9 most Instagrammable places in Cyprus.
An abandoned ghost town, mysterious shipwreck, and some beautiful beaches.
Cyprus is an Instagrammers dream!
There is no doubt that there is something for everyone in Cyprus, ranging from UNESCO archaeological sites in Paphos, to the unique capital city, and the controversial ‘Northern’ section of the country. I found the whole place fascinating, so I want to share my favourite picture perfect spots.
This blog will explore the 9 most Instagrammable places in Cyprus, which I enjoyed during my winter trip to the small island paradise.
Let’s start our journey!
A birdseye view of Edro III Shipwreck in Paphos.
Cape Greco.
If crystal clear waters and beautiful natural rock formations are your thing then Cape Greco is the spot for you!
The rocky peninsula is home to many colourful fish and some turtles, so an ideal spot to go swimming and snorkelling. The Blue Lagoon and the Lover’s Bridge are two popular tourist spots in the summer.
The headland spot also offers spectacular views all year round making it one of the most instagrammable places in Cyprus.
If you plan to visit at sunset, then you are in for a treat, as the beautiful sky reflects off the clear Mediterranean Sea.
Cape Greco is located in between Ayia Napa and Protaras, so is reachable via both places via official tours or public bus.
Cape Greco in Cyprus.
Ledra Street, Nicosia.
Nicosia is the last split capital city in the world since it was divided by Turkish and Greek quarters in 1963.
Ledra Street connects both sides of Nicosia/Lefkosia (Turkish name for the capital), and is split by the border crossing point, which now allows international tourists to pass. The history around the street is fascinating, although sad, however, it is a piece of Cyprus travel history that you should experience.
There are Instagram worthy street art murals on both sides of the border, showing that art doesn’t discriminate.
The vibes on each side of the crossing point on Ledra Street are unique and in line with the different cultures of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. The Turkish side is filled with vendors offering Turkish delight, baklava and of course, Turkish ice cream performances!
One thing is guaranteed, a walk along Ledra Street is an eye opener!
Colourful street art on Ledra Street near the border crossing.
Coral Bay.
There has to be a beach on this list, as Cyprus has so many picture perfect ones along its coastline.
Coral Bay is located around 10km from Paphos Old Town and offers beautiful crystal clear waters and golden sand, making it a popular spot for tourists all year round.
A great way to experience the picturesque bay is through taking part in water sports, which are common in this spot. These include jet skiing, paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
Coral Bay Avenue is also lined with restaurants and cafes, so you can sit and enjoy the beautiful views while enjoying some local cuisine.
I visited in the winter and walked the whole length of the bay on my way to Edro III shipwreck. Although the beach was quiet, it was interesting seeing the local fishermen go about their daily lives.
Winter time at Coral Bay
Varosha, Famagusta.
There is nothing more eerie than an abandoned ‘ghost’ city!
Varosha in Famagusta has been abandoned for over 50 years, so a wander around the city is like a step back in time, with all of the buildings being frozen in time.
Although visitors are not allowed to enter inside the buildings, there are public walkways where you can explore via foot, bike, scooter, or a golf buggy with a guide.
There are many spots where tourists grab an Instagram profile picture, and none more so than the famous ‘Toyota’ garage. The beach of Varosha was once a thriving city where celebrities would visit, and today visitors are still allowed to use the beach and sea.
This spot is steeped with tragic history, so it is important to respect the history of the place, while gaining understanding of what happened.
I travelled to Famagusta via a one hour bus ride from Nicosia.
All the buildings have been abandoned for over half a century.
Pathos Lighthouse.
Who doesn’t love a lighthouse?
Especially one that is part of Paphos’ remarkable archaeological site.
Nea Paphos is home to over 20 different landmarks all within the coastal area near the harbour. This area was once the capital of Cyprus back in 2nd Century BC, and although it only has some relics and remnants of the vast history of the region, it makes a great spot to capture some Instagram shots.
Many tourists climb the lighthouse steps for a photo, however, visitors are not allowed to the top of the lighthouse unfortunately.
The lighthouse is a short walk from the ‘Roman Odeon Theatre’ area of the site, which is a great spot to sit down and watch the world go by!
Selfie time at Paphos lighthouse at Nea Pafos.
Eleftheria Square, Nicosia.
Right in the centre of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus lies a dynamic multi-level park offering visitors a combination of modern architecture and beautiful nature.
The character of Nicosia is displayed through Zaha Hadid’s vision which has turned reality, as Eleftheria Square runs alongside the historic Venetian Walls of Nicosia in the heart of the city.
The park sits in between the oldest part of the city and the newer neighbourhoods that surround it.
I found Eleftheria Square to be a very unique design including tree-lined promenades, paved plazas, green spaces and water features - a photographer’s dream!
This is a great spot to chill and socialise. I sat down and enjoyed some baklava which I purchased from the Turkish side of Ledra Street border crossing.
Eleftheria Square in Nicosia.
Edro III Shipwreck, Paphos.
It isn’t very often you get to see a shipwreck, especially as close to the shore as the Edro III shipwreck in Paphos!
Visiting the stranded vessel is an unusual thing to do in the city, so it should be on your Paphos itinerary.
Edro III shipwreck has been a feature of the Paphos coastline since it ran aground in December 2011. The ship lies on an angle on the sea rocks, and draws visitors from all over Cyprus.
If you want to visit the famous vessel, then you should head to Coral Bay, and then follow the coastline for 3.5km, which is a beautiful walk in nice weather.
This is definitely one of the more mysterious photo opportunities in Cyprus, with significant history attached.
Edro III Shipwreck, Paphos.
Aphrodite's Rock, Paphos.
Aphrodite's Rock, or ‘Petra Tou Romiou’ as the locals know it by, is another great spot to enjoy the beautiful nature.
This sea stack in Paphos is located close to the main route between Paphos and Limassol, so many tourists stop by to admire the beauty of it.
According to local myths, ‘Aphrodite’, the goddess of love and beauty was born in the nearby village of ’Kouklia’, adding to the allure of the structure.
One thing is for sure, you are guaranteed the perfect postcard snap.
If you learn a fact or two about ancient mythology while visiting, that is a bonus!
Aphrodite's Rock.
Paphos Old Town.
I found many picturesque spots in Paphos Old Town.
The harbour area offers awesome views of the Mediterranean sea, Paphos Castle and Nea Pafos Archaeological site.
Walking along the promenade towards the Tombs of the Kings in the evening was nice and tranquil, although I did visit in the off-season!
You will find lots of eateries, coffee shops and tavernas throughout the Old Town area, which all offer outdoor seating and a nice relaxed ambiance.
As the walk down to the harbour area is downhill, I spotted various vantage points to enjoy the colourful sky at sunset.
Sunset in Paphos Old Town.
Frequently asked questions about taking photos in Cyprus.
Is photography allowed in Cyprus?
Yes, photography is allowed in Cyprus, however, the history of the country means that certain areas, and situations may be restricted/a bad idea.
Where can I take photos in Cyprus
You can take photos in most public places in Cyprus, except for the Ledra Street border crossing and military zones.
What is the best time of day to take photos in Cyprus?
The best time of day to take photos in Cyprus is early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the colours are more saturated. Sunset makes many of the famous sites in Cyprus glow differently!
What are some of the best places to take photos in Cyprus?
The Beaches
Cyprus has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Be sure to take photos of the white sand, clear blue water, and dramatic cliffs.
The Ancient Ruins.
Cyprus is home to many ancient ruins, such as the ruins of Kourion and Amathus. These ruins are a great place to take photos that will transport you back in time.
The Villages.
The traditional villages of Cyprus are full of charm and character. Take photos of the narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and colourful flowers.
The Mountains.
The Troodos Mountains offer stunning views of the island. Take photos of the peaks, valleys, and forests.
Street art in Paphos Old Town.
Which is my favourite Instagrammable place in Cyprus?
Cyprus is full of treasures rich in beauty, history, and controversy, so any Cyprus itinerary is going to be action packed.
There is only one winner though… Varosha!
The whole city’s population left immediately half a century ago and never returned. This means that wandering around the city is like walking around all of them years ago. I found the city to be like something out of a horror movie.
If you want to deepen your knowledge on the tragic events of the city then you should visit on a guided tour.
An abandoned restaurant.
If you enjoy finding the best Instagram spots in a new location.
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It is time to go and find the most iconic photo spots around the world!
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