Beyond the Beach: Cyprus Unfiltered

Most people come to Cyprus for the beaches — and fair enough, the coastline is gorgeous.
But the real surprise is what happens when you step away from the sunbed. Cyprus is a place where a beach holiday quietly transforms into something bigger: hiking along mountain ridges, swimming with turtles, wandering through ancient ruins, and finding yourself in tiny hillside cafés that don’t show up on Google Maps.

A beach holiday here doesn’t end at the shoreline.

Hike: Mountains, pine forests, and sweeping sea views

North Cyprus offers some of the most scenic coastal trails in the Mediterranean.
The Beşparmak (Five Finger) Mountains sit just behind Kyrenia, and from the paths you can see the sea on one side and forests on the other. The route to Bellapais Monastery is a favourite — part hike, part time travel. When you finally reach the monastery, the view over Kyrenia harbour is the kind you pause for without needing to take a photo.

There’s a strange freedom in realising you can hike all morning and still be back on the beach for sunset.

Snorkel: Clear waters and wild encounters

The sea here is warm and calm, especially around the bays near Alagadi and Tatlısu. All you need is a snorkel mask. Dip your head underwater and suddenly you’re in a different world — silver fish, rock arches, shifting colours.

And if you’re lucky, you might spot a Caretta caretta turtle gliding past.
Cyprus is one of the most important turtle nesting areas in the Mediterranean, especially around Alagadi and the quieter beaches towards the Karpaz Peninsula.

Most people don’t expect a “simple beach holiday” to include moments like that.

Explore: Castles and ancient cities

Cyprus doesn’t hide its history behind velvet ropes.

• Kyrenia Castle stands tall at the harbour.

• St. Hilarion Castle sits on a mountain peak with views that genuinely take your breath away.

• The ancient ruined city of Salamis stretches across the coastline — columns, amphitheatre, and the whisper of stories that existed thousands of years before beach resorts.

You start the morning with sand between your toes and end the afternoon walking through history.

Taste: The meze culture

Evenings slow down here.
Tables become crowded with meze plates — grilled halloumi, aubergine dips, calamari, fresh salads. There’s no rush. Conversations last longer. The sunset becomes part of the meal.

This is the Cyprus rhythm: slow living, full flavour.

The art of doing nothing

The biggest luxury isn’t the beach or the weather — it’s the pace.
You’re allowed to enjoy life slowly here. Swim until your shoulders relax. Watch the colours change across the sea. Forget what day it is.

A holiday in Cyprus reminds you that rest isn’t laziness.
It’s maintenance for the soul.

Planning your trip?

Whether you want a week of beaches or a balance of hiking, snorkelling, hidden bays, and exploring mountain villages, we’re here to help you plan it all at Right Holidays.
Tell us how you like to travel — slow, adventurous, or somewhere in between — and we’ll shape a Cyprus holiday that fits you perfectly.