Why I love Cyprus

“I have been visiting Cyprus for decades so the most uplifting experience for me, today, is the hassle-free stroll across the border and, more importantly, what it symbolises regarding the peace process. I love the earthy raw energy on both sides of the capital and the traditional character and culture that can seem watered down in the resorts. Visiting the mountain villages is another highlight, as is stumbling...” Read More

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Josephine Quintero
Writer

Top experiences in Cyprus

Recent articles

The best of wild Cyprus

We’ll let you in on a secret: away from the resort Shangri-Las, Cyprus brims with empty hillside trails and some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites. Sure, you could just flop out on the beach with the crowds, but the rugged terrain of this sunshine-splashed island just begs to be explored. From scenic mountain-bike runs to paragliding thrills, here are the best Cypriot outdoors experiences.

Hiking in the Avgas (Avakas) Gorge on the Akamas Peninsula. Image by Steve Fleming / Getty Images
Jessica Lee
Lonely Planet Writer

A beginner’s guide to North Cyprus

North Cyprus is a sun-dappled home to medieval castle ruins, vast archaeological sites of once mighty classical cities, and snoozy villages where old men gather on the teahouse veranda to while away the daylight hours. Most visitors come for lazy resort breaks lolling in the sunshine, but this slither of land which swoops from mountain to sea in the blink of an eye, has so much more to offer.

Kyrenia's old town harbour. Image by Jessica Lee / Lonely Planet
Jessica Lee
Lonely Planet Writer

How to travel independently around Cyprus

Blessed with endless blue-sky days and miles of sandy coast, Cyprus is a tourism promoter’s dream. Lazy bucket-and-spade package holidays bring gaggles of Europeans to this Mediterranean idyll every summer. But Cyprus is more than its sand: eschew resorts to rove rural cobblestone villages and explore the jagged heartland, and you’ll discover an alternative island well away from the beach.

Selimiye Mosque aka Agia Sofia Cathedral in North Nicosia (Lefkoşa). Image by De Agostini / D M Rossi / Getty Images
Jessica Lee
Lonely Planet Writer

Travel guides

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Cyprus adventures

$187.72 Food & drink

Ayia Napa Events Package

Don't want to miss the huge sell-out Ayia Napa events and want to save a fortune too? Check out this incredible package including the hottest events Napa has to offer - expect beach parties, boat parties, club tickets and after party pass - everything you need for the ultimate Ayia Napa holiday.
$503.08 Small group tours

4-Night Cyprus Tour from Paphos and Limassol Including Paphos, Nicosia and Troodos Mountains

Witness some of the best of Cyprus on a 4-night tour filled with interesting history and culture. Stay four nights in a 3- or 4-star hotel in Paphos or Limassol, and take daily trips to experience Paphos’ must-see archaeological treasures, Cyprus’ atmospheric walled capital of Nicosia, and the beautiful Troodos Mountains to see Byzantine-era churches and the picturesque village of Omodos. Your tour includes select meals, return airport transfers, and comfortable, air-conditioned transport by coach or minivan on your tours with an expert guide.
$640.28 Small group tours

5-Night Cyprus Tour from Paphos or Limassol Including Paphos, Nicosia, Troodos Mountains and Kourion

Succumb to the charms of Cyprus on a 5-night tour, with hotel accommodation in Paphos or Limassol included. Explore the country’s historical highlights, countryside and cities on daily tours that include Paphos’ UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures, the divided capital of Nicosia and the leafy Troodos Mountains. 3-star or 4-star hotel accommodation in Paphos or Limassol is included, as is select meals, return airport transfers and transport by air-conditioned vehicle on your tours with an expert guide.
$365.87 Small group tours

3-Night Cyprus Tour from Paphos or Limassol Including Paphos and Nicosia

Dip into Cyprus’ history and culture on a 3-night tour, with hotel accommodation in Paphos or Limassol included. Choose to stay in a 3-star or 4-star hotel in either city and enjoy tours of Paphos’ archaeological wonders and Cyprus’ divided capital of Nicosia. See the famous Tombs of the Kings and House of Dionysus mosaics in Paphos, and discover the Cypriot south and Turkish-occupied north of atmospheric, walled Old Nicosia. Your tour also includes select meals, return airport transfers and comfortable, air-conditioned transport on your tours with an expert guide.
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