I decided to create a list of the most beautiful places in Cyprus for photography based mostly on my own experience. I’ve also included a few lesser-known places that I haven’t visited yet. I’ve picked a couple of spots from different parts of Cyprus, including the northern occupied territories. The list is a mix of nature, history, architecture, abandoned places, and some lesser-known spots that are worth discovering.
Petra tou Romiou
This is the iconic place and rocky beach you often see in photos of Cyprus taken by tourists. Legend says it is the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. The terrain is very rocky, and the ocean waves can be very strong and dramatic. Sea currents are frequent. The sea produces a lot of sea foam, which was the main inspiration behind the legend of Aphrodite’s birth. The place is usually quite crowded. Many consider it to be the most romantic place on the island. You can also take some short hikes and reach viewpoints to see the place and its scenery from higher up.
Cape Greco
The Cape Greco Peninsula, which lies on the east coast of the island near Ayia Napa, offers several beautiful spots for photography. The most famous are the Sea Caves. Besides landscape and portrait photography, you can climb down to take a short swim or, if you dare, jump into the sea. Another options is to take a boat day trip around the coastlline. On the path to the caves, you’ll find the Tree of Lovers. Ir is an old and abandoned unisexual tree that flowers from February to April.
For landscape photography or wider views of the scenery, you can visit Bear Rock View, or the viewpoint near the Cavogreco Kiosk. There is also a location with fossil stones. It can be interesting for macro photographers or anyone who would appreciate incorporating a combination of rocks and greenery into their compositions.
White Rocks near Limassol
This is a lesser-known place near Limassol, only a 30 km drive by car or about an hour by bus. The final path can be a little dangerous, and there are signs advising visitors to enter at their own risk. In return, you get a beautiful landscape defined by the contrast between the blue waters and white rocks. You can also capture a panorama of Limassol in the distance.
The place is ideal for sunset photography, relaxing, and swimming. The water is crystal clear and suitable for snorkeling. If you visit during the off-season, you might be the only person there, giving you plenty of freedom to experiment with different compositions.
Some visitors have also noted that during the summer season, the place tends to become a nudist and gay beach. The white rocks can also make a great setting for fashion and editorial photography.
If you’re planning to visit several of the places mentioned in this guide, renting a car can make getting around Cyprus much easier. It allows you to reach remote beaches, scenic viewpoints, archaeological sites, and lesser-known spots that may be difficult to access by public transport.
Kourion and Zapallo Bay
The ancient city of Kourion is now an archaeological site overlooking Kourion Beach and offering stunning views of Zapallo Bay. The area belongs to the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Although there is a military base in Akrotiri, it is located further away, so you won’t notice much military activity around Kourion, unlike in the Akrotiri Sand Dunes area.
You can easily reach the site by car or bus. There is a parking lot right next to the entrance. If you are coming by bus, it stops near the small Agios Ermogenis Church, from where you have to walk up a relatively steep hill. The bus then continues to Kourion Beach.
Kourion is quite a large archaeological site, and I would recommend dedicating a full day to the area. Especially if you also want to combine your visit with beach activities or a hike around Zapallo Bay.
Zapallo Bay is one of the more isolated beaches in Cyprus. Its clear waters are ideal for snorkeling. The only downside is the access road, which includes a steep 400-meter section. It is also possible to camp there.
Bellapais Abbey
This beautiful Gothic abbey lies near Girne, one of the largest towns in the northern part of Cyprus. It is visited by many tourists and locals alike. The abbey offers a mixture of Gothic architecture, panoramic views, and contrasting landscapes — you can capture mountains, palm trees, and arches all in one composition.
The atmosphere can transport you to another time. Some visitors even say it feels like a scene from Game of Thrones.
The site is not very large, and if you are not planning to do a photoshoot, you might only need around 30 minutes to explore it. However, if you want to take your time with photography, you will need longer. Be aware that there may be other people taking photos as well, so you might have to wait your turn at some of the best spots.
Larnaca Salt Lake
Larnaca Salt Lake consists of four interconnected lakes. It covers around 2 km² and is home to many species of water birds. During winter, from late October to March, you can also spot flamingos there. In summer, the lake dries out and develops a cracked surface.
It is a great location for bird and sunset photography. During the summer months the surface starts to resemble a dry desert. Thanks this it can also be a great setting for fashion and editorial shoots. You can freely walk on the lake, although some areas might still be wet and slightly unstable. The nearby Kamares Aqueduct is another interesting photography spot and can easily be combined with a visit to the lake.
Famagusta Old Town
This part of the east coast of Cyprus was famous during the 1960s, and not without reason. Varosha, the famous ghost town, is well known, but I would also suggest taking a look at the Old Town of Famagusta.
During the Middle Ages, Famagusta was an important port, and merchants of the Silk Road frequently used it to transport their goods to Western Europe. Today, the port still operates, but mainly for truck ferries, unlike the city of Girne, where you can catch a passenger ferry to Turkey.
Some sources claim that Famagusta once had around 365 churches and monasteries, although this number seems to be an exaggeration. Gothic churches, Venetian palace ruins, massive public buildings and tombs, remains of Greek Orthodox churches, and old baths are suitable not only for history enthusiasts or urban explorers. You can also use them for portrait and wedding photography. Some of the former churches have since been converted into mosques.
Olive Tree Beach
Olive Tree Beach lies on the west coast of Cyprus, around 19 km north of Paphos. It is located near Pegeia (Peyia), a town known for its traditional character, coastal scenery, and proximity to the Sea Caves. The beach itself is a lesser-known spot named after the large olive trees surrounding the area.
There are also massive white rocks and sea caves, which add more variety to the landscape. They create a slightly dry, desert-like feeling compared with many other beaches around Paphos. The combination of olive trees, white rocks, and blue water makes it particularly interesting for landscape photography.
The beach is located next to a hotel, but it is accessible to the public. You can rent an umbrella and sunbed, and there is also a buffet where you can buy drinks and snacks. The area is especially attractive around sunset, when the rocks and surrounding landscape take on warmer tones.
Pegeia itself is worth exploring if you have extra time. The town sits above the coast and provides a contrast to the beach, with traditional Cypriot streets, local architecture, and views towards the Mediterranean. Pegeia also has a large international community, with many foreign residents owning homes in the area, giving the town a more cosmopolitan atmosphere alongside its traditional Cypriot character.
Nicosia Abandoned Aiport
Many people know about Ercan Airport, which is still in use, but this airport lies in the opposite direction. It is located around 8 km west of the capital city and is currently closed to the public.
It used to be the main airport of Cyprus before the Turkish invasion in 1974. A few years ago, ordinary citizens, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, started an initiative to transform it into a living physical and digital museum.
The aim is to restore the aircraft, preserve valuable documents, flight plans, and archives, and connect the past with the future. Nicosia Abandoned Airport is intended to become a symbol of peace, respect, and solidarity.
As of early 2026, the organizers are ready to open the museum inside one of the aircraft, pending approval from the UN and the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Genesis Aphrodite’s Trail
The Genesis Aphrodite’s Trail is a scenic linear hiking route around Pissouri, combining coastal landscapes, countryside, and views of the surrounding area. The trail starts at Prolimnos Dog Beach and finishes towards the village side, making it more of a point-to-point journey than a simple loop.
The route offers a variety of landscapes that can be interesting for photography, from coastal scenery and open countryside to local vegetation and views towards Pissouri. You may also come across local animals along the way, including sheep, goats, and horses. Its connection to Aphrodite mythology also gives the trail a stronger sense of place and adds a cultural element to the experience.
Unlike shorter trails that take you to a single viewpoint and back, this route allows you to move through different parts of the landscape. It can therefore be a good choice for photographers who enjoy discovering changing scenery along the way rather than photographing just one location.
For photography, spring and winter are likely to be the most rewarding seasons, when the landscape is greener and seasonal flowers add more colour. During the hotter months, there is less shade, so an early start would be preferable.
If you’re planning to explore several photography spots across Cyprus, choosing the right base can save you a lot of driving time. Find accommodation in convenient locations and use it as a starting point for exploring the island.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the most beautiful places in Cyprus, the island offers much more than its famous beaches and tourist hotspots. I hope this list inspires you to explore some of these places and discover your own favourite photography spots in Cyprus. Some of them are especially worth visiting outside the main tourist season, when you can enjoy more space and better conditions for photography.
Sources
- Genesis Aphrodite’s Trail –https://monopatia.info/trail/genesis-aphrodites
- Nicosia Abandoned Airport – https://www.euronews.com/culture/2026/02/19/radical-renovation-abandoned-nicosia-airport-set-to-become-a-museum-to-unite-cypriot-commu
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