Cyprus — Best Places to Visit in Paphos, Nicosia and Larnaca
Top Places To See in Cyprus
Content
1. Paphos
∘ Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos
∘ Tombs of the Kings
∘ Coral Bay
∘ Moutti tis Sortiras
∘ Mount Olympos in Troodos Mountains
∘ Flamingos at Akrotiri Salt Lake
∘ Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
2. Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek)
∘ Shacolas Tower (Ledras Tower)
∘ Ledra Street and Border Crossing Point to Northern Cyprus
∘ UN65 Building
3. Larnaca
∘ Finikoudes Beach
∘ Larnaca Salt Lake
1. Paphos
Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos
One of the most important archeological sites in Cyprus that even belongs to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The archaeological park is worth visiting for its temples, well-preserved mosaics and other ancient monuments built as far back as the 2nd century. In addition, it’s right next to the Paphos harbor and bus station, so it’s easily accessible.
Tombs of the Kings
This site is actually a part of the above-mentioned Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos, but it’s located about 2.5km farther. Despite its name, no kings were buried here. It was used as an impressive burial site for aristocrats between the 4th century BC and 3rd century AD.
Coral Bay
Although it may not look like it from the pictures below, Coral Bay has a nice sandy beach with a turquoise sea (it’s cold in February). It’s only 13km from the Paphos centre, so definitely worth taking a look.
Moutti tis Sortiras
Moutti tis Sortiras is a mountain in the north-west of Cyprus that offers a stunning view of the entire bay and coastline. You can reach the summit via a relatively short and enjoyable hiking trail — the Aphrodite Nature Trail (3.5km and 1.5h — one way).
Mount Olympos in Troodos Mountains
Although Cyprus is more known for the beaches and sea, it’s also possible to ski on the island. The Troodos mountain range, located more centrally, is covered in snow between December and April. If you prefer hiking, Mount Olympus at 1952m is the right place to go. And if you’re a fan of wine, good news — the mountains are surrounded by local wineries along the Wine Routes.
Flamingos at Akrotiri Salt Lake
Between November and March you have a very high chance of seeing wild flamingos at Akrotiri Salt Lake. It can be hard to see them up close at the lake though. If you’re lucky, you can get closer to them at Lady’s Mile Beach near the Oasis restaurant, rather than right at the lake.
Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
This is the place where the Greek goddess Aphrodite was born from the sea foam according to myths. You can enjoy a swim and a pebble beach at the rock. The sunset is also great but if you don’t come by car, don’t stay here until it’s completely dark (like me) because after they close a small souvenir shop next to it, there’s nothing left and it can be unpleasant to wait for a bus in complete darkness with no street lights and no cell phone signal.
2. Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek)
Nicosia is especially interesting as it’s the only divided capital in the world. It is the capital of two countries — the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. However, Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.
Shacolas Tower (Ledras Tower)
I’d recommend to start your journey in Nicosia by visiting the Shacolas Tower — one of the tallest buildings in the city with a museum and an observatory with a fantastic 360 view. That way you’ll learn a lot about what to focus on when strolling around the city.
Ledra Street and Border Crossing Point to Northern Cyprus
The main shopping street in the city centre where you’ll also find the Ledra Street Crossing Point — the border checkpoint to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Crossing the border may feel bizarre since Northern Cyprus is not internationally recognized and you may see UN peacekeepers in the area, but you just show your passport at the border crossing and that’s it, you get in and out easily.
UN65 Building
If you’re a history enthusiast, you might want to check also the UN65 building. It is an abandoned United Nations guard post next to the buffer zone (also called Green Line) established after the conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots broke out in 1963.
3. Larnaca
Finikoudes Beach
Larnaca is probably best known for Finikoudes Beach — a great sandy beach with a palm tree-lined promenade. It is a good place for an enjoyable stroll both during the day and night. You can find many cafes, restaurants and kiosks nearby.
Larnaca Salt Lake
After the Finikoudes Beach, the salt lake in Larnaca is another great place for a relaxing walk. And like at the Akrotiri Salt Lake, you can spot flamingos here in winter as well. Apart from flamingos, all sorts of birds can be found along the flat nature trails that lead to the salt lake.
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