Thought Cyprus was all beautiful beaches? Think again! For those yearning to stray away from those well-trodden trails, here’s a curated list of ten unconventional activities that promise an unforgettable Cypriot adventure and experience.

1. Dive into the frenzy of Cypriot carnivals 

During carnival season, Cyprus transforms into a vibrant scene of colours, music and celebration. The Limassol Carnival, the biggest party of the year, can be traced back to pagan rituals, consisting of grand parades, flamboyant costumes and endless dusk ‘til dawn dancing. Over in Paphos, the carnival paints the town in equally vivid strokes of fun and frolic.

2. The marathon spirit 

Thanks to its dry summers and mild winters, Cyprus is home to many sporting events. The Limassol Marathon is the largest, with a record 15,000 people from over 70 different countries taking part in 2023. Another favourite is the Logicom Marathon, which welcomes runners of all levels for a brilliant blend of athletic endurance and sensational scenery.

3. The sweet serenade of the Cherry Festival 

Among mandarin, orange and watermelon festivals, the blooming lovely Cherry Festival, in the heart of Pedoulas, stands out among the rest. This charming event celebrates the seasonal bounty of cherries every June, turning this mountainous village into a picturesque hub of local produce, artisanal crafts and culinary delights. Stroll through the orchards, taste the freshly picked fruit and discover the unique connection between the locals and the land.

4. Reviving Ancient Greek drama 

During the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama, as twilight descends, torches flicker and Cyprus’ sights transform to host a spectacle that breathes life into their ancient stones. The festival features performances from over 135 theatre groups, bridging the ancient with the contemporary across venues such as the Ancient Odeon in Paphos and the Kourion Ancient Ampitheatre near Limassol. Performances are surtitled in both Greek and English to engage local and international audiences.

5. Golf events

Golf lover? You’ve come to the right place, as Cyprus’ fab fairways are becoming increasingly popular, with Aphrodite Hills front-running as one of the favourites among golf enthusiasts thanks to its beautiful backdrop and award-winning courses. PGA National Cyprus is one of them, which is why it's been chosen to host the season opener of the PGA play-offs in 2024, inviting the best players from the UK to compete in the hope of securing a top three position, granting them DP World Tour and Challenge Tour exemptions, as well as a coveted place on the PGA Cup team.

6. Tune into Cyprus’ music festivals

Calling all music lovers! Why not dabble in the booming festival scene this year? In the past, the island has seen the likes of Bryan Adams, Deep Purple and Elton John gracing its stages. Last year, electronic music festival BEONIX, drew thousands of people with headliners such as Black Coffee, Paul Kalkbrenner and others delivering electrifying performances. And this year is set to be bigger than ever with world-class DJ FATBOY SLIM headlining.

7. Savour the legacy at the Limassol Wine Festival

It’ll be tipple tasting galore at Limassol Wine Festival, where the local commandaria, a sweet local wine, flows freely! Villages such as Omodos showcase the rustic charm of these wine villages at their finest. Here, you can indulge in the art of winemaking and raise a glass to the island’s rich history.

8. Stargazing under the Perseids Meteor Shower

Pitch up under the stars and feast your eyes on the Perseids Meteor Shower, an annual celestial event occurring every August. Away from the beaches, the island’s mountains provide a perfect canvas for this dance of shooting stars, or ‘peftasteria’, as they’re known by locals. Amiandos Astropark is a dedicated venue, inviting both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers to bask in the beauty of the cosmos. 

9. Expand your mind at informational festivals

Why not branch out from the usual festival fun with an event that’s bound to broaden your horizons and expand your mind? Reflect Festival is just the ticket, tailormade for investors and decisionmakers with an interest in tech and entrepreneurship. With TEDxMolos making its debut on the island in 2024, there’s never been a better time for those with curious minds to visit Cyprus and explore ideas that shape our world. 

10. Experience religious events

If you want a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Cyprus, head here on holy week, where you can take part in the late-night lighting of candles at church, the symbolic breaking of red-painted eggs, the dramatic burning of Judas, and the Easter Sunday feast. For many, this is a period of reflection and renewal, but visitors are always welcomed by locals!