Things To Do
in Paralímni
Paralímni is a lively Cypriot town in the Famagusta district that serves as a quieter gateway to the bustling beach resorts of Protaras and Ayia Napa. It combines a compact, walkable old town with modern shops, family-run tavernas and regular local markets. The area is a great base for exploring Cape Greco, Fig Tree Bay and coastal walks, while offering a more authentic everyday Cypriot atmosphere than the nearby resort strip.
Visitors will find easy access to beaches and water sports by day and relaxed local cafés and bars by night.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Paralimni just as the sun rises over the Mediterranean and feel the golden light warm your skin. Check into your beachfront hotel and indulge in freshly baked halloumi pastries at a seaside café. Listen to the gentle lapping of waves as you plan your first exploration.
Drive a few minutes to Coral Bay and sink your toes into soft, pale sand framed by turquoise waters. Rent a paddleboard to glide over hidden coves and watch schools of tiny fish dart beneath you. Pause at a beach bar for a chilled frappe and local meze tapas while basking in the sunshine.
Return to town for an al fresco dinner of mixed grills and fresh salads at a tavern with live bouzouki music. Wander Paralimni’s lantern-lit streets and stop for sweet loukoumades drizzled with honey. Feel the warm Cypriot hospitality as locals greet you with friendly smiles.
Start with a stroll through Paralimni’s old quarter, where narrow lanes wind past whitewashed houses dripping with bougainvillea. Visit the Evagora Pallikaridi Museum to discover traditional costumes and folklore. Sip on a strong Greek coffee at a corner café and watch artisans shaping pottery by hand.
Explore the local market filled with stalls of seasonal fruits, aromatic herbs, and handwoven textiles. Try freshly picked figs and olives while chatting with growers about their harvest traditions. Venture into the 18th-century church of Archangel Michael to admire its stunning frescoes and wood-carved iconostasis.
Experience a farm-to-table dinner at a rustic tavern just outside the town centre, where dishes are cooked over an open fire. Sample village koupepia wrapped in vine leaves alongside fresh goat cheese. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as the stars emerge over the rolling hills.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $6-12 |
| 🏖️Beach umbrella & two sunbeds | $8-15 |
| 🚌Local bus ticket (single) | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to beautiful beaches (Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay) and Cape Greco
- More authentic, everyday Cypriot atmosphere than nearby resort strips
- Good base for outdoor activities: diving, hiking and boat trips
- Wide selection of family-run tavernas and local markets
- Quiet at night compared with Ayia Napa if you want late-night clubbing
- Public transport can be infrequent; a car is convenient for exploring
- Peak summer months are hot and can be crowded on the beaches
- Some seasonal businesses close in winter
- "Καλημέρα (Kalimera)" - Good morning
- "Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)" - Thank you
- "Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)" - Please / You're welcome
- "Συγγνώμη (Signómi)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Πόσο κοστίζει; (Póso kostízei?)" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Paralímni
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic crescent beach with clear turquoise water and a lone fig tree on the sand — great for sunrise, beach scenes and long-exposure shots of the surf.
Dramatic limestone cliffs, arches and sea caves offering dramatic coastal compositions and sunset colors.
Picturesque streets, traditional architecture and the Church of Saint George provide intimate street photography opportunities and local life scenes.
Seafront walkway with palm trees and cafes — ideal for candid shots of locals and tourists and evening light.
Wind-swept cliffs and viewpoints for wide-angle landscape shots and dramatic skies at golden hour.
Food in Paralímni
Paralímni Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled or fried goat-and-sheep milk cheese — try it at tavernas in Paralimni or as a starter at seaside restaurants in Protaras.
Must-Try!
Skewered and grilled meat served as wraps or plates; found at local grill houses and takeaway stalls throughout town.
A selection of small dishes (cold and hot) showcasing local flavors — order at family tavernas for a true Cypriot feast.
Slow-cooked lamb with herbs, traditionally baked in a sealed parcel — offered at many traditional restaurants for a hearty main.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly fresh-produce market near the town center where you can buy seasonal fruit, vegetables, olives and cheeses; also a good place to taste street snacks.
Numerous kiosks and stalls along the resort promenades offering souvlaki, seafood, ice cream and halloumi fries — convenient after a day at the beach.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly ‘kalimera’ (good morning) or ‘kalispera’ (good evening) and a handshake are typical; greet shopkeepers and hosts when entering small businesses.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites; remove hats in some places and behave quietly during services.
Avoid taking strong positions on the Cyprus political situation with strangers — it can be a sensitive subject for locals.
If invited to a home, it’s polite to bring a small gift (sweets or wine). At tavernas, sharing plates is common and casual.
Safety
Tipping in Paralímni
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, rounding up taxi fares, and small tips for helpful hotel or bar staff are customary.
Cyprus uses the euro; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, but carry cash for small kiosks, market stalls and some taxis. ATMs are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with temperatures often 30–36°C (86–97°F) in July–August; beaches are busy, water is warm and evenings are lively. Bring sun protection, stay hydrated and book accommodations early for peak season.
Warm and pleasant with cooling evenings; sea remains warm into October making it ideal for swimming and quieter sightseeing. Occasional rain showers may begin later in the season.
Mild and wetter, temperatures typically 10–18°C (50–64°F); fewer tourists and lower prices, but some seasonal businesses may close and sea swimming is cooler. Great for walking, culture and local life.
Mild weather with blossoming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures — excellent for hiking, cycling and outdoor exploration before the summer crowds arrive.
Paralímni at Night
Hiking in Paralímni
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of easy-to-moderate trails with sea cliff viewpoints, sea caves and natural arches; paths are mostly unpaved with short steep sections and excellent photo opportunities.
A popular short loop from the Cape Greco parking areas to the famous sea caves and lookout points — suitable for most walkers and ideal for sunset photography.
A pleasant coastal stroll connecting Pernera with Fig Tree Bay, passing small beaches, rocky coves and seaside cafes — flat and suitable for casual walkers.
Airports
How to reach Paralímni by plane.
About 40–50 km west of Paralimni (approximately 35–50 minutes by car). The most convenient international gateway with regular buses, car hire and taxi services linking to Paralimni and the resort areas.
Located further west (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car); an alternative if your itinerary includes the western part of Cyprus but less convenient for Paralimni.
Located in Northern Cyprus — access requires crossing the UN buffer zone or alternate entry arrangements and may involve longer transfers; check visa/entry rules before planning.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Greek Cypriot families and locals who live and work in the town and surrounding villages.
A notable community of expatriates and long-term residents from the UK, Russia and northern Europe, many of whom live year-round or seasonally in the area.
High numbers of international tourists in summer — families, couples and younger visitors who frequent the beach resorts and nightlife hubs nearby.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally with community clubs and amateur leagues; local matches and youth teams are common.
Jet-skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and scuba diving are widely available at nearby beaches and through local operators.
Coastal roads and quieter inland lanes are used for recreational cycling and road running, especially in shoulder seasons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Paralímni.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available (meze plates, halloumi, salads, grilled vegetables). Specify ‘χορτοφάγος’ (hortofágos) if needed, and ask for no meat stock in soups or dishes.
More limited but possible — order salads, grilled vegetables, legumes and traditionally prepared dolmades; communicate restrictions clearly and consider self-catering for flexibility.
Fresh grilled meats, fish and many salads are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with breads, pastries and some meze dishes; ask staff about preparation and cross-contamination.