33 Best Sights in Cyprus

In the town center stands one of the island's more important churches, Ayios Lazarus (Church of Lazarus), resplendent with gold icons and unique wood carvings. Constructed in AD 890 by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI and restored to its glory in the 17th century, it is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. The church includes a fascinating crypt containing the sarcophagus of the Biblical Lazarus mentioned in Luke; Jesus is said to have resurrected Lazarus four days after his death, after which time Lazarus traveled to Kition (Larnaca's ancient city), where he became a bishop for 30 years.

Outside the city walls stands the Cyprus Museum, the world's largest collection of Cypriot antiquities and arguably the most interesting museum on the island. It houses archaeological displays ranging from Neolithic to Roman times, including a fascinating display of 2,000 terra-cotta figures from the 6th and 7th centuries BC, unearthed in Northern Cyprus in 1929, as well as three limestone lions and two sphinxes from approximately 475–400 BC, discovered south of Nicosia in 1997. Other highlights include a famous statue of Aphrodite of Soloi and beautiful mosaics. This stop is essential to an understanding of the island's ancient sites.

Located about ten minutes west of Limassol in the village of Erimi, this comprehensive museum succeeds at explaining the history of the grape in Cyprus, one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world. You'll get to view ancient wine jugs and vessels on a short, guided tour of the museum and watch a film before heading downstairs for a sampling of Cyprus wines, including the island's famous sweet Commandaria, accompanied by tasty halloumi cheese.

The Kourion (Curium) archaeological site, west of Limassol, has Greek and Roman ruins. Classical and Shakespearean plays are sometimes staged in the impressive amphitheater. Next to the theater is the Villa of Eustolios, a summer house built by a wealthy Christian with interesting mosaic floors from the 5th century AD; nearby is the partially rebuilt Roman stadium.

Once you gaze down on Kourion beach from the heights of the Kourion amphitheater, you'll certainly want to head down the hills to spend time on its beautiful sands—one of the longest stretches on Cyprus. Though it's easiest to reach Kourion beach by car, you can also take a bus from Limassol, 17 km (10 miles) to the east. If you're making a day of it, rent a sun bed and umbrella from a nearby taverna; the well-regarded Blue Beach Bar & Restaurant makes a pleasant stop for a seafood break. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: walking; windsurfing.

Don't miss the elaborate 3rd- to 5th-century AD Roman mosaics in the Roman Villa of Theseus, the House of Dionysos, and the House of Aion—all part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected site. The impressive mosaics are an easy walk from the harbor.

Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, or Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof—so named for its steep, pitched roof, built for protection against the weather—is an 11th-century Byzantine church and UNESCO World Heritage Site containing stunning frescoes. The frescoes were painted between the 11th and 17th centuries and depict such iconic scenes as the Crucifixion and the Nativity. You'll need a car to reach the church, which is located in the Troodos Mountain region.

The Apollo Hylates (Sanctuary of Apollo of the Woodlands), an impressive archaeological site, stands about 2.5 km (1½ miles) west of the temple of Apollo at Kourion. It includes a partially restored main sanctuary with enormous Roman columns.

One of the best preserved painted churches in Cyprus, Asinou Church (also known as Panagia Forviotissa) was built in the early 12th century; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 3 km (2 miles) south of Nikitari village. The church's brightly colored frescoes—which cover the entire inside of the structure—date from the 12th to the 17th centuries. If there isn't a church caretaker around to let you in, you'll need to stop by Nikitari village to ask for the priest to escort you; he can usually be found at the local kafeneio (coffeehouse).

Don't miss Ayios Ioannis (St. John's Cathedral), built in 1662 within the courtyard of the archiepiscopal palace (Archbishop's Palace). Look for the 18th-century murals illustrating important moments in Cypriot religious history, including a depiction of the tomb of St. Barnabas.

In 1159 the hermit and scholar Neophytos settled at what's now referred to as the Ayios Neophytos Monastery, carving a home for himself out of the rock. Known in his time as the leading critic of Richard the Lionheart and the Byzantine tax collectors, today he is best known for what became a series of grottoes hewn from the hillside rock and the evocative religious frescoes—some actually painted by Neophytos—they contain. The monastery itself, with no more than a half-dozen or so monks, is situated below the grottoes.

The Byzantine Museum houses notable mosaics, icons, and sacred books and artifacts collected from churches and monasteries throughout Paphos and dating from the 7th through the 18th centuries. The collection includes one of the oldest icons discovered in Cyprus, the Agia Marina, thought to be from the 8th or 9th century. Though it's on the small side, the museum provides a good introduction to the rich Byzantine history of the Paphos region and is well worth a stop.

In a 1960 neo-Byzantine-style wing of the archiepiscopal palace, the Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation houses the Byzantine Museum. Its fine displays of icons span 1,000 years, and another six sections of the museum showcase the 6th-century Kanakaria Mosaics stolen from Northern Cyprus following the Turkish invasion in 1974, which were not returned until 1991.

The Ethnographic Museum, located in the 14th-century part of the archiepiscopal palace, has demonstrations of ancient weaving techniques and displays of ceramics and olive and wine presses.

On the edge of Larnaca Salt Lake, a mosque stands in an oasis of palm trees guarding the Hala Sultan Tekke—burial place of the prophet Muhammad's foster mother, Umm Haram, and an important Muslim shrine.

The closest beach to Limassol's cruise ship port, Lady's Mile is a 7-km (4-mile) hard sand and pebble beach about a 15-minute drive from the center of town. Its shallow waters are popular with locals, especially on weekends. Bring your own umbrella if you'd like some shade, as well as insect repellent in the evenings. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: swimming.

The Larnaca District Archaeological Museum displays treasures, including outstanding sculptures, pottery, and other architectural fragments from prehistoric times through to the Roman period.

The Larnaca Fort was originally built in the late 1300s and then rebuilt in 1625; during British colonial rule, it was used as a prison. Today it's mainly worth visiting for the lovely views of the sea. The small Medieval Museum is inside the fort and has finds from Hala Sultan Tekke and Kition.

This museum traces the city's history from 3000 BC to the present, with exhibits on crafts and daily life. The permanent exhibition includes important artifacts, as well as an impressive collection of medieval and modern maps illustrating Nicosia's progression, dating from the birth of the region to now.

The 14th-century Limassol Castle was built on the site of a Byzantine fortification. Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England here in 1191. The Cyprus Medieval Museum in the castle displays medieval armor and relics.

Browse interesting archaeological finds from the Limassol area, including pottery, coins, jewelry, tools, and sculptures, from the Prehistoric period (10,000 BC) up to the Late Roman period (AD 327). The collection also contains many items related to Aphrodite, including ancient terra-cotta figures.

Near the airport, Mackenzie beach is ideal for lazing on white sands and dining at one of its many seafood tavernas. The beach also boasts a trendy strip of bars, clubs, and cafés, including the Mackenzie Food Plaza, which is now home to a number of fast food and coffee shop favorites. Mackenzie beach can get quite crowded during the summer, so arrive early for a prime spot on the sand. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

For a glimpse of Cypriot folklore, visit the Municipal Folk Art Museum. The collection includes national costumes and fine examples of weaving and other crafts.

The neoclassical Municipal Theater seats 1,200 people and stages events throughout the year, including Greek-language dramas and concerts.

The Museum of the National Struggle has dramatic displays of the 1955 to 1959 Cypriot campaigns against the British.

Housed in the industrial setting of a former power plant, this compact contemporary art museum displays paintings, videos, sculptures, photography, and installations from up-and-coming (as well as established) Cypriot and European artists. Best of all, admission is free, and it's open until 11 pm most days of the week. There's also a hip restaurant out back with a leafy courtyard where you can hang with Nicosia's cool crowd.

The 11th-century Panayia Angeloktistos church, 11 km (7 miles) south of Larnaca, has extraordinary Byzantine wall mosaics that date from the 6th and 7th centuries. Large groups should call ahead, and request a guide in either English or Greek.

The Paphos District Archaeological Museum displays pottery, jewelry, and statuettes in five exhibition rooms and one penthouse in the museum's yard. They represent all the prehistoric and historic periods through which the region passed.

Centrally located within the town of Larnaca, it's a snap to combine beachgoing at Phinikoudes with other activities like shopping, eating, and strolling the pretty palm tree–lined promenade. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas from beachside vendors, as well as borrow some water-sports equipment if you're feeling more active. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

The Pierides–Marfin Laiki Bank Museum is a private assemblage of more than 3,000 pieces distinguished by its Bronze Age terra-cotta figures, as well as Roman and Byzantine-era art.