What to see in Cyprus: 10 must-sees

Enter the Paphos Archaeological Park, on Cyprus's southwest coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, and explore on foot the Roman villas of Dionysos, Theseus and Orpheus, whose mosaic floors narrate Greek myths more than 2,000 years old. Climb the seats of the Odeon, which still hosts concerts in summer, and visit the theatre on the Fabrica hill, the underground Tombs of the Kings and the columns of the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the goddess who, legend says, was born off this coast.

Cross the threshold of Cyprus's most important Neolithic settlement, about 30 minutes from Larnaca, where circular stone houses and defensive walls preserve 9,000 years of history. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Choirokoitia shows how the island's first farming communities lived: you will see the reconstructed foundations of their dwellings and the remains excavated into the hillside. Climb to the viewpoint to take in the whole site and understand why it stands as an exceptional testimony to a vanished civilisation.

Behold Kyrenia Castle, a 13th-century fortress by the harbour whose Venetian walls and towers guard the Greek ship sunk around 300 BC — one of the best-preserved ancient merchantmen in the Mediterranean. Walk its halls, climb to the battlements for views of the sea and the old town, and learn at the naval museum about the cargo and life aboard that vessel. Among stone, cannons and harbour views, you will grasp centuries of Byzantine, Lusignan and Ottoman rule in Cyprus.

Walk the fine sand of Nissi to the small islet that gives it its name, reachable on foot when the low tide forms a sandbank. Snorkel in the crystal-clear water of the Mediterranean, try surfing on its open bay or simply stroll the shoreline at sunset. Cyprus's most famous beach mixes calm coves with beach bars and music in high season, so come early to get a good spot and parking near the promenade.

Peek into Nicosia's old town and walk inside the 16th-century Venetian walls, where Ledra Street runs down to the border crossing that splits the city in two. Cross to the northern side to see the Selimiye Mosque — the former Gothic cathedral of Saint Sophia — and rest with a Cypriot coffee in the courtyard of the Büyük Han, an Ottoman caravanserai from 1572. Between fruit stalls, copper workshops and wooden balconies, the whole capital fits into a walk on foot.

Visit Cape Greco National Park, at Cyprus's southeastern tip, where sea caves, limestone cliffs and coastal trails combine into a single route. Hike among pines, watch migratory birds in season and descend to the rock formations by the Mediterranean. The park protects fragile habitats and local flora, so respect the signposted paths. Bring water, proper footwear and binoculars to make the most of the headland's views.

Take in the Roman theatre of Salamis, its rows of seats facing the sea, and walk the gymnasium and baths where mosaics and marble columns can still be made out. This ancient capital of Cyprus, a few kilometers from Famagusta, keeps 2,000-year-old remains among pines and dirt paths. Walk the stadium, pause at the sculpted marble latrines and admire the fluted columns of the forum. Bring water and comfortable shoes: the site is large and shade is scarce, especially at midday.

Walk the trails of Mount Olympus, Cyprus's rooftop at 1,952 meters above sea level in the middle of the Troodos range. In winter its slopes fill with snow and the ski runs open; in summer you walk among black pines and endemic cedars while the sea appears on the horizon. The rocks of the massif — ophiolites risen from the ocean floor — tell the island's geological story. You will find mouflons, foxes and migratory birds, plus signposted viewpoints and circular routes such as the Artemis Trail, within reach of walkers without technical experience.