Visit Machairas Monastery
The Machairas monastery is one of the coolest places to visit in Cyprus mountains. It sits some 40 kilometers from Nicosia and is one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in Cyprus. With around 25 monks living in the monastery, it dates back to the 12th century. Named after the Virgin Mary Machairotissa icon it may take an entire day to explore this place. The monastery doesn’t charge for admission and has its own winery.
Since the monastery is nestled in the Troödos mountains you can check out a picturesque view of the main road, the temple and the vineyards. You can go for a hike along the E4 hiking trail that starts near the monastery and leads to the village of Phicardou. It takes two and a half hours to reach the village, but the hike is very rewarding! You may also consider visiting Lasanias village as well that is located not so far from the monastery.
Check Out the Gorgeous Troödos Waterfalls
If you really want to experience the thick of things in the rugged heart of Cyprus, there’re some magnificent waterfalls to check out! With a vertical drop of nearly 50 feet (15 meters), Millomeris Falls is the highest in Cyprus. Located on the Krios River it wasn’t easily accessible until recently.
Today with the path to the waterfall cleared and the footbridge over the river bed being built it offers a nice walk through the woodland, traversing the river at various points. Not far from the Pano Platres village there is a Caledonia Falls, which is also worth visiting. There are several restaurants in Pano Platres serving pan-seared trout with Greek tzatziki sauce. Mouth-watering!
Pedoulas Village
This tranquil village is remote hideaway far from the noise and bustle of beach life. Pedoulas, with its terraces tumbling down the hillside, is mostly famous for its whitewashed church and a huge 25 metre-high cross. Pedoulas is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of hiking trails not only for those who love hiking but also for cyclists as well.
This Cyprus cultural site has several attractions. The chapel of Archangelos Michael, which is listed in the World Heritage Monuments list, the local Byzantine museum and the Folklore Museum. As you explore, be sure to check the statue of Archbishop Makarios the Third on the main street, the large monument to Aristides Charalambous, a local man who fought for the independence, and the white Cross of Fithkia that dominates the entire area and so far my favorite!
Mount Olympus Cyprus
The highest point of the Troödos range and the only place in Cyprus to go skiing in winter is Mount Olympus. With a British long-range radar located at the very top, the area is stunningly beautiful and has completely different climate and environmental conditions.
Due to a cooler temperature and more humid air the snow usually lies thick from January to mid-March, making the mountain a nice place to spend winter skiing holidays here. Aside from a ski lift and other proper ski infrastructure, there are several trails with spectacular scenery and cooler temperatures in summer compared to the coast. The Artemis and Atalante hiking trails are great for any type of hiker.
Go Ghost Hunting in Fikardou Village
I love the spirit of abandoned places. When I was approaching this tiny old village I felt an extreme sense of peace and calm. There is definitely something special about Fikardou, a beautiful village that is just 40 km southwest of Nicosia. There were untold stories behind those old locked doors of abandoned houses.
Charming cobbled streets, dramatic views of blossoming almond trees and the scenic surroundings made me want to stay there forever. Besides a cat, a rooster and a few backpackers I met the owner of the only tavern in the village Mr. Yiannakos. He told me that the village is popular with filmmakers as a fine example of classic and ancient Cypriot village. However, it’s almost deserted and the current population of the village is around seven people. Don’t miss out on visiting the House of Katsiniorou – Fikardou Rural museum!
Oleastro Olive Park
If you ever wondered how they make olive oil in Cyprus then visit Oleastro Park. This educational and fun park sits conveniently halfway between Paphos and Lemesos. The museum walks you through the production secrets and the history of olive oil that dates back centuries.
If you visit between October and late January you can see the original ecological olive oil mill in action producing olive oil. There is also a small museum, gift shop, a tavern, an olive grove, and a petting zoo, where anyone can feed a camel or a donkey. At the entrance, you pay a one-off entry fee of €3, which covers free olive oil tasting!
The Ruins of Amathus
Amathus was one of the largest cities in ancient Cyprus, as well as one of the oldest cities. The ancient ruins of Amathus ruins spread over a wide area, including the hillside, seaside, and even under the sea. However, today, there are modern buildings mixed amongst many of the ancient ruins.
The ancient city of Amathus was largely destroyed during the Middle Ages, but it retains the spirit of an ancient Greek town. The archaeological site is broken down into smaller areas: the lower level (agora) and the upper city (Acropolis). While there is a small admission for entering agora, go up the nearest hill instead to get amazing views of the Ruins and the Limassol outskirts just for free. You can easily reach the Ruins of Amathus by Limassol city bus #30 and #31.
Panagia tou Sinti Monastery
Another abandoned and some kind of off-the-beaten-track place in Cyprus a few kilometers away from Pentalia Village, on the banks of Xeros river. The monastery of Panagia tou Sinti became desolate by the first quarter 20th century. But in the early 90s, the Monastery of Kykkos undertook the maintenance of the Monastery. Restoration work was completed in 1997 when it earned the Europa Nostra Award.
The main church building with a cobbled stoned yard and the octagonal dome was built during the Venetian occupation and make the entire site unique. This UNESCO site isn’t easily accessible or particularly popular with backpackers, which makes this complex a perfect spot for taking awesome photos!
Omodos Village
When it comes to visiting Omodos village, you can’t miss out on seeing the wineries, the 500-year-old wine press and tasting wine, of course! Check this village in August when the annual wine festival is in full swing. I admit it’s one of the best ways to get a real feel of everyday Cypriot village life. The Omodos village also features several sites to explore, including the Timiou Stavrou Monastery, Museum of Byzantine and the Folk Art Museum. There is also the Socrates Traditional House where you can get an in-depth look at what medieval life was really like in Cyprus.
Kolossi Castle
This is truly a spot for history buffs like me! Nestled some 14km west from Limassol in Kolossi village, Kolossi Castle was once a stronghold for the Crusader. The castle is the most remarkable attraction in Cyprus and a reminder of Cyprus’ importance for the Medieval kings during the Crusades in the Holy Land. The large square dungeon tower was built with large limestone blocks. It has several floors inside with an observation deck at the top.
The castle is also known as a birthplace of Commandaria wine. Not far from the castle there is an Akrotiri salt lake, which gives shelter for pink flamingos from November to April.
Explore Cape Greco National Park
Escaping the clubbing crowds is quite feasible in the buzzing southern corner of Cyprus. The Cape Greco national park is a picturesque unspoilt area with several hiking trails that start just east of the resort town of Ayia Napa. With the rugged seashore, spectacular sea caves and numerous grottoes, Cavo Greco attracts backpackers and nature enthusiasts willing to enjoy the tranquility, beauty, and drama of nature.
With different signposted nature trails weaving through the area, there really is no better time than spring to put your best foot forward. One of my favorite walks is named Agioi Anargyroi: Thalassines Spilies (Sea Caves). It starts off at the tiny chapel of Agioi Anargyroi and takes you all along the coast and the incredible sea caves, as you pass by the ‘Kamara tou Koraka’ natural bridge. The walk will take you about an hour and a half to complete. The short circular Aphrodite trail (about 3km long) also makes for a great walk, taking you along the breathtaking coastline.
Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Abbey sits some 7km from the city of Kyrenia of Northern Cyprus. It’s the first Catholic abbey in Cyprus dates back to the 13th century. Located in the eponymous village, the Abbey boasts some exquisite architecture, which was the reason to call the entire complex Abbaie de la Pais or the Abbey of Peace.
Aside from the marvelous main monastery building only the refectory has survived up to the present time. The complex is in use today. Because of its amazing acoustics classical music festivals are held annually. Be sure to get to the second floor of the Abbey with its views of the remarkable landscape.
Bellapais is now almost equally famous for its novelist and travel writer, Lawrence Durrell. He lived here in the middle of 20th century and described rural life in Cyprus, as well as, the Abbey in his popular book Bitter Lemons.
Visit Nicosia Turkish Side
In Nicosia, Greek and Turkish communities share a walled city divided by the infamous Green Line (AKA the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus). After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 Nicosia became the only divided capital city in the world.
Erected after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the Green Line, a strip of land that belongs to nobody, dividing north and south, cuts a line through the historic centre. An old city enclosed by walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century.
On either side of the border within the old city, winding medieval streets end abruptly with barbed-wire barricades, sandbags and a couple of armed gunmen.
The narrow buffer zone is inhabited only by the UN peacekeeping force. It’s completely safe to make the crossing at the immigration points and crossing the border is a relatively straightforward process. They won’t put a stamp in your passport. Instead, they will issue a stamped piece of paper with your passport details and date of entry.
Generally, the Greek side is popular with tourists, who come to Cyprus for sand and sea holidays. At the same time, the Turkish influences on the streets become very apparent as soon as you cross the border. You won’t find McDonalds and Starbucks in North Nicosia. But you may expect some cool attractions, cultural diversity and plenty of other things to do in North Cyprus.
Start your trip with visiting the Caravanserai (or the Inn) Buyuk Han that was built in the early years of Ottoman rule and used mainly by merchants. The inn slightly resembles a fortress as it was supposed to guarantee the security of the rich merchants. Buyuk Han is a great place to enjoy the architecture and take cool photos.
Another spot in North Nicosia to see is the former St. Sophia Cathedral, currently Selimiye Mosque. Being one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Cyprus it dates back to the reign of Lusignan. After the conquest of Nicosia, the Cathedral was converted into a Mosque, it gained two minarets.
The Turkish Bath is something that delivers great joy after a long day of walking. Buyuk Hamam, located three metres below road level, uses the basement of a 14th century Lusignan church, St George of the Latins. Scrubbing, washing and foam massage to relax and feel rejuvenated.
Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
The tombs were hewn out of solid rock, while some of them still have columns and fresco painting. The necropolis has gained its name due to its monumental forms and splendor decorations. Some of the tombs are more like an underground hall with columns than a tomb. The catacombs dating back to Roman times and the Hellenistic period.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the northern part of the New Paphos and there is bus 615 that runs between Paphos Harbour and Coral Bay. Consider visiting the Tombs in the afternoon when the heat is not too intense.
Final Thoughts on Backpacking Cyprus
I hope this Cyprus travel guide has supplied you with everything you need to know to hit the road and begin backpacking Cyprus. With so many awesome things to do in Cyprus, it’s easy to understand why so many holidaymakers flock here for the choice of watersports, nightclubs, and restaurants. However, contrary to popular belief, Cyprus has something for everyone, irrespective of age, budget or preferences.
I had the opportunity to discover some truly amazing locations on the island, but no other country made me feel more alive and inspired than Cyprus. It has sedate quaint little villages, dazzling vistas, gloriously laid-back way of life, and beautiful beaches around every corner.
Depending on where you go, you can see ancient Turkish, Byzantine, and Greek history. In Cyprus, you can gaze upon Mount Olympus’s monasteries and historical sites that have stood for thousands of years. Or you can hit the beach, catch some rays and swim deep blue waters in hidden coves. You can eat fresh seafood by the Mediterranean sea, or divulge in traditional Cypriot dishes and delicacies at tavernas.
The choice is yours. You just got to get there!
