by Although Cyprus has many trendy holiday towns with beaches and award-winning pubs, with its capital city of Nicosia at its heart, it is also home to some of the world’s finest archaeological treasures. Paphos, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, and the remains of ancient settlements can be found at the city of Limassol and Larnaca.
Inland, the countryside is dotted with unspoilt villages. It is covered with olive groves and vineyards where grapes are turned into fine wines, including the oldest named wine in the world, which originated around 800BC, Commandaria. He is famous for having served Richard the Lionheart at his wedding in Limassol in 1191.
Cyprus manages the difficult task of combining history and modernity with grace as seen by the increasing number of shiny new skyscrapers, galleries, malls, beaches and truly spectacular marinas.
For more Cyprus inspiration, check out our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, things to do and beaches on the island.
In this guide
How to spend your holidays
Day One
Morning
Paphos a good place to start your exploration of the island. If time is of the essence head straight to the bay area. Here, the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park is dominated by its mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology, considered by UNESCO to be among the best in the world. Nearby is the medieval fort – look for the short staircase inside that leads to the roof for a view of the seashore.
Then, follow the signs to Agia Kyraki and St. Paul’s Column where the apostle Paul is said to have taught the Christian gospel to the people of Cyprus in 45AD. It’s a short walk. You will pass Hondros, which is one of the oldest traditional pubs in Paphos and a good place to take a coffee break.
The Tombs of the Kings, where prominent Hellenic figures were buried in underground tombs, is easily accessible by car or bus in a few minutes and is considered a must-see in Paphos. For lunch try Muse. Their chicken souvlaki marinated in yogurt is heavenly.
Evening
Follow the signs for Limassol (locally spelled Lemesos). It’s an easy drive along the highway. Look out for views of the Troodos Mountains en route to the ancient city-kingdom of Curium (also spelled Kourion). Here, you can see mosaics, the remains of an agora and a cathedral, and an ancient theater where opera performances are often held.
Limassol is a trendy place and today it usually revolves around its shiny new marina where you can watch yachts and sip local wine – Limassol is famous for its wines – or shop made into designer outlets. It is necessary to walk along its long shore, bordered by palm trees.
Evening
Enjoy Mediterranean dishes such as octopus encased in pastry with olives at Vivaldi by Mavrommatis in the luxurious Four Season Hotel on the seafront, or dine at Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian themed restaurant at the Amara Hotel – the black cod with miso is divine.
Day Two
Morning
As you make your way out of Limassol on the coast road you will catch a glimpse of the archaeological site of Amathus. This old city-kingdom dates back to 300 BC. and, although it’s a relatively small site today, it’s worth a stop.
Next, head to Chorikoitia where you can see the reconstructed circular houses where the Cypriots lived from the Neolithic era. The village of Lefkara is famous for its intricate handmade lace, known as lefkaritika, and makes a great coffee stop before heading to the Cypriot capital, Nicosia.
The city is one of the last segregated cities in the world as a result of the Turkish invasion in 1974. The city is dominated by Venetian walls; visit the Archbishop’s Palace and its museum with an extraordinary collection of Byzantine icons. The nearby St. John’s Cathedral is famous for its colorful frescos depicting scenes from the Bible. For lunch, try Pantopoleio Kali Orexi for a treat psefdokeftedes flavored meatballs with feta cheese and oregano.
Evening
The bustling coastal resort of Larnaca is a relatively short drive away, taking you past the rolling countryside of Cyprus. Look out for the Stavrovouni monastery which is located high on a hill. Here, you can visit the picturesque 9th century church of Saint Lazaros, which is famous for being built over the tomb of the biblical figure Lazarus of Bethany. A short stroll away find Foinikoudas beach. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk along this attractive stretch of beach lined with palm trees.
Evening
Enjoy some authentic local dishes as part of a mezze at To Kazani. A wide selection of small plates will be brought to your table and may include cups (stuffed vine leaves), a feather (slow cooked lamb) or souvlaki (skewered chicken).
Inside Foot Tips
City gambling
The IS all museums and archaeological sites are operated by the government tourism board and are therefore free. For example, despite the fact that Archaeological Kato Pafos is a UNESCO World Heritage site, admission is only €4.50, or €7 to include the Tombs of the Kings.
Tourist attraction
If you plan to spend a day exploring Nicosia within its great walls it is best to leave your car in the outdoor parking areas. The most central car park is at the Tripoli Bastion, just south of Paphos Gate. The network of streets and small buildings within the walled city is best explored on foot.
Neighborhood watch
Ledra Street in Nicosia is a magnet for shopping enthusiasts. There are shops on this long street. However, perhaps its biggest draw is its viewing platform. Go up to the 11th floor of the Shacolas Building for a panoramic view of the walled city.
Did you know?
There are no less than ten ancient painted churches in the Troodos Mountains which contain some of the world’s finest examples of Byzantine religious art. They are protected by their UNESCO World Heritage status and have been extensively restored. Tourist offices may be able to contact the church keepers before your visit to make sure they are open.
Hotels
Although most of the hotels in Cyprus are on the seafront or within a short distance of the beach, don’t be afraid to book one that is off the beaten track. See the Akamas Peninsula near Polis Chrysochous in the west, the Troodos Mountains or the Cape Greco Peninsula near Agia Napa in the east for a nature-inspired holiday.
Where to stay
Luxury living
Hotels vie can be the best island, but Anassa always comes out on top. With its tranquil setting on the edge of Cyprus’s Akamas national park, and luxurious amenities such as a truly opulent spa and gourmet cuisine, it’s easy to see why. Hidden behind mature greenery, this whitewashed, terraced, award-winning hotel slopes gently down to the sandy beach of Chrysochou Bay – its waters are close enough for a swim before breakfast. It’s an elegant and effortless place, refined without being ostentatious.
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£ 353
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Beauty Boutique
Hotel Lokàl is full of surprises. The facade of the centuries-old mansion in which it is housed puts a stunning interior to the fore. It features a glass-floored bridge, a glass roof pool and bar, lots of high-tech gizmos and a gourmet bistro. It’s a fusion that works. Stepping inside the 19th century listed mansion which has been empty and derelict for years, and which now houses this welcoming family run hotel for adults, will take your breath away. only. Its old wooden beams and traditional Cypriot stone arches provide a backdrop for a brand new look.
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Budget bullhole
The Greek word “philoxenia” loosely (and diminutively) translates as “hospitality”. But if you want to discover its true meaning, visit the excellent family Aphrodite Beach Hotel overlooking pebbly Yiannis Beach, near the Akamas Peninsula National Park, where everyone – including the many rescued animals – which is given sanctuary. Large, comfortable rooms and dining areas are finished in neutral colors with marble floors. You might think you’ll miss this automatic, that or the other, the posh toiletries, the tennis courts, the luxury brought to you by the world’s best hotel designers, but once inside this hotel, he will see his magic on you, and you will see that you really have everything you need pyloxene.
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£ 68
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What to bring home
One one of the best souvenirs to take home from your visit to Cyprus is a bottle of Commandaria. This delicious amber colored wine dates from around 800 BC. It is one of the oldest designated wines in the world.
The landscape throughout the island is covered with olive trees and, therefore, the November harvest is an important time in the Cypriot calendar. The resulting olive oil is delicious and could rival some of the world’s leading producers.
Know before you go
Tourist offices
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Lefkosia (Nicosia): Aristokyprou 11, Laiki Geitonia (east of Eleftheria Square), 1011 Lefkosia. Tel: + 357 22674264
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Lemesos (Limassol): Plateia Michalis Kakogiannis, Old Port, Building THK1 3047 Lemesos. Tel: + 357 25362756
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Plates: 4820 Platres. Tel: + 357 25421316
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Larnaca: Plateia Vasileos Pavlou, 6023 Larnaca. Tel: + 357 24654322
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Paso: Open 8, 8010 Paso. Tel: + 357 26932841
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Polis: Vasileos Stasioikou A’ 2, 8020 Polis Chrysochous. Tel: + 357 26322468
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Agia Napa: Leoforos Kryou Nerou 12, 5330 Agia Napa. Tel: + 357 23721796
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Protaras – Paralimni: Protara 14, 5296 Protaras – Paralimni. Tel: + 357 23832865
The basics
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Visit the Cyprus website: visitcyprus.com
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Ambulance 112
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Police 112
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Fire 112
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Emergency services 112
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Euro currency
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Overseas telegraph code 00 357
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Time difference +2 hours GMT
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Travel time from London 4.5 hours
Local laws and etiquette
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Cypriot law is heavily based on British law and, therefore, crimes of a violent or sexual nature, trafficking, drug use or supply, and thievery are not tolerated and will be brought to justice without hesitation.
About the Author
Carole French is Telegraph Travel’s Cyprus expert. She was captured by the island two decades ago and lives in a village surrounded by her own olive groves near Paphos. When she’s not exploring archaeological sites she’s probably sipping Brandy Sours.
