10 Nights in Cyprus

About the destination: With beautiful villages surrounded by vineyards and cities full of trendy art galleries, spas and restaurants, to shipwreck diving, skiing on snow-covered mountains and strolls around fabulous archaeological sites, colourful Cyprus is every inch a sophisticated Mediterranean destination. The island, which legend has it was where Aphrodite - the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty - was born, lies on the fringes of Europe at a point where Asian, Middle Eastern and European cultures merge. While giving the island a rich mix of traditions, cuisine and music, Cyprus’s strategic position has also made it desirable to countless powers over millennia. All have left their mark. Nicosia is the capital and, famously, the only remaining divided city in the world. The south of the city, known as Lefkosia, is a modern metropolis and the governmental, business and financial hub of the Republic of Cyprus, while the north (Lefkoşa) is considered the capital of the "self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". Since the Turkish invasion of 1974, north Cyprus is internationally considered an occupied territory. South Nicosia is characterised by wide boulevards lined with designer fashion shops, pavements cafés, offices and museums. It is dominated by huge city walls that separate its old town full of Venetian houses and the shiny new city around Eleftherias Square. Nicosia is a popular day excursion from the island’s other cities, Larnaca (Larnaka), Limassol (Lemesos) and Paphos (Pafos).

About the destination: Kyrenia is a harbour town in Northern Cyprus. Among the most popular tourist attractions are, Kyrenia Castle, Old Harbour, The Shipwreck Museum, and St. Hilarion Castle. Kyrenia Castle has been standing since the 7th Century and many believe it was built to protect the town against raids from the Arab lands and is a beautiful site in this city.

About the destination: Larnaca, one of Cyprus’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, blends laid-back seaside charm with a deep sense of history. The city’s heart is its palm-fringed Finikoudes Promenade, lined with cafés, tavernas and bars that overlook a long sandy beach and calm, shallow waters. Strolling here at sunset offers a relaxed introduction to local life, as families, couples and fishermen all share the same coastal walkway. Just a few streets inland, you’ll find the atmospheric Church of Saint Lazarus, a 9th‑century Byzantine gem that houses the reputed tomb of Lazarus. Its stone façade and ornate iconostasis make it one of the island’s most important religious sites. From here, narrow lanes lead into the old Turkish quarter of Skala, where whitewashed houses, artisan workshops and small galleries reveal a quieter, traditional side of Larnaca. Nature lovers should head to the nearby Larnaca Salt Lake, a vast shimmering expanse that turns pink in winter when flocks of flamingos and other migratory birds arrive. A walking path circles part of the lake, offering peaceful views and a direct route to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, an important Muslim shrine set among palm trees and cypress groves. In summer, although the lake dries up, its cracked, white surface creates an otherworldly landscape worth seeing. Beyond the city, Larnaca makes an excellent base for exploring Cyprus’s eastern coast. Golden beaches at Mackenzie, Oroklini or nearby Ayia Napa and Protaras are within easy reach, offering crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Divers are drawn to the famous Zenobia wreck, one of the Mediterranean’s top dive sites, lying just off the Larnaca coast. With its combination of heritage, coastal relaxation and easy day trips, Larnaca is a rewarding destination for both short city breaks and longer island stays.

About the destination: Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, it became the principal sea port and has also developed into a significant tourist destination. Limassol Castle occupies a dominant position in the landmark and tourist attractions in the city. In Limassol, shore excursions offer a unique experience of exploring the city's various monuments and landmarks amidst the elaborate luxury of a cruise. Shore excursions take tourists to places and attractions in and nearby Limassol, including Kolossi Castle, Troodos Mountains, Omodos Village, Larnaka and Lefkara, Paphos and Nicosia.

About the destination: Paphos, located on the sun-drenched southwest coast of Cyprus, blends beach relaxation with layers of myth and history. Known in ancient times as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, it offers a compelling mix of archaeological sites, charming harborside walks, and Mediterranean scenery. The town is divided into two main areas: Kato Paphos by the sea, where most of the hotels and attractions are, and the upper town (Pano Paphos), with its local markets and everyday Cypriot life. History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. The Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to famously well-preserved Roman villas, whose intricate floor mosaics depict scenes from Greek mythology. Nearby, the Tombs of the Kings—actually burial sites of high-ranking officials rather than royalty—are carved from solid rock and offer an atmospheric glimpse into the Hellenistic and Roman past. Scattered around the region, ruins of early Christian basilicas and Byzantine churches underline the area’s long religious significance. Beyond its ancient heritage, Paphos is a relaxed seaside resort with a friendly, laid-back character. The palm-lined harbor, dominated by a small medieval fortress, is the focal point of modern life, with seafood restaurants, cafes, and bars overlooking the water. Beaches range from organized sandy stretches ideal for families to more secluded coves perfect for swimming and snorkelling. A short drive away, Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou) is a dramatic coastal landmark and a popular stop for sunset views. Paphos also serves as a convenient gateway to the wild, unspoiled Akamas Peninsula and the Troodos Mountains. Visitors can join boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, hike scenic coastal trails, or explore traditional stone-built villages where time seems to move more slowly. Whether you come for mythology, archaeology, or simple seaside relaxation, Paphos offers a compact yet varied introduction to the best of Cyprus.