Here are 20 of the best things to do in Cyprus:
- Explore the ancient city of Kourion and its amphitheater
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras
- Visit the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
- Go hiking in the Troodos Mountains
- Check out the colorful street art in Limassol
- Swim in the Baths of Aphrodite in Polis
- Walk around the charming old town of Nicosia
- Go scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean
- Visit the beautiful Byzantine Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca
- Take a boat tour of the Blue Lagoon in Akamas
- Sample traditional Cypriot cuisine, including halloumi cheese and souvlaki
- Explore the beautiful Paphos Archaeological Park
- Visit the ancient city of Salamis
- Take a trip to the stunning Cape Greco National Forest Park
- Check out the Larnaca Salt Lake, home to flamingos and other wildlife
- Visit the beautiful Agios Neophytos Monastery in Paphos
- Go wine tasting in the beautiful vineyards of Limassol
- Visit the ancient city of Kato Paphos
- Go birdwatching in the Akrotiri Salt Lake
- Enjoy the nightlife in Ayia Napa
Cyprus is a small island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and southeast of Greece. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, and the majority of the population is Greek Cypriot.
Cyprus has a rich and ancient history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the 10th millennium BC. Throughout its history, it has been ruled by various empires and civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and British. In 1960, Cyprus gained independence from Britain, but the island has been divided since 1974 when Turkey occupied the northern part of the island in response to a military coup aimed at unification with Greece. The northern part of the island is self-declared as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but is recognized only by Turkey.
Cyprus has a warm Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and historic sites such as the ancient city of Kourion, the Tombs of the Kings, and the archaeological site of Paphos. It is also famous for its cuisine, which combines Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors, and includes dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and halloumi cheese.
The economy of Cyprus is predominantly based on the service sector, with tourism being a significant contributor to the economy. Other important industries include financial services, shipping, and telecommunications. The country is also known for its production of citrus fruits, olives, and wine. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro as its currency in 2008. Despite its small size, Cyprus plays an important role in the EU as a strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.