Cyprus is an island that has a lot to offer its visitors. The island of Aphrodite has the most beautiful beaches, a lot of ancient history, culinary delights, outdoor activities for active holidays and a colourful nightlife. In addition, Cyprus has a wonderful climate and pleasant water temperatures all year round. But where are the top activities? What should no one miss when visiting the beautiful island?
Go out and party
In Cyprus there are wonderful beaches everywhere to relax during the day or to experience an active beach holiday. Agia Napa is particularly popular with its wonderful beaches and great opportunities to go out. At Nissi Beach there is plenty of opportunity to laze on the beach. The beach has already been awarded the blue flag for excellent quality. Nissy Bay even has the title of “most beautiful beach in Europe”. If you want, you can just relax. All others will find numerous water sports
In the harbour area there are bars and clubs and many different parties such as beach party, foam party, pool party and many more. If you want to experience something very special, visit the City of Dreams Mediterranean. The casino resort is about to become the largest casino resort in Europe . There are overnight accommodations, casino games and many activities for families. Currently, for example, the resort is home to the largest pool landscape in Cyprus. The offer is to be completed by a children’s club, where children from four to twelve years of age can find activities. This gives parents more time for themselves.
History in Cyprus
Agia Napa has even more to offer. The Makronissos tombs date back to the time of the Hellenes and Romans. In the eastern part of the island is the Cape Greco National Park. There is idyllic and untouched nature for beautiful hikes. At the height of the exertions, there is a great view as a reward: clear sea and a breathtaking landscape. Diving and boat trips are also very popular in this part of the island.
If you are traveling with the whole family, you can visit the water park “Waterworld”. The largest themed water park in Europe has various adventure pools and many ingenious water attractions to offer. This guarantees fun for the whole family.
Lanarca for those interested in culture
Lanarca is home to the main airport in Cyprus. The port city has a beautiful waterfront, beach in the heart of the city and also a beautiful harbor that is worth visiting. The Lazarus Church is very interesting. The Greek Orthodox Church was founded in the late 9th century. There is also a nature reserve with a salt lake. There is an important habitat for waterfowl.
In winter, many flamingos find a warm home at the lake. On the shore of the lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque. The complex is idyllic and offers a wonderful view of the lake. The mosque is a very important place of worship for the devout Mohammedans.
Paphos, the European Capital of Culture
In the southwestern part of the island is the port city of Paphos. It has numerous historical sights to offer, such as a medieval fortress, the archaeological park or the royal tombs of Nea Paphos. The ruins of Paphos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beach of Paphos is also very inviting. Around the harbour there are some taverns that offer local specialities. From the harbour there are also numerous opportunities to book excursions.
Active holiday with an adrenaline kick
If you want to experience action and are looking for an adrenaline rush, you can try a buggy safari. The very mobile buggies take you over hill and dale, on the beach and along the coastal road. There are providers not only in Paphos, but all over the island.
At several places on the island there is the possibility to dare a bungee jump. Daring adrenaline junkies will get their money’s worth when jumping into the depths, secured only with a rope. Bungee towers can be found in Ayia Napa, for example. Different heights make it possible for beginners to take a leap. If you feel like a night or water jump and a subsequent barbecue, you will find a provider for it as well as for a jump from a height of 90 meters. The jump crane in Ayia Napa is definitely the highest jump option on the island.
If you want to go high, but want to take it easy, you can take a sightseeing flight over the island. The Waterworld water park has the Flyworld helicopter especially for this purpose.
Nicosia – the capital divided into two parts
Cyprus’ capital Nicosia has a rich history and also a lot to offer culturally. The two-part city has a Greek and a Turkish part. The city is the only capital in the world that is divided into two parts. If you want to explore the city, it is best to follow the Green Line Walk. This is a circular route through the old town, which is delimited by a Venetian wall. There are many abandoned houses and closed roads due to the UN buffer zone. If you walk the Ledra Street shopping mile all the way to the end, you will come to the checkpoint and can reach the Turkish side of the city via this border crossing. The border controls are simply passport controls, so that exit and entry work very smoothly.
The Turkish part is very different from the Greek part. There are many mosques, Turkish restaurants, bazaars and shisha bars. What is definitely worth seeing is Bük Han. The caravanserai. It used to be an important hostel for travellers. Today there are small, charming shops with handicrafts and small restaurants with Turkish specialties.