Top 5 Things to See and Do in Cyprus

Today’s sponsored guest post was provided by Jay, representing directholidays. I’ve never been to Cyprus, but I have to say, having read this post, it’s now on my list of places to visit! Enjoy, and as always, do share your own experiences in the comments at the end!

Quaint villages, medieval castles, stunning beaches and dramatic coastlines all make Cyprus one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Influenced by both the East and the West, Cyprus is home to an intriguing mix of cultures and as a result, has its own unique and fascinating character.

We’ve put together a list of our top five things to see and do in Cyprus, so now all you have to do is find Cyprus holiday deals and make sure you leave plenty of time to see everything this beautiful island has to offer.

St Hilarion Castle

Believed to be the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, St Hilarion is situated on the Kyrenia mountain range and has been wonderfully preserved by local authorities. Whether your interest lies in the history of the place or in the spectacular views that reach all the way to Turkey, a visit to this castle is a must for any Cyprus holiday.

Turtle watching

Across the unspoilt beaches of Northern Cyprus turtles still come to nest, with the majority flocking to the shores of Alagadi, otherwise known as Turtle Beach. The endangered green and loggerhead turtles hatch their eggs and a few months later the newborns dig their way to the surface before scurrying into the sea. The best time to watch this fascinating sight is from the end of June to the beginning of July.

 

Byzantine Churches

With numerous UNESCO listed Byzantine churches located across Cyprus, it is well worth fitting at least one or two of these historic, intricately painted buildings into your holiday schedule. These churches can be found throughout the island but the centuries’ old structures situated high in the Troodos Mountain region are amongst the countries architectural treasures.

 

Ancient Salamis

Once the most important city in Ancient Cyprus, the ruins of Salamis are still a sight to behold. The site stretches for 5km, encompassing a theatre, gymnasium, Roman baths, the Basilica of St Epiphanius and the temple of Zeus Salaminious, all enclosed within the ancient city walls. Take a day to explore the entire grounds before relaxing on the nearby sandy beach.

 

Ayia Napa

After all that history and culture, why not let your hair down in the party town of Ayia Napa? Once a quiet fishing village, Ayia Napa exploded onto the party scene in the late 1970s and has since become extremely popular amongst revellers and club-goers. Make your way to one of the great restaurants in the resort serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine before heading to The Square to get in and amongst fun.

Again, thanks to Jay for providing such an informative post. As I’ve not been to Cyprus myself, today’s photos were sourced from Flickr, with credit going to LaRezistance for the St.Hilarion Castle shot, TeryKats for the Ayia Napa shot and U Kersting for the fabulous sunset shot at the beginning.