A neighbor and cousin of Greece, the island of Cyprus is an alluring mystery.
Its dual Greek-Turkish culture and turbulent history make it a fascinating territory, lost on the edge of the Mediterranean.
Why not take advantage of your trip to Greece to set sail for this wildly beautiful island?
Find out why and how to visit Cyprus from Greece right now!
Why visit Cyprus from Greece?
The island of Cyprus lies in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, very close to Turkey.
Its links with Greece have always been very close, to the point where it is sometimes debatable whether the island is Greek or Turkish.
In reality, the Republic of Cyprus is an independent state divided into two distinct territories:
- The south of the island has been inhabited by Greek Cypriots for several centuries.
They account for almost 80% of the population. - Part of the north of the island is populated by Turkish Cypriots, who arrived during the Ottoman conquest in 1571.
The region declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983.
In other words, Cyprus reflects the complex relationship between Greece and Turkey.
But this small country also combines the richness of both cultures in a natural setting of exceptional beauty.
So why not take advantage of your vacation in Greece to stop off at this amazing island?
What to see and do in Cyprus?
Would you like to take advantage of your trip to visit Cyprus from Greece?
You’re right!
The island of Cyprus is packed with historical, archaeological, cultural and natural treasures.
Here are the sites not to be missed during your trip!
1 – Nicosia (Lefkosia), the capital with two faces
Capital of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia or Lefkosia is a city steeped in history. The city has surprising feature: it lies exactly on the dividing line between the Greek and Turkish parts of the island. Result: it is a concentration of Cypriot identity and soul.
The north of Nicosia contains most of the interesting historical remains.
The south, meanwhile, offers numerous museums and a few folklore stores.
But it’s Nicosia’s old town that’s worth a visit in its own right.
Behind its ancient ramparts, time seems to stand still!
2 – The pretty port of Paphos
In Greek mythology, the first king of Cyprus was born of the love affair between the nymph Paphos and the god Apollo.
In homage to his mother, the sovereign is said to have given his name to this charming town on the island’s west coast.
Paphos has preserved its unique local heritage.
You’ll find numerous archaeological sites, as well as an old fort, several lighthouses and beautiful Orthodox churches.
Don’t miss Coral Bay beach, a few kilometers north of Paphos.
This immense stretch of fine sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus!
3 – The seaside resort of Limassol
Just 45 minutes south of Paphos, the seaside resort of Limassol will delight those who love lazing around and water sports.
It’s also an ideal base for visiting the surrounding vineyards.
In Limassol, you can discover a superb Mediterranean garden, numerous small craft markets and the fort where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in the 12ᵉ century.
Don’t miss the archaeological site of Kourion with its mosaics, theater and ancient public baths!
4 – The Ayia Napa region and Cape Greco
In south-east Cyprus, Ayia Napa is one of the island’s most beautiful and lively regions.
It is home to two stunningly beautiful bays: Konnos Bay and Blue Lagoon.
If you like to relax on the beach by day and party by night, you’ll feel like a fish in water here!
Don’t miss the splendid Cape Greco national forest site, with its exceptional flora and fauna. Take advantage of the many hiking trails to admire the spectacular scenery!
5 – Caledonia Falls
Inland from Cyprus, in the middle of the wilderness, a little corner of paradise awaits you: Caledonia Falls.
To enjoy the spectacle of these vertiginous waterfalls, you’ll have to hike up a steep path some 3 km long.
But the walk is well worth the detour!
After a 45-minute walk, you can cool off in the crystal-clear water and enjoy a splendid wooded landscape.
6 – The Troodos massif and its monasteries
Looking for some height?
Then head to the heart of the island, to the Troodos massif.
You can devote a whole day to exploring the massif’s 5 main peaks and discovering the region’s cultural and religious heritage.
Of the many monasteries and churches on the Troodos, 9 are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Don’t miss the famous Byzantine monastery of Kykkos and the mausoleum of the first president of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III!
7 – The charming port city of Kyrenia
In the north of the island, the port city of Kyrenia is a true delight! The traditional old town is dotted with seaside cafés, and the surrounding beaches are simply stunning. Kyrenia is also home to a sumptuous castle housing an ancient trading ship.
Just a few kilometers from the port, you can discover the pretty village of Bellapais and its admirable abbey of Gothic architecture.
This 12ᵉ century building is a must-see on your visit to Cyprus!
8 – The beautiful coastal town of Larnaca
In the south of the island, Larnaca is one of Cyprus’s finest heritage treasures.
The city has long been at the heart of conflicts between different empires, notably that between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire.
The result is a very special atmosphere, with history and culture around every corner.
Explore Larnaca’s pretty town center and admire the 9th-century Church of St. Lazarus.
Nearby, the archaeological site of Pervolia will teach you more about the sacred rituals practiced in Cyprus in the 5ᵉ century BC.
How do I get to Cyprus from Greece?
Would you like to discover Cyprus?
If you’re already in Greece, you can reach the island by air or sea.
Visiting Cyprus from Greece by plane
Flights from Greece to Cyprus serve airports in the southern part of the island.
- From mainland Greece, you can fly from Athens or Thessaloniki to Larnaca or Paphos.
- From Crete, you can fly from Chania or Heraklion to Larnaca.
- From the Greek islands, you can fly from Mykonos in the Cyclades or Rhodes in the Dodecanese to Larnaca or Paphos.
Ercan airport, in the Turkish part of Cyprus, is currently only accessible from Turkey.
You can find the different flight options on Aegean Airlines, a greek company.
Visit Cyprus from Greece by boat
Would you like to reach Cyprus by sea? You can take a ferry to Limassol from the port of Piraeus in Athens.
But if you’re planning to visit the Dodecanese islands in Greece, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a catamaran crossing to Cyprus!
Sandra B.