4 Historical Sites to See in Cyprus

While it may be tempting to lay by the beach, set sail on the turquoise water and do all the coastal activities Cyprus has to offer, the trip wouldn’t be complete without learning about the history of the islands. Not sure where to start? Look no further:

© Mary Melnick

Tombs of Kings

Located in Pafos, the Tombs of Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage site where visitors can walk around and view tombs carved out of solid rock. These tombs date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods and were used for high-ranking officials and aristocracy instead of kings. Many of the tombs resemble houses, with multiple burial chambers opening up into a peristyle atrium.

© Mary Melnick

Kourion Archaeological Site

In Limassol sits Kourion Archaeological Site, the archaeological remains of Kourion, one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity. Today, the archaeological site hosts the most impressive finds on the island. Travelers can find a Greco-Roman outdoor theater, built in the 2nd century BC; the House of Eustilios with mosaic floors, originally built as a private villa but later turned into a public recreation center; House of Eustolios; House of Achilles, with beautiful mosaic floors; House of Gladiators; and the remains of the Roman Agora.

© Mary Melnick

Baths of Aphrodite

Head to the fishing harbor of Latsi to experience the breathtaking natural grotto of the Baths of Aphrodite and its botanical gardens. The legends of the baths purport the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the waters and met her lover Adonis there when he stopped for a drink. He then fell in love with her the moment he drank from the water. Travelers can splash the water on their face and neck to help maintain beauty and youth.

© Mary Melnick

Pafos Mosaics

The Pafos Mosaics are a must-see while visiting Pafos. The UNESCO Heritage site features four different houses: House of Dionysos, House of Theseus, House of Aion and House of Orpheus. Each house has a series of mosaic floors telling the stories of various Greek mythologies, dating from the second to fifth centuries AD.