Despite its relatively modest dimensions, Cyprus has an incredibly rich variety of attractions and a compelling blend of Greek (Orthodox) and Turkish (Muslim) cultures.

Since 1974, this Mediterranean island – whose closest neighbours are Turkey, Lebanon and Syria – has been split in two by the United Nations-controlled Green Line between the Greek-Cypriot Republic of Cyprus to the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

In the capital, this line separates Greek Nicosia (Lefkosia) from Turkish Lefkoşa, but it’s easy to hop between both sides to enjoy museums, ancient buildings and lively cafes.

Away from the city, Cyprus’ beautiful beaches beckon, most famous of which is Petra Tou Romiou, site of the fabled Aphrodite’s Rock. Less frequented shores include the protected Lara Beach on the Akamas Peninsula, a nesting ground for green turtles; while in the south lie the ever- popular beaches around Larnaka, Lemesos (Limassol) and Cape Greco.

But be sure to venture inland to discover fabulously frescoed Byzantine churches, hilltop villages and a marvellous crop of monasteries, as well as several diverting ancient sites, from neolithic villages to Roman remains.

Discover ancient Cyprus

Cyprus holds several ancient sites, of which the oldest is hillside Choirokoitia, dating from around 7000 BCE; the implements and utensils found in and around its cylindrical stone and mud dwellings have given valuable insight into neolithic culture.

Founded in the neolithic era and later a Mycenaean settlement, the spectacular city of Ancient Kourion also holds an early Christian basilica, and its Roman remains include an amphitheatre that’s still used to stage operas.

The great statues and porticoes of the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis give an idea of its former splendour, while the Pafos Archaeological Site, with its Roman theatre and agora, is best-known for its intricate mosaics based on ancient Greek myths.

Track down the hidden treasures of the Troödos

Home to the 1952-metre-high Mount Olympus (not to be confused with the fabled Greek peak of the same name), the Troödos Mountains are a magnet for hikers, with miles of marked trails in the Troödos National Forest Park.

Bird-watchers will particularly appreciate the Kalidonia Waterfalls Trail, where they might spot nightingales and Cyprus and Sardinian warblers. The Troödos are also home to a smattering of Byzantine churches adorned with colourful frescoes, some of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Enjoy wind-powered watersports

With consistent winds breezing around the coastline year-round, Cyprus is well-known as a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with conditions suitable for both beginners and aficionados.

Experienced windsurfers will be happy off Lady’s Mile Beach (actually four miles, or seven kilometres, long) on the south-west coast or Morfou Bay in the north-west, while beginners head for Lanarka’s Mackenzy Beach or Pissouri Bay, between Lemesos (Limassol) and Pafos on the south-west coast.

Explore an underwater world full of surprises

Cyprus’ crystal-clear waters are home to a rich array of marine life, including the green turtles that lay eggs on the island’s beaches, as well as excellent dive sites, from underwater caves to wonderful wreck dives.

Among the latter, the remains of the Zenobia, a 200-metre-long cargo ship grounded off Larnaka, is ranked among the world’s top five wreck-dive sites.

It’s easy to sign up for courses and hire equipment at the island’s diving centres.

Flamingoes at Larnaka. Photo: AAP

More time?

Wine villages With its sun-drenched, south-facing slopes home
to numerous vineyards, the Odomos region in the south-west of the
island is the centre of Cyprus’ winemaking industry. Take the time
to visit the region’s krasochoria (traditional winegrowing villages)
and taste the local products, including Commandaria, a sweet
fortified wine made in Cyprus since 800 BCE.

Famagusta and the Karpas Peninsula Explore the old walled town of Famagusta (Gazimağusa), then head into this wild peninsula on the eastern tip of the island, with its snoozy villages and superb deserted white-sand beaches.

Discover the delights of a Turkish bath

The Hamam Omerye is a bubble of wellbeing and luxury in the heart of the Old City of Nicosia (Lefkosia). These beautifully renovated 16th-century Turkish baths offer top-of-the-range services (scrubs, massages, body treatments) in an enchanting setting; book ahead.

The Büyük Hamam (or Grand Hammam), over the Green Line in North Nicosia (Lefkoşa), is another historic 16th-century bathhouse; it’s undergoing renovation, but it’s worth asking around to see if it has reopened.

Practicalities

When to go Cyprus has an average 340 days of sunshine a year, so there’s never a bad time to visit, but trips in the shoulder season (May to June and September to October) offer fewer crowds and perfect weather for hiking.

How to get there The Republic of Cyprus has two international airports, in Paphos and Larnaka, with flights from around the UK and Europe. Ercan International Airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has flights from Türkiye and the UK. If renting a car, bear in mind that driving is on the left-hand side of the road throughout the island.

Where to stay Nightlife lovers will prefer Agia Napa. Agrotourism is on the rise, with activities such as cookery classes and horse-riding on alongside accommodation.

Events On Whit Monday, coastal towns such as Larnaka and Limassol celebrate Kataklysmos, which evokes the biblical great flood with live music, markets and water fights on the beach.

This is an extract from Lonely Planet’s 100 Weekends in Europe. $44.99 RRP. Contact shop.lonelyplanet.com