Cyprus is a place where everything slows down just enough to let you catch up with yourself. The island doesn't try to impress, it simply is. The sun feels generous, the coastline open and varied, the people easygoing. Whether you’re after wild beaches, early morning swims, or long meals in tiny tavernas, it has that Mediterranean rhythm that makes it hard to leave. Muse Julia Khamara (@hmarahmarahmara) shares her favorite places and simple moments across the island.

WHAT TO SEE

One of Julia’s most-loved spots is Kourion, a beach she always comes back to. ‘It’s one of my all-time favorite beaches. It’s huge, peaceful, perfect for sunsets, with a nice restaurant right there.’ She often walks her dog along the sand, or meets friends to simply unwind. It’s the kind of place where time stretches out naturally. 

For something a little livelier, she’ll head to Columbia Beach Club at Lady’s Mile, a classic summer hangout with loungers, good food, and music just soft enough to blend with the sea breeze. 

When it’s time to explore, she recommends heading past Paphos, stunning and underrated. That stretch of coastline is raw, wild, and quieter than most. She loves renting a boat from Latchi and sailing toward the Blue Lagoon, where the water is crystal-clear and the scenery still feels untouched. Spots connected to Aphrodite’s legend are scattered along the route, adding a kind of mythic glow to the journey. 

If the sea isn’t calling, the mountains are. ‘If it’s not beach season, I suggest going hiking or taking a ride to the Troodos mountains.’ The landscape shifts dramatically, pine trees, stone villages, colder air, and it’s perfect for scenic drives or walks along trails like Cape Aspro, the Aphrodite Nature Trail, and the Adonis Trail: ‘breathtaking, ideal if you want to connect with untouched Cyprus.’ 

Each region on the island has its own rhythm. Paphos, Larnaca, and Nicosia are more relaxed, Limassol is more fast-paced and buzzing. But there’s a shared energy throughout that’s slow, sunny, and welcoming. 

What stands out most about life in Cyprus are the quiet morning rituals. ‘Locals go for a swim really early in the morning, like 5 AM, you’ll see them swimming, sipping coffee, stretching or doing aerobics.’There’s a softness in those moments, fishermen working by the shore, the slow rhythm of the sea, cats weaving between chairs. ‘People here are warm and always smiling, and the stray cats are part of the island's soul. I was told they were brought long ago to fight off snakes. I adore cats, so for me this is paradise.’ 

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT

Food for Julia, is a daily ritual, whether at home or out. She often cooks fresh local fish like seabass or tuna and makes Greek salad in her own way. One of her favorite simple dishes is halloumi grilled with honey. She loves exploring what’s in season, especially when it comes to seafood. 

Her food spots in Limassol include The Shopkeeper, (‘hipster vibes, amazing matcha, also sells local beauty/food products’), and The Cookhouse, cozy and always delicious. Other favorites include Astry, Poly, Wagm, Nomad, and for dinner: Embers, Volta Wine Bar, Leila (a Georgian spot), Matsuhisa, Cinema bar, Salone Pasta, and Shibui Sushi. If you’re after beachside dining, she mentions Columbia Sun, ‘but only the one at Lady’s Mile.’ In Paphos, Julia recommends Hickory for a more local menu, and Chris Blue, right on the beach at Kourion for lunch with a view. Campo de Fiori and Koutourou Ouzeri are her picks for a slower breakfast or a long coffee. And if you’re headed into the mountains, the tavern Kellaki is a must: ‘super authentic and cozy, perfect after hiking or a scenic drive.’ 

There’s one thing she always tells everyone visiting: ‘You have to try real tavernas, especially MEZE Taverna in Limassol, or any family-owned spots in the mountains. That’s where you’ll truly taste the heart of Cyprus, everything is homemade, warm, and soulful.’ 

WHAT TO PACK 

Julia’s approach to beach days is all about ease. She loves beach clubs with music, loungers, and good food, but sometimes escapes to wild coves for more solitude. ‘During the summer (when it’s 35–40°C), I definitely need shade or a parasol, and if you're visiting Cyprus, renting a car is a must.’ Her beach bag always includes ‘SPF, a good book, water, snacks, and just the right mood, that's my recipe.’