Cyprus may be a small island in the Mediterranean, but it’s packed with history, sunshine, turquoise waters, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Most travellers come for the beaches — and honestly, who can blame them? But Cyprus has so much more to offer than just lazy days by the sea. Think ancient towns, scenic drives, mysterious shipwrecks, flamingo-dotted salt lakes, and sunsets that feel almost too perfect.

Below you’ll find 7 great things to do in Cyprus if you want a mix of beach time, culture, and a few surprises along the way.

Enjoy planning your trip!

7 top things to do in Cyprus

I spent a week in Cyprus in October, basing myself in Larnaca and taking a few day trips to explore the island. With fewer tourists around, it was easy to enjoy some of the things to do in Cyprus without the usual crowds. There were a few rainy spells, but they never spoiled the trip, and the slightly cooler temperatures made sightseeing even more pleasant. The island had a relaxed, authentic vibe that made exploring beaches, villages, and historic sites feel calm and enjoyable—a perfect way to experience Cyprus beyond the busy summer season. Here are my top things to do in Cyprus in that area:

Discover  a shipwreck on the seabed

Cyprus is one of the best places in Europe for wreck diving. The island is home to several shipwrecks — some shallow enough for snorkelling, others deeper for certified divers. I visited one of the wrecks just off the coast of Larnaca, only a 30-minute boat ride from the marina.

One of the most famous wrecks here, the Zenobia, regularly appears on lists of the top 10 shipwreck dives in the world. Even if you’re not an expert diver, simply being out at sea and descending into a place frozen in time is an unforgettable experience.

Tip: Snorkelling tours are perfect for beginners. I am not very confident in the water and on top of that I visited in October when it was a bit cold, but still, it was a very easy snorkeling for me. If you’re a diver, book in advance — Zenobia is popular year-round.

Take a boat trip

If you’re staying in Larnaca, a boat trip is one of the easiest, and loveliest, things to add to your itinerary. The marina is right in town, so you can simply stroll over, hop on board, and be out on the water within minutes. Larnaca’s coastline is calm and beautifully clear, perfect for swimming stops, snorkelling, or just relaxing on deck with the warm Mediterranean breeze on your face.

There are plenty of choices, from relaxed daytime cruises to romantic sunset sails (which I highly recommend — there’s nothing quite like watching the sun melt into the sea from a boat). Some trips even include visits to swimming coves or gentle snorkel spots where you can peek into Cyprus’ colourful underwater world.

Stroll the beach and suntan

Yes, I said this list includes more than beaches… but Cyprus beaches deserve a mention. Warm, shallow, ridiculously turquoise — they’re basically therapy.

Some of the most beautiful include:
• Nissi Beach – famous but gorgeous
• Lara Beach – wild and home to turtles
• Golden Beach – one of the prettiest on the island
• Aphrodite’s Beach – great for photos
• Konnos Bay – my favourite for colour alone
• Pissouri Bay – dramatic cliffs
• Coral Bay – easy, family-friendly
• Limnara Beach – quieter

For something extra special, leave the towns and look for the tiny wild coves. There’s something magical about finding a piece of the Mediterranean all to yourself.

Visit charming villages

One of my favourite things about Mediterranean countries is the old villages — and Cyprus is no exception. Stone houses, tiny cafes, sleepy squares, and cats sunbathing absolutely everywhere.

Some lovely villages to visit include:
• Lefkara – famous for lace and silver
• Omodos – wine, wine, wine
• Kosmas – scenic views
• Kakopetria – charming and green

See the Whirling Dervish dance

If you’re looking for something cultural and truly unique, head to Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. Here you can experience a Whirling Dervish performance — a spiritual practice from the Sufi branch of Islam. The dance is mesmerising, peaceful, and meaningful, offering a glimpse into a tradition that’s slowly disappearing.

If you don’t get to see it in Cyprus, your only other chance might be Turkey.

Have a trip to Nikosia (Lefkosia)

If you want a break from beach towns, Nicosia gives you a completely different side of Cyprus. Located right in the middle of the island and divided by the UN-controlled Green Line, Nicosia feels more “local” and historic.

It’s a great place to wander through markets, eat traditional Cypriot dishes, visit museums, and explore both sides of the city (you can cross into Northern Cyprus on foot — just remember your passport). With a history stretching back thousands of years, Nicosia has plenty of stories to tell.

If you’re staying in Larnaca, like I did, it’s about a 45-minute drive along the A2 and A3 highways, making it an ideal day trip. Renting a car is the most convenient option, as it gives you the freedom to explore the city and nearby attractions at your own pace. However, during this trip I did not feel like renting a car and chose public transport. It wasn’t too difficult. Regular buses run from Larnaca and Limassol to Nicosia, though schedules can be limited, so check the times in advance.

There are also guided tours, which include transport from coastal towns along with a local guide to show you the highlights of this historic city. It might actually be the best option since there is so much to learn about Nikosia.

Visit the Aliki salt lake and flamingoes

This was such a pleasant surprise for me! Just a short walk from Larnaca, Aliki Salt Lake is a peaceful escape filled with flamingos during the winter months. If you’re here between December and March, you’ll see large groups feeding on the shrimp-rich lake.

The trails around the area are perfect for stretching your legs and taking a break from the beach. Depending on the year, flamingo numbers range from 2,000 to even 12,000!

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
• AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
• Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
• Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
• Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
• World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
• WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
• Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
• Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
• Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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See also: 

• 6 days in Tunisia: what to see and do in winter when traveling solo
• What to do in Istanbul in 3 days: how to plan a perfect weekend
• A comprehensive guide to Athens: what to see and do in 3 days.
• Epic 3-week central Europe road trip Itinerary: must-see destinations & tips

Best Time to Visit Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, but the seasons do matter:

• July–September: Hot, sunny, and the peak of the tourist season. Great for beach lovers, less ideal if you dislike crowds or heatwaves.

• April–June & September–November: The best time to visit. Warm sea, perfect temperatures, fewer people, and better prices.

• December–March: Mild winter season, great for hiking, city exploring, and birdwatching (hello flamingos!), but not ideal for swimming.

Practical Information

Currency: Euro
Languages: Greek, Turkish, and English (widely spoken)
Safety: Cyprus is very safe for travellers, including solo female travellers.
Tap Water: Safe to drink in most areas, but bottled water is widely available.

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