Things to do in Cyprus

Paphos - Kourion Ruins, Kolossi Castle and winery visit

The myths of Cyprus come to life on this tour. You'll see where a legend was born, visit the ruins of Kourion, venture to the village of Omodos and cap off the day with a tasting at a family-run winery. Eva, one of our local guides, says of this excursion, ‘You'll wander through layers of history, culture and mythology, and learn about Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The rituals connected with her as well as the plants and seashells associated with her.'You'll dive straight into the past to see Petra tou Romiou, a sea stack where, local legend has it, the goddess Aphrodite was born. The ancient past takes on a more tangible form at Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Visit its Roman baths and amble into its centrepiece, the Greco-Roman theatre. It's still used for concerts. And up next is the Crusader-built Kolossi Castle, which belonged to the Knights Templar from the 14th century.Lunch is in a family-owned restaurant. It's as famed for its country fare made from locally sourced ingredients as it is for its scenic location in the hills. Then, we'll head to the mountain-nestled village of Omodos, where you'll have free time to wander around skinny cobbled streets lined with Byzantine buildings. And to round off the day, we'll visit the winery. Here, you'll sample some of its award-winning wines, including the commandaria variety, which Richard the Lionheart baptised as the ‘wine of kings and the king of wines'.

Ayia Napa - Stardust Variety Show

An evening of glamour, laughs and musical entertainment awaits you on this special night out. The Stardust Variety Show will have guests of all ages rolling in the aisles, with a drag queen show, some very impressive costumes and vocal performances – and lots of cheeky banter to be enjoyed with free-flowing drinks.

Paphos - Ocean Flyer Adults Only VIP Cruise

If you've ever wanted to feel like a millionaire sailing a yacht – then this is your opportunity. You'll sail from Paphos harbour on board a luxury yacht for a day of sunbathing, swimming and cocktail sipping as you cruise along the west coast of Cyprus to Coral Bay, Akamas peninsula and its sea caves.

Paphos - Limassol Old Town Visit

Nestled between the exotic blue hues of the southern Mediterranean and the towering Troodos Mountains, the city of Limassol offers a living, breathing contrast between old and new. Tour the old town at your pace, see all the sights or kick back at a cafe between shopping sprees, the choice is yours.

Paphos - Wave Dancer Fireworks Cruise Paphos

To add a touch of glamour to your holiday, look no further than this evening cruise off the Paphos coast. And you'll really be spoiled – there's a three-course meal, live entertainment and an amazing fireworks display to end the night.

Paphos - Pafos Zoo Tour

From tigers and lions to penguins, monkeys and more, Pafos Zoo is a giant playground where kids can run wild and discover over 500 species of animals. You'll spend a few hours exploring the zoo at your own pace, and with transfer from your hotel included, everything's planned for a great family day out.Once you arrive at Pafos Zoo, you'll have a few hours to venture in and wander from enclosure to enclosure in your own time. Meet all the residents, big and small, make sure you catch the famous parrot show and take the kids down to the children's farm where they can pet and interact with friendly animals.There's also everything from elephants all the way to guinea pigs and porcupines. You'll also encounter colourful birds such as flamingos and reptiles like snakes and tortoises. What's more, the park has all the facilities you'll need including a snack bar, restaurant and souvenir shop.

Ayia Napa - Quad Bike Safari Tour

Leaving just a cloud of dust behind you, set off on an exhilarating adventure up and along Ayia Napa's rugged coastline. There are viewpoints, caves, bays and coves to discover as you hurtle along country tracks on a guided quad bike ride.

Paphos - Troodos Mountains tour with Kykkos Monastery visit and lunch

The journey into the Troodos Mountains is a journey to another Cyprus. Rustic stone villages dot tree-clad valleys where traditional ways of life still hold sway. This tour takes you into the spiritual heart of the highlands, the Kykkos Monastery, as well as up to Throni Hill. Alexia, one of our local guides, says, ‘The icon of the Virgin Mary at Kykkos is considered miraculous, so at least once a year, it's important for Cypriots to visit the church.'As you go into the depths of the Troodos, you'll encounter luxuriant landscapes which contrast with the arid coast. You'll head to the Kykkos Monastery first. Perched on Mount Kykkos, it's laden with religious treasures, and you won't be able to keep your eyes off the golden icons and frescoes – except for the icon of the Virgin Mary. It's kept under wraps, with the last known viewing being hundreds of years ago. You'll also have free time to wander around the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains. What's more, your visit helps the preservation of this important heritage site.We'll then visit the hilltop tomb of Archbishop Makarios III. Superb views greet you before the drive down to the village of Pedoulas. Here, you'll enjoy a typical Cypriot lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-run restaurant. There's time for an optional walk up to the richly decorated Orthodox church of the Holy Cross, then we'll head back with a coffee stop at Pano Platres en route.

Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour

Spanning vast meadows, orchards and thick forests filled with birdlife, the landscapes of the Troodos Mountains are ever-changing. And there's no better way to explore them than by 4x4. On this full-day tour, you'll see Omodos, Aphrodite's Rock and much more.The day starts with a quick stop by the Big Rock, before journeying deep into the Troodos Forest to visit the photogenic Tzelefos Bridge. Here you can join an optional mini forest hike. Then, stop at a traditional 'kafenion' to taste an authentic Cypriot coffee, before whizzing by a 20m waterfall for some Instaworthy snaps. Once you've built up an appetite, lunch will be served in a nearby tavern.Afterwards, you'll head to the village of Omodos, right in the heart of Limassol's wine growing region. Drop into a café or visit the 17th-century Monastery of the Holy Cross. Rounding the day off is a visit to Petra tou Romiou, better known as Aphrodite's Rock, where you can take a swim or kick back on the sprawling sands.

Paphos - Off-Road Akamas Peninsula Tour 

With exclusive access to the wild side of western Cyprus, this guided quad or buggy safari tours will take you to all the key sights. Experience the Paphos Sea Caves, Chapel of Agios Georgios, Akamas Peninsula and even indulge in a turtle watching session at Lara Bay, topped off with a refreshing swim.

Paphos - Blue Lagoon, gorge and beach tour by boat and 4x4 in Akamas

On this trip, you'll explore the Akamas peninsula by land and sea. And, rather than your typical coach set-up, you'll be in a 4x4 vehicle. The area is known for its natural beauty, so you're in for a real treat. Your day begins at Avakas Gorge, perhaps Cyprus' most impressive natural wonder, with a half-hour walk through its deep canyon with sheer walls of limestone that form a natural, narrow tunnel. Other star turns include Lara Beach, where a turtle conservation project has been protecting sea turtles for decades, enjoying lunch not far from Latchi harbour, and then a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon where you can take a dip in water so clear you'll see your toes.

Ayia Napa - Cyprus villages tour by the Original Red Bus

This open-top bus tour is all about getting to grips with Cypriot history, culture and cuisine. Travel from the sun-soaked coast to the sprawling fields, windmills and wildflowers of the countryside. You'll get to taste local organic products and learn all about the events of 1974 that led to the island's current division.