The Most Popular Attractions in the Republic of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus has many places that deserve a separate trip: ancient monuments, mountains and monasteries, natural gorges, sea caves, protected areas and beaches. Below is not a complete list of the island’s attractions, but a selection of the best-known and most popular places, which are a convenient starting point for getting to know Cyprus.

• Akamas Peninsula and Blue Lagoon
• Aphrodite’s Rock
• Nissi Beach
• Avakas Gorge
• Kourion
• Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
• Cape Greco and the Sea Caves
• Troodos Mountains and Kykkos Monastery

Akamas Peninsula and Blue Lagoon

The Akamas Peninsula is one of the best-known natural areas in the Republic of Cyprus. Its lightly developed coastline, hilly landscapes, nature trails and small bays have been preserved here.

One of the most popular places in Akamas is the Blue Lagoon, known for its clear, deep turquoise water. A common way to visit it is by taking a boat trip from Latchi. When travelling by land, it is important to bear in mind that some roads in the Akamas area run through rough terrain.

Location: Blue Lagoon, Akamas Peninsula, Paphos District
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Aphrodite’s Rock — Petra tou Romiou

Petra tou Romiou is one of the most recognisable natural attractions in the Republic of Cyprus. The rocks are located directly on the coast between Paphos and Limassol.

The site is associated with the ancient tradition of the birth of the goddess Aphrodite and is known primarily for its seascape. Stopping here closer to sunset is especially popular. Swimming should be undertaken with caution, as waves and strong currents are possible in this area.

Location: Petra tou Romiou, coastline between Paphos and Limassol
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Nissi Beach — Ayia Napa’s famous beach

Nissi Beach is one of the best-known beaches in the Republic of Cyprus. It is distinguished by its light sand, clear turquoise water and a small islet that can be reached by walking through the shallow water when conditions are suitable.

In 2026, Nissi Beach took second place in the European Beach Index, after topping the ranking in 2025. In a beach popularity study on Instagram published in September 2026, Nissi Beach also ranked first among the beaches of Cyprus and 11th worldwide among the 98 beaches included in the study.

Location: Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
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Avakas Gorge

Avakas Gorge is a well-known limestone gorge in the area of the Akamas Peninsula. At its narrowest points, the high rock walls almost meet above the passage, while the hiking route runs along a rocky riverbed.

Avakas should be viewed specifically as a natural route rather than as a standard equipped attraction. After rain, the rocks become slippery, water may appear in the gorge, and weather conditions can quickly change the state of the route.

Location: Avakas Gorge, Peyia area, Paphos.
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Kourion — an ancient city above the sea

Kourion is located on a hill above the coast west of Limassol. It is a large archaeological complex where monuments from different periods of the ancient city’s history have been preserved.

Kourion’s most recognisable feature is its Greco-Roman theatre overlooking the sea. The site also contains mosaics, an early Christian basilica, the remains of public buildings and residential complexes.

Location: Kourion Archaeological Site, Limassol District
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Tombs of the Kings in Paphos

The Tombs of the Kings are a large ancient necropolis carved directly into the rock. Despite their name, kings were not buried here; the tombs were used for members of the local nobility and high-ranking officials during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

The monumental underground burial complexes with open courtyards, columns and chambers carved into the stone are particularly impressive. The Tombs of the Kings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Paphos”.

Location: Tombs of the Kings, Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Paphos
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Cape Greco and the Sea Caves

Cape Greco is located between Ayia Napa and Protaras. The area is known for its rocky coastline, clear water, natural arches, sea caves, walking trails and viewpoints.

Among the best-known spots are the Sea Caves, the natural arch of Kamara tou Koraka and the area around the Chapel of Agioi Anargyroi. When walking along the cliffs, it is important to exercise caution and take sea conditions into account.

Location: Cape Greco National Forest Park, between Ayia Napa and Protaras
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Troodos Mountains and Kykkos Monastery

Troodos offers a completely different landscape of Cyprus: pine forests, mountain roads, traditional villages, monasteries and Byzantine churches. It is best to set aside a full day to explore the mountain region.

One of the best-known attractions in Troodos is Kykkos Monastery. This active Orthodox monastery is known for its rich interior decoration, mosaics and the revered icon of the Kykkos Mother of God.

Location: Kykkos Monastery, Troodos Mountains, Nicosia District
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How to plan your trips more conveniently

These places are located in different parts of the Republic of Cyprus, so it is more convenient to visit them by area. Nissi Beach can be combined with Cape Greco and the Sea Caves, while a trip through the western part of the island can include Akamas, Avakas and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos.

Aphrodite’s Rock and Kourion are conveniently located along the route between Paphos and Limassol. It is better to plan a separate trip for the Troodos Mountains and Kykkos Monastery, taking the mountain roads and winding sections into account.

If you are planning a route to see the main attractions of the Republic of Cyprus and want to travel without relying on taxis, it is convenient to compare car rental options through Localrent in advance. It is also worth planning basic everyday matters ahead of time. Travel medical insurance can be arranged before departure, for example through Tripinsurance, while a travel eSIM can be activated in advance for convenient navigation and connectivity on the road, for example through Drimsim.

Frequently asked questions

Which natural attractions are especially popular in Cyprus?

The best-known include the Akamas Peninsula and Blue Lagoon, Avakas Gorge, Petra tou Romiou, Cape Greco and its sea caves, as well as the Troodos Mountains.

Which historical sites are worth visiting?

Among the best-known historical sites are Kourion and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos. Both archaeological complexes can be explored independently.

Can Nissi Beach and Cape Greco be combined in one trip?

Yes. Nissi Beach is located in Ayia Napa, while Cape Greco lies between Ayia Napa and Protaras, so these places are convenient to combine in one trip.

What is the best way to get to the Blue Lagoon?

A popular option is a boat trip from Latchi. When travelling independently by land, it is important to take the condition of the roads in the Akamas area and the suitability of the vehicle for the chosen route into account.

Can Avakas Gorge be visited after rain?

After rain, conditions in the gorge may deteriorate because of water and slippery rocks. Before setting out, you should check the weather and the condition of the route.