Super Seven
Cape Greco Wedged between Ayia Napa and Protaras is the beautiful Cape Greco Nature Reserve. This is a stunning coastline with clear turquoise waters, away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring towns. There's caves to swim in, nearby kayaks to rent, and a quaint little chapel overlooking the water. Due to the location, this is a perfect stop en route to to other attractions on offer.
Visit Limassol Limassol can easily be explored via a half day trip. The old town district has the most to offer with Limassol Castle, Medieval Museum, Grand Mosque, and Limassol Cathedral all within walking distance. You can also watch local fishermen in action along the waterfront pier. If this is a lunchtime spot, there's plenty of options around the castle area.
Ancient Kourion Located 20km west of Limassol and regarded as one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country is Ancient Kourion. For me, the Greco-Roman Theatre was the highlight, which holds around 3,500 people. From this location, you get a great panoramic view of the coast. Yes, the car park is filled with multiple tourist buses, but this place is definitely worth checking out. Can also be combined with The Sanctuary of Apollo, which is less than a 10 min drive away and equally impressive.
Aphrodite's Rock Okay, some people will argue "It's just a rock" while others will argue "It's a mythology monument and the birth place of Aphrodite". Either way, with it being located on the main road between Limassol and Paphos, you can easily integrate this into your itinerary if exploring the island via car. I thought the rock sea stack was worth seeing and a great spot for landscape shots. Disclaimer - You'll potentially find nudist sunbathers in this area.
The Edro III Shipwreck I'd go as far as saying that this place was the highlight of my trip. The shipwreck is located 200 metres from the sea caves of Paphos in Peyia. The wreck itself has been here since 2011, when the ship Limassol with Rhodes being the end destination, but bad weather hit the voyage early on. The location is literally perfect for photos. The coastline, the sea caves, and the fact that the wreck is a mere 20 metres off the coast. You can't go inside the shipwreck, even though just like me, I'm sure you'll see people attempt this. I would recommend being there for sunset, as the views on point! If you visit daytime, don't be surprised if you see a wedding, as it's a very popular spot.
Nissi Beach There's a huge selection of beach locations in Cyprus, but Nissi Beach was by far the standout choice. Located in Ayia Napa, it's busy with tourists packing the beach in their hundreds, but it's worth it. The crystal clear water, fine sand, and beachfront restaurant make it a fine choice.You can head out over 20 metres into the sea and the water will barely reach waist height. Be aware that all sun-beds are chargeable.
Larnaca I used this place as a base, so perhaps I'll be a little biased as I had plenty of time to explore, but Larnaca was great. Small cobbled streets with wine bars, cafes, and local restaurants. The Central Square is pedestrianised, so a great spot for people watching. Agios Lazarus is a 9th century church (restored in 17th century), the Kamares Aqueduct, and the Turkish Quarter are all worthwhile visits.
Accommodation Advice
Overall, the country is small, so location isn't crucial to your plans of exploring the island. I chose to use Larnaca as my base, and The Josephine Boutique Hotel as my accommodation choice. The reason was 3-fold... central location, great reviews, and the price wasn't bank breaking . The rooms exceeded my expectations, the rooftop pool was a winner, and the staff were really helpful with recommendations.
Food Factor
Cyprus has plenty to offer on the food front. Very similar to Greece with lots of locally owned restaurants with outdoor seating offering a traditional feel. Try the moussaka dish, it changed my life!
