Discover Cyprus: Archaeology, Nature and Wine

When planning a trip to Cyprus, different interests come together: ancient buildings, nature trails, traditional crafts and wine tradition. The following examples give you some specific points of reference.

Archaeological history in Cyprus

The restored Greco-Roman theatre at Kourion was built in the 2nd century BC and expanded in the 2nd century AD. It is used mainly during the summer months for open-air music and theatre performances. The remains of the Roman agora at Kourion are visible on site. The structure dates from the early 3rd century and was later expanded during the early Christian period.

The mosaics at Kourion also tell stories through their different buildings and imagery. The House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators contain mosaic floors; the villas are named after the scenes depicted in the mosaics. The House of Eustolios has four mosaic floor panels in its central room, dating from the 5th century.

Beyond these buildings, Choirokoitia is an archaeological highlight: this remarkably well-preserved settlement dates from the Neolithic period and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The Cyprus Museum is the island’s most important and largest archaeological museum. Intangible cultural heritage is also part of the cultural landscape: Cyprus has so far inscribed five elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Nature and trails

Forests, valleys and orchards shape the landscape of the Troodos Mountains. Visitors can explore the nature there on foot or by bicycle, while the villages invite them to discover local customs. Nature experiences and learning about village customs are distinct areas of interest.

Hiking trails in Cyprus vary in length and difficulty, ranging from 3 to 176 kilometres. The nature trails are divided into three difficulty categories. This wide range of lengths makes choosing a specific route a planning consideration in its own right: take difficulty into account as well as distance. Check the information for each trail before setting out, as individual routes may change.

Crafts and wine tradition

At the Cyprus Handicraft Centre, visitors can watch craftspeople at work in the workshops, practising traditional crafts. The Ministry of Tourism also organises free workshops on crafts and gastronomy. If you have a particular workshop in mind, check the current offerings in advance.

Cyprus’s seven Wine Routes were created to promote the value and quality of Cypriot wine, as well as the island’s long winemaking tradition. This theme therefore focuses both on the wine and on the history of winemaking.

Coast and bathing water

Two marinas in Cyprus meet Blue Flag standards; this number may change over time. Cyprus achieves a bathing water cleanliness rating of 100 percent year after year. Ratings can also change. These coastal details add another topic to your trip planning, alongside the island’s archaeological, landscape and cultural attractions.

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