Best Things To Do In Cyprus – Beaches, Nature, Boat Trips, Food, Culture, And Family Activities

Cyprus ranks among leading Mediterranean destinations thanks to pristine beaches, ancient sites, mountain scenery, and a welcoming local atmosphere.

Travelers interested in beach time, family activities, food traditions, and historical sites find variety across a compact island that balances coastal resorts, inland villages, and archaeological treasures.

Beaches and Water Adventures

Warm seas and soft sand define much of the island experience, offering settings suited to energetic beach days as well as calm escapes.

Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa

Fine white sand and shallow clear water support long swimming sessions and easy entry for children.

The summer season brings organized entertainment and active water sports, creating a lively atmosphere without excluding families. Nearby points of interest add variety to a full beach day.

Key features include:

• Jet skiing, paddleboarding, and other motorized activities
• Seasonal beach music events
• Short travel distance to Ayia Napa Monastery and WaterWorld Waterpark

Fig Tree Bay, Protaras

A single fig tree gives the beach its identity, while calm turquoise water maintains excellent visibility.

Conditions favor both casual swimmers and visitors interested in light water sports. An offshore islet draws confident swimmers seeking a short open-water swim.

For travelers looking to stay in the area, goldencoast.com.cy offers beachfront accommodation with family-friendly facilities, dining options, and access to local attractions.

Coral Bay, Paphos

Gentle waves and protected surroundings create a relaxed setting suited to families and couples.

Sandy entry allows easy access to the sea, and crowd levels remain manageable even during peak months, supporting longer stays without pressure.

Konnos Bay

Cliff-lined surroundings create a secluded feel near Ayia Napa and Protaras.

Clear water encourages snorkeling close to shore, and nearby walking paths allow visitors to combine beach time with short coastal walks without needing transport.

Lara Bay, Akamas Peninsula

Seclusion defines this protected area, known for conservation efforts tied to endangered loggerhead turtles.

Limited infrastructure keeps the area quiet, making preparation important before arrival. Visitors often encounter:

• Restricted vehicle access
• Seasonal nesting zones marked for protection
• Absence of commercial facilities

Nature and Outdoor Exploration

Mountain ranges, gorges, and coastal reserves support outdoor activity throughout the year, offering cooler retreats during summer and scenic routes during spring and fall.

Akamas Peninsula National Park

Avakas Gorge features towering limestone walls and a popular hiking route with uneven terrain.

Lara Beach supports turtle conservation initiatives, while Blue Lagoon draws swimmers and snorkelers with shall,ow clear water.

Baths of Aphrodite, a natural grotto linked to mythology, adds cultural depth to walking routes.

Preparation often involves:

• Water-resistant footwear for gorge hikes
• Early arrival during summer heat
• Respect for protected wildlife zones

Troodos Mountains

Central highlands offer forests, rivers, waterfalls, and noticeably cooler temperatures during warmer months.

Trails such as Caledonia, Artemis, and Atalante suit both casual walkers and experienced hikers.

Nearby villages feature UNESCO-listed painted churches, and winter conditions allow limited skiing at Mount Olympus.

Boat Trips and Sea Excursions

Coastal waters support varied sea-based activities suitable for relaxed sightseeing or active participation.

Blue Lagoon Cruise, Latchi

Clear water and calm surroundings make this cruise popular for swimming and snorkeling within protected coastal areas.

Many tours include stops allowing direct sea access.

Ghost Town Boat Tour, Famagusta

Boat routes provide views of the abandoned Varosha district while remaining offshore.

Visual access offers historical context without land entry, creating a striking contrast between coastline and empty structures.

Private Catamaran and Yacht Charters

Custom itineraries allow flexible scheduling and privacy. Common options include:

• Sunset sailing
• Swimming stops near secluded coves
• Onboard meals or celebrations

Zenobia Shipwreck Dive, Larnaca

Experienced scuba divers consider this wreck a world-class site.

Depth and size support multiple dive routes, making it suitable for advanced recreational divers and professionals.

Culture and Historical Attractions

Ancient cities, museums, and religious sites reveal layers of history across different periods.

Ancient Kourion, Limassol

Roman theater seating overlooks the Mediterranean, creating dramatic viewing conditions.

Mosaics at the House of Eustolios and remains of an ancient stadium provide insight into daily life during antiquity.

Tombs of the Kings, Paphos

Rock-cut burial chambers dating to the 4th century BC display complex architectural layouts carved into solid stone.

UNESCO recognition confirms the site’s global importance.

Salamis, near Famagusta

Well-preserved ruins include an amphitheater, gymnasium, and Agora, reflecting the scale and organization of this ancient city during Roman rule.

Cyprus Museum, Nicosia

Largest national collection presents statues, pottery, jewelry, and major works such as the Aphrodite of Soloi, offering chronological context across centuries.

Religious and Spiritual Sites

Now, let us take a look at the religious and spiritual sites of Cyprus.

Kykkos Monastery, Troodos

An 11th-century Orthodox monastery features golden mosaics, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, and an extensive museum that explains religious art and monastic history.

Ayia Napa Monastery

Positioned near the town center, this historic complex pairs easily with nearby beach visits and short walks through Ayia Napa.

Food and Culinary Experiences

Local cuisine focuses on shared plates, seasonal ingredients, and long-standing cooking traditions.

Core dishes visitors often encounter include:

• Halloumi cheese served grilled or fresh
• Souvlaki prepared with skewered grilled meats
• Sheftalia sausage seasoned with herbs
• Kleftiko slow-cooked lamb
• Loukoumia, also known as Cypriot delight

Village taverns present extended mezze platters in mountain settings, encouraging slow meals and social dining.

Troodos wine routes introduce small wineries producing Commandaria and regional varieties.

Local markets sell olive oil, lacework, and handmade pottery, combining food culture with traditional crafts.

Family-Friendly Activities

Families encounter a wide range of attractions suitable for children across age groups.

WaterWorld Ayia Napa ranks among Europe’s largest themed water parks, while Fasouri Watermania in Limassol offers slides, pools, and a lazy river designed for mixed age groups.

Camel Park in Mazotos combines animal encounters with outdoor leisure areas, including:

• Playground facilities
• Picnic spaces
• Guided camel rides

Donkey sanctuaries in Vouni or Avgorou allow interaction with rescued animals while teaching rural traditions.

Glass-bottom boat tours near Protaras or Ayia Napa introduce marine life without requiring swimming.

Nature trails in Akamas or Troodos support easy walks paired with scenic views and wildlife sightings.

The Bottom Line

Cyprus delivers sun-filled beaches, ancient ruins, family attractions, mountain trails, and memorable food experiences within a manageable travel area.

Coastal relaxation pairs easily with inland adventures, making travel planning flexible and rewarding.

Spring months of April and May, along with September and October, provide mild weather and fewer crowds.