North · 1h 55m from Ayia Napa
Atmospheric 12th-century Byzantine church and 5th-century basilica mosaics overlooking a turquoise sandy cove on the Karpaz Peninsula.
Gorgeous spring wildflowers around the ruins and calm swimming from May through November.
North · 40 min from Nicosia
Historic city-kingdom featuring remarkable sea-carved Roman fish breeding tanks and coastal Phoenician tombs.
Pleasant year-round; sublime for snorkeling and wading from May through October.
North · 35 min from Ayia Napa
Sprawling classical metropolis showcasing soaring marble colonnades, Roman baths, and a 15,000-seat amphitheater by the sea.
Splendid from October to May; golden acacia and spring wildflowers blanket the marble ruins in March.
North · 20 min from Nicosia
13th-century French Gothic monastic masterpiece immortalized by Lawrence Durrell in 'Bitter Lemons', overlooking citrus orchards.
Enchanting year-round; spring citrus blossoms perfume the hillside alleys.
North · 15 min from Nicosia
Cyprus's highest and most inaccessible fortress at 950m, aptly named 'Defier of the Winds'.
Prime hiking October through May; summer ascents are demanding due to intense heat and steep exposure.
North · 1h 10m from Ayia Napa
Easternmost Byzantine mountain castle perched at 630m, offering simultaneous panoramas of northern and southern seas.
Superb from October through May; crystal-clear winter days reveal the snowcapped Taurus mountains of Turkey.
North · 25 min from Ayia Napa
Sublime 14th-century Rayonnant Gothic coronation cathedral of the Lusignan Kings of Jerusalem, now a mosque.
Open daily outside of prayer times; tranquil, cool vaulted stone interior.
North · 25 min from Ayia Napa
Masterpiece of 16th-century Venetian Renaissance military engineering with 6-meter-thick ramparts and sweeping city views.
Cool inside the vaulted stone galleries; climb the upper rampart near sunset.
North · 25 min from Ayia Napa
14th-century Venetian sea castle adorned with the Lion of Saint Mark, legendary setting for Shakespeare's Othello.
Open daily; sea breezes cool the stone ramparts even during sunny days.
North · 25 min from Nicosia
Fairytale clifftop Crusader fortress clinging to a 732m crag above Kyrenia, said to inspire Disney's Snow White castle.
Best October to May. In summer, start at 9:00 AM opening before the steep rock climb heats up.
North · 25 min from Nicosia
Atmospheric 11th-century Armenian monastery of St. Macarius hidden deep within pine-forested mountain ravines.
Pleasantly shaded and cool throughout spring, summer, and autumn.
North · 35 min from Ayia Napa
Sanctuary of Cyprus's patron saint featuring the apostle's subterranean rock tomb and rich archaeological museum.
Open daily year-round; the peaceful cloister courtyard offers shade and quiet contemplation.
North · 20 min from Ayia Napa
Famous mid-century resort district frozen in time since 1974, now opened for pedestrian and bicycle exploration.
Open daily; best visited during cooler morning or late afternoon hours.
