Things to do

Plenty of you are making a holiday of the trip, so here is what we would point you at.

Agia Napa

Ten minutes from the venue, and where most of the beaches people have heard of are.

Cape Greco: The headland at the end of the bay, with cliff paths, sea caves and the best viewpoints on this coast.
Beaches: Nissi is the famous one, and Konnos Bay is unique. Makronissos, Landa and Grecian Bay are all within a few minutes of each other.
Sea caves and the rock bridge: Limestone coastline you can walk along, or see properly from a boat or a kayak.
Blue Lagoon by boat: Trips leave from the harbour, and it can only be reached by sea.
Harbour and marina: Restaurants, boat trips and somewhere to walk in the evening.
Sculpture park: Sculptures along the cliff above the sea. Go late in the day.
WaterWorld and Parko Paliatso: The waterpark and the funfair. Worth knowing about if you have children with you, or if you fancy the slingshot ride.
Agia Napa Monastery: A quiet courtyard in the middle of an otherwise busy town.

Twenty minutes from the venue, quieter in the day and busier after dark.

Fig Tree Bay: The main beach, with Sunrise and Vyzakia a short walk either side.
Green Bay: Shallow and sheltered, and the best snorkelling nearby.
On the water: Paddleboards and jet skis along Fig Tree Bay, or hire a small boat and take yourself to the sea caves.
Profitis Ilias: A hundred and fifty steps up to a small chapel on the rock, and the view back over the coast.
Dancing fountains: An evening show of water, light and music, which children tend to love.
Protaras Avenue: Where the restaurants, bars and evening crowds are.
Zorbas by the Sea: A bakery on the seafront, and where to go for breakfast.

The capital, about an hour inland, and where we live. It is still split in two, and the only divided capital in Europe.

The old city and Ledra Street: The main run through the old town, with shops and cafés, and the crossing between the two sides of the city.
Laiki Geitonia: Restored lanes of stone houses, craft shops and tavernas. Good for a long lunch.
Venetian walls and Famagusta Gate: Sixteenth century walls still ringing the old city. The gate now holds exhibitions and concerts.
Cyprus Museum: The island's archaeology in one building, from the neolithic onwards.
Shacolas Tower: An observation deck over the walls, the rooftops and the mountains behind.

Two hours west. Worth a full day for the archaeological sites alone.

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park: Roman villas with mosaic floors still in place, spread out along the sea.
Tombs of the Kings: Fourth century BC tombs cut down into the rock on the cliffs.
Harbour and castle: A walk along the front, dinner at the end of it, and a medieval fort on the water.
Aphrodite's Rock: The rock she is said to have been born beside, and a pebble beach to look at it from.
Coral Bay: Sand, sheltered water and easy swimming.
Akamas peninsula: Rough tracks, empty beaches and boats out to the Blue Lagoon. Take a sturdy car or a tour.

Inland and uphill, for stone villages, vineyards, pine forest and noticeably cooler air.

Omodos: A wine village with a monastery in the square and tavernas around it. Our pick if you only do one.
Lefkara: Cobbled streets, and the village behind Cypriot lace and silverwork.
Kakopetria: An old quarter of stone houses and wooden balconies, with the river running through it.
Kalopanagiotis: Sulphur springs and a UNESCO-listed monastery in the Marathasa valley.
Platres and Caledonia Falls: Pine forest, cool air and the most walked trail on the island.
Pedoulas: Cherry orchards, mountain views, and a painted Byzantine church.
Painted churches: Several of the mountain churches are UNESCO-listed for their frescoes, and are worth the detour.