Cyprus, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is an island with incredibly varied geography. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and offers more than 650 km of coastline with golden sand, fine pebbles and rocky cliffs.
The island’s best-known beaches include Nissi Beach, Coral Bay, Konnos Bay and Fig Tree Bay – they attract tourists from all over the world with their beauty and a wide range of water sports. You will find more tips in the article The most beautiful beaches in Cyprus.
More than 650 km
Olympos, 1,952 m above sea level
Troodos in the south, Pentadaktylos in the north
Larnaca Salt Lake with flamingos
The island has two main mountain ranges – Troodos in the south and Kyrenia in the north. Troodos is the highest range in Cyprus, with Mount Olympos reaching 1,952 metres above sea level. In winter you can even ski here.
The Kyrenia range, also known as Pentadaktylos, is smaller and lower, but just as picturesque. Both ranges offer beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking views.
On Olympos in the Troodos Mountains you can ski and snowboard in winter.
In summer the mountains are more pleasant than the coast – an ideal escape from the heat.
Cyprus boasts a number of national parks and protected areas that provide refuge for many rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Among the best known are Akamas National Park on the western tip of the island and the protected area of Cape Greco in the south-east.
Cyprus is also home to several wetlands and salt lakes, which are important stopovers for hundreds of species of migratory birds. The best known is Larnaca Salt Lake, where in the winter months you can watch thousands of pink flamingos. Another important site is the Oroklini wetland, home to many rare and endangered bird species.
You will see the most in winter on the salt lake near the airport.
Besides the coast and the mountains, Cyprus also has many picturesque villages and valleys:
Lefkara – traditional architecture and stony lanes.
Omodos – a mountain village famous for its hospitality.
Fikardou – a well-preserved traditional village.
The Paphos valley – imposing rocks and waterfalls.
The Diarizos valley – criss-crossed by rivers and vineyards.
Troodos – monasteries, waterfalls and mountain villages.
There are direct flights to Larnaca and Paphos in South Cyprus; people most often go to the north on a package holiday. The article South or North Cyprus? will help you decide which part is right for you.
More than 650 km.
Olympos in the Troodos Mountains, 1,952 m above sea level.
Troodos in the south and Kyrenia (Pentadaktylos) in the north.
In winter on Larnaca Salt Lake.
The best known are Akamas National Park in the west and the protected area of Cape Greco in the south-east.
Whether you love beaches, mountains, nature or traditional villages, Cyprus is sure to captivate you with its beauty and variety.
