Agia Napa, 85 kilometers from Nicosia, was a sleepy and unassuming village until the 1970s; today, it is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Cyprus. It has become a sort of Cypriot Ibiza thanks to its 14 beaches, which attract partygoers, sunbathers, and fans of water sports. On this coast, there are both large hotels and apartment buildings.

The name Ayia Napa comes from a monastery with the same name built in the Venetian era and situated in the town's center, near to the square where clubs are now located. Greek word ayia translates to "sacred." The word "Napa" is slang for "wooded valley" or "dell." The town's surroundings were once completely covered by a dense forest.

Beaches in Cyprus were managed by private persons and businesses up to the end of 2014 after they were granted permits to do so without holding open competitions. All of the city's beaches are now under the direct control of the city, according to an initiative led by Mayor Yiannis Karousos. Threats and legal measures were leveled at him and the council members who supported the proposal, however as of 2018, the city collected over 3.5 million euros in annual beach-related revenue, and all beaches in Cyprus are now under local government management.

• Location: Famagusta District

The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is divided between Greek and Turkish Cyprus and holds the distinction of being the only divided capital in the world. Even the round Walled Old City is divided, and crossing from one side to the other requires your passport.

The city, which is sometimes referred to as Lefkosia, is located far from the coast, therefore it obviously lacks the beach atmosphere found in most of Cyprus' more well-known locations. On the other hand, there isn't somewhere on the island with more to see if you enjoy museums and history. You may also find plenty of retail therapy in the capital if you're searching for some while you're there.

In the past, Nicosia was a spiritual melting pot that brought together various churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship. Greek Orthodox churches, Armenian Apostolic churches, Latin Catholic, Maronite Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical churches, mosques, and synagogues are all often found in Nicosia.

• Location: Nicosia

Limassol is a great destination for parents who want to let loose a little after the kids go to bed because it blends local nightlife with a family-friendly ambiance. It is one of the biggest cities on the island and offers beaches, restaurants, waterparks, and historical sites, particularly the remains of Amathus to the east. The eastern side of the city is also where the majority of the hotels and tourist attractions are located.

It's preferable to go out on a Friday or Saturday if you want to have a drink with the locals. Weekend nights are when most residents can enjoy themselves without worrying about having to deal with a hangover the next day, while most tourists take the chance to travel further east to Ayia Napa.

The following morning, go to the marina, which is surrounded by hip shops and coffee shops, if you want a wonderful cup of coffee. After 1974, when Turkey invaded Cyprus and captured Famagusta and Kyrenia, the main tourist destinations on the island, Limassol began to flourish as a tourist destination. There are numerous swimming and sunbathing-friendly beaches in Limassol. In the Limassol town area, near Dasoudi, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) operates a bathing beach with all required amenities.

• Location: Limassol District

Despite being a small city, Pafos had to be included on this list. The cause? It contains various places where Aphrodite is honored because that is where she was born. Inhabitants have lived in this town since the Neolithic.

Couples will love Paphos because of its gorgeous surroundings, intriguing history, excellent shopping, delicious cuisine, and beautiful accommodations. The town is divided between Upper Paphos (Pano Paphos), which is located on a hill, and Lower Paphos (Kato Paphos), which is located by the sea.

Restaurants on the beach and a little bit of a romantic nightlife can be found in the town's older, lower section. Along with the stunning beaches, the town's majority of tourist amenities may be found amid the Roman ruins of Dionysus, Orpheus, and Aion's homes. There is a little more of a hometown feel in Pano Paphos. It's worthwhile to visit the Old Town.

• Location: Paphos

It is a port municipality that is situated on Cyprus's southern coast. It is well-known for Finikoudes Beach, a strip of sand in the middle of the settlement bordered by a promenade lined with palm trees. The wreck of the MS Zenobia is only a short distance from Mackenzie Beach and is a well-liked diving location. The grave of the saint who is claimed to have risen from the dead is also housed in the 9th-century San Lazaro church.

Even if it's simply from the plane as it lands at the island's primary airport, the majority of tourists to Cyprus will view Larnaca. Finikoudes, one of the best city beaches in Europe, is just one of its many attractions as a destination in and of itself. A large salt lake further inland is also worth viewing both from the ground and during final approach to the airport.

The city, which is also known by the spelling Larnaka, is a well-liked location for anchoring opulent yachts. Chic cafés and fashionable shops line the harbor. The Church of St. Lazarus and the mosque Hala Sultan Tekke are just two of the city's most revered religious landmarks.

• Location: Larnaca

Ibiza, Magaluf, and Mykonos are just a few of the popular Mediterranean party islands that Ayia Napa competes with. Ayias Mavris street and the city's main square are both crowded with bars and clubs, drawing throngs of partygoers every summer night.

The name Ayia Napa comes from a monastery with the same name built in the Venetian era and situated in the town's center, near to the square where clubs are now located. Greek word ayia translates to "sacred." The word "Napa" is slang for "wooded valley" or "dell." The town's surroundings were once completely covered by a dense forest.

Most of the coastline along this stretch is made up of dramatic vertical cliffs, however it is broken up by some of Cyprus' most picturesque beaches, like Nissi and Pantachou. Cape Greco, a stunning national forest area with some breathtaking vistas, is located further east. Although the town has a waterpark and other family-friendly attractions, Ayia Napa is excellent for younger tourists due to the intense nightlife.

• Location: Famagusta District

It is the only area in Morphou Bay that is governed by Greek Cypriots. A small tourist town in the north of the country undergoes a transformation in the summer because of all the guests it receives. Coral Bay is technically a part of Peyia, a town located north of Paphos. But the magnificent beaches and several hotels in this area make it stand out. Families will love the 600-meter-long crescent-shaped beach in the namesake bay, which features gentle waves and the Blue Flag accreditation.

For those who like a little bit of adventure, Coral Bay is a terrific place to be. The attractions in and around Paphos are only 15 kilometers away, making it handy for exploring the adjacent historic ruins and mountain villages. Dive shops, theme parks, go-kart tracks, and other kid-friendly amenities can be found in Coral Bay itself.

Coral Bay Beach is EU Blue Flag certified, which implies that it complies with all norms, guidelines, and restrictions established by the relevant European Union committee. Another beach, Potima Bay, is enclosed by the larger portion of Coral Bay. It is located on the village's edge, 1.5 kilometers/miles distant, near Kissonerga.

• Location: Paphos

Kyrenia is a city on Cyprus's northern coast known for its old harbor and castle. It is effectively under Northern Cyprus's control. Although there is evidence that the area around Kyrenia has been inhabited in the past, the city was constructed by Greeks from the Peloponnese known as Achaeans following the Trojan War (1300 BC). Greek legend holds that the Achaeans Cepheus and Praxandrus, who settled there following the Trojan War, built Kyrenia. The heroes gave the new city the name of their own city, Kyrenia, which is situated in the Greek region of Achaia. Kyrenia is a city on Cyprus's northern coast known for its old harbor and castle. It is effectively under Northern Cyprus's control.

Although there is evidence that the area around Kyrenia has been inhabited in the past, the city was constructed by Greeks from the Peloponnese known as Achaeans following the Trojan War (1300 BC). Greek legend holds that the Achaeans Cepheus and Praxandrus, who settled there following the Trojan War, built Kyrenia. The heroes gave the new city the name of their own city, Kyrenia, which is situated in the Greek region of Achaia.

One of Cyprus' most picturesque towns, Kyrenia, has been under invasion since 1974. The fortress of Quirenia, which was constructed in a tetragonal configuration, is its greatest treasure. Northeast of the port is where it is. The first mentions of it date back to 1191, the year that King Richard the Lionheart conquered Cyprus and defeated Isaac Comnenus en route to the Crusades.

• Location: Kyrenia District

On the northwest coast of the island of Cyprus, in Chrysochous Bay, and on the outskirts of the Akamas Peninsula Nature Reserve, is Poli. It is a peaceful tourism area, and agriculture and fishing help to complement the locals' income.

On Cyprus' east coast, Protaras serves as a resort nearly exclusively for travelers. Its many hotels, villas, and apartments are grouped together around its fine sand beaches, the nicest of which is Fig Tree Bay. Families and even Cypriot visitors frequent the area, in part because it has a much more laid-back nightlife than Ayia Napa, which is about 5 kilometers to the southwest.

Protaras is a good place for scuba diving for both novice and expert divers, but it lacks the history and attractions of other portions of the island. Green Bay, The Blue Hole, and Malama Bay are a few of the best diving locations nearby.

• Location: east coast of Cyprus

Given the amount of competition for that distinction, Pernera is undoubtedly Cyprus' most family-friendly location. The emphasis on family in this east coast hamlet is what distinguishes it. Both restaurants and beachfront bars offer designated areas for children. At some locations, you can even discover bounce houses.

Pernera is most definitely not a destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Cyprus because there are no actual castles to be found here. Even though the beaches are modest, they are pleasant and sandy, and the enclosed coves calm the clear sea.

Between the popular tourist resort of Protaras and the tiny village of Kapparis lies a region on Cyprus' east coast known as Pernera. It is frequently coupled with the nearby Protaras, particularly because it is difficult to tell where one stops and the other begins.

The two resorts are connected by a beachfront walkway that is frequented year-round by runners, walkers, and people taking leisurely strolls to enjoy the sea views. The walkway is lit at night and accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs due to its combination of pavement and decking, ramps where needed, and steps when necessary. The distance between Fig Tree Bay in Protaras and Polyxenia Beach can be covered on foot in around 20 minutes, or longer if you pause at a restaurant or rest place along the way.

• Location: Pernera