In a nutshell
- Cyprus is packed with diverse activities — from culture and nature to water fun for kids and adults alike.
- We’ll show you the 9 best experiences in Cyprus for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers — both outdoor and indoor!
- We’ve personally tested several of these activities and are sharing our honest, firsthand opinions right here.
- Our personal favorites: swimming with sea turtles and a day trip through the stunning Troodos Mountains.
- Want to fit these activities into a proper route? Check out our guide for planning your Cyprus road trip.
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Cyprus
What do you need to know? During a trip to Cyprus, you can do some seriously great snorkeling. There are plenty of beautiful, calm coves where you can spot fish and even octopuses. But if you want to swim with sea turtles, you’ll want to join a guided snorkeling excursion.
Is it worth it? Yes! Yes! And yes again! We went on a snorkeling excursion ourselves and not only had a wonderful time in the water, but actually dove alongside a large turtle. Honestly, it’s one of those experiences you don’t forget.
The excursion was really well organized overall. The group is split into beginners and more experienced snorkelers, so everyone’s needs are taken care of. We felt super comfortable the whole time, and as more experienced snorkelers, we were in the water for nearly an hour and a half.
Book a snorkeling excursion with turtle watching
Day Trip to the Troodos Mountains
What do you need to know? The Troodos Mountains sit in the interior of Cyprus and are known for charming mountain villages and impressive monastery complexes. The standout highlights here are the grand Kykkos Monastery — one of the most important sights in Cyprus — and the smaller Panayia Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! That said, your best bet is a guided tour through the mountains. The roads are very narrow and winding, which makes driving a rental car genuinely tricky. With a guided tour, you get the full package: a drive through the mountains, monastery visits, a traditional meal in the village of Pedoulas, a stop at the wine village of Omodos, and loads of fascinating background information.
We did the tour ourselves and had a truly wonderful, varied day. It’s a great contrast to Cyprus’s beaches — and a reminder that there’s so much more to this island than the coast.
Important: The drive through the mountains is really not for those with sensitive stomachs. It’s full of ups and downs with constantly winding roads — almost like a little roller coaster.
Book a trip through the Troodos Mountains
Also read:
Boat Trip to Cyprus's Blue Lagoon
What do you need to know? The Blue Lagoon is one of Cyprus’s best-known natural attractions — a truly stunning swimming spot with crystal-clear water surrounded by rocky shores. You can only reach it by boat, either from the Akamas Peninsula near Paphos or from Ayia Napa.
Is it worth it? If you love boat trips, enjoy snorkeling, and want to swim at a truly special spot in the sea, the Blue Lagoon excursion is absolutely made for you. It’s one of the best things to do in Cyprus if you want a mix of scenery and swimming.
Book a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon from Paphos
Book a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon from Ayia Napa
Cyprus Boat Trip with Turtle Watching
What do you need to know? From the coast of Paphos, you can spot sea turtles in their natural habitat on a boat trip and cruise over a sunken ship — all from a boat fitted with underwater viewing windows. You’re looking directly into the sea!
Is it worth it? The boat trip with turtle watching and a ride over a shipwreck is an especially big hit with kids. There’s so much to see, and the whole experience is simply thrilling for children. We’d recommend this tour primarily as a family activity in Cyprus.
Book the boat trip with turtle watching
Also read:
Jeep Tour in Cyprus
What do you need to know? On a jeep tour in Cyprus, you’ll explore the wild nature of the Akamas Peninsula — a protected nature reserve with rugged coastlines and breathtaking vistas. In a Land Rover, you head off-road through the terrain and discover coves and villages you’d never find on your own.
Is it worth it? This tour is perfect if you love being active and adventurous and want to experience Cyprus’s natural landscape from a truly unique angle. You’ll get a varied day packed with off-road driving, short hikes, and swimming stops — seriously one of the most fun things to do in Cyprus.
Book the jeep tour in Cyprus
Read our Cyprus travel tips for rental car information
Tour through Villages and Wineries
What do you need to know? In the heart of Cyprus, a full-day tour takes you through the rural Troodos Mountains, visiting mountain villages and award-winning wineries. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cyprus, driven through the villages, treated to a traditional meze lunch, and welcomed at three family-run wineries where you can sample a variety of Cypriot wines.
Is it worth it? Yes! Especially if you love wine, culinary traditions, and authentic village life. You’ll discover the beauty of the Troodos Mountains, learn about local production, and taste some really great wines in a relaxed atmosphere. A wonderful way to spend a day.
Book the tour through villages and wineries
Trip to a Traditional Donkey Farm in Cyprus
What do you need to know? Donkeys have been an important part of agriculture and island tradition in Cyprus for centuries. At the Golden Donkeys Farm in Skarinou, you can meet the animals, pet them, and feed them. On a guided tour, you’ll also learn how traditional Cypriot cheese and halloumi are made, and you can sample farm-made specialties like donkey milk and organic olive oil.
Is it worth it? Yes, especially for families and animal lovers! The farm offers a relaxed glimpse into Cypriot agriculture and tradition well off the main tourist trail. If you’re after a peaceful experience and want to connect with local culture, this is a really lovely option.
Important: The farm places great emphasis on animal-friendly interactions. That’s why it’s a much better alternative to the donkey ride offerings you’ll see around Cyprus — those we’d strongly advise against.
Book the Golden Donkeys Farm experience
Water Parks in Cyprus
What do you need to know? Cyprus has seven larger water parks in total, all located in and around the popular resort areas of Paphos, Ayia Napa, Limassol, and Protaras. They’re easy to reach by car or bus, and you can look forward to water slides, a variety of pools, and dedicated kids’ areas. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.
Is it worth it? Definitely! WaterWorld Themed WaterPark in Ayia Napa is considered one of the best water parks in Cyprus — with a huge selection of slides, pools, and shows that guarantee fun for the whole family. Cyprus’s water parks are especially worthwhile if you’re traveling with kids.
The water parks in Cyprus:
- WaterWorld Themed WaterPark (Ayia Napa)
- Fasouri Watermania Waterpark (Limassol)
- Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark (Paphos)
- Aqua Splash Waterpark King Evelthon Hotel (Paphos)
- Aqua Sol Waterpark (Coral Bay near Paphos)
- Louis Phaethon Waterpark (Geroskipou near Paphos)
- Anastasia Aquamania Waterpark (Protaras)
Fascinating Museums in Cyprus
What do you need to know? When it’s raining in Cyprus or the heat gets too intense, museums are the perfect alternative to outdoor activities. Cyprus has some genuinely impressive museums covering nature, history, and culture — most of them in larger cities like Nicosia, Larnaca, or Limassol.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Whether you’re into history, traveling with kids, or just want to discover something new, there’s plenty to keep you busy. From archaeology and natural history to fun optical illusions, Cyprus’s museums have real variety.
Popular museums in Cyprus:
- Cyprus Museum of Natural History (Nicosia): natural history museum with over 2,500 exhibits
- Cyprus Archaeological Museum (Nicosia): the largest archaeological museum in the country
- Cyprus Postal Museum (Nicosia): stamps and postal history since the 15th century
- Kyriazis Medical Museum (Larnaca): history of medicine in Cyprus — admission is free
- Paradox Museum Limassol: fun for the whole family with cool optical illusions
