This Mediterranean island—that isn’t Greece—has crystal clear water, ancient ruins, and far fewer crowds
Skip the overpriced beach destinations and heavy crowds. This island offers pristine coastlines and centuries of history for half the price.
When planning a summer getaway to the Mediterranean, many people think of popular spots like Mykonos or Santorini. I used to do the same until I spent some time in Cyprus. This island country in the eastern Mediterranean features beautiful blue waters and a rich history; however, it’s less crowded with tourists and generally more affordable.
You’ll find that the costs for places to stay, car rentals, and meals are much lower than in the popular Cyclades islands. I enjoyed large seafood platters at local restaurants for a fraction of what I would have paid in Mykonos or Santorini. Accommodation prices were another surprise. For example, in Paphos, you can stay in a beautiful penthouse with luxury amenities and a private rooftop pool for far less than a small hotel room in some popular Greek islands.
Cyprus is also known for being one of the safest countries in Europe. I felt comfortable walking around coastal towns even late at night. The locals are friendly, speak English, and are used to welcoming visitors, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere in most towns and villages.
Coastal geography and regional beaches
Cyprus has a surprisingly varied coastline for a relatively small island. Some areas are known for long sandy beaches and calm turquoise water, while others have rocky coves, sea caves, and huge cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.
Ayia Napa and Protaras
Ayia Napa is well-known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches. I highly recommend visiting Nissi Beach, where you can walk across a shallow sandbar that connects the beach to a small island. I enjoyed wading through transparent, knee-deep water all the way across. Just a short distance away, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras offers a more relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for paddleboarding and swimming.
Cape Greco National Forest Park
Cape Greco National Forest Park is known for its clear blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and scenic walking trails. It’s a great place to explore and offers some of the most beautiful views in Cyprus. I suggest visiting in the late afternoon to catch the sunset; it’s truly a sight to behold. Just keep in mind that the terrain is rocky, so wearing appropriate shoes will make your experience much more comfortable.
Coral Bay Beach
Located on the western side of the island near Paphos, Coral Bay Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and you can also find a variety of bars, restaurants, and tavernas nearby. If you’re interested in diving, there are several companies offering training courses and packages for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Archaeological sites and ancient history
Cyprus offers a unique chance to discover ancient sites without the large crowds often found in Greece. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites at your own pace and truly soak in the experience.
Tombs of the Kings
Located just outside Paphos, this ancient site dating back to the fourth century BC features underground tombs carved from solid rock. I walked down sandstone stairs into open-air atriums supported by intact Doric columns. It was an amazing experience to wander through the burial sites of ancient nobles without barriers or long lines.
Paphos Archaeological Park
Paphos Archaeological Park is one of the most significant historical sites in Cyprus. It features sites and monuments dating from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. One of the park’s main attractions is the collection of mosaic floors of Roman villas, which are incredibly well-preserved and feature intricate images from Greek mythology.
Ancient Kourion
Ancient Kourion is an archaeological site located west of Limassol, Cyprus. This historic Greco-Roman city is perched high on a cliff overlooking the sea. One of the main attractions is its theater, which has been partly restored and still hosts performances today. Sitting in the old stone benches with the wind sweeping up from the beach is an experience I will never forget.
Old Town Nicosia
Nicosia holds the distinction of being the world’s last divided capital city. Its historic center is surrounded by impressive Venetian walls built in the 16th century. As you walk along Ledra Street, you reach a point where the United Nations has set up a buffer zone. Here, you need to show your ID or passport to cross from the southern Greek-Cypriot side to the northern Turkish side. You can instantly notice the difference in buildings, street markets, and food stands as you step into the other side.
The Troodos Mountains
Just a short drive away from the coast takes you into the beautiful Troodos Mountains, where you’ll find lush pine forests and cooler temperatures that provide a nice escape from the humid seaside. This area is home to charming villages like Omodos, which boasts one of the oldest religious sites in the region, the Timios Stavros Monastery.
As I strolled through the narrow cobblestone streets, I came across stone houses where local lace makers were busy at work right outside their doors. I also explored shops filled with traditional pottery, handmade baskets, and delicious regional sweets. The mountain air is refreshingly clean, making it an ideal place for hiking with its winding trails, rocky paths, and beautiful valleys to explore.
The delicious Cypriot cuisine
The food culture of Cyprus is a delicious reflection of its roots, influenced by Greece, the Middle East, and Turkey.
Meze: To truly enjoy Cypriot cuisine, I recommend trying a traditional meze, which is a collection of small plates that include everything from tasty spreads and bread to grilled meats.
Halloumi: One of the island’s famous foods is halloumi, a unique and slightly chewy cheese that originated in Cyprus. Whenever I visited a tavern, I found that they grilled it over an open fire, giving it a wonderful smoky taste while keeping it from melting.
Souvlaki: Another favorite is souvlaki, skewers of seasoned pork or chicken cooked over hot coals. It’s typically served in fresh pita bread along with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and yogurt sauce.
Seafood: Being near the coast means you can enjoy some incredible seafood. I sampled fresh catches like octopus, calamari, and red mullet, prepared with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
Some interesting facts about Cyprus
Cyprus is a beautiful island country with much to discover. Here are some more interesting things that I came to know about it:
Cats are everywhere: In Cyprus, you’ll see cats almost everywhere! They roam through ancient sites, nap outside bakeries, lounge on restaurant chairs, and rest by the sea. According to local legend, Saint Helena brought cats to the island centuries ago to deal with venomous snakes.
Everyone speaks English: Because Cyprus was once under British rule, most people can speak English quite well. Whether you’re at a restaurant, reading road signs, or asking hotel staff for help, you’ll have no trouble communicating, making your travel much easier.
Home to one of the oldest wines: Cyprus is famous for its sweet dessert wine, Commandaria, thought to be one of the oldest named wines still produced today. The island has been making wine for thousands of years, especially in the villages near the Troodos Mountains.
Over 300 days of sunshine a year: Cyprus enjoys around 340 days of sunshine every year! This warm and sunny weather is why the beach season lasts much longer here than in many other destinations. Even in late autumn, the weather remains pleasantly warm compared to many parts of Europe.
Cyprus offers all the wonderful things you’d expect from a classic Greek vacation, like clear waters, ancient ruins, and delicious food, while providing a more peaceful and budget-friendly experience. You won’t regret choosing this charming island over the more touristy islands, for sure!
