A perfect escape into the Mediterranean: Things to visit and see for four days in Cyprus
Mediterranean sun? Blue lagoon? UNESCO World Heritage sites? Yes I'm in!
If this sounds like you, you've got to visit Cyprus. Cyprus may be a bit of an under the radar destination for American and Asian tourists but the British and Russians are already very familiar with Cyprus. After going there for business and staying three more days for leisure, we think Cyprus is a perfect destination to combine relaxation, Mediterranean sun and see some historical and cultural things (UNESCO-approved, to be precise).
Ideal time to visit: The traditional tourism peak season is June to August. We went in May and the weather was perfect. Sunny and hot but not extreme. The place was also not packed with tourists at that time so we really enjoyed it. Cyprus is good to visit all year round though. Many people from Europe go there in the winter months to enjoy the mild climate (average 15 degrees Celcius).
Transportation: You will likely get into Cyprus through Larnaca International Airport. From the airport, it would be best to rent a car. There are regular buses operating between the major city centers but it will be less convenient and flexible.
Day 1: Limassol
Assuming you arrive at the Larnaca International Airport and start in the afternoon after arrival, first drive Limassol. The drive is about 45 minutes. If you are able to arrive mid-afternoon, you can start with the Limassol Castle, a Medieval times monument situated at the heart of the historical old town. Otherwise, head directly to the Limassol Marina. The scenery at the port and the yachts is gorgeous. There are a number of nice restaurants and cafes inside the marina where you can relax, enjoy the nice view and a nice dinner.
Day 2: Paphos
Head over to Paphos, which would be the most interesting area of Cyprus and the highlight of your trip. The first fact about Paphos you NEED to know: the whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Can you believe it? Along with awesome mountain views and an absolutely stunning blue lagoon, you simply cannot miss it.
I am a history and heritage fan so that is what we went for first. This is also because the historical sites and archaeological park are in very close proximity to our hotel. Most hotels will be in Kato Paphos, which is the touristy area of the the city with hotels, sites, restaurants and bars (as opposed to Ktima Paphos, which is the administrative section of the city). Start with the Tomb of Kings ruins. While not the resting place of actual kings, it was the burial site of aristocrats and high officials from BC times up to 3 AD. Walk down the steep steps of the tombs and marvel at the tombs, the doric columns, and ruins of some offering altars. Just as important, admire the awesome view of the arid landscape set against the coastline. One point to note is that as there is no shade there, it gets scorching hot quickly so you may want to visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Be sure to bring a water bottle and hat.
Next, head to the Archaeological Park of Paphos. Visit the House of Dionysos and House of Theseus. You will see some very interesting Greek mythology - inspired floor mosaics in these large Roman villas. Other interesting spots in the park is the Odeon. Nearby the park, you can also explore the ruins of the Church Chrysopolitissa and St Paul’s column.
After soaking in some history of the island, head to the surrounding area for dinner. There are many restaurants and shops on the promenade along the Paphos Harbor in Kato Paphos.
Day 3: Blue lagoon boat tour and Akamas Peninsula
First of all, bring swimsuit, towels, and sunscreen as you are going to get wet today!
Drive for about 45 minutes from Paphos to the Latchi port. Make sure to arrive before 10am as the first cruise leaves the port at 10:30am. There are a number of boat tours available. I doubt there would be any substantial differences to the companies offering them but two tours are offered: one with barbecue lunch and lasts till 3pm, and a shorter one lasting till 1pm without lunch. The difference is only about 8 euro more so I suggest going for the longer tour with lunch as you will have more time to enjoy the blue lagoon and lunch is served.
The boat will take you along the coast of the Akamas region and you will see the Bath of Aphrodite, St. George Island, and some sea caves. You will stop at the Blue Lagoon where you can relax on the boat, swim and do some snorkeling. The snorkeling experience is decent but you cannot compare the variety of fish you can see with Bora Bora (it's a high bar to pass and not really fair to compare). We did see a baby shark and were really excited! Snorkeling aside, the water in the blue lagoon is crystal clear and really beautiful.
After the blue lagoon tour, if you still have the energy, you can drive up a little bit more to the Akamas peninsula, which is located at the northwestern tip of the island. We think this is the other most beautiful spot in Cyprus so it is worth going although not essential as you've been to the blue lagoon already. We hiked a little bit up the Adonis trail and went up to the mountains to get a panoramic view. Here you can see the lagoons and the surroundings was absolutely stunning. There are also a lot of donkeys living around the hills, making "ee-yoreeee" noises all the time. We then went to the Bath of Aphrodite, said to be the birth place of the Greek goddess, where there are some waterfalls. I wasn't sure you can bathe in there like a Greek goddess though...
Day 4: Paphos/ Troodos Mountain/ Larnaca
Depending on how much time you have on your last day, end your Cypriot trip with either more time in Paphos, a trip to Troodos Mountain or a few hours in Larnaca.
Suggestions on things to do:
- Aphrodite Water Park
- Stroll or shop along the Paphos Harbor
- Visiting Tala Village in Paphos
- Going to Troodos Moutain and visiting the painted churches, the second of the three UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cyprus.
Alternatively, drive back to Larnaca and see one or all a few of these before heading to the international airport there:
- Visiting Choirokitia, the very first recorded permanent housing of the Cypriot Aceramic Neolithic (between Limassol and Larnaca)
- Church of St. Lazarus (Larnaca)
- Kamares Aqueduct (Larnaca)
- Seafront promenade along the Athenon Avenue (larnaca)
Have you been to Cyprus? What do you like best about it? Let us know your thoughts below:
