Summarise this page 12 key points · 1 minute
- The 10 at a glanceThe ten sunset spots cover Paphos, Limassol, Famagusta and Larnaca, from sea stacks and cliffs to a salt lake and a hilltop monastery.
- 1. Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite's mythical birthplace, was one of three Paphos spots in the July 2026 ranking that put Paphos top worldwide for sunsets.
- 2. Paphos Castle and harbourWatch the sunset at Paphos Castle for 2.50 euros, or for free from the open harbour front outside it.
- 3. Peyia sea caves and the Edro III shipwreckThe sun sets behind the Edro III wreck near the Peyia sea caves, a dramatic photo spot, but boarding the ship is prohibited.
- 4. Agios Georgios harbour and Coral BayAgios Georgios harbour and Coral Bay are on the Paphos tourism board's list of sunset spots, handy for anyone living nearby.
- 5. Akamas coast: Latchi, Polis and PomosThe north-west coast from the Akamas to Latchi, Polis and Pomos offers quieter sunsets, highlighted by the Paphos tourism board in 2026.
- 6. Kourion clifftopThe Kourion clifftop near Episkopi is a famous sunset viewpoint, and the theatre or wooden balcony suits anyone uneasy with heights.
- 7. Cape Greco and Lover's BridgeThe Lover's Bridge arch at Cape Greco is a popular sunset spot, reached on the easy 2 km Aphrodite trail or the 4 km Sea Caves trail.
- 8. Larnaca Salt LakeLarnaca Salt Lake mirrors the evening sky, with thousands of flamingos from November to March and a 4 km nature trail.
- 9. Larnaca pierLarnaca pier on the seafront suits both sunrise and sunset, without needing to drive.
- 10. StavrovouniStavrovouni monastery at about 750 m gives wide sunset views, but women are not allowed in and cameras are not permitted.
- Tips for a good sunsetArrive 20 to 30 minutes before sunset, avoid busy weekends, and check closing times at castles, monasteries and archaeological sites.
Quick answer
The best places to watch the sunset in Cyprus are on the west-facing Paphos coast, including Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock), Paphos Castle and harbour, and the Peyia sea caves with the Edro III shipwreck, all named in a 2026 ranking that put Paphos top for sunrises and sunsets. Other favourites are Cape Greco's Lover's Bridge, the Kourion clifftop near Limassol, Larnaca Salt Lake, Stavrovouni and the Akamas coast around Latchi, Polis and Pomos.
- In July 2026 a ranking by the photo company Cewe and photographer Bella Falk named Paphos the world's best destination for sunrises and sunsets.
- The Edro III cargo ship ran aground near the Peyia sea caves in December 2011 and was never recovered; boarding it is prohibited.
- Legend says swimming three times around Petra tou Romiou brings blessings such as eternal youth and true love.
- Thousands of flamingos winter at Larnaca Salt Lake from November to March.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before sunset for the golden hour, and go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Sunsets are one of the simple pleasures of living in Cyprus, and you do not need a boat or a rooftop bar to enjoy them. We chose ten of the island's best sunset spots, with practical details for each. Most are on the west-facing Paphos coast, but there are options near Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa too.
The 10 at a glance
| # | Spot | District | Type of view | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) | Paphos | Sea stacks | Named in the 2026 Cewe ranking |
| 2 | Paphos Castle and harbour | Paphos | Harbour and fort | Castle has an entry fee and set hours |
| 3 | Peyia sea caves and Edro III | Paphos | Cliffs and shipwreck | Boarding the wreck is prohibited |
| 4 | Agios Georgios harbour and Coral Bay | Paphos | Coast | On the Paphos tourism board's list |
| 5 | Akamas coast: Latchi, Polis, Pomos | Paphos | North-west coast | Highlighted by the Paphos tourism board in 2026 |
| 6 | Kourion clifftop | Limassol | Cliffs above the sea | Archaeological site |
| 7 | Cape Greco and Lover's Bridge | Famagusta | Natural arch | Short coastal trails |
| 8 | Larnaca Salt Lake | Larnaca | Lake reflections, flamingos | Flamingos November–March |
| 9 | Larnaca pier | Larnaca | Seafront | Sunrise and sunset |
| 10 | Stavrovouni | Larnaca | Hilltop, about 750 m | Monastery: men only |
1. Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)
What it is: A formation of huge rocks on the south-west coast of the Paphos district, known as the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite.
Why it's on the list: It was one of three Paphos spots named in the July 2026 ranking by Cewe and photographer Bella Falk that put Paphos top worldwide for sunrises and sunsets. The rocks appear to float in an orange glow as the sea reflects the last light. Visit Cyprus notes the popular myth that swimming three times around the rock brings blessings such as eternal youth, good luck and true love.
Practical details: It is part of the Aphrodite Cultural Route, and Visit Cyprus offers an audio guide.
Who it suits: First-time visitors and photographers.
2. Paphos Castle and harbour
What it is: A medieval fort at the west end of Paphos harbour in Kato Paphos. The surviving building is a 1592 Ottoman restoration of a Frankish tower.
Why it's on the list: The castle was also named in the 2026 Cewe ranking, and the Paphos tourism board has long listed the harbour and lighthouse area among its sunset spots.
Practical details: From 16 April to 15 September the castle opens daily 08:30–19:30; from 16 September to 15 April, 08:30–17:00. As of October 2026, entry costs 2.50 euros. The harbour front itself is open, so you can watch from outside the castle. See our Kato Paphos guide.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a sunset walk followed by dinner in town.
3. Peyia sea caves and the Edro III shipwreck
What it is: Sea caves on the rugged shore near Peyia that form arches and natural windows, with the stranded cargo ship Edro III close by.
Why it's on the list: The wreck was named in the 2026 Cewe ranking, and the sun sets behind its silhouette. The Edro III ran aground in rough seas in December 2011 while sailing from Limassol to Rhodes; all crew were rescued, and the ship was too difficult to recover.
Practical details: Boarding the vessel is prohibited for safety reasons. See our Pegeia area guide.
Who it suits: Photographers looking for a dramatic foreground.
4. Agios Georgios harbour and Coral Bay
What it is: Two coastal spots in the Paphos district: the small port of Agios Georgios and the bay at Coral Bay.
Why it's on the list: Both were on the Paphos regional tourism board's list of sunset spots when it began promoting Paphos sunsets as the "most majestic" in Cyprus, alongside the sea caves and Lara in the Akamas.
Who it suits: Anyone living or staying nearby who wants a sunset close to home.
Map it · Driving route
The Paphos sunset coast by car
- Paphos Castle
- Coral Bay
- Peyia sea caves
- Edro III shipwreck
- Agios Georgios harbour
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
5. Akamas coast: Latchi, Polis and Pomos
What it is: The north-west coast of Cyprus, from the Akamas Peninsula to Latchi, Polis and Pomos.
Why it's on the list: When announcing the 2026 ranking, the Paphos tourism board also highlighted the Akamas, Latchi, Polis and Pomos for sunrises and sunsets.
Practical details: Combine it with a walk; our 10 best hiking trails in Cyprus include the Smigies trail, with views over Lara Bay and Chrysochou Bay. See also our Latchi guide.
Who it suits: Those after a quieter evening.
6. Kourion clifftop
What it is: The rock at the Kourion archaeological site near Episkopi, in the Limassol area.
Why it's on the list: All About Limassol, the official Limassol guide, calls it a good place to watch "some of the most gorgeous sunsets" and says the hill has been a famous viewpoint for more than 2,500 years.
Practical details: If heights make you uneasy, the guide suggests the theatre or the wooden balcony on the site instead of the cliff edge. The theatre hosts performances and concerts in summer. More in our Kourion guide.
Who it suits: Limassol residents and anyone combining a sunset with a visit to the ancient site.
7. Cape Greco and Lover's Bridge
What it is: Cape Greco National Forest Park on the island's south-eastern tip, with the Kamara tou Koraka natural arch, known as Lover's Bridge.
Why it's on the list: The arch is a favourite sunset spot, popular with couples and photographers.
Practical details: The 2 km Aphrodite trail (grade 1, about 1 hour) from the Cape Greco visitor centre parking and the 4 km Sea Caves – Agioi Anargyroi trail both pass the arch. See our Cape Greco guide.
Who it suits: Ayia Napa and Protaras residents.
8. Larnaca Salt Lake
What it is: The second-largest salt lake in Cyprus, covering 2.2 km² south-west of Larnaca, a protected Ramsar and Natura 2000 site.
Why it's on the list: In late afternoon the still water mirrors the sky. Thousands of flamingos stay from November to March.
Practical details: A 4 km linear nature trail with benches runs through the area to the old Kamares aqueduct. Read our flamingo guide.
Who it suits: Birdwatchers and walkers.
9. Larnaca pier
What it is: The pier on the Larnaca seafront.
Why it's on the list: It is often counted among the five most iconic views in Cyprus, suited to both sunrise and sunset.
Who it suits: Anyone in town who wants a sunset without driving.
Map it · Driving route
A Larnaca sunset evening
- Kamares Aqueduct
- Larnaca Salt Lake
- Larnaca pier
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
10. Stavrovouni
What it is: A hilltop monastery at about 750 m, about 40 km from Larnaca and 9 km off the Nicosia–Limassol road.
Why it's on the list: It offers wide views of the sun setting behind the mountains and a calm atmosphere.
Practical details: Women are not allowed into the monastery, cameras and video are not permitted, and men must dress modestly. Hours are 07:00–11:00 and 14:00–17:00 from September to March, and 07:00–12:00 and 15:00–19:00 from April to August. The Agia Varvara monastery in the foothills is open to all visitors.
Who it suits: Visitors who respect the monastery's rules and want a quiet viewpoint.
Tips for a good sunset
- Arrive early. Get there 20 to 30 minutes before sunset for the golden hour.
- Avoid weekends at the busiest spots if you want space.
- Pick your season. Spring and autumn tend to give clearer skies and more vivid colours.
- Check closing times if you plan to watch from a castle, monastery or archaeological site.
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GetYourGuideFrequently asked questions
Where is the best sunset in Cyprus?
The Paphos coast is the usual answer: a 2026 ranking by Cewe named Paphos the world's best place for sunrises and sunsets, highlighting Petra tou Romiou, Paphos Castle and the Edro III shipwreck. Cape Greco, Kourion and Larnaca Salt Lake are popular elsewhere on the island.
Why are Paphos sunsets so good?
The 2026 ranking credited the west-facing coastline and dramatic scenery of Paphos.
Can you climb on the Edro III shipwreck?
No. Boarding the vessel is prohibited for safety reasons. View it from the shore near the Peyia sea caves.
Can women visit Stavrovouni Monastery at sunset?
Women are not allowed to enter Stavrovouni Monastery, and cameras and video are not permitted inside. The monastery closes at 17:00 from September to March and at 19:00 from April to August, so check those times against sunset.
When is the best time of year for sunsets in Cyprus?
Go in spring or autumn for clearer skies and more vivid colours, arrive 20 to 30 minutes before sunset and choose weekdays for fewer crowds.
Useful links
Sources (12)
- Cyprus Mail – Paphos tops list of world's best sunrise and sunset destinations (23 July 2026)
- Birthplace of Aphrodite – Petra tou Romiou – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Pafos (Paphos) Castle – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Larnaka (Larnaca) Salt Lake – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Stavrovouni Monastery – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Hiking Map – Nature Trails (2026) – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- All About Limassol (official guide) – View point from the Curium hill
- Fast Forward – 4 breathtaking spots to watch the sunset in Cyprus (4 August 2025)
- Land.cy – The EDRO III: a maritime legend on the coast of Paphos (3 August 2026)
- Land.cy – The best spots to watch the sunset in Cyprus (18 September 2023)
- Commercial.cy – 5 iconic views in Cyprus (15 January 2024)
- Cyprus Mail – Paphos sunsets promoted as 'most majestic' in Cyprus (25 May 2017)
