Tombs of kings - Cyprus Attractions

Although there aren’t actually any kings buried here at all, the tombs are impressive indeed. They are burial caves carved into the rock and decorated with columns dating back over 2000 years. You can go in and explore by yourself, searching through the tombs, even the parts that go fairly deep underground.

St Paul’s Pillar - Attractions in Cyprus

Once an imposing Gothic church stood near the basilica and although it was destroyed in the 16th century you can still see some of it, especially St Paul's Pillar, which according to tradition,  St Paul was tied to it and lashed by the Roman governor of Paphos. Charming.

Lusignan Fort - Attractions in Cyprus

This small fort is near an old submerged port of Paphos and dates back 700 years. It was destroyed by the Venetians, but rebuilt by the Turks in 1586.

Ayia Nappa - Cyprus Attractions

Aside from the beach, its water sports, and increasingly famous bungee jump, there are lots of boat trips you can take. Just outside of Ayia Napa is the Water Park. You can get a taxi there easily, and when you’re there, you’ll encounter go-karts and helicopter rides. Ayia Napa has something for everyone you see? It’s not all just night life

Northern Cyprus - Cyprus Attractions

This is the area beyond the 'green line', which is currently occupied by Turkey. It’s less developed than the south. The unspoilt countryside and numerous historic sites make a visit worthwhile. Gazimagosa (formerly known as Famagusta) on the east coast dates from 285 BC and has held an important place in Mediterranean history through the ages. There’s a minor problem involving Turkey affecting it right now, we’ll get to that later. Girne (Kyrenia) on the north coast has an interesting castle and lovely harbour, and a Shipwreck Museum that houses the oldest trading ship ever found, having sunk around 300 BC.

Acropolis - Attractions in Cyprus

Near the Paphos lighthouse there’s a complex of ancient buildings, including a Roman Odeon, built 1800 years ago. Incidentally, an ‘odeon’ in Roman times was a theatre/place of entertainment, not actually a cinema. Now restored, it’s used for summer performances. South of the Odeon are the remnants of the Roman Temple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, and north of the lighthouse are the ruins of ancient town walls.

Baths of Aphrodite - Cyprus Attractions

Visit the natural grotto on the Akamas Peninsula near Polis where Aphrodite used to have a bath. It’s a lovely pool, shaded by a fig tree and surrounded by maidenhair fern, and can be reached by nature trails from Akamas. God knows where she plugged her hair dryer in.

Cyprus is a popular bird watching location, head for Ladies Mile beach for a first hand preview of the bird life of Cyprus, but look out for the locals, who like to shoot them.

Limassol is the largest seaside resort on Cyprus and the Troodos Mountains provide a lovely backdrop. Limassol has plenty of shops for both your consumer goods of choice and locally made souvenirs. Clothes can be made to measure in a few days. St Andrews Street has cute buildings and many overhanging terraces with small shops under them. Makarios Avenue is where to head for the posh shops.