An overview of tours in Cyprus

Cyprus is an island steeped in legends, with a cultural heritage stretching back centuries and rich modern traditions that have been preserved since ancient times.

Where better than here to experience the history and way of life of the local people? Visit unique nature reserves?

When setting off on a trip to Cyprus, take a close look at all the possible travel options to choose the one that suits you best. And let’s start with the most comfortable option – private tours.

Private tours in Cyprus

It’s no secret that we often seek out the company of foreigners whilst on holiday abroad. We tend to avoid hotels with lots of Russian tourists and are reluctant to get to know our fellow countrymen whilst abroad. This is partly understandable: the best sort of holiday is a change of scenery, a break from the reality of a big city where people are constantly in each other’s way. This is precisely why many people come to Cyprus, where there are so many places to be at one with nature. And, of course, not many people want to take part in organised group tours, where tourists’ behaviour often becomes a source of irritation.

Independent travel is the ideal solution, but it’s important to choose the right company to organise your holiday.

What to look out for

It’s no coincidence that we mentioned the word ‘company’ above. The fact is that there are quite a few private ‘tour guides’ in Cyprus offering private tours. They approach tourists as they leave their hotels, on the promenade and even… out at sea, sailing up to them and offering their services! Unfortunately, the service on offer is likely to be of a very poor standard: poor knowledge of the subject matter, a low level of cultural awareness and language skills, and pushy service.

But that’s not the worst of it. What’s worse is that these unlicensed tour guides have neither a licence nor insurance, and their vehicles, which are mercilessly overused throughout the season, often pose a danger to passengers.

Official companies organising tours in Cyprus are licensed; their operations are monitored by regulatory bodies and, as they operate under a specific brand name, it is difficult for them to avoid critical comments from dissatisfied customers. This should be the main criterion when choosing a tour operator for your holiday.

The advantages of private tours

On a private tour, you and your loved ones are one-on-one with the driver-guide. A comfortable vehicle, chosen based on the number of travellers (everyone should be comfortable and safe), a properly functioning air-conditioning system, a courteous driver, a pleasant conversationalist and a professional tour guide – all rolled into one in your guide.

You decide when the tour starts and ends, and plan the itinerary yourself, including the places you wish to visit and leaving out those that interest you less.

You also decide on the focus of the tour: some people are more interested in history, others in religion and culture, whilst others prefer the traditions and customs of the local people. You can stop anywhere to take a photo or simply sit in the shade of a spreading cypress tree, gazing out over the mountain gorge. No one will rush you to take your seat on the bus, nor will they annoy you with inappropriate laughter or corny jokes.

Prices for private tours in Cyprus

The standard ‘basic’ price for private tours in Cyprus is 270–320 euros for organising an 8-hour trip for 2–4 people.  By way of comparison, a group trip to Kykkos Monastery for a family of four (two adults and two children) would cost between 190 and 240 euros.

A private tour may cost more, depending on the itinerary and the number of travellers.

Options for private tours

As we mentioned above, the itinerary for a private tour depends entirely on your preferences, as well as on the expertise and creativity of your tour organiser. Here is an example of an interesting type of tour.

‘Gourmet tours’ around Cyprus

Tasting tours are, of course, among the most popular itineraries on the island. I’m sure you realise that the most delicious wines and dishes can only be savoured in the villages, sitting at a bountiful table surrounded by unspoilt nature!

By going on a tour like this, you’ll be able to learn how traditional halloumi cheese is made, see fresh bread being baked in traditional ovens, discover the secrets of winemaking and olive oil production, and even buy any of these products.

There are no organised group gourmet tours in Cyprus.

Starting your journey from Larnaca, you can visit a medicinal herb park, where you’ll not only learn about Cyprus’s medicinal plants but also discover how they’re used in medicine and cooking. Here, you can also buy cosmetics made from natural ingredients using essential oils. The hospitable hostess will treat you to herbal tea and homemade bread.

You will then head to an olive farm, where you’ll sample a variety of olives prepared using traditional recipes, as well as olive oil.

You’ll also discover the secrets of Cyprus’s ‘black gold’ – the carob tree – by tasting the famous syrup that the British used to export from the island by the tonne. Here, you’ll also be told about traditional winemaking methods and given the chance to taste the wines.

After visiting the olive farm, it’s definitely worth heading to the village of Vavatsinia, where you can visit a village cheese dairy.

This is where the famous halloumi cheese is made, and you might even get the chance to try some freshly made, still-warm cheese.

You can round off the tour at one of Cyprus’s mountain tavernas.

Group tours in Cyprus

Culture and history of Cyprus

The ‘Grand Kikkos’ Tour

This destination is one of the most popular among holidaymakers, so you can book a tour to Kykkos with most tour operators in Cyprus. It is during this sightseeing tour that you will be able to visit the island’s most significant monasteries, learn about Cypriot history and culture, as well as their way of life and traditions.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the tour is seeing the icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, painted by the Evangelist Luke whilst the Queen of Heaven was still alive. This greatest shrine of the Christian world is open to all for veneration.

As well as visiting the monasteries, the tour includes a visit to one of Cyprus’s villages (usually Omodos or Lefkara), where you can discover both the island’s most ancient traditions and the way of life of its rural inhabitants.

As the excursion is quite long, the price includes lunch at one of the mountain restaurants.

Duration of the excursion: 8–9 hours; price: €60–80 per adult, €40 per child.

A trip to Famagusta

You can set off on a journey to visit fantastic sandy beaches and take a dip in the clear, azure waters of Cyprus. During the excursion, you can see the Varosha district of Famagusta – a symbolic town that, following the 1974 war, became a ‘dead zone’ surrounded by barbed wire.

Famagusta will leave a lasting impression with its imposing Venetian fortress walls. You’ll also have the chance to admire the famous Othello Tower and visit Cyprus’s first capital, the city of Salamis.

Duration of the tour: 8–9 hours; price: €60–80 per adult, €40 per child.

Excursions in Cyprus for children

Donkey safari

This is one of the most fun and popular excursions among tourists. The adventure begins in a mountain village with a journey on an old village bus past traditional hamlets that have preserved their ancient way of life to this day.

Upon arrival at the donkey farm, visitors are treated to traditional halloumi cheese, village bread and wine, as well as a strong glass of zivania. The rest of the trip is spent… riding donkeys! You’ll learn how to handle these amusing, hard-working animals, and on your return you’ll even receive a ‘donkey riding licence’.

Back in the village, a traditional village dinner awaits everyone, along with plenty of music and, of course, dancing, including the famous ‘sirtaki’.

Duration of the excursion: 7–8 hours; cost: €60–80 per adult, €40 per child.

As well as this excursion, children will find it very interesting to visit the zoo in Paphos and watch the parrot show (costing around 15 euros) and have a splash about in Cyprus’s famous water parks (costing around 25 euros per adult and 16 euros per child under 12).

Excursions for active holidaymakers

Jeep safari in Cyprus

A jeep safari is one of the most exciting excursions for adventure seekers, combining a jeep ride with a boat trip. The group visits the Baths of Adonis, stopping at a majestic waterfall – a delightful place to take a dip on a hot day – and the Baths of Aphrodite, the legendary spring where the goddess spent her time whilst awaiting her beloved. The route then continues to the Fountain of Amoros, where visitors swap the jeep for a boat and explore the bays and coastal islands, marvelling at the crystal-clear turquoise waters and majestic sheer cliffs.

Duration of the excursion: 8–9 hours; price: from 45–65 euros per adult.

Active holidaymakers should also consider Cypriot fishing, octopus fishing, quad bike tours and a variety of boat trips. These activities cost between 50 and 100 euros per adult.

In conclusion

Of course, we haven’t covered every excursion in Cyprus; we’ve simply highlighted the most interesting ones. However, if you visit the island without exploring it, you won’t be able to understand what makes Cyprus so captivating. And whether you go on a group tour or book a private excursion, your trip will be an unforgettable experience.

To book a tour, you can fill in the online booking form, email us at: orShow email call us on: +357 25 310 692.