These Cyprus Destinations are Popular in the Summer

1. Agios Georgios

Agios Georgios is an archaeological site near the village of Pegeia. This 6th-century Christian settlement was partially unearthed in the 1950s with the discovery of three basilicas and a bath.

In the 1990s, further excavations brought forth an unwalled settlement, possibly a port city along a transportation path from Egypt to Constantinople. Settlement discoveries include Basilica A with a baptistery and a smaller basilica, Basilica B, as well as the remains of Basilica C, a sacristy, guest house, courtyard, well, and oil press. Agios Georgios is a famous destination for pilgrimage in this region, and is situated between the basilica sites and the necropolis (graveyard). The entrance fee is nominal.

Pegeia Village, 11km North of Paphos, Cyprus, Phone: +357-26-812-301

2. Agros

Agros Village was built at an elevation of 1,100 meters in the Troodos mountains. The village has a distinctive amphitheater-style shape and grew up around the Monastery of Great Agros, built by 40 monks who were fleeing Asia Minor. The monastery was destroyed by a fire in 1894, and the Church of Panayia of Agros was built in its place. The scenic mountainous area offers panoramic forested views and an opportunity for traditional agrotourism. Villagers grow fruits, vegetables, and roses; they make homemade marmalades, distill rose oil, and produce cured meats. A small monument to Nearhos Clerides, a local scholar who left a legacy of folklore and literature, may be of some interest.

4872 Agros Village, Limassol, Cyprus, Phone: +357-25-521-961

3. Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. Visitors will find no fewer than a dozen sandy beaches here, many of which have earned Blue Flag status for their facilities and cleanliness. Nissi Beach is 3 km of golden sand and is hugely popular with tourists, Sandy Bay is protected from the wind and is a great place for swimming with small children, and Pantahou is a popular fishing harbor. Many beaches offer a plethora of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, paragliding, boating, and jet skiing. Fishing and diving excursions as well as boating daytrips are also available. Landlubbers will enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and jeep safaris into the island's interior.

Yuri Gagarin, Shop 3, Ayia Napa, Cyprus, Phone: +357-70-009-797

4. Deryneia

Deryneia Village is a small town in the Famagusta district known for being the likely arrival point of settlers following the Trojan War. One of the region's “red soil” villages, it is the island's primary strawberry producer.

Lucky visitors may be able to join in the biennial Strawberry Festival, where they'll get complimentary fresh strawberry products like ice-cream, jam, and juice. Among the other points of interest in Deryneia is the open-air Museum of Traditional Crafts, which displays tools of traditional tradesmen like shoemaker, blacksmith, fisherman, farmer, carpenter, and others. Across the street is the Folk Art Museum, displaying tools and implements used by farming families.

Leoforos Lemesou 19, Nicosia, Cyprus, Phone: +357-22-691-100

5. Episkopi

Episkopi is a must-see destination for outdoorsy travelers. The biodiverse area includes everything from the Episkopi cliffs, where peregrine falcons nest, to the wetlands of the lower Ezousa river valley with its black francolins - the only place in Europe where they live. There are also colorful bee-eaters and black-headed buntings, red fox, and Cyprus chameleons, among many others. Visitors will find walking trails, botanical gardens, old churches, stone channels and water mills, dense vineyards, and orchards, which all contribute to the area's serene and natural ambiance. Saint Hilarion the Great was a significant local religious figure, whose hermit cell can be visited together with the church built in his honor.

Episkopi Village, 11km northeast of Paphos, Cyprus, Phone: +357-22-691-100

6. Kakopetria

Kakopetria , situated in the northern foothills of the Troodos Mountains, has a cool climate and amazing landscapes, making it a desirable tourist destination. It is abundant with fruit trees of every variety, but is well known for its apples. Vegetables - especially tomatoes and potatoes - some grains, and vineyards for wine-making are prominent. There are a number of must-see attractions in the area, including Old Kakopetria, which was designated an ancient monument by the Department of Antiquities. There are also the Kakopetria Forest and the Trail of Atalanti, the Milos tis Gonias water mill, Central Square, and the Heroes' Monument. Travelers may also want to see the Olive Mill Museum, or Linos Museum, dedicated to wine, bread, and olive oil; both are in Old Kakopetria.

Arch. Makariou III, 20, Kakopetria, Cyprus, Phone: +357-22-922-999

7. Kato Polemidia

Kato Polemidia is just northwest of Limassol in Cyprus' wine country. This is the place to be for visitors interested in touring vineyards and attending wine tastings. Some wine tours include watching the manufacture and bottling of wines. There are a number of biking and hiking paths in the area. One of the most popular climbs is a 5-hour (one way) trek into the mountains to Alhetona - the heart of stone. Legend has it that lovers visiting Alhetona at sunset will never part. Visitors will also want to check out guided tours of the tea plantation, or enjoy an afternoon tea from a bed and breakfast with mountain views.

128 Panayias Evagelistrias Street, Kato Polemidia, Cyprus, Phone: +357-25-821-382

8. Larnaca

Larnaca is the self-described old soul of Cyprus, since it's the longest continually inhabited region. Visitors will love strolling the palm tree-lined Foinikoudes promenade separating the beach from the eateries and shops. An adjoining sea walkway passes old neighborhoods and fish taverns. Famous Salt Lake is home to migrating pink flamingos during winter, making for a gorgeous sight. The town's two most important attractions are the Christian Church of Agios Lazaros and the Muslim Mosque of Hala Sultan. Travelers will also find opportunities for wine tasting, walking tours, mini cruises, walking nature trails, diving and, of course, bird watching.

12 Gr. Afxentiou Avenue, Skouros Court, Larnaka, Cyprus, Phone: +357-24-657-070

9. Lefkara

Pano Lefkara Village is nestled at the foot of the Troodos Mountains. It became one of the first rural municipalities of Cyprus in 1883, and gets its name from the surrounding white calcareous rocks. Lefkara is most famous as the birthplace of Cypriot folk needlecraft, which became well-known across Europe, bringing rapid economic development to the small town, and many women are now economically independent because of it. Visitors will find the embroideries everywhere. Other attractions are the village's many silvercraft workshops, where silversmiths make jewelry, cherubim, crosses, and other religious symbols. Wander the alleys and take in the white stone architecture of the houses.

12 Gr. Afxentiou Avenue, Skouros Court, Larnaka, Cyprus, Phone: +357-24-657-070

10. Limassol

Limassol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus, both for its fabulous beaches and its cultural offerings. Lady's Mile Beach has soft white sand and shallow water, perfect for families with small children. Governor's Beach is best for snorkelers and couples wanting to watch the sunrise or stop by a Greek Cypriot taverna. Kourion Beach is the place to be for swimming and water sports, but gets a little crowded at times. Pissouri and Flo Café beaches are uncrowded and serene. Local attractions include the Amathus Archaeological Site, Kolossi Castle, the ancient city of Kourion, Limassol Zoo, Old Town and the Castle of Limassol, and Limassol District Archaeological Museum. The Limassol Wine Festival happens each fall.

Franklin Roosevelt 170 Limassol, Chamber House, Limassol, Cyprus, Phone: +357-25-877-350