Millions of Europeans know where to vacation to laze on the beach, tour ancient ruins and savor local cuisine. But few Americans have explored the underwater sculpture park, ancient Roman mosaics and epic Mediterranean sunsets of Cyprus. Why? Because US tourists haven’t discovered the wonders of this island nation — yet.
Highlights
- Cyprus is an independent, safe, English-friendly destination with rich ancient history and a luxe Mediterranean vibe.
- Getting there is tough for Americans, but once on the island, visitors can explore beaches, sculpture parks, UNESCO sites, coastal promenades and vibrant cities like Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Paphos, Nicosia and Limassol.
- Travel tips include renting a car (left-side driving), hiring certified guides, using Bolt rideshare and visiting during shoulder season for lighter crowds and great weather.
The writer was hosted.
What First-Time Visitors Need to Know About Cyprus
Located off the coast of Greece in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus lures visitors with endless sunshine, ancient historic sites and world-class beaches. Here’s how I spent eight days getting a feel for this beautiful island that welcomed me with grace, great food and incredible views.
No. Yes. Yes. It’s how I answer the repetitive set of questions I’m asked about Cyprus.
- Cyprus is not a Greek island. The independent Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 after gaining independence from Great Britain. As a result, English is spoken everywhere, even in rural mountain villages.
- Despite having the only divided capital city in the world and a resident UN peacekeeping force, Cyprus is safe for tourists, with the most favorable US State Department advisory level.
- When asked if I’d return, my answer’s an emphatic “Yes.”
And I’m not alone. Sitting in the lobby of the luxe Amara hotel, I overheard many check-out interactions. To the question – “How was your stay?” – the universal reply was “Too short.”
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
The Hurdle for Americans? Getting Here.
Europeans account for 80.9% of the 4,142,534 tourists who visited Cyprus during 2025 (January-October). Americans? A measly 56,924 according to the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
A major stumbling block for Americans is the lack of nonstop flights to Cyprus. Because the journey involves at least one flight transfer, you need to factor in two full travel days.
For Europeans, it’s a relatively easy trip from capital city airports. For example, a nonstop British Airways flight from London to Larnaca averages four-and-a-half hours. Athens is less than two hours away.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Intrigued about checking out this true hidden gem? If you’re a fan, like me, of shoulder season travel to Europe, you know it’s cheaper and the crowds are lighter. But the weather is often lousy. On future European trips, I’ll consider city sightseeing for 3 or 4 days, than add a few Cyprus beach days before heading home.
Cruise Arrivals
My tour guide noted that most of the American visitors she works with are passengers on cruise ships who’ve booked excursions from the Limassol port. Major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC and Holland America include Cyprus on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries.
Visiting on a cruise is an easy way for first-time visitors to taste Cypriot culture, flavors and history.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Cyprus adopted the euro as its official currency in 2008. If you’re cruising to other European ports, you won’t have to worry about exchanging cash.
SheBuysTravel Tip: One of our favorite things to do when taking a beach vacation is to hire a photographer for family photos. This is a special gift and souvenir that we cherish. We use Flytographer to book a local photographer located in the area that we’re traveling to. Use this link and you will get $25 off your photo session.
Getting Around Cyprus
Safety First
Most tourists confine their travels to the southern 2/3 of the relatively small island. The northern third, seized illegally by Turkish invaders in 1974, is not recognized by the United States or any country other than Türkiye and is separated from the free Republic of Cyprus by the mapped Green Line and UN peacekeeping forces.
The US State Department regularly issues and updates international travel advisories, ranking destinations on a scale of 1 (Exercise normal precautions) – 4 (Do not travel). To provide perspective, Cyprus is rated “1” while several Western European countries, including Spain and Italy, are rated “2.”
The Cyprus vibe along the coast is luxe Med, as you’d experience in the South of France. In rural villages, I was welcomed like family with open-door hospitality.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Cyprus’s ancient and modern history is complex and fascinating. A good place to get an overview is with the historical brochure prepared by the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism which includes timelines, suggested tourist routes and maps.
Drive (If You Dare)
With an excellent road network and English signage, consider renting a car during your stay. However, before you start plotting your route, it’s important to note that they drive on the LEFT side of the road. It’s a holdover from the 1878-1960 period of British occupation.
You may drive using your US driver’s license for a period of up to 30 days, if you’re brave enough to give it a try.
Hire a Guide
Alternatively, engage a professional guide for a safe and educational experience. The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism certifies guides who complete a two-year program of study. If you’ve booked a resort stay, the concierge may be able to provide assistance in booking guided tours.
Rideshare Apps
Metered taxis congregate at the airport and in tourist areas. Rideshare is also an option, but you’ll need to download the European app Bolt instead of Uber or Lyft.
Begin Your Cyprus Vacation in Larnaca
Cyprus’s 3rd largest city (pop. 155,000) is the city of arrival for tourists flying into the island’s largest international airport. Its most prominent feature is the wide Foinikoudes Promenade lined with mature palm trees. On one side you’ll find buzzy restaurants and bars; on the other, one of over 50 Blue Flag beaches on Cyprus.
One of Christianity’s most famous miracles involves the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. The historic Lazarus fled Judaea because of death threats and was installed as a bishop in Cyprus, serving for 30 years in the ancient city of Kition (present day Larnaca). The 9th-century Church of St. Lazarus was constructed over his tomb and features relics and hundreds of Byzantine icons.
Things to Do in Larnaca
- Medieval Castle (Fort): Spend some time exploring the small museum of artifacts and climb up to the bastion for views of the Promenade.
- Pierides Museum: Housed in a colonial-style 1815 home, the oldest private museum in Cyprus has a collection of objects from 4000 BC to the 15th century AD.
- Salt Lake: If you’re in Cyprus during the fall, you might catch thousands of migratory flamingos bathing in the Larnaca Salt Lake. During my November 2025 visit, it was bone dry and bare. But when the rains come, it’s a scenic spot to explore on an 8 km trail.
Sun-Soaked Adventures in Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa draws throngs of seasonal seaside visitors to the region’s golden sandy beaches and destination resorts. Although it’s tempting to spend lazy days under an umbrella with a drink in hand, you’ll want to explore the region’s two unique sculpture installations – one on land and one under the waves.
Things to Do in Ayia Napa
- Cyprus is a world-famous diving destination. But you don’t need a tank to tour the MUSAN underwater sculpture park. Snorkel expeditions leave from the Ayia Napa harbor.
- On land, the open-air Ayia Napa Sculpture Park is a dynamic installation of contemporary art. New works are added annually. Many of the pieces echo classic silhouettes and the pebbled trail creates an ancient atmosphere.
- Ayia Napa is famous for its nightlife. Many clubs sit along Nissi Avenue. By day, it’s a walkable collection of restaurants and shops.
- Learn about native flora and fauna at the Environmental Information and Education Centre at Cape Greco
The Paphos Promenade and Beyond
Paphos, located on the far west of the island, stole my heart with its stunning sunsets and strollable seaside promenade. The lower city (Kato Paphos) is complemented by Pano Paphos, the upper commercial center.
If (when) I return to Cyprus, I’d likely base myself at one of the seaside luxury hotels, walkable to tavernas, restaurants and boutiques and several of the best ancient sites in Cyprus.
Things to Do in Paphos
- Paphos Mosaics: Discovered by a farmer in 1962, the mosaics are the remnants of floors from four Roman villas, dating to the 2nd-5th centuries AD. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the largely intact mosaics present mythological stories set within intricate geometric borders.
- Pillar of St. Paul: Located at the 13th-century Chrysopolitissa Church, the small stone pillar is believed to be where St. Paul was lashed and flogged for preaching Christianity.
- Tombs of the Kings: Despite the name, the complex of underground tombs was most likely the final resting spot of high-ranking officials from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Nicosia: Where Old Meets New
Until arriving in Nicosia, I hadn’t seen visible evidence of 1974’s Turkish invasion that divided Cyprus. The capital city of 350,000 sits in the center of the island and features the dramatic Venetian walls – a 4.5 km medieval stone fortification. Barbed wire tops sections of the wall, marking the UN-patrolled Green Line boundary between the Republic of Cyprus and the illegally occupied north.
When traveling in Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mexico, I’ve encountered armed military and police patrols that put me on high alert. I didn’t encounter anything similar in Nicosia or anywhere in Cyprus.
The primary attraction in Nicosia is the outstanding Cyprus Museum. Antiquities spanning millennia are on display in 14 galleries containing primitive carvings of fertility goddesses, marble Greek sculptures and a large collection of intact household pottery. The most impressive exhibit consists of the Terracotta Army of Cyprus, discovered by Swedish archaeologists in 1929.
SheBuysTravel Tip: A new museum is under construction. Monitor completion dates at Visit Cyprus.
Things to Do in Nicosia
- Leventis Art Gallery: Even if you only have a few minutes, pop into this modern museum to tour the 1st floor Cypriot gallery with its impressive wall-length mural, The World of Cyprus.
- Panagia Chrysaliniotissa Church: Visit this dramatic example of a painted Byzantine church, the oldest in Nicosia, especially if your trip doesn’t include the UNESCO-designated churches in the Troodos Mountains.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Before your trip, read The Island of Missing Trees, a wonderful novel set during and after the 1974 invasion and the memoir, Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, to gain some insight into recent Cyprus history. If you want something lighter, catch the Netflix rom-com “Find Me Falling” for gorgeous scenery, Harry Connick Jr. and marvelous Cypriot actors.
Limassol’s Seaside Delights
I expected to run into Captain Lee and the Below Deck crew while lunching in a marina cafe in Limassol. The bustling harbor, a popular cruise ship port, was studded with yachts and small fishing boats. It’s a marked contrast to the city’s Old Town, anchored by Limassol Castle, the site of the 1191 wedding of Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre.
Our group split up to do some shopping before reconvening for happy hour. Some stocked up on souvenir sweet treats at The Nutcracker House, including loukoumi, the Cypriot name for Turkish delight. It’s a jellied confection that comes in local flavors like pistachio, rose and pomegranate.
I made a beeline for a clothing boutique. I frequently travel on assignment to luxury beach resorts – it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. My go-to cover-up is a ruffled black peasant dress from The Gap. It’s better than it sounds, but not much. I’ve been on the hunt for a sophisticated linen dress that will take me from pool to cafe when paired with oversized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. It only took 20 minutes of hunting the racks before I found THE ONE and nailed a 20% end-of-season discount too.
Things to Do in Limassol
- Limassol is famous for its annual festivals, especially its 10-day pre-Lenten Carnival. Other popular favorites include May’s Street Life Festival and the late summer Wine Festival.
- Tour the ruins of the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion, including the restored theater; check the Visit Cyprus calendar for scheduled performances in this dramatic setting.
- The Choirokoitia Neolithic Village provides insight into human civilization in Cyprus around 7000 BC. Reconstructions of representative circular dwellings, featuring openings for air circulation, occupy the site’s lower level. The Village was ringed with a massive stone wall, designed to hide the settlement from intruders.
Read More:
- A Journey Through the Timeless Landscapes, Culture and Authentic Flavors of Cyprus
- Where to Stay in Cyprus for Sea Views and Mediterranean Magic
- 2 Days in Athens, Greece: How to See the Highlights
- Why Choose Celestyal Cruises for Your Greek Island Adventure
- What’s a Greek Island Hopping Cruise REALLY Like? Expectation vs. Reality
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