Cyprus: the Sea, the Troodos Mountains and Ancient Paphos — Where to Go and What to Try

The coast: from Ayia Napa to Paphos

In the east of the island lie Ayia Napa and Protaras, with sandy beaches and remarkably clear water. Nearby is Cape Greco: cliffs, sea caves and trails along the clifftops, with some of the best views of the sea. People come here both for the beaches and for boat trips along the coast.

Limassol is the liveliest city in the south: a long seafront promenade, an old town with a castle and a new marina lined with cafés. Further west lies Paphos, calm and very picturesque. On the way there, it's worth stopping at Aphrodite's Rock: according to legend, this is where the goddess rose from the sea foam.

Paphos: mosaics and royal tombs

Paphos is practically an open-air museum. In the Archaeological Park you can see Roman villas with remarkably well-preserved mosaics, and the Tombs of the Kings, carved into the rock by the sea, impress even those who don't care much for history. In the evening, it's pleasant to stroll along the seafront by the old harbour.

The Troodos Mountains: villages, monasteries and wine

The Troodos Mountains rise in the centre of the island — it's cooler here, with pines and vineyards. The mountain villages make local wine and sweets, and old frescoes have survived in the monasteries and small churches. The best known is Kykkos Monastery. In summer people come here to escape the heat, and in winter there's sometimes even skiing on the peaks.

Nicosia: a capital within old walls

Nicosia is the country's capital and a city with a rich history. The old centre is ringed by mighty Venetian walls, and inside are narrow streets, workshops, coffee houses and museums. It's a good place to get a feel for everyday life in a Cypriot city, away from the resort bustle.

What to try

Cypriot cuisine means generous feasts and plenty of fresh produce.

• Meze — a long procession of small dishes, after which you won't need a main course.
• Halloumi — a local cheese that's cooked on the grill.
• Kleftiko — lamb slow-cooked in the oven until tender.
• Souvlaki and sheftalia — Cypriot dishes cooked over charcoal.
• Commandaria — a sweet dessert wine with a long history.
• Fresh fruit, honey and local sweets from the mountain villages.

Good to know before you go

Cyprus is a calm and friendly country, and a few simple rules will help you feel at ease.

• Traffic drives on the left, and cars have the steering wheel on the right.
• Enter monasteries and churches in clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Summers are very hot: plan excursions for the morning and evening, and save the middle of the day for the sea and the shade.
• Portions in tavernas are big, and meze is best ordered for a group.
• Take water and sun protection with you to the beaches and the mountains.

Staying connected

In Cyprus you need the internet from the very first minutes: to call a taxi or transfer, open a map, find a beach or a taverna, or show your hotel booking. You can install your eSIM at home over Wi-Fi, so after landing you won't have to hunt for a SIM card at the airport or stand in queues. When a plan's validity begins is shown on the checkout page before you pay: for some plans it starts at the first connection in the destination country, for others on installation or right after purchase. Your main number stays in your phone, and calls and messages to it keep arriving as usual, under your carrier's terms.