Cyprus City & Culture
Tourism Sites
Buyuk Han
🧠 Fact: Built in 1572, it's a stunning Ottoman caravanserai.💡 Tip: Try Turkish coffee in the courtyard.
Info - Nestled within the walled city of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus, Buyuk Han is the island’s most impressive example of Ottoman-era architecture. Built in 1572, this historic caravanserai once hosted traders and travelers. Today, its two-story courtyard surrounds a charming central mosque and fountain, while its former rooms have been transformed into artisan workshops, craft boutiques, and cozy cafés. It’s a peaceful, atmospheric place to explore local pottery, lace, and souvenirs. Buyuk Han beautifully preserves the island’s layered history, offering a serene retreat from Nicosia’s bustling streets and a fascinating glimpse into Cyprus’s Ottoman past.
Fasouri Watermania Waterpark
🧠 Fact: It’s the largest waterpark in Cyprus.
💡 Tip: Perfect day trip for families and thrill-seekers.
Info - Fasouri Watermania is Cyprus’s largest waterpark and a family favorite, offering a fun-filled escape just outside Limassol. Spread across lush, tropical-themed grounds, the park features a variety of attractions, from adrenaline-pumping slides like the Kamikaze to a lazy river and massive wave pool. It’s ideal for all ages, with a dedicated kids’ area, splash zones, and relaxing cabanas. The park also offers a range of eateries, ice cream kiosks, and shaded rest areas. Combining thrill rides, water fun, and family-friendly facilities, Fasouri Watermania is one of the island’s top spots for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Green Line Walking Tour
🧠 Fact: Nicosia is the world’s last divided capital.
💡 Tip: Bring your passport for crossing.
Info - A walk along Nicosia’s Green Line reveals the world’s last divided capital city. This buffer zone, patrolled by the United Nations, has separated Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities since 1974. The walking tour takes you through narrow streets and checkpoint crossings, passing abandoned buildings, watchtowers, and poignant graffiti. Key sights include Ledra Street Crossing, the eerie deserted quarter, and viewpoints overlooking the sealed-off zone. The tour offers a powerful perspective on Cyprus’s modern history, while also showcasing Nicosia’s lively markets, restored old town streets, and cultural fusion on both sides of the divide.
Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque
🧠 Fact: It's one of Islam’s most important shrines.
💡 Tip: Combine it with a visit to the Salt Lake.
Info - One of the most important Islamic sites in Cyprus, Hala Sultan Tekke is a serene mosque on the shores of Larnaca Salt Lake. Surrounded by palm trees and tranquil gardens, the mosque is believed to house the tomb of Umm Haram, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s a place of pilgrimage and peace, attracting visitors of all faiths. The striking Ottoman-style architecture and lakeside setting make it one of the most photogenic spiritual sites on the island, especially during flamingo season when the pink birds flock nearby. The site beautifully blends history, faith, and natural beauty.
Kakopetria
🧠 Fact: A charming mountain village with traditional architecture and cobbled streets.
💡 Tip: Visit the old quarter for photos and fresh mountain air.
Info - Nestled in the Troodos Mountains, Kakopetria is one of Cyprus’s prettiest and most atmospheric villages. Characterized by narrow cobbled lanes, stone houses with wooden balconies, and bubbling mountain streams, it’s a favorite escape for locals and visitors alike. The village is known for its preserved medieval Old Quarter and nearby Byzantine churches, including Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkable frescoes. Kakopetria’s cool mountain air and serene surroundings make it a perfect destination for nature walks, traditional tavern meals, and exploring Cyprus’s rich religious and architectural heritage in a picturesque, rustic setting.
Kourion Ancient Theatre
🧠 Fact: This 2nd-century theatre still hosts performances.
💡 Tip: Go in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Info - Perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean, Kourion Ancient Theatre is one of Cyprus’s most breathtaking archaeological sites. Originally built in the 2nd century BC and later expanded by the Romans, the theatre is still in remarkable condition and hosts open-air concerts and performances today. The semicircular seating area, accommodating up to 3,500 spectators, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and sea. Visitors can walk through the ancient ruins, including nearby mosaicked villas and baths, making it both a cultural and visual highlight of any trip to Cyprus. Its setting is simply unforgettable.
Kourion Archaeological Park
🧠 Fact: Features a well-preserved Greco-Roman amphitheatre with sea views.
💡 Tip: Visit early or late in the day for cooler temps and better lighting.
Info - Kourion Archaeological Park is one of Cyprus’s most important ancient sites, dramatically set atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. The park features well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins, including an impressive amphitheater still used for performances, mosaicked villas, and public baths. The House of Eustolios is a standout, showcasing intricate floor mosaics and remnants of ancient bathing complexes. Visitors can wander along ancient streets and imagine life in this once-thriving city-kingdom. With sweeping sea views, a fascinating museum, and access to nearby beaches, Kourion seamlessly blends history and natural beauty in a single, unforgettable location.
Kykkos Monastery
🧠 Fact: One of the richest and most famous monasteries in Cyprus.
💡 Tip: Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Info - Perched high in the Troodos Mountains, Kykkos Monastery is Cyprus’s most famous and lavish religious site. Founded in the 11th century, it’s known for its opulent interiors, golden icons, and rich collection of religious artifacts. The monastery houses a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been painted by St. Luke. Surrounded by dense pine forests and mountain scenery, Kykkos also includes a fascinating museum detailing the island’s religious history. Visitors come for its peaceful atmosphere, impressive frescoes, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, making it a spiritual and cultural highlight of Cyprus.
Lefkara
🧠 Fact: Famous for handmade lace and silverware, with traditions dating back centuries.
💡 Tip: Stop by a local artisan's workshop and watch lace being made.
Info - Renowned for its intricate lacework and traditional silver handicrafts, Lefkara is a charming mountain village steeped in Cypriot tradition. Narrow stone-paved streets wind between whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs, while local workshops display handmade lace — known as Lefkaritika — a craft supposedly admired by Leonardo da Vinci. The village offers excellent local eateries and shaded squares perfect for sampling Cypriot coffee. Lefkara’s small Folk Art Museum preserves the village’s rich heritage. Its cool climate, welcoming atmosphere, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination in the Troodos foothills, especially for those interested in authentic artisan crafts.
Leventis Municipal Museum
🧠 Fact: It showcases 5,000 years of Nicosia history.
💡 Tip: Entry is free!
Info - Tucked within Nicosia’s old town, the Leventis Municipal Museum offers a fascinating journey through the city’s history. Housed in a restored 18th-century mansion, it showcases artifacts, photographs, costumes, and everyday objects from ancient times to the present day. Exhibits cover Nicosia’s Ottoman, Venetian, and British colonial periods, offering insight into the island’s complex cultural layers. Free to enter, the museum is well-curated and atmospheric, with informative displays in both Greek and English. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and anyone curious about how Cyprus’s capital evolved into the world’s last divided city.
Limassol Marina
🧠 Fact: Luxury yachts meet beachfront dining.
💡 Tip: Grab a drink by the water at golden hour
Info - A sleek, contemporary addition to Limassol’s coastline, Limassol Marina combines modern luxury with Mediterranean charm. The marina is lined with upscale restaurants, stylish boutiques, and luxury residences, surrounding a harbor filled with gleaming yachts. It’s a favorite spot for evening strolls, sunset cocktails, and waterfront dining. Nearby attractions include the medieval Limassol Castle and the old town’s vibrant market streets. The marina’s cosmopolitan vibe, lively nightlife, and clean, chic setting make it a standout destination for both visitors and locals seeking a taste of Cyprus’s modern, sophisticated side by the sea.
Omodos and Wine Region
🧠 Fact: Omodos is a historic wine village at the heart of Cyprus’s wine country.
💡 Tip: Join a local wine tasting tour for an authentic vineyard experience.
Info - Omodos is one of Cyprus’s most picturesque mountain villages, nestled among vineyards in the Troodos foothills. Famous for its narrow stone streets, rustic charm, and 17th-century Monastery of the Holy Cross, Omodos is a hub of Cypriot wine culture. The surrounding region produces some of the island’s best wines, including the famed Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest named wines. Visitors can tour local wineries, sample indigenous varietals like Xynisteri and Maratheftiko, and savor traditional meze in cozy tavernas. With its scenic setting and deep-rooted winemaking heritage, Omodos is a must-visit for culture and wine lovers alike
Salamis Ancient City
🧠 Fact: Once the most important city in ancient Cyprus.
💡 Tip: Take water and a hat—there’s little shade.
Info - Salamis Ancient City, near Famagusta, is one of Cyprus’s most important archaeological sites. Founded in the 11th century BC, it was a thriving city-kingdom for centuries. Today, visitors can explore extensive ruins, including a grand Roman gymnasium, bath complex, amphitheater, and mosaic-covered villas. Marble columns and statues stand amid wildflowers and olive trees, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. Salamis offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into ancient life and is especially atmospheric at sunset. It’s an essential stop for history lovers, combining impressive archaeological remains with a serene seaside setting.
St. Nicholas Cathedral / Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
🧠 Fact: It’s a gothic cathedral turned mosque.
💡Tip: : Dress modestly if you’re visiting inside.
Info - One of Northern Cyprus’s most striking landmarks, St. Nicholas Cathedral in Famagusta is a Gothic masterpiece turned mosque. Built in the 14th century, its façade resembles a medieval French cathedral, complete with soaring arches and intricate stonework. After the Ottoman conquest in 1571, it was converted into Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, with a minaret replacing one of its towers. Inside, its elegant columns and simple prayer hall blend Gothic and Islamic elements. Set beside Famagusta’s Venetian walls, it’s a moving symbol of Cyprus’s layered religious and cultural history and a highlight for architecture enthusiasts.