St Catherine Church and Limassol’s seafront promenade, with waterfront buildings along the Mediterranean coast in Cyprus.
Discover the Sun-Kissed Coastline
A cruise vacation to Cyprus brings you to a crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean, where influences from the Near East, Greece, and later empires have shaped the island over thousands of years. From prehistoric settlement to the legacies of the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, Cyprus reflects a long and layered history. The island's varied landscape adds to its appeal, from sunlit coasts and rugged peninsulas to the cooler slopes of the Troodos Mountains. Vineyards, castles, and monasteries further enrich the journey, making even a short visit feel rewarding.
Celestyal Cruises to Cyprus
Cyprus Cruise Highlights
Kolossi Castle in Limassol, Cyprus, a medieval stone tower surrounded by gardens and historic ruins.
A Contrast of Culture
It only takes a short time in Cyprus to sense how the island's modern life and long history exist side by side. Today, Cyprus is a member of the European Union, yet its culture also reflects influences from the Levant and the wider eastern Mediterranean. In some places, the atmosphere can feel closer to the coastal cities of the eastern Mediterranean than to mainland Greece. Alongside this layered identity, Cyprus continues to attract visitors with its beaches, historic quarters, and varied cultural heritage. In Limassol, the medieval castle is traditionally associated with the marriage of Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre during the Third Crusade, adding another chapter to the island's rich past.
Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock, rising from the turquoise sea along the coast of Cyprus.
The Island of Aphrodite
According to Greek myth, Cyprus is closely associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who was said to have emerged from the sea near Petra tou Romiou, a striking rock formation on the coast between Limassol and Pafos. This enduring legend has helped shape the island's identity for centuries and remains one of its most famous cultural associations.
Narrow stone-paved street in Limassol Old Town, Cyprus.
Historic Towns and Wines
The port city of Limassol pairs a contemporary skyline with a long history, where new waterfront developments stand alongside older churches and historic quarters. Stroll along the seafront promenade for wide coastal views, or continue to Pafos, whose UNESCO-listed archaeological sites offer a deeper look into Cyprus's ancient past.
Made from sun-dried grapes, Commandaria is one of the world's oldest named wines still in production. References to sweet Cypriot wine appear in ancient sources, and the name Commandaria is linked to the Knights Hospitaller, who were established on the island during the Crusader period. It remains one of Cyprus's most distinctive traditional wines today.
