Tour guides Cyprus

5 ideas for guided tours in Cyprus

• Nicosia, the shared capital of Cyprus

  

  Unique in its kind, Nicosia is the only capital in the world still divided between two cultures, Greek and Turkish. This particularity gives the city a distinctive character, steeped in history and contrasts.

  As you wander through the old town, you’ll find mosques and Orthodox churches side by side, intertwined in the heart of cobbled lanes. The Archbishop’s Palace is worth a stop, as are the Venetian walls that have encircled the city for centuries. A shaded terrace invites you to pause and watch daily life unfold at its own pace.

  Interested in history? The Archaeological Museum immerses you in Cyprus’s antiquity, while the Museum of the Cypriot Struggle recalls more recent, but equally significant, chapters.

• Paphos

  

  On Cyprus’s southwest coast, Paphos blends ancient heritage with a Mediterranean atmosphere. The Kato Paphos archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals Roman mosaics and villa remains that highlight the island’s central role in the history of empires.

  Among its lanes, you move from ancient columns to the Byzantine frescoes of the Church of Saint Solomon. The old town keeps a livelier charm, with markets, small shops, and terraces perfect for lingering in the evening.

  The surroundings hold more discoveries. The Avakas Gorge impresses with its narrow walls carved by water, offering a striking backdrop for hikers. Just a few kilometers away, Coral Bay Beach stretches out with golden sand and clear waters—an ideal place to end the day in a more relaxed mood.

• Kyrénia

  

  In the north of the island, Kyrenia retains the charm of an old port, shaped by centuries of passage and conquest. The Kyrenia Castle, built in the 15th century, still towers over the sea and its lively quays, a reminder of the town’s long history.

  Inside the fortress, an archaeology museum displays shipwrecks and artifacts recovered from the region. The surroundings lend themselves to many activities: hiking in the nearby hills, diving in crystal-clear waters, or water sports along the coast.

  The Kervansaray Beach, known for its soft sand, draws families and travelers looking to relax. Its calm waters invite swimming, in a quieter setting than the bustling port.

  Higher up, the village of Bellapais reveals narrow lanes and its Franciscan abbey. The view of the coast is striking, and the village’s atmosphere contrasts with the maritime bustle of Kyrenia.

• Omodos Village

  

  In the heart of the mountains, in the Commandaria Valley, lies Omodos, a village with a peaceful air, almost frozen in time. Its cobbled streets wind between stone houses with wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs.

  At the center, the main square hums with terraces and laughter. The Church of Saint Michael, a 12th-century Byzantine gem, presides over the village with its ancient icons and mural frescoes.

  But Omodos is also about wine. The Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest wines, is still produced here and can be tasted at local wineries. Around the village, hills and olive groves invite leisurely walks in a gentle, authentic atmosphere.

• The Troodos Massif

  

  The Troodos is the island’s wild heart. Its highest point, Mount Olympus, rises to nearly 2,000 meters. For seasoned hikers, the climb is a real challenge, but even the easier trails offer breathtaking views.

  Along the way, you pass through villages like Lofou or Platres, where time seems to slow down. The architecture, small Byzantine churches, and family taverns all breathe authenticity.

  Don’t leave without tasting halloumi cheese, daktyla bread, or trying the thermal springs of Kalopanayiotis and Kakopetria, known since antiquity for their healing properties. The Troodos is another side of Cyprus: rustic, intimate, yet every bit as beautiful.