airport and facilitates easy access from many countries. Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, Paphos blends the joy of sunbathing on endless stretches of sand with the excitement of hiking on nature trails while admiring rolling hills.
While the hotels and archaeological sites await in Kato Paphos, the upper city is now a lively commercial hub. Due to its beauty and historical importance, the town center of Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction for all travelers. With Cyprus once a kingdom, there’s no surprise that Paphos houses the fascinating Tombs of the Kings, the burial grounds of the aristocracy, dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
While history buffs won’t miss a visit of the House of Dionysus or House of Theseus for their share of Roman history, the beach-goers will invade the many beaches that await on the 50 km-coastline of Paphos.
There are no less than 27 beaches in the area, each more beautiful than the other. Mostly sandy corners of paradise, the beaches in Paphos are a fun destination for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. Vrysoudia Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Paphos, a Blue Flag ribbon of sand easily accessible by foot, bus or car.
Limassol
Cyprus’ capital, Limassol combines the beauty of old Cyprus with the frenzy of a modern capital. The main business hub of the island, Limassol is also a commercial port and a beach destination. The Old Town charms visitors with its narrow cobblestone streets and brick buildings, while the harbor unveils the luxurious facet of the city through its elegant yachts and riot of posh restaurants and cafes.
The city’s skyline is dominated by the mighty Limassol Castle dating back to 1193 when it was first built by Guy de Lusignan. The castle hides a tumultuous history and tells stories of wars with the Genoese and the Turks. If you’re curious to find out more about the city’s past, visit the Medieval Museum of Cyprus, and discover the many Roman ruins that remind travelers of the country’s rich past.
Since Limassol is the biggest summer resort in Cyprus, many come here for its abundance of fine-sand beaches and a variety of watersports. Many of the stretches of sand in the area have received the prominent Blue Flag award.
The beautiful Malindi Beach awaits right next to the Limassol Marina and is the first choice of many tourists and locals. With calm waters and no winds, the beach is ideal for family days in the sun. However, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area is Pissouri, a cozy sandy paradise with crystalline blue waters and superb natural beauty.
Ayia Napa
An authentic summer resort destined exclusively to sun worshippers and party-goers, Ayia Napa boasts a frenzy of restaurants, tavernas, bars, and night clubs. It’s the perfect summer destination in Cyprus for a fun getaway with your friends or a relaxing family holiday.
Once a shy fishing village, Ayia Napa is now a vibrant summer resort famous for its nightlife and modern, sandy beaches. If during the day you can embrace the sunrays on gorgeous beaches like Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach, and Grecian Bay, during the night, you’ll discover the “wild” side of the resort, when tourists flock to the local bars and terraces to enjoy live music and sip cocktails under the moonlight.
For a fun day with your family and friends, you can head to the resort’s WaterWorld waterpark, while for an incursion into the village’s past, you can enjoy the silence at the Ayia Napa Monastery or visit the Thalassa Museum, a museum dedicated to the region’s sea activities.
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