My Photography & Travel Guide to Cyprus
Tucked at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s most underrated destinations. When we were living in Lebanon, Cyprus was just 20 minutes by plane from Beirut airport.
What makes Cyprus truly unique is its duality. There’s the Greek-speaking south with its buzzing beach towns, vineyards, and citrus groves—and the Turkish north, home to dramatic castles, sleepy villages, and some of the island’s most pristine beaches. In between, winding mountain roads take you through the Troodos Mountains, where frescoed monasteries and pine-scented trails make for cooler, quieter adventures.
But it’s not just a place to see—Cyprus is best experienced through its tastes and textures. Start your day with honey-drenched loukoumades, lunch on village-made halloumi and olives, and linger over dinner mezze that just keeps coming. Hospitality isn’t a service here—it’s a way of life.
Photographers will fall for the golden hour light across ancient ruins in Paphos, or the cobalt sea below Cape Greco’s sea caves. Travelers will love the island’s manageable size, walkable old towns, and the rare blend of culture, history, and adventure packed into every region.
In short: Come for the beaches. Stay for the mythology. Return for the food and people.
Why Cyprus Is a Photographer’s Dream
Cyprus has a lot to offer. From its mythological roots (hello, birthplace of Aphrodite) to its mosaic of Greek and Turkish influences, this island has layers. Photographers will fall for the variety: one moment you’re capturing dramatic sea cliffs near Cape Greco, and the next you're wandering ancient ruins in Paphos or watching the golden light bounce off stone walls in Nicosia’s old town. It’s small enough to explore in a few days, but big enough to keep your shutter finger busy.
Where to Stay in Cyprus
The best area to base yourself? Paphos. It’s scenic, rich in history, and conveniently located near coastal and inland photography hotspots. This is where we stay in Cyprus. Plus, it has a wide range of accommodations, great food, and access to nearby archaeological sites and beaches.
✨ Luxury Hotels in Paphos:
Annabelle Hotel: A five-star escape with sea views, lush gardens, and elegant interiors.
Elysium Hotel: Known for its Byzantine-inspired design, serene pools, and next-door access to the Tombs of the Kings.
Amavi Hotel – Made for Two: A chic, couples-only hotel that offers minimalist luxury and stunning sunsets.
💼 Mid-Range Options:
Almyra Hotel: Stylish and family-friendly with a modern vibe, located right on the seafront.
Dionysos Central Hotel: A solid choice near the harbor with cozy rooms and a great breakfast.
Mayfair Hotel: Affordable and comfortable, with pools and a location close to major attractions.
How Long to Stay & When to Visit
Recommended stay: 5 to 7 days for a relaxed yet rich photography trip.
Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October). You'll get beautiful light, mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the wildflowers or harvest colors to add texture to your shots.
Getting Around the Island
Public buses are decent, but if you're serious about photography, renting a car is your best bet. It gives you flexibility for sunrise and golden hour shoots in remote spots. Just remember that they drive on the left side like in the UK.
No Uber or Bolt here—this is a drive-yourself or take-a-cab kind of destination. Taxis can be arranged via apps like nTaXI Cyprus or through hotels.
Where to Eat (and Sip)
Cypriot cuisine is deliciously addictive—think grilled halloumi, fresh seafood, and savory mezze that keeps on coming. Here are some gems in and around Paphos:
7 St. Georges Tavern: A beloved local joint serving traditional mezze with seasonal, homegrown ingredients.
Muse Restaurant: Incredible hilltop views and a modern menu perfect for golden hour dinners.
Koutourou Ouzeri: Tucked-away taverna with excellent seafood and Cypriot wine.
Theo’s Seafood Restaurant: A classic harbor-side spot for fresh catches and breezy views.
Omikron Brunch Bakery: Come for the pastries, stay for the perfectly pulled espresso and cozy garden tables.
Coffee Cantata: A charming café in Old Paphos with top-tier brews and comfy corners for editing your shots.
What Photography Gear to Bring
Cyprus is bright, diverse, and often breezy by the sea, so versatility is key.
Camera Body: Canon R5, Sony A7IV, or Nikon Z7 II—mirrorless is great for weight and quality.
Lenses:
24–70mm f/2.8: For general travel shots, street scenes, and landscapes.
70–200mm f/2.8 or f/4: For compressing coastal scenes and capturing moments from afar.
16–35mm: Ideal for dramatic cliffs and ancient ruins.
Drone: A DJI Mini 4 Pro is fantastic for aerial views of beaches, mosaics, and vineyards.
ND Filter & Tripod: For long exposures of water and coastal light trails.
Best Photography Spots in Cyprus
Here is a list of my favorite photography locations:
Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou): Best at sunrise when the sky glows and the beach is empty.
Tombs of the Kings: Ancient catacombs with dramatic columns and shadow play.
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park: Roman mosaics and time-worn ruins against sea backdrops.
Cape Greco National Forest Park: Dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and wind-sculpted rock formations.
Old Town Nicosia: A contrasting blend of Turkish and Greek culture, narrow alleys, and colorful doors.
Lefkara Village: A traditional mountain village famed for lace, stone buildings, and lovely street scenes.
Festivals to Time Your Trip Around
Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood): Early June, celebrated with water games, music, and seaside festivities across the island.
Pafos Aphrodite Festival: September – Opera under the stars in the Paphos Castle square. Magical for night photography and culture lovers.
Final Words
Cyprus may be small on the map, but it’s huge on charm, flavor, and photographic potential.
Whether you're chasing the golden Mediterranean light with a camera, savoring fresh halloumi by the sea, or walking through ancient ruins where myths and history blur, Cyprus delivers more than just a vacation—it offers an experience that lingers. This island is where slow travel shines, where every winding village road or coastal sunset feels like a scene from your own private travel film.
For photographers, it’s a dreamscape of color and contrast. For travelers, it’s a wonderful mix of beach days, mountain hikes, and cultural surprises.
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If you enjoyed this guide to Cyprus, you can check out my other Photography and Travel Guides at this link.