Gay Cyprus: the complete travel guide for LGBTQ travelers

What's the best part of Cyprus? Us! Cypr-“us”… get it? Ok, sorry, that was bad…

As the humble Greek/Cypriot part of your favorite duo, it gives me immense pleasure to gush all about the marvels of traveling this island. It’s a land of superb beaches, old buildings, seaside restaurants, delicious food, tons of mythological sites, and gorgeous people – if I may say so myself! 

Gay life has been quite a challenge for local Cypriots, but it is slowly evolving, becoming more and more vivacious with each passing generation. When it comes to gay parties and festivals, Cyprus is no Tel Aviv or Mykonos, but it’s still a huge draw for LGBTQ travelers and couples.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, located south of Turkey, and close to Greece. It has a politically chequered past, with the nation being divided between the occupied North and the Republic of Cyprus in the South following a military coup by Turkey in 1974. Please read my story about how my family fled the Varosi Ghosttown of Famagusta to get an idea of the history.

In our gay travel guide, we will focus on the Greek Cypriot part of the island, located in the south and west.

Looking for a place to stay in Cyprus?

Stay with The Nomadic Boys… Dear darling readers, you read right: we're offering up our place on Airbnb. You can live with us in our stunning apartment and get the true local experience. We've recently done up our place so it's super stylish, and modern, with seaside views, a communal pool, and just a few minutes' drive to some of the best beaches in the world!

Find out more

Gay rights in Cyprus

The lingering presence of the Greek Orthodox Church has meant many people in Cyprus hold very conservative attitudes. The LGBTQ rights of Cyprus are quite progressive, on par with Greece and Italy, but still behind the rest of Western Europe. For example, gay marriage is still not law, but civil unions have been allowed since 2015, although these don’t provide the same rights and legal protections as marriage.

Since Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, the country's acceptance rate for its LGBTQ community has improved massively. They’ve introduced a robust set of anti-discrimination laws, which includes a ban on LGBTQ discrimination in employment. And in 2017, the Ministry of Education started an initiative coined “HOMBAT = Combating Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying at Schools”, which aims to train teachers to be more aware of bullying.

Accept is the leading LGBTQ-rights organization in Cyprus that does amazing work in progressing the rights of gay Cypriots, including putting together the annual Cyprus Pride parade. All their upcoming activity can be checked out via their Facebook page.

Is Cyprus safe for gay travelers?

Despite strong conservative views, Cypriots love welcoming foreigners. Hospitality is a big deal in Cypriot culture, so you can expect to be treated well when you visit, regardless of whether you’re straight or gay.

The good news is that gay culture is growing – and pretty fast! Several places like Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia have a few gay bars/clubs. There are also 3 unofficial gay beaches on the island to check out.

The annual gay Cyprus Pride event in June/July in Nicosia has proven to be a massive success since starting – each year growing bigger and better since its inception in 2014 (canceled in 2020/2021 due to Covid). Organizers of Cyprus Pride had originally expected a strong pushback from right-wing groups but were gobsmacked when they received nothing but a warm embrace from locals.

The one thing we would say is that when it comes to PDA, it’s best to keep this to a minimum unless you're in queer-friendly spots, particularly in more rural areas.

Is there a gay scene in Cyprus?

There is no specific gay area or gay village in Cyprus for the very simple reason that it has a tiny population of around 800,000. There are, however, a handful of gay scenes to check out across the big cities – Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca, which we’ve set out below.

There are also an impressive 3 gay beaches on the island worth checking out – one in Ayia Napa, another between Limassol and Larnaca, and the third between Limassol and Paphos – more on this below.

Look out for the occasional private gay parties that happen, which are usually spread by word of mouth. The most common is the gay boat party that happens several times in the summer months, organized by the owner of Lube Bar in Larnaca. Check the Lube Bar Facebook page for the latest info.

Gay hotels in Cyprus

Whilst there are no outright gay hotels in Cyprus like you'd find in Fort Lauderdale and Key West, there are a whole bunch of local and boutique hotels. Each of the accommodations on our list below are places we’ve tried, tested, and loved – that were not only gay friendly but also had that extra je ne sais quoi that completely captivated us…

The Nomadic Boys Airbnb listing near Ayia Napa

Do it like a local by staying in this stunning apartment, owned by a true gay Cypriot…ME! You not only get to hang out with us in this gorgeous, comfy, and super stylish apartment with sea views, but you’ll also have access to our communal pool. The other big highlight is that you're just a few minutes drive away from some incredible beaches, which are also home to turtles.

Find out more

01

Annabelle

Paphos

In a nutshell

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• Luxurious gay friendly five-star beachside resort
• Excellent wellness spa and fitness center
• Multi-layered swimming pools with waterfalls and swim-up bars
• Multiple restaurants and bars on-site

If we had to describe our vision of luxury, this would be it! Heck, any place where we can sip a fruity cocktail beneath a shady palm tree is akin to The Ritz as far as we’re concerned!

Rooms are elegantly simple coated in fresh white paint and soft furnishings. If you can, try to get a seaside view so you can experience waking up to the rushing sound of the water and the scent of that tangy, salty air! 

Annabelle calls itself an “oasis” on the Mediterranean coast – and we concur. We loved strolling along the poolside, dipping in and out of the cool waters before popping into their wellness spa for a hot stone massage. The best part, no one here batted an eyelid when they saw this openly gay couple sashaying their way around the hotel grounds!

In the evening, if we weren’t out on the town, we’d head to Annabelle’s gorg on-site restaurant, Amorosa, then to their Ouranos rooftop bar – it's the place to go for a nightcap with breathtaking views of the Paphos area.

Prices at Annabelle start from $320 per night:

Check prices now

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02

Oikia Roti Bed & Breakfast

Limassol

In a nutshell

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• Charming gay owned guesthouse in the mountains
• Intimate with just four suites
• Delicious morning breakfast 
• Swimming pool and sun-lounging area

Oikia Roti is located in the super charming mountain village of Vasa Koilaniou, around 22 miles (35km) from Limassol. It is owned by Costas, a lovely gay man who welcomes other LGBTQ travelers.

We love that this absolute gem of a guesthouse is surrounded by vineyards and local wineries to explore along with plenty of hiking trails around the Troodos Mountains. And that’s before we’ve mentioned their beautiful outdoor pool where you can spend hours taking in the sunshine and surrounding scenery.

There are 4 types of suites to choose from, each one slightly different in size. We loved “La Juliette”. It’s the biggest room with a private balcony, bathroom, and lounge area that can sleep two extra guests.

Every morning Costas serves guests a bountiful traditional Cypriot breakfast – a true highlight in itself! He goes all out to make every guest feel like family, and we love him for this! The best way to book your stay is by texting or calling Costas directly at +357 99 971971.

The village of Vasa itself is just screaming to be explored. It reminded us of stories and fables from Ancient Greece, with its stone buildings, cobbled pathways, and ancient churches.

Contact Costas for prices at Oikia Roti:

More info

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03

Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris Beach Hotel & Spa

Paphos

In a nutshell

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• Lovely romantic and gay friendly beachside hotel
• Adults-only
• Fabulous spa and swimming pools
• Multiple restaurants and bars

The place where love stories are born or rekindled!

As soon as we walked in the door at Leonardo Plaza we noticed there were a lot of couples, especially gay couples, newlyweds, and even a few pairs in their golden years – it was like being inside the Noah’s Ark of Romance! 

We rarely spend too much time in our hotel during our travels but this place had so much going on, we could barely pull ourselves away. From a clubhouse in the evening, which played a great mix of electropop and house music, to their incredible selection of restaurants that whipped up local or international dishes.

Of course, when the place is called a hotel AND SPA, we had to also try out the KG Hair & Spa Centre – which is the only destination in Cyprus with a registered Garra Rufa Fish Spa. Yep, that's right, the little fish that nibble dried skin off your toes.

We felt completely welcomed here as a gay couple. We found the staff to be welcoming and had clearly “experienced” hosting gay travelers before. Getting a double bed was no issue at all, which is what made it feel like a gay friendly hotel to stay in Paphos.

Prices at Leonardo Plaza start from $294 per night:

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04

Hotel Napa Suites

Ayia Napa

In a nutshell

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• Adults-only gay friendly resort
• Stunning rooftop infinity pool
• Excellent complimentary breakfast
• Incredible pan-Asian restaurant on site

If you’re an Insta-hun like we are, then this gay friendly adults-only hotel in Ayia Napa is perfect for you! We must have snapped over a hundred pics from the rooftop infinity pool alone…

This rooftop is also where you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning – and trust us, there’s no better way to kickstart your day. We're talking LOTS of fresh fruit, pastries, juice, coffee, sausages, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and even baked beans.

The eccentric energy of the city pours through the walls of this place, with cheerful staff and tons of activity to get up to. For dinner, you can dine in a pan-Asian restaurant named Umami or toast to good fortunes and burgers at their sublime rooftop bar. There's even The Little Gin Bar (yes, that's what it's called) for an intimate drink on glamorous fur-covered bar stools.

The rooms are cozy and chic, without being overly decorated. We recommend splurging on their premium suite, which includes an in-room bar, a private terrace that overlooks the gorgeous grounds, and a choice of a private pool or Jacuzzi.

Prices at Hotel Napa Suites start from $147 per night:

Check prices now

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05

Melissi Beach Hotel & Spa

Ayia Napa

In a nutshell

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• Beach access and multiple swimming pools
• Plenty of sporting facilities 
• Incredible spa
• 3 bars and 4 restaurants on site

With the most beautiful beaches in all of Cyprus on your doorstep and the bustling city centre a quick 10-minute walk away, you can’t go wrong with the uber gay friendly Melissi Beach Hotel.

The Sporty Spice of your group will be pleased with its range of physical activities – everything from a state-of-the-art gym, and a tennis/volleyball court.

We were obsessed with the multiple (adults-only) outdoor swimming pools. They were lush – the ideal spot to chill if you don’t want to head to the beach. We also escaped into their Apis Spa every chance we could for some rejuvenating treatments and massages. 

Rooms are sufficiently decorated with massive beds, stylish furniture, and great views of either the garden or sea. Our top pick is the luxurious Grand Suite, which has its own private terrace and outdoor whirlpool. It’s the perfect choice for honeymooners. We also checked out their on-site restaurant, Thalassa, for their dinner buffets. They had so many options from all the corners of the world but their particular specialty is local Cypriot cuisine, Italian, and Asian.

Oh, and most importantly, an extensive wine list. Gold stars from us! We were obsessed with the multiple swimming pools, especially the adults-only one. Not only was it a relaxing space, but it gave us the chance to meet other guests and find out about their travels. We also escaped into the Apis spa every chance we could for some rejuvenating treatments and massages. It was just divine being able to enjoy the sauna, steam bath, indoor hydro pool, ice fountain, and heated loungers too.

Prices at Melissi Beach Hotel start from $194 per night:

Check prices now

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Gay bars in Cyprus

The gay scene across Cyprus is, at present, like a baby flower. It’s small, dainty, and a bit meek, but honey, a beautiful thing is about to emerge! As public acceptance evolves, gay spaces in Cyprus are beginning to flourish at a higher rate than ever before. Across almost all the main cities you are close to least one gay hangout. We've summarized them all below:

Ithaki in Nicosia

Whose genius idea was it to mix burgers with club life? No one does parties like the gays at Ithaki. Loud pop music. Sweet cocktails. Campy, sharp-tongued hosts. And delicious burgers delivered by their neighbor, Street Sins. It’s all part of what makes the Friday night event “Think Outside the Box’ at Ithaki so darn popular with the queer community in Nicosia. Other themed events throughout the week include RnB Saturday, which also attracts a young and international crowd.

Open: Ithaki is open Wednesday/Thursday from 7 pm until 2 am and on Friday/Saturday until 3 am

Location: You can find Ithaki at Nikiforou Foka 33, Nicosia

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Lube Bar in Larnaca

Did you do a double-take with that club name? Us too. And just like the gel, this gay bar promises a fun, sexy night out, that’ll leave you dripping… with sweat. At Lube, they like to give pleasure to all the senses. Excellent dance music for your hearing. Neon lighting and hot bar staff for your vision. Every Friday is karaoke night, and Saturday night sees an awesome fun party with live DJs.

Open: Lube Bar is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8 pm until 2 am (and until 3.30 am on Saturday nights)

Location: It's located at Stavrou Poskoti 19, Larnaca

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Aruba Bar in Ayia Napa

NOTE: Whilst Aruba Bar is still open, it is no longer a gay venue but still attracts a sizeable mixed LGBTQ crowd in the summer months.

In Aruba Bar in the Ayia Napa party village, it’s all about community. Loyal patrons and friendly bar staff surround the bar every night of the week… but Saturday is when they have their official LGBTQ night. Camp dance music, hot guys from across the vicinity, and drink deals you can't refuse to make the night one to remember… or rather, one to forget (if you’re truly having a good time). Be sure to check out their Facebook page for details of the next gay night as the Ayia Napa scene is particularly alive during the summer months.

Open: Aruba is open every day from 8 pm until 2 am (but closes earlier at midnight on Sundays)

Location: It can be found at Ippokratous 1, Ayia Napa

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Different Bar in Paphos

They love unique people so much, they put it in their name! In terms of music, Seby and I love an oldie just as much as we like the current radio stuff – so you can imagine our pure elation when songs from Madonna’s heyday were put on. Or Cyndi Lauper, followed by a Gaga song, then back to some good ole’ Pet Shop Boys. We were a bit clueless as to what drink to get and rolled our eyes when the bar guy recommended their strawberry daiquiri… but, oh boy, is it to die for!

Open: Different Bar is open every day from 7 pm until 3 am

Location: It's located on Bar Street, Paphos

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DownTown Live in Nicosia

DownTown Live is known for having excellent live music, and now for adding a fabulous drag Queen to their line-up! To elevate Nicosia's nightlife, Greek drag Queen Doukissa has started hosting a drag night on the first Sunday of every month, along with a fellow drag queen. Together they deliver plenty of jokes, sass, and glitter, all for just €10 a ticket. If you've been craving a really good drag show in Cyprus (and can handle being read for filth by these fierce queens) this will tickle that itch!

Open: The drag shows take place on the first Sunday of the month from 8 pm until midnight

Location: DownTown Live is located at Emanuel Roidi 2, Nicosia

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Zester Bar in Limassol

Reawaken your zest for life! Whilst it’s not exclusively a gay bar, Zester adds a sprinkle of campness to its mostly hetero vibe, by having excellent dance music, fizzy cocktails, and a liberated mindset. The most popular spot is the beer garden, with rickety tables and chairs, surrounded by plants and trees. Cozy ambiance for meeting with or making friends, especially in the summer months, when the air is cool and spirits are high!

Open: Zester is open Wednesday to Sunday until around 11 pm.

Location: You can find it at Eleftherias 108, Limassol

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Gay Beaches in Cyprus

Is there anything not to love about a gay beach? Nowhere else can you let it all hang out (literally and figuratively speaking!) with other queer people, unperturbed in pure bliss. Although Cyprus isn’t lacking in beaches (that’s for darn sure!), you may need to do some extra scavenging to find the gay ones. Each of the following gay beaches in Cyprus is so secluded that the chances of anyone spotting you are nil. The only downside with the gay beaches of Cyprus is that they are mainly rocky not sandy.

Kermia Gay Beach in Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is a favorite for tourists. The white sands and shining blue waters are truly irresistible for holidaymakers. But unbeknownst to the majority of travelers, a gay portion of the beach lays tucked away…*it’s our furry pink secret*! Locally we call it “Kermia Beach” because it’s close to the Kermia Beach Bungalows. It's not a sandy beach so be prepared. You’ll need to climb the rocks to reach it, so wear shoes or flip-flops rather than going barefoot.

To reach the Kermia gay beach, add the following coordinates to your GPS: 34.973000, 34.033167. This takes you to the car park. Note there is a direct link to the car park from the main road but Google Maps doesn’t quite pick up on this. From the car park, walk straight towards the sea over the rocky terrain, right to the edge cliff, then down below you’ll spot the gay area.

Heads up, from the car park, as you view the sea, head left for a few minutes and the bushes area is a popular cruising area.

Also, from the car park, facing the sea, walk towards the right along the park and you'll notice this sign for a Nudist Beach.

This area attracts mixed couples but when I've been it's mainly gay men here.

From the path, you'll need to scootch over some rocks in the direction of the sea. You'll notice another sign here showing NUDIST BEACH. This section of the sea is a cool spot to head for a more intimate moment with your special someone, especially at sunset 🙂

Pissouri gay beach near Paphos

Pissouri is located just outside of Paphos towards Limassol. It’s a long stretch of sand – one end of it is the unofficial nude area where both straight and gay couples congregate. The bit right at the end of this is the gay bit. It’s a bit of a trek, but as a result, it’s secluded.

To reach Pissouri gay beach, add the following coordinates to your GPS: 34.6482630, 32.7352600. This is the actual location of the gay beach. To reach it, drop your car at this location in your GPS: MP2F+6QP, Pissouri 4607, Cyprus. From here walk down to the beach and walk East (ie left) until you reach a load of rocks. Climb over these and keep walking along. You’ll first reach the general nudist area – keep walking beyond this (climbing around a few more rocks), and you’ll eventually arrive at the gay area.

Governor’s Gay Beach near Limassol

Located a 20-minute drive from Limassol (towards Larnaca) is Governor’s Beach. It’s right on the border between the Limassol and Larnaca regions, which has a mix of beaches and coves, most of which are served by a restaurant or beach bar. 

To get to the gay area of Governor’s Beach, use the restaurant area of Governor’s Beach as a point of reference. Leave your car here, then walk down to the beach and head west side (i.e. on the right) towards the quayside until you hit the “Aspra Vrahia” (White Rocks). The gay beach is beyond those rocks. Put this address in your GPS to get a more precise location: P743+78, Pentakomo 4528.

Gay Pride in Cyprus

Rising from the ashes of a once ultra-conservative country, Cyprus Pride has grown in popularity since its inception in 2014. Government-supported, star-studded, and socially adored, you can’t help but get caught up in the magic when Pride comes to the Cypriot city of Nicosia.

Accept, the country’s national LGBTQ-rights organization, has run the festival each year. They put together a massive parade route through the city every June/July (except the Covid-affected years of 2020/2021), in which a variety of groups participate. 

A few famous faces, like Anna Vissi and Eleni Foureira, have been known to pop up for a singsong, to honor their queer fandom. It’s a fun-filled, campy day out for all. Check out the Pride’s Facebook page to see what events are happening this year and don't forget to read our post about experiencing Cyprus Pride!

Gay saunas in Cyprus

There are currently no active gay saunas in Cyprus. The Vinci Sauna in Larnaca was the only gay sauna in Cyprus but has been temporarily closed since Covid-19 hit. In any case, the gay sauna scene in Cyprus has been slowly disappearing over the past decade due to the rise in the popularity of gay dating apps.

There are however many popular cruising grounds in Cyprus, mainly in and around the gay beaches which we mentioned above.

Best restaurants in Cyprus

If you’re going to Cyprus, having ‘mezedes' in an authentic village taverna is the way to go. “Mezedes” or “meze” is like tapas – lots of small local dishes served in large quantities. It’s the best way to get a flavor of the local food. Across the island, there are a bountiful amount of excellent tavernas to try. These are some of the ones that we loved the most, but this list is by no means exhaustive!

Mousikos Taverna in Sotira village

Mousikos Taverna is an exquisite outdoor taverna with round archways, long tables, fine wine, and scrumptious island food. Could you forgive us for soaking up our Mamma Mia fantasy? And unlike Meryl Streep, we’ll be going back for a full sequel (sips tea). Mousikos is one of the most famous tavernas in all of Cyprus – and for good reason. Their meat meze is one of the best we’ve tried on the whole island, especially their halloumi – it’s famous! But it’s super popular as well, so you’ll need to call ahead to reserve a table, especially on a weekend evening. 

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Kalamies in Pernera

With the rushing sounds of the Mediterranean, the cool salty breeze, and the fresh, delicious seafood, it can only be a night at Kalamies. It has sat by the beach in Pernera since 1976, having been set up as a family business, and it’s still going strong. Their fish meze is our favorite of all the tavernas we’ve tried in Cyprus. Most fish meze focuses on fried calamari. Here, there is far more variety of dishes included, some that we’ve never tried before. 100% recommended!

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Agios Epiktitos Taverna in Limassol

Go for the local Cypriot food. Stay for the wine! With exceptional views, cheerful waiting staff, and mouth-watering food, it’s no surprise Agios Epiktitos is as popular as it is. Their meat meze is one of the best in Limassol. To give you an idea – all meats are grilled on Cypriot carob wood, and the ‘lountza' (Cypriot smoked ham) is cooked in a yummy rich wine sauce. The other reason we love this place so much is because it’s super romantic and the views over Limassol are very impressive! 

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Piatsa Gourounaki in Nicosia

One of the best restaurants in Nicosia according to TripAdvisor, Piatsa Gourounaki sure knows how to take care of its customers. We rarely go back to a place more than once on our travels but for this place, we had to make an exception. On our second round, the staff remembered us by name – that’s how much they love their guests. The food itself is so affordable, given how delicious and filling each dish is. Both Seby and I (shamefully) had to undo a belt buckle at the end of our meals…

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Things to do in Cyprus

The #1 thing to do in Cyprus is to get your sweet dose of Vitamin Sea! Cyprus has some of the best beaches in Europe, especially the eastern side of the island around Ayia Napa. Thanks to its location in the southeast Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has an incredible climate almost throughout the year. Beyond the beaches, be sure to also check out the mountain villages, many of them famous for their vineyards. We've put a summary of all this and more of our favorite highlights of Cyprus right here:

Tan on the beach

Cyprus has some of the best beaches in Europe – maybe even in the world, but obviously, I am biased! The waters are the kind of crystal clear, Mediterranean blue that people dream about when going on holiday. The best beaches of Cyprus are mainly located on the east side of the island near Ayia Napa like Nissi Beach, Konnos Bay, and Fig Tree Bay. If you get really lucky you can even spot a few turtles out on the beaches of Malama, Cavo Maris, and Green Bay.

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Trekking in mountain villages

Ok, so we’ve gushed about the beaches, food, and wine. Now it’s time to strap on a pair of hiking boots and get moving! You didn’t think we were going to let you off that easy, did you? There are many gorgeous villages across the Troodos Mountains where you can base yourself like Platres, Vasa, and Vouni. Head out on a clear day to capture the magnificent views from the summit. More importantly, bring a camera, so you can immortalize the sights in your memory forever!

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Wine tasting in the mountain villages

No Nomadic Boys Mediterranean holiday would be complete without a wine-tasting experience! One of the best things to do in Cyprus is head to one of the wine villages (like Omodos, Platres, Lofou, or Pachna), either by yourself or on a tour, and check out the local vineyards. This Cyprus wine tour experience takes you around the stone-built village of Omodos, located on the border of Paphos Forest. Along the way, look out for medieval Venetian landmarks and Byzantian Churches, then enjoy some exquisite wine tastings in the wineries.

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Explore Nicosia

Nicosia is the last divided capital of Europe… and visiting it is very much like returning to the Cold War days. On the southern side, you’ll find a thriving, modern city that is full of high-street stores and places like Starbucks. But just across the border on Ledra Street to the Northern occupied side (you’ll need your passport!) it feels like you’ve gone back 50 years. We recommend seeing the Shacolas Tower. At the top are extraordinary views of the city and it also has a small but fascinating museum about Nicosia. 

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Snorkeling and diving

Up for a dive? Whether you love swimming with sea turtles or discovering shipwrecks, there are plenty of excellent snorkeling and diving spots along the Cypriot coast. One of the most popular dive sites is the Zenobia shipwreck in Larnaca. It’s a cargo ship that sank 138 feet (42m) beneath the surface after getting into some technical difficulty whilst trying to dock. For a fun snorkeling experience, head down to the eastern beaches where turtles are abundant, particularly around Cavo Maris and Green Bay Beach.

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Explore Limassol's old town and promenade

Take a gander around Limassol’s historic center, known for having one of the oldest fishing ports in the city. We loved taking in the colonial-style buildings, meandering cobblestone paths, and the famous medieval castle. The square outside the castle is a bustling marketplace, full of tea shops and coffeehouses where you could lose yourself for hours. Also, check out the busy shopping streets and pick up some local goods, like wine, olive oil, honey, and leather. 

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Tomb of the Kings in Paphos

Believed to be the burial sites of many Paphitic aristocrats and high officials before the 3^rd century, the UNESCO-listed Tomb of the Kings is a must-see for history lovers. We’re total geeks for Ancient Classical stuff, so we loved getting the chance to explore the stony sites and imagining what kind of people could be resting there. Sadly, very little is known about who is buried there – some reports indicate grave robbers were responsible for robbing bodies of any identifying goods. 

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Cape Greco

A beautiful national park on the south-eastern tip of the island – Cape Greco is the ideal spot for swimming or sunset watching. Right beside one of our favorite beaches, Konnos Bay, there is so much to marvel at. From the sea caves to the Lover’s Bridge (a nature-made archway), we spent a whole afternoon here exploring the area on foot and drinking in the stunning views. There is also an excellent hiking trail through the area with many impressive dramatic coastline views along the way.

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Blue Lagoon Beach in Akamas

They weren’t kidding when they called it “blue” – as it is the bluest blue to ever blue! It’s the largest bay in the Akamas district as well as an optimal spot for swimmers, largely because of how warm the water is here. It’s quite a tricky spot to get to though. The safest way to reach it is to pass through the village of Neo Chorio. From there, you head towards Fontana Amoroza until you eventually reach the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, you can simply join a day trip so someone else can drive you and you just get to enjoy yourself!

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Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)

Just off the shore along the road to Limassol, you’ll find Aphrodite’s Rock – the fabled birthplace of the ancient goddess herself. Its dramatic beauty and choppy waters are what make the attraction so popular. According to legend, if you swim around the rock 3 times, it will bring you luck for true love, fertility, eternal youth, and beauty. Not that you need it, of course, but it can never hurt to get more! It’s a handy stopover if you’re driving from Limassol to Paphos, or you could book this ATV safari to the Rock for something different!

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Plan your trip

Gay map of Cyprus

We've put together this map to show you all the places we've mentioned in this gay guide. Use it to help plan your own fabulous gay trip to Cyprus!

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.

We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

Click on the book to order:

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For more inspiration:

• For more sun and sand, these are the best gay beaches around the world
• As well as the best gay beaches in Europe
• If you don't mind getting your kit off, check out the best nude gay beaches around the world!
• Or perhaps you'd enjoy one of these fabulous gay nude cruises…
• If you're heading east, check out our gay travel guide to Lebanon
• And our gay city guide to the capital of Beirut