A guide to the best day trips in Cyprus

Culture, history and ancient sites

Take some amazing photos at some ancient sites and get to sample delicious local wines at the same time with the Cyprus Wine Tasting, Villages and Ancient Sites tour.

You’ll visit a winery and the Cyprus Wine Museum to learn about how the tipple is made, as well as the long history of wine making on the island. You’ll also head to the ancient theatre at Kourion and the medieval Kolossi Castle.

On the Authentic Cyprus Historic Tour, you’ll get a real taste of traditional Cypriot life. First stop is a pottery workshop in Yeroskipou village to see its 9th-century five-domed church of St Paraskevi, believed to be the site of an Aphrodite temple.

A traditional Cypriot breakfast will be served and you’ll see how Turkish delight and halloumi cheese are made. On the way back you’ll visit a local winery and do some wine tasting.

Travel up to Kyrenia and Bellapais on the Northern Cyprus tour. In Kyrenia you’ll stop at the beautiful Venetian-built Kyrenia Castle where you can explore the town and shop in its charming cobbled streets.

While in Bellapais you’ll visit picturesque Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers mountains.

Head up into the hills on the Kykkos Monastery and Troodos Mountains tour and you’ll get to explore the 11th-century Kykkos Monastery. Located in the pine forests of the Troodos mountains it has priceless icons, mosaics and brightly coloured frescoes.

You’ll visit a pottery works and sample teas made from local forest herbs. There’s also a stop to look at graceful Tzefelos Bridge, an arched stone bridge built by the Venetians.

Boat Trips around Cyprus

Have some pirate fun on the family-friendly Black Pearl Pirate Ship boat excursion. Take your pirate self – and your little pirates – on this relaxed four-hour boat trip, with lunch served on board.

Both adults and children can join in the on-board activities and pirate-themed entertainment. And there’s plenty of time to simply relax, swim or snorkel when the Black Pearl drops anchor.

On the Blue Lagoon and Aphrodite Baths tour, you’ll sail to the sheltered water of the Blue Lagoon where you can swim or snorkel. You’ll then visit the Aphrodite Baths where there will be free time to have lunch and look around.

From there you’ll travel to Latchi harbour for an unforgettable cruise around the beautiful Akamas region. Fins and snorkels are provided free of charge.

For those who love swimming in the sea, the four-hour Boat Cruise from Protaras is perfect. You’ll sail along the coastline of Pernera to the border of Famagusta for your first swimming stop. Then you’ll continue across the coastline of Protaras to Cape Greco for another swimming stop and time for lunch.

This is followed by a visit to the famous caves of Cape Greco to get the best possible view. On the way back there’ll be a final swimming stop in the calm water of Green Bay.