Top 26 Things to Do in Cyprus (Updated 2025)
Cyprus remains one of the Mediterranean’s most underrated gems: ancient ruins, turquoise beaches, mountain villages, and a food scene that will ruin you for life (hello, endless halloumi). The island is still divided—Nicosia is the world’s last split capital—but crossing the Green Line is painless for tourists. North Cyprus (TRNC) is safe and welcoming in 2025, with no major changes to border procedures.
Here are the absolute best things to do, from classics to hidden corners that still feel like secrets.
- Feast Like a Local (Meze & Halloumi Overload)
Start every day with a proper Cypriot breakfast (halloumi, olives, fresh bread) and end with meze at a family-run taverna. Top spots still crushing it in 2025:
- Seven St George’s Tavern (Paphos area – no menu, just trust George)
- Piatsa Gourounaki (Nicosia)
- Thessaloniki Tavern (Paphos)
Vegetarian? Just say “go’shtsiz” (without meat) – most places will happily oblige.
- Walk the Green Line in Nicosia
The world’s last divided capital. Cross at Ledra Street with your passport (EU, US, UK, etc. – no issues). Wander the restored old town on both sides, grab coffee in the south, and lunch in the north. - St Hilarion Castle (North Cyprus)
Fairy-tale ruins perched on a craggy peak with insane views over Kyrenia and the Mediterranean. Feels like Disney designed a Crusader castle. - Kourion Archaeological Site
Greco-Roman theatre, mosaics, and sweeping sea views. Come for sunset – it’s magical. - Akamas Peninsula & Blue Lagoon
Wild, rugged west coast. 4WD or boat to the unreal Blue Lagoon, hike Avakas Gorge, swim in sea caves. - Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
Mythical birthplace of the goddess. Best at sunrise or late afternoon when the tour buses thin out. - Troodos Mountains & Painted Churches (UNESCO)
Drive the winding roads through pine forests to Byzantine churches with incredible frescoes (some from the 11th century). Don’t miss Kykkos Monastery. - Cape Greco Sea Caves & Love Bridge
Dramatic cliffs, natural arches, and that famous heart-shaped rock bridge. Great for swimming and cliff-jumping. - Larnaca Salt Lake & Hala Sultan Tekke
Flamingos in winter, stunning mosque on the lake’s edge. One of the most photogenic spots on the island.
10–26 (quick-fire highlights):
- Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa) – iconic sandbar
- Kyrenia Harbour & Castle (North)
- Tombs of the Kings (Paphos)
- Varosha ghost town (Famagusta – now partially open)
- Lefkara village (lace & silver)
- Adonis Baths waterfall
- Karpaz Peninsula & Golden Beach (wild donkeys!)
- Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement (UNESCO)
- Limassol old town & marina
- Omodos wine village
- Stavrovouni Monastery (piece of the True Cross)
- Bellapais Abbey (North – Gothic beauty)
- Paphos Archaeological Park (mosaics!)
- Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)
- Zenobia wreck dive (Larnaca – world top-100 dive)
- Street art hunting in Nicosia
2025 Practical Tips
- Car rental still best way to explore (roads excellent).
- North Cyprus: use Turkish Lira, no issues with EU/US passports.
- Best time: April–June or September–October (avoid July–August peak heat/crowds).
- Crossing north–south: seamless, just show passport.
Cyprus is the rare place where you can breakfast on halloumi overlooking a 3,000-year-old ruin, swim in a hidden cove by lunch, and be sipping Commandaria wine in a mountain village by sunset. Don’t just visit – devour it.
Which of these are you adding to your Cyprus list? Drop it below! 🇨🇾