The Best Things to Do in Cyprus

One of the larger islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a veritable buffet of fascinating things to do and see. Just south of Turkey, the weather is flawless and the island is packed full of history, culture and of course, some of the best holiday homes around. At Plum Guide, we are accommodation experts; so much so that you’ll never have to worry about anything other than ensuring you leave enough space after dinner for a late night ice cream. Once you’re ensconced in your flawless holiday house, here’s our pick of the top things to do in Cyprus.

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This popular spot is an adorable village perched up in the Troödos Mountains. It exactly fits the bill of the Mediterranean village you’ve been dreaming about for weeks during meetings that could have just been an email (but hey – your office job does mean you can stay in fabulous homes in Cyprus, so it’s not all bad).

The town is famous for its wineries, so wend your way through the winding cobbled streets to test out some of the different grape varieties (watching your step after you’ve ‘tested’ a couple of the homemade wines – we’re afraid we can’t take any responsibility for tipsy injuries). In the summer, the village hosts an annual wine festival which you simply can’t miss. Just make sure you have a designated driver in your group to safely deliver you back to your glamorous villa so you can have a late-night soak in the jacuzzi and stare up at the beautiful blue sky.

For a slightly more sober experience, head to the Monastery of the Holy Cross, one of the top tourist spots and the island's oldest and most historically important religious site. They house a piece of the true cross, as well as numerous other religious relics and objects.

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No kings are in fact buried here, but this historical attraction is still a fascinating place to visit. A world heritage site located close to the town of Paphos, the Tomb of Kings is an underground monument dating back to the 4th century carved out of the solid rocks of the island. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Cyprus.

Comprised of a series of tomb chambers, high officials were buried here and their final resting places were given top treatment by the stone carvers from ancient times. Feel free to take inspiration for your own eternal resting place (it can’t hurt to plan these things, after all). Make sure to see tomb three, with an ancient Egypt-inspired design and many intact Doric columns still standing there.

After spending part of the day below ground, we recommend you retire to a sun lounger beside the pool of this attractive house for the rest of the day, moving only to procure more snacks from the swanky kitchen or perhaps practise your swing at the nearby golf course.

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This famous mythical spot can’t be missed off any list of things to do in Cyprus. Found between the towns of Paphos and Limassol, it’s supposedly the spot where the goddess of beauty and love rose from the waves in a giant shell.

Bring your partner to the beach here and stand hand in hand admiring the impressive rock jutting out of the water, ignoring your children’s cries of embarrassment at you showing any affection in public. Unfortunately the sea is too rough here to swim, but it’s definitely worth visiting - you never know, maybe the goddess of love will choose now to put in another appearance.

This house in the Aphrodite Hills (how’s that for a holiday address?) is a great place to stay for a romantic retreat with your closest family and friends. A huge infinity pool, a sauna and fantastic views over the Cyprus countryside will make it a vacation to remember.

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If you’re the type of person who simply can’t go on holiday without fitting in at least one educational activity a day (nerds, we see you and we appreciate you), this next item on this list of things to do in Cyprus is a must-see. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is the site of an ancient city which was inhabited from prehistoric times all the way through the Middle Ages. It gives valuable insight into ancient Roman and Greek cultures and how the societies behaved.

The whole park is a world heritage site and it’s still being excavated, so you never know what new discovery may have appeared. A particular highlight are four villas from the Roman period, all with strikingly beautiful intact mosaic floors. Visiting here is a glimpse into how the island of Cyprus has played host to so many cultures and inhabitants over the years - with you as the latest in a long line of visitors. How’s that as an impressive snippet to write on a postcard home?

For a home with a perfect view over the azure sea idea to stare at while you contemplate your place in the universe, this well-thought out property delivers. It’s also very close to the beach when you decide you’ve had enough of philosophising and want to take a dip into the ocean and plan your next sunny holiday.

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