As We Saw It

7 Day Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary

harbor in cyprus text says 7 day amazing driving tour in cyprus

The sunny island of Cyprus can take you on an adventure-filled journey adventures through coastal towns, idyllic hillside villages, and ancient ruins. Steeped in history, travelers get to discover a landscape absorbed in wonder. 

We suggest you explore Cyprus on your own by driving through the vibrant area. One week will show you the most iconic sights and best tourist attractions, and still leave time to soak up the sun in this beautiful beach destination. 

Let’s take a look at what our one-week Cyprus road trip itinerary includes, as well as the logistics of getting around. Pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate road-tripping adventure.

Mountain villages are an essential part of this Cyprus itinerary.

How to get to Cyprus

Airport. Southern Cyprus has two international airports, located in Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO). Most people fly into Larnaca Airport, which is the larger of the two.

Visas . A visa for the Republic of Cyprus is not required for people holding an EU, U.S., Canada, Australia or British passport. Cyprus permits stays of up to 90 days.

North Cyprus is a part of the Turkish Republic. As this is a different country, you will need a separate visa, which can be obtained online. Click here to learn more about the Turkish e visa. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days.

Where to stay in Cyprus

Before embarking on your road trip, you’ll need to decide where you will be staying. With such a wide array of Cyprus vacation spots around the island, you can choose anything from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious vacation homes and villas that offer stunning views of the Mediterranean.

This itinerary route has been laid out to optimize your time on the island. Depending on where you’re looking to spend more time ‒ at the beach or in a charming historic village ‒ you can find a hotel or rental that works best for you.

Book your accommodation like this:

  • 2 nights in Limassol
  • 2 nights in Paphos
  • 1 night in Girne (Kyrenia)
  • 1 night in Nicosia

You'll pass a lot of modern villas like these during your Cyprus road trip

Getting around Cyprus

The best thing about doing a road trip around Cyprus is that you can focus on things that suit your interests, stay as long as you like, and leave whenever you want. But if you want to travel like that, you’ll need to rent a car.

Driving in Cyprus is easy and quick because Cyprus is not that big. You can get from one side of the island to the other in a matter of a few hours. This means your fuel costs will be low, and you won’t spend much of your precious vacation time inside the car.

When driving in a foreign country, it’s essential to get familiar with the driving laws in the place. According to Number1Plates, some unusual laws in Cyprus include no eating or drinking while driving, and you can’t use any rude hand gestures on the road.

ⓘ TIP: Use a price comparison site to find the best price on a rental car.

If you prefer not to drive, there are other alternatives.

  • Public transportation. Buses are the only form of public transportation in Cyprus. Taking a bus in Cyprus is the most affordable option. However, it takes more time and you’ll have to plan around the bus schedule.
  • Taxis and Uber. Taxis and Uber can be pricey, especially if you want to travel a long distance. Also, they aren’t easy to hail in the outlying areas.
  • Guided tours. While it may not be the most budget friendly alternative, you can also book guided day trips in Cyprus. Here, the transportation is taken care of and you’ll get a professional guide who will tell you all about the sights along the way. As an added bonus, you can be assured they will guide you to the best places to eat, too!

ⓘ TIP:  A travel guide like this one is a good reference to carry along. No matter where you end up, the best things to do, eateries, and places to visit in Cyprus will be right at your fingertips.

One week Cyprus itinerary

With a week on this Mediterranean island, you can get to most of the best places to see in Cyprus. Most people agree that this is just the right amount of time for visiting the top attractions of the sunny destination. 

Planning a road trip around Cyprus may be intimidating if you’ve never visited the island. We’ve laid out the perfect itinerary for adventuring around the cities, visiting iconic historical sites, and venturing to charming restaurants. And of course, you’ll also be indulging in lots of delicious Turkish and Greek food!

Our 7-day road trip includes wonderful Cyprus points of interest to visit, as well as a logical way to do this. 

Day 1 – Arrive Limassol (South Cyprus)

On your first day, you’ll likely be picking up your rental car at the Cyprus airport, so all today’s sightseeing happens on the way to your hotel. That will leave you time to unpack and spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Prepare to see a magical village and get the chance to spend some time on one of the dreamiest Cyprus beaches.

Village of Lefkara

On the highway towards Limassol, take the turnoff for Lefkara. While there are many Cyprus cities to visit, you don’t often have the chance to visit quaint villages like this.

Pano Lefkara is an enchanting old village tucked among the mountains, and its maze of cobbled streets, timeworn houses and shops will take you back in time.

But the town’s heritage is deeper than its stonework. Lefkara is renowned for its traditional lace and silversmithing, still made the same way they have been for centuries. Amid the lace and silver shops, women sit outside their houses and chat while making lace, while friendly craftsmen beckon you to show off the glittering silverware they have create.

ⓘ TIP:   Lefkara lace is included on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Culture Heritage.

Choirokoitia

Choirokoitia is a UNESCO world heritage site near Cyprus’ southern coast. The Neolithic settlement offers an insight of living conditions in the region during prehistoric times.

Here you can see how they actually lived in the past. Five Neolithic buildings have been built using the same methods and materials, each containing replicas of household objects found during excavations. To top it off, the archaeologists have landscaped the area with native plants that have grown on the island since Neolithic times.

Limassol, or Lemeso, is, a quaint and colorful town that features gorgeous food stalls and plenty of spots for people watching.

Wander around the Old Town, then head to the beach for a walk along a paved path lined with colorful beach stalls. Rent a thatched beach umbrella if you’re in the mood for relaxing in the warmth, or watch the dancers on the beach.

Stay in Limassol (2 nights)

old town street in Limassol Cyprus

Day 2 – Troodos mountains & Mount Olympus

Ready to marvel at something that’s truly magnificent? This morning’s drive will take you to the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. It’s just a short, one hour journey from Limassol.

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the highest point in Cyprus. Perfect for anyone who likes to hike, climb, mountain bike or embark on a gentle stroll.

If you’re not up for the physical side of it, there are some fantastic lookout points to enjoy – not to mention the scenic drive along the way!

Caledonia Waterfalls

The Caledonia Waterfalls are located in the village of Platres and just a short drive from Mount Olympus. A 1.8-mile (3 km) walk will lead you to one of the highest waterfalls in the region. The Caledonia Waterfalls trail runs through a lush valley and crosses river streams, and is guaranteed to be a rich experience. Don’t worry about the climb. It can be done at your own pace and there are chances to take breaks along the way. 

Timios Stavros

On your way back to Limassol, stop at Pelendri to visit Timios Stavrou (Holy Cross), one of the 10 Painted Churches in the Troodos Region. It was designated a world heritage site due to its exquisite wall murals that date from the 14th century. They are a unique blend Byzantine Orthodox and Venetian Catholic styles, and can be found nowhere else.

ⓘ TIP:  In the wintertime, the region is full of numerous ski resorts that are perfect for a cold weather adventure.

rainbow at the base of Caledonia Waterfalls

Day 3 – Kourion

From Limassol, it’s a 20-minute drive to reach the ancient Kourion ruins. These ruins are the most impressive on the island and were once home to the most important city kingdoms.

At the site, you’ll have the opportunity to see the latest excavations and many significant finds. Consider partaking in a tour of the area . The tour is a total of 8 hours and includes wine tasting, a visit to Omodos village, and a personal guide for the ruins. 

If you’re not joining a tour, then start your exploration at the amphitheater that shows off the incredible architecture and mosaic floors. From here, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the valley below.

Aphrodite’s Rock

Next, it’s time to head to Paphos (Pafos), which was the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Long story short, she emerged from the seafoam around a rock that has come to be known as Aphrodite’s Rock.

The rock lies off the coast about 20 minutes before you get to Pafos, and is a popular tourist attraction. Maybe that’s because of a local myth, which says that anyone who swims around the Aphrodite Rock will be blessed with eternal beauty.

Shame it’s not true.

Stay in Paphos (2 nights)

All Cyprus road trips need to include historical sites. Here are columns and ruins in Kourion

Day 4 – Paphos

After getting your dose of the mountains and a feel for the inland, it’s time to enjoy more of the coastline. From Limassol, meander through the roads that reveal breathtaking views before getting to Paphos.

One thing is for sure, you’ll be eating and drinking well in this popular tourist destination. 

Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos

Paphos has been inhabited since neolithic times, and

The oldest relics can be found at Paphos’ Archaeological Park, which is situated close to the harbor. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and costs just €4.50 for entry.

There are a number of important things to see here, such as a collection of different mosaics, all devoted to telling the stories of the Greek gods. Another is the monumental Tombs of the Kings. The underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

If you like ruins, you can easily spend hours exploring the site.

Beach break

After a couple of days of exploring, treat yourself to an afternoon spent lounging at the beach. Paphos boasts 31 miles of coastline and 27 separate beaches. With the most popular ones being Cape Drepanon and Paphos Town beach.

panagia church in Paphos

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natural bridge at Ayia Napa beach cyprus text says 7 day amazing driving tour in cyprus

Day 5 – Scenic coastal drive + Kyrenia (Girne) 

Get your passports out, because you’ll be crossing borders today, as Kyrenia is a seaside town in Turkish Northern Cyprus . 

Driving on the northwest side of the island will take you along the coast, where you’ll get beautiful views of the ocean. The actual trip will only take two hours. 

Baths of Aphrodite

Stop to stretch your legs along the way with a stop at the Baths of Aphrodite, one of the sites on the Aphrodite Cultural Route. According to mythology, the goddess fell in love with Adonis here, when he stopped to quench his thirst while hunting.

While you’re there, take a walk along the Trails of Aphrodite. These elevated paths offer spectacular views of the coastline below.

Old Town Kyrenia

Now known as Girne, the ancient old town of Kyrenia blends the old and the new, with trendy cafes and bars popping up in ancient buildings. This is an atmospheric place, with countless wandering alleyways that invite a wander.

Kyrenia Castle

One place you must visit is Kyrenia Castle, first mentioned in 1191 B.C. and remodeled a number of times. Now a 16th-century Venetian castle, you enter the fortress via a stone bridge over a moat. There you’ll find two small museums that are worth exploring, as well as a dark and ominous dungeon and a chapel.

Part of the visit to the castle includes walking along the harbor’s promenade. The view is particularly beautiful.

Stay in Girne

ⓘ TIP:   If your trip itinerary is longer than 7 days, stop at Saint Hilarion Castle on your way back to Nicosia. The castle sits 700 meters above sea level, just off the main road that takes you to Nicosia from Kyrenia. You’ll get impressive views of the city and the Mediterranean.

Boats in Kyrenia harbor

Day 6 – Explore the capital, Nicosia

Think of a trip to Nicosia as being a very lively history lesson. This is the only divided capital in the world, with half in south Cyprus and half in north Cyprus.

Start your time in Cyprus by getting to know the unique culture, friendly people, and opulent French-Gothic and Ottoman style architecture of the buildings of the old town.

Given that this trip is going to include a lot of driving, use this time to explore the city on foot. Walk around the narrow alleyways and stop at some of the quirky coffee shops, admire the wall art, and venture into some local craft stores.

Ledra Street

While you’re exploring Nicosia on foot, be sure to include Ledra Street. Nicosia’s prime shopping street. Enjoy a few stores and a bite to eat, then head to the Shacolas Tower, which has a beautiful observation deck that overlooks the city.

Interesting fact: Ledra Street serves as one of 6 border crossings between the southern (Greek) and northern (Turkish) parts of Cyprus.

Leventis Museum

A visit to the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia is a great thing to add to your itinerary, because of the rich history of the country. A walk around the museum takes you through the history of Nicosia and Cyprus and reveals its fascinating past. 

Cyprus is renowned for its tasty, traditional food. With so many opportunities for wonderful dining, consider booking a food tour to get a deeper insight into Cypriot cuisine.

Few experiences can match indulging in an array of local dishes and treats with an experienced guide, while soaking in your tour leader’s knowledge of the Cyprus food culture.

Stay in Nicosia

Colorful umbrellas over street in Nicosia

Day 7 – Ayia Napa and fly out

The final destination in your 7 day road trip around Cyprus is Ayia Napa. Lying on the tip of Cyprus’ southeast coast, Ayia Napa has a reputation for being a particularly lovely vacation spot. The resort town is popular among European travelers, who love to visit Ayia Napa for its vibey beaches, busy tavernas, and energizing beach activities.

There are of course many Cyprus things to do that don’t involve the beach, such as visiting the town’s central square. It is full of bars and clubs and a Venetian-era landmark known as Ayia Napa Monastery. Lying partially underground, the monastery is worth visiting, as it was cut into the rock and surrounded by a high wall.

Cape Greco National Forest Park

For those looking to avoid the crowds and beach, Cape Greco national park offers scenic walks through the forest, cycling paths (with bikes available to rent), and picnic spots with ocean views. 

After ending your time in Ayia Napa, you can either fly out, stay in Ayia Napa overnight, or journey back to Nicosia to spend your last night in the vibrant city.

Umbrellas and beach chairs on Ayia Napa beach in Cyprus

Final thoughts for your trip to Cyprus

As small as the island is, it appears that there is an endless array of adventures and exploration opportunities to be had on the island. Fit for travelers of all mindsets, Cyprus is a place for history lovers, thrill-seekers, beach babies, and foodies. 

A week allows you to see all parts of the region and discover the history that makes Cyprus such a unique place to visit.

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Written by Dan

Professional photographer specializing in street, food and travel shots.

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Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary – the best of Cyprus for a week

Time for another detailed road trip itinerary! Islands are magic and we were naturally attracted to Cyprus as it’s also not so far from where we live. The map showed us it’s quite big so we decided to rent a car and explore at our own pace. One island, two countries, 8 days of road tripping, and almost 5 years later – here’s our full itinerary for a week-long road trip on Cyprus island. With all the surprises behind every corner, culinary delight, and sunny encounters!

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week

Our Cyprus road trip itinerary

Day 1: land in larnaca – pano lefkara – choirokoitia – tochni village – governor’s beach, pano lefkara, choirokoitia village, tochni village, governor’s beach, day 2: limassol – akrotiri peninsula – aphrodite’s rock – paphos, akrotiri peninsula, aphrodite’s rock, day 3: polamitissa – a hike in troodos, day 4: nicosia, day 5: nicosia – buffavento castle – kantara castle – alagadi beach and caplica beach – ozonkoy neighborhood (girne), buffavento castle, kantara castle, alagadi beach and caplica beach, driving along the coastline, day 6: girne – lapta – st. hilarion castle, the sunset for millions – lapta, st. hilarion castle, day 7: stavrovouni monastery – kato drys – pano lefkara, the road trip around cyprus.

We have to say that Cyprus is a country full of nice and smiling people.

So far we have spent 2 days here and everywhere we go we see friendly faces. We can feel the calmness from the moment we landed in Larnaca. It is not that calmness that can make you mad because everyone is just lazy. Instead, it is that calmness that gets things done quickly without any stress. We got our car from the rent-a-car place in no time. We are heading for the Eastern slope of the mountains, toward the village of Pano Lefkara.

So far, the landscape looks Mediterranean. As we are going up, it starts to get a little bit of a desert. There are long stony fields with olives, and lots of limestone rocks. Every new turn we make awards us with a new view of the valleys or a hidden village. In the distance, we can see the sea.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week, mountains

We reach Lefkara. It must be the friendliest village in Cyprus (that we have visited so far). Our GPS map is not accurate enough so we enter a shop to ask for directions. There, a nice lady literally took us up the steep streets to our stone house. We knock on the big wooden gate, but no one is answering. The people from the next house are nice enough to call the owner of the house. He starts walking really quickly from the bottom of the street as soon as he sees us. We had told him that we will arrive late but we actually got here pretty fast. His house is a wonderful example of the quality stone architecture in the area. It has an inner courtyard and a high ceiling. We get some great advice about what we can do and some homemade cookies.

It is cloudy outside and this gives us the strength to keep going. We are going up and down the stone streets of the village. The main things that people do here are connected with silver and lace. Some smiling ladies are inviting us to explore their workshops. However, we need to get some food.

We conquered the small village pretty fast. We even ran into our host a couple of times. He had that ability to be everywhere.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week, Pano Lefkara

We decided to visit one more village – Choirokoitia, in search of some recovered stone houses in the shapes of mushrooms and some bomb shelters.

This time the narrow streets tricked us. We couldn’t even find some of them. In the end, we stopped at the main church at the top of the hill and decided to keep on going on foot. This is how we got totally lost. However, the cute narrow pedestrian streets have a charm of their own. We even reached an eco-trail, but it was getting late and we decided against going on it to find out what is behind the next hill. In this village, the elderly people were gathered in the evening in the big pub next to the church. We said hello.

The cars in Cyprus go on the left side of the road. This was a reason for some comic situations even on the wide streets of the villages. However, you can get used to it in a day.

side trip to cyprus

We visited Tochni village as well. It is quite popular for accommodation in Cyprus.

The buildings are made with dark beige stones and are looking over the dried basin of the river. In the church’s yard, there was a wedding. Some people were admiring it from the restaurant next to it. We decided to leave. We weren’t invited to the wedding anyway.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week, Tochni village

Our last stop for the day was the Governor’s beach. Even though it was dark our first encounter with the sea was nice. The rocks are entering the water and there is a long promenade on a stone alley. It looks like we might visit this place during the day, too.

We were feeling confident that at 8:30 p.m. there will be lots of places in Pano Lefkara to grab some dinner. We were wrong. Everything was already closed and the streets were empty. At the last moment, we found an open restaurant with a garden. It looked like it served only friends and family. Good catch! By the way, today we were asked at least three times where we are from. And that was from people who could take no advantage of that information, whatsoever. We felt really special!

We slept for 10 hours! This newly set record helps us start the day with a smile on our faces. We decide on our itinerary on the spot. The only thing we know is that we have to reach Paphos. Which road to take and what to see on the way will be decided on the go.

Limassol (or Lemesos) will be our first stop for the day.

There we couldn’t find the right place to leave the car. So we will have to walk along the beach. Poor us. It is Sunday and people are laying lazily on the beach or on the grass under the trees. In the old part of the city center are the Medieval Castle, some churches, a mosque, and restored streets. It is a big city that looks great for living in. We met lots of other Bulgarians there. This should only prove that the place is great indeed. They would never make the mistake of going to a bad place. In Cyprus as a whole, there are a lot of Bulgarians. We will see what Northern Cyprus is like. In the Southern part of the island, it is said that in the north there are lots of Turks.

We are heading for the Akrotiri Peninsula. There we hope to see the famous salt lake.

The other interesting thing about the area is that is a military zone for the British special forces. On our way, we encountered some interesting training. We even caught a special British radio.

They have chosen a picturesque place for a military zone. We noticed this on the curvy B6 road on our way to the birthplace of Aphrodite. We reached the rock of Aphrodite, too. The story is unclear about whether she has chosen it herself for a birthplace after her birth. It was too full of tourists. There were lots of Aphrodites hopping on the stones…

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week, Aphrodite's Rock

Before sunset we reached Paphos. It was important to finish at the upper side of Paphos, so we would be able to see the down part of the city (Kato Paphos) and the sunset over the Mediterranean. Welcome to Europe’s Culture Capital for 2017. We were led to Paphos by our desire for a unique sunset. It turned out our stomachs’ desires showed us the best place to capture the sunset.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week

From the shore, we are heading back to the mountains. There is something very attractive there. The villages are hidden and ordered steeply and like in an amphitheater. The streets are bidirectional but only according to the road signs. Most of the villages look asleep, although if you look carefully you will notice that everyone is working over something…

A few villages later we reach Polamitissa where we will stay at an agrohotel. It looks like this is the only fully awake place in the village. We are happy with what we get. The food is tasty, we have a fireplace and a view of the valley. We are advised on which one of the hundreds of eco paths to take. It also passes near Olympus. We reach a parking lot, where an older man is selling fruits. From there we take the wrong path. Instead of the easy one that is 3 kilometers long, we take the hard one that is 14 kilometers long… However, the views are worth it. At some point, we reach the mist. I think it is time to go back. We buy some bananas from the man and go back to our agrohotel before it gets dark.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week, Polamitissa, a hike in Troodos

We are going to Nicosia (a.k.a. Lefkosia or Lefkosa in Turkish). Yes, this is the capital, and yes, it is between two countries. How do past and future meet in it? It is built like a circle with 11 fortress gates from Venetian time. Many peoples have lived there – from Cyprus, Venice, Britain, Greece, and Turkey. This complexity of the population can be felt even nowadays. Unfortunately, some places in the city look pretty bad and even scary. With time the city has expanded beyond the original circle. Even inside the circle, though, there are some buildings that seem abandoned. They are right next to some traditional nice houses. It is great that there are some pedestrian streets. Welcome to Nicosia!   🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week

It is funny how you might walk on the main street named  Ledra and just like that you are crossing a border. Just 5 minutes and you are in a different country. It is the last divided city in Europe . Accurate saying. The conflicts there are not from yesterday. Even the green line that should separate the Greek from the Turkish neighborhoods is not very effective. For the tourists, however, this is just an attraction that connects some beautiful churches and mosques on the one side with some other beautiful churches and mosques on the other side.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week, Nicosia

Nicosia is so strange and weird that you might be scared to walk alone on the streets late at night. However, exactly in the evenings, the streets are full of life. During the day it is way too hot to do anything. This is what the last divided capital of Europe looks like. I hope one day the many unused buildings in the buffer zone get their chance to be brought back to life. I hope the same thing happens with the people there, too, who are trying to make it work in this stressful city. The feeling in the air is some strange combination of Istanbul , Mombasa , Delhi , Sofia, and a few more cities…

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week

People from the Republic of Cyprus say Turks took the best part of the island. We wanted to check if that was true so we left the capital Nicosia in the morning. With our car, we headed to one of the 5 border control points.

We are going north, to a neighborhood of Kyrenia or Girne. We are warmly welcomed at the border. This is the legendary Turkish hospitality. Enormous flags, carved into the mountain, greet us. We have no GPS but the good old paper map comes in handy and navigates us to the cabins we are about to stay in. The hosts recommend we visit the nearby castle Buffavento.

We enter the kingdom of huge rugged mountains. As you come closer they become not so scary. In the last 6 kilometers, we are accompanied by an abyss on one of the sides. But that is nothing compared to what awaits us. The castle walls are carved into the top of the cliffs. There are very steep stone stairs to take you up the trail. We pace ourselves to break a record so in no time we are out of breath. 20 minutes later we are at the castle’s remains. If you climb to the very top you will see the sea, Girne, the shore, and even the coastline of mainland Turkey if the weather allows. On the other side, you will see Cyprus all the way to Nicosia. 360-degree view at its finest.

Buffavento Castle is the highest castle on the island and was built during the reign of the Lusignan family. There is a system of three castles – Buffavento, Kantara, and St. Hilarion Castle – it was used for patrolling the area. If you start a fire in one of the castles, the other two can see that clearly. This high-altitude communication strategy was not a priority for the Venetians, who came later. They relied on towers along the coastline and left „the Holy Trinity“ behind. Later some kings, including ones defeated in battles and ones who escaped, took care of the castles. That included Richard the Lionheart who is also popular on the island for other things. He is most famous for taking over Cyprus when his wife and daughter were kidnapped.

Let’s get back to another castle. After some kilometers towards the Akamas peninsula, we reached the second castle Kantara. You need to climb a hundred or so steps to reach it and enjoy its prolonged location along a ridge.

It’s beach time! Beaches here are so huge and so empty!

We visited Alagadi beach and Caplica beach (the latter had a sign saying „the most beautiful beach“). Beautiful and totally empty. Maybe it wasn’t high season (it’s the end of September).  The waters are warm and the sand feels like silk!

We took the secondary bumpy coast road and found a real treasure – hidden beaches, cliffs with amazing shapes, and fortress ruins.

Driving along this road was a shaky and at the same time calming experience. On one of the sides, you see the asphalt deteriorating from the salty waves. On the other, you see the distances being lit by the soft September sun… It was time to swim in the pool right next to our cabins and enjoy the sunset from the second floor. We realized why the Ozonkoy neighborhood is so attractive for all people on holiday – the combination of the grey sea on the right, the sun falling asleep over the rugged mountains on the left, and the lower neighborhoods of Girne in the distance. We were lucky to be there and we found this place accidentally. Sometimes the best places and moments find you.

We decided today we wanted to relax. On our way to the resort town of Lapta, we wanted to take a look at the castle, the old harbor, and whatever interesting we can find in Kyrenia (Girne). It was so hot that only the light breeze near the sea could save us.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week

This was also our second attempt to visit the third of the three big castles. On our first attempt, we missed the exit from the highway. Today’s attempt failed due to military training. Our third attempt would be the following day on our way back to the Greek part of the island.

So we reached our hotel in Lapta just in time for lunch and a nap. When we woke up the seas were furious, flooding the inner swimming pool and the sunset was near… Pictures were painted in front of our eyes and asked the camera to snapshot them in our photo memories.

In those romantic circumstances , it wasn’t hard to progress to our dinner while enjoying the Turkish hospitality and service.

Our table was filled with delicious dishes in no time. We practiced our sommeliers’ skills to indulge in Turkish fresh and light white wine. We had to taste the specially prepared for us shisha mix. So we were smiling and walking back to our hotel, just in time to catch a women’s volleyball game between Bulgaria and Turkey.

It was late but still very hot, so we open the door facing the sea and listened to the waves. Calmed down we fell asleep to gain strength and good karma so that maybe our third attempt for the St. Hilarion Castle would be successful.

And it was! This time the military training was still on, but they let us in. We finally saw the castle. Our first impression was: „Are we in Cyprus? Why do we see the Great Wall of China then?“. The castle is so well-preserved after centuries of battles, glory, and knights leaving their marks on it. To us, the most intriguing part was those views that revealed themselves with every step climbed. The castle is 732m above sea level and shows you tremendous views of the area.

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week

We had no problems going back to the southern part of the island of Cyprus.

While we were looking for a gas station, we noticed a sign directing us to the Stavrovouni Monastery.  We had seen pictures of it in our guide and our first host told us about it. We thought we were going near it anyway, so why not go and see it? It is definitely more impressive from afar, sitting on the top of the mountain. From up close it is a closed complex, that is forbidden for women. Men have to be properly dressed if they want to enter.

We made some photos of the landscape and Larnaca and left for Kato Drys. This is going to be the last village where we will spend the night.

The complex is beautiful. It is a great mix of ancient and modern that results in functionality and comfort. This is what happens when you let a Swiss person into a lonely village in Cyprus. In the afternoon we had some rest.

In the evening we decided to close the circle by having dinner in Pano Lefkara. This was the village where we started our journey through Cyprus. The last time we were there and the blue pastry shop closed a few seconds before we could enter. Today we managed to get there on time and it was totally worth it.

On the next morning, we made a cool fruit breakfast for ourselves. We enjoyed the garden in front of our house one last time and left for the airport.

side trip to cyprus

This blog post contains some affiliate links of services and products we like. If you book through those links, we’ll get a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep The Magic of Traveling going!

So even if you have a week in Cyprus, you can explore some of the most amazing highlights of the island. Just rent a car , fuel it up and be ready for adventures! We stayed at all those amazing places and met wonderful smiling people! We enjoyed our road trip so much that we’re ready to board a plane and hit the roads of the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus in a heartbeat!

You can support us by checking out our travel books . Thank you so much! 🙏

Our Cyprus island road trip itinerary - the best of Cyprus for a week

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Never Ending Footsteps

How to Spend 10 Days in Cyprus: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

side trip to cyprus

Cyprus is such a diverse country. With its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant culture, and rich history, Cyprus is truly a destination everyone should experience!

To give you a quick history background, because I think it’s important to understand the culture of the country, Cyprus was originally part of the Greek city-states that once dominated the Mediterranean region. In 1960 they declared their freedom from under the British empire and became an independent nation.

However, this did not last too long as the Turks invaded the country in 1974, thus dividing the island into two parts: Greek Cyprus and Turkish Cyprus. This is why you’ll find that there are many influences from both cultures throughout Cyprus.

While I don’t recommend too many places on the Turkish side, just due to the number of activities one can do, I would highly recommend visiting the capital city of Nicosia. This is a great way to experience Turkish-Cypriot culture and the numerous historical sites that make up this amazing country.

On the Greek side, there are plenty of things to do and places to go. From stunning beaches like Nissi Beach and Ayia Napa to breathtaking ancient ruins like Kourion and Choirokoitia – you’ll seriously have so much to do.

Luckily, the country is quite small, you can get from one side to the other in about four hours so with 10 days you will have plenty of time to explore all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful country.

With my 10-day itinerary, you can easily adjust and fine-tune the days to suit your needs as the area is small and accessible. Depending on where you prefer to fly in or out from will dictate which way around your route goes!

A few things you need to know. While there is a public transportation system I would highly recommend renting a car. It’s just so much easier to navigate in and out of the little towns I know you will want to see. Plus, you won’t miss out on any sightseeing opportunities!

However, renting a car in Cyprus was the most expensive car rental I’ve ever had. Granted, it was during Covid and I didn’t plan ahead at all and just showed up expecting a rental car, so for those planning ahead – you will find much better deals.

Now let me tell you about the best places to see and experience over 10 days in this magical little country!

side trip to cyprus

Day 1: Nicosia

Now, let’s start this great journey to the often overlooked capital of Nicosia!

Situated in the heart of Cyprus, Nicosia is an eclectic and captivating city that you must visit if you are eager to learn more about its culture and history. Despite not having a direct waterfront view, this city offers a wealth of insights into the rich past of this Mediterranean island nation.

Fun Fact: Nicosia is the only capital in the world that is still split between two countries. This city is like a pocket size of the entire Cyprus experience, here you can explore some of the most interesting places from both cultures and have an amazing time!

The northern side of the city is filled with old Ottoman-styled buildings and mosques, while the southern side is more modern. Because the Turkish side is considered its own country, you will need your passport to get out of the Turkish checkpoint and into the Greek side.

One of my favorite places to visit in Nicosia is Laiki Geitonia (the traditional Turkish quarter) – an area filled with narrow alleyways, unique shops, and street art that tells stories of its past.

Other attractions in Nicosia include the Venetian Walls which were built between 1567 and 1570, the Archbishop’s Palace, and plenty of museums such as the Cyprus Museum and Leventis Municipal Museum.

Be sure to take a walk around this city – you never know what interesting things you’ll find!

Nicosia is the perfect place to start your Cypriot diet with the plethora of cafes and restaurants offering a variety of culinary delights. Whether it’s traditional Greek or Turkish food, you will find plenty to enjoy!

I highly recommend heading to Pieto, it’s one of the cutest little coffee shops that offer delicious food options as well as an open and airy outdoor ambiance. And for those who are vegan, you have to try Elysian Plant-Based Kitchen Bar & Brunch Nicosia. It will blow you away.

Where to Stay in Nicosia

This boutique hotel in Nicosia is the perfect place to rest your head on the first night of your trip. With stunning views over the city, it was the perfect place to relax and explore all that Nicosia has to offer.

You’re going to love the soaking tub that is strategically placed to give you the best views out of your balcony. And every morning the complimentary breakfast will give you the perfect start to explore this amazing city.

It’s located in the heart of Nicosia, close to all the major attractions, like St. John’s Cathedral or Kyrenia Gate. It’s also within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and bars in town, so you won’t have to worry about finding something delicious to eat.

side trip to cyprus

Day 2: The Ghost Town of Famagusta

Wake up early to go grab your rental car and head out for the day to visit the ghost town of Famagusta. A lot of people have no idea this place exists or don’t make the time to go and explore it. But personally, I think this is one of the most unique places in Cyprus

Famagusta is a city in Northern Cyprus, located on the east coast of the island near the Mediterranean Sea. This city has an incredible history dating back to antiquity and is home to some beautiful architecture, including old Venetian fortifications that are still standing today.

You can find yourself walking through the abandoned ghost town of Varosha, which is filled with empty buildings and ruins that were left behind after the Turkish invasion in 1974. A lot of people don’t know this, but the city was once an incredibly popular tourist destination, but now it’s an eerie reminder of what used to be.

It’s crazy because once you see the stunning beaches you’ll understand why this was once one of the most popular tourist spots in Cyprus. Before the invasion, it was the home of many different celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, and Richard Burton.

After the Turkish invasion, it was completely abandoned and has been that way ever since it’s actually illegal to enter the town and you are only allowed to view it from afar.

It’s quite a tragic story, one of those “well if I can’t have it, no one can” kind of stories. However, it’s still an interesting experience if you manage to make the trip out there and view this ghost town for yourself.

When you’re done exploring, I recommend heading to Ayia Napa for the night and getting some rest before a few days of fun in the sun!

side trip to cyprus

Day 3: Relaxation in Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is by far my favorite place in Cyprus, and I’m sure if you ask anyone else who’s been here they will say the same. This coastal town is famous for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and variety of activities to do during the day.

Ayia Napa is the perfect place to spend a few days as it offers everything from gorgeous beaches where you can lounge and soak up some sun, to exciting nightlife with plenty of bars and clubs. During the day, there are tons of water sports activities such as jet skiing or banana boating that you can do if you’re the adventurous type.

side trip to cyprus

Ayia Napa Sea Caves

Kick off your morning by heading to one of favorite things to do in all of Cyprus. The Aiya Napa sea caves are set up along the coast and offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The imposing rock formations protrude from the sea and numerous caves and passageways are scattered among these unusual cliffs, making them even more intriguing.

Exploring the Ayia Napa sea caves is a must-do while visiting this beautiful coastal town. Not only are they ideal for snorkeling and swimming, but legend has it that ancient pirates once used them to store their stolen treasures and even as hideouts!

Fishing, diving, swimming, and cliff jumping are all popular in this area; however, if plunging from a height is something that excites you, be aware that there’s only one well-known spot that allows it safely. The jump itself is around 10 meters tall so it’s a thrilling experience.

The water is calm and warm and maybe the clearest water I’ve ever seen so bring your swimsuit and go exploring!

Nissi Beach

When the afternoon rolls around, head to Nissi Beach for some serious relaxation. Here, you’ll experience a serious amount of beauty — lush waters, soft white sand –- and the vibrant nightlife that the city has to offer. It’s a little slice of paradise where you can relax or let loose!

If you’re looking for an exciting night out in Ayia Napa, look no further than Nissi Beach! Not only does the beach have a live music and club scene that usually involves live DJs and soapy foam parties, but it’s also popular with both travelers and locals.

Where to Stay in Ayia Napa

This adults-only hotel in Ayia Napa is the perfect getaway by the sea. Offering luxurious rooms and stunning views over the sea and surrounding area, you’re seriously going to feel like you’re in heaven.

My favorite part of the hotel is the stunning infinity pool that looks over the beach – the perfect spot to relax and take in all of Ayia Napa’s natural beauty. As the sun is setting, head to the sky lounge terrace to sip on a cocktail or two and take in the breathtaking views.

The hotel is located just a few minutes walk from the center of town, so you can easily access all the buzzing nightlife that Ayia Napa has to offer. With plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs nearby, it’s great for a girl’s trip or a romantic getaway.

Hotel Napa Suites (Adults Only)

Day 4: More Ayia Napa

side trip to cyprus

If you’re a fan of the water, particularly swimming, Cape Greco National Park should be your number one destination in Ayia Napa. Its crystal clear blue waters and delightful natural rock formations are simply heavenly! All in all, it is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after places to visit throughout Europe

This picturesque spot is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seeking to take part in activities such as cycling, hiking, cliff jumping, swimming, or snorkeling within the sea caves of the rock. It’s no coincidence that it has become so popular!

There are local rumors regarding the Ayia Sea Monster, known to locals as the Friendly Sea Monster. The creature is not a threat and if you have the luck of crossing paths with it, all that awaits you is an immense sense of admiration along with a remarkable story. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I’m not sure—but I didn’t see this “friendly sea monster”

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the epitome of paradise. From its crystal-clear waters to its gentle rock formations, this picturesque spot provides some of the most remarkable snorkeling and swimming experiences around in an idyllic setting. Soothed by the sun’s warm rays, it truly feels like a glimpse into heaven on earth!

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a motorboat or open-air go-kart buggy to explore the best spots of Cyprus. You will see these everywhere and they look so fun! Or if you’d prefer a more leisurely experience, take advantage of renting bikes and wend your way along tranquil pathways towards the lagoon’s shoreline.

Day Three: Your Final Day in Aiya Napa

Kamara tou koraka.

Watching the sunset from Kamara tou Koraka in Cyprus is undoubtedly one of my most cherished experiences. This site can be easily added to an expedition heading towards Cape Greco or leaving after a day of swimming. You will be rewarded with spectacular views of the bright blue sea and horizon when you reach this natural bridge high up on a rock formation.

The iconic bridge is closed to foot traffic due to too much tourist activity over the years, yet it still makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures and unparalleled views. It’s conveniently close to other noteworthy attractions nearby so check it off your list if you’re in the area! Plus, many of those sites are within walking distance – making them easily accessible.

Kalamies Beach & St. Nicholas Church

Kalamies Beach is an idyllic destination with its inviting, crystal-clear waters and untouched shoreline. What makes this beach truly remarkable however is the St. Nicholas Church situated on a stretch of land that stretches into the sea; its white walls and bright blue dome add to Kalamies’ authentic Greek charm! You’ll immediately feel like you’re in Santorini.

After an afternoon on the beach, you have to go to Kalamies Beach Restaurant, the atmosphere is exactly how you would imagine a seafood restaurant in the med to be! Try out their delicious seafood; ranging from succulent lobster and oysters to delectable mussels – or go for the feta-stuffed calamari which is truly Mediterranean! Ugh, yum!!

Whew! That’s a lot I know, but all of these activities are close to one another and three days is the perfect amount of time in Ayia Napa to discover all that it has to offer!

Day 6: Larnaca

Today you are off to Larnaca, the ancient city of Phoinikos. While this is mostly just a stop along the way here you will find the iconic 18th-century Larnaca Fort, still standing guard over the deep blue harbor that was once home to the world’s oldest civilization.

As one of Cyprus’s most popular tourist attractions, it provides visitors with a taste of Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ restoration and the Neo-Byzantine church of St. Lazarus adds to the city’s cultural charm.

In addition to its mesmerizing monuments, Larnaca is home to a world-famous salt lake, where you can watch flamingos flying in formation from one end of the lake to the other from September to March.

Aside from its captivating natural beauty, the Larnaca Salt Lake is further graced by an iconic mosque – Hala Sultan Tekke. I’m especially drawn to this stunning compound because of how it seamlessly blends in with the tranquil atmosphere that surrounds it.

When you’re done there, take a walk to the Larnaca Marina and marvel at its yachts. This is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who want to take advantage of the incredible seafood restaurants by the marina.

Where to Stay in Larnaca

Spread out for the night in the heart of Larnaca in this luxurious boutique hotel. Boasting stunning views over the city and sea, you’re going to adore your stay here.

This chic apartment-style hotel also offers a rooftop, perfect for cooling off on a hot day or admiring the sunset in the evening. And after some rest, why not explore all that Larnaca has to offer? The LIV URBAN Suites provides all of their guests with free bikes, so you can explore the area in style.

LIV URBAN Suites

side trip to cyprus

Day 7: Lefkara and Troodos National Park

Today we are heading to Paphos but we have a few amazing stops along the way. The drive from Larnaca to Paphos takes one and a half hours if you take the coastal route, which is stunning but we are going to take the scenic route inland which is a little longer – two and a half hours.

The first stop is Lefkara. This tiny village with its traditional architecture is a must-see when visiting Cyprus. Here you can buy handmade lace and silverware that has been crafted here for centuries. Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s such a cute little village to stop and have a coffee or lunch at one of the local restaurants.

The next stop is Troodos National Park which is about an hour from Lefkara. Here you can explore the stunning mountain landscapes and take part in activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. This vast nature reserve is home to some incredible wildlife and a great place to get away from it all.

Troodos is the largest mountain range in all of Cyprus, so you can spend quite a few hours exploring. Visit the Kykkos Monastery, which is the most important monastery on the island and a major pilgrimage site. 

The Millomeris Waterfall trail is also a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and it’s perfect for a picnic lunch. If you’re feeling up to it, they have a few different winery tours available, as well as the chance to explore some of the fascinating Neolithic ruins in the area.

After spending time in Troodos National Park, head back down the mountain and continue your journey towards Paphos. As night falls, take in a stunning sunset from one of the many rooftop bars or restaurants before heading back to your accommodation to rest up for the next day.

side trip to cyprus

Day 8 to 10: Paphos

Paphos is the perfect place to wrap up your ten days in Cyprus and you won’t be short of things to do here. There is something for everyone, whether you like relaxing on the beach, exploring historical sites, or shopping and nightlife.

Paphos is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. According to legend, Aphrodite emerged from the foam off the nearby rocky coast and stepped ashore at Petra tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) near Paphos.

Paphos and Ayia Napa have one major similarity- everything is within a half-hour drive, which gives you the ability to craft your days however you’d like! I’ve organized some must-do activities below by day according to their proximity to make it easier for travelers but feel free to get creative in how you spend your day!

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

This is an important archaeological site located in the southwestern part of Cyprus. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 and is home to some of the most celebrated monuments of the island, including the Tombs of the Kings, Odeon Amphitheater, and the Agora.

The site is also home to many other important monuments, including the Asklipio of Aphrodite, Roman villas and baths, as well as ancient temples dedicated to various gods. Take your time wandering around this incredible site and admire the ruins of an era gone by.

Tombs of the Kings

Located inside the park is this UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore the tombs carved into solid rock. The tombs were created during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and their walls are covered with intricate carvings. It’s seriously insane being able to walk in and out of these tombs from so long ago.

Admire the beauty of these majestic structures and take in the incredible views from this site! Be sure to also check out some of the smaller tombs nearby, which are often overlooked. 

Petra Tou Romiou

After a morning of sightseeing, this is a fantastic place to visit and the most famous beach in Cyprus. It’s known as the birthplace of Aphrodite and has huge rocks jutting out into crystal-clear waters. You will be able to just feel the love of aphrodite as you enjoy the beautiful beach.

Take a dip in these waters or just relax on the beach and admire the stunning views. It’s a little bit south of town, so pack a lunch and some snacks to enjoy at the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike up the cliffs to get an even better view.

Paphos Harbourfront

No trip to Paphos is complete without a visit to the beautiful harbourfront. Here you can take in stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, explore some of the restaurants and shops, and pick up souvenirs to take home. I love coming here at sunset to enjoy the beautiful golden hour over the harbor.

At night, it transforms into a buzzing hotspot with plenty of bars and clubs for you to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual evening or an epic night out, there’s something for everyone here.

The EDRO III Shipwreck

Much further North in Paphos, the shipwreck is a great activity to start your day at!

The Shipwreck is a unique and fascinating sight that is a must-see during a trip to Paphos. The shipwrecked freighter is located off the coast of the city, just a few kilometers away from the harbourfront.

It was originally built in England in 1933 and launched as a cargo vessel under the name “EDRO III”. After being damaged in a storm, it sunk off the coast of Paphos and is now an amazing dive site and home to a variety of marine life.

On the way back from the shipwreck, Coral Bay is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon. It’s a stunning beach and resort located on the southwest coast of Cyprus. It’s known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and relaxed atmosphere.

The waters around Coral Bay are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, you will find plenty of colorful marine life to explore. The color of the water here is actually insane. You’re going to love it! After a day at the beach, head into town and enjoy some traditional Cypriot cuisine or sample some of the local wines. You’re gonna be in heaven! 

Blue Lagoon

I know, I’ve said this a lot—but you have to see the Blue Lagoon in the south of Cyprus.

The lagoon has some of the most stunning views in Cyprus. The water is incredibly clear and blue due to its depth, making it an incredibly picturesque spot. There are plenty of activities to try nearby such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and scuba diving.

This is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, as the lagoon is full of exotic fish and secluded coves perfect for exploring. It’s also close to some of the best restaurants in the area making it a great place to spend an afternoon.

I highly recommend this boat tour if you are heading out to Blue Lagoon! Enjoy the breathtaking coastal sceneries of Cyprus, experience a captivating narrative about the Edro III cargo ship’s transition into a tourist attraction, and be mesmerized by Aphrodite’s Bath in Botanical Garden. It’s the perfect way to see so much of what this area in Cyprus has to offer.

Avakas Gorge Nature Trail

If laying by the beach isn’t quite your thing and you prefer to do some exploring, then the Avakas Gorge Nature Trail is perfect for you.

Avakas Gorge is renowned as one of the most remarkable natural spectacles in all of Cyprus. This 8km East-West limestone canyon stands out on the island with its deep and narrow cliffs, located in an area known as Peyia Forest.

Despite being just two kilometers inland, the gorge is so intricately carved into the white limestone hills that its exact location remains a secret to those standing along the coast. Hidden away within these majestic cliffs lies an intimate valley in all its splendor.

Follow the trail through pine forests, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters and take in some breathtaking scenery.

Where to Stay in Paphos

This studio apartment is an incredible option for your stay in Paphos. Located directly across from the beach, it’s perfect for those wishing to spend most of their time in Paphos relaxing and soaking up the sun.

The studio is a little bit on the small side, but because there is so much to do in Paphos, you’re not likely to be spending too much time in your apartment. There is a kitchenette and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, plus you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore.

You can spend your morning walking the promenade and admiring the beachside views, then head to one of the many things on your itinerary and explore all of its historical wonders. In the evening, why not enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many restaurants along the coastline?

Phaedrus Living Seaview Studio Suite Lighthouse 52

side trip to cyprus

There you have it – 10 days of sightseeing, exploring, and relaxing in Cyprus! From its historical ruins to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, this is a country that you are absolutely going to fall in love with!

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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17 stops on my roadtrip around Cyprus

You are currently viewing 17 stops on my roadtrip around Cyprus

  • Post author: Andrew D'Amours
  • Post published: June 13, 2020
  • Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
  • Post comments: 0 Comments

Taking a few days to visit the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus was one of the highlights of my trip to Lebanon in 2019 (although I enjoyed Lebanon even more) and I wanted to show you the sights I explored around the island by sharing my itinerary.

This Cyprus itinerary is a good first post about my experience visiting the country during one of my 12 international trips in 2019.

I’ll just focus on what I saw on this Mediterranean island and give you a good introduction to what it’s like since it’s not the most well-known destination. So I’ll leave out the logistics of my trip and do a separate post about that if you are interested to keep this one shorter too.

Cyprus basics

You can skip to the next section if you know about t Cyprus already.

While technically in Asia, Cyprus is usually considered part of Europe due to its history. Europe/Asia borders are all pretty arbitrary anyway.

Cyprus is part of the European Union , and part of the eurozone (which means the euro is their currency). It’s the southeasternmost country in the EU.

It is a very developed country (Cyprus’ human development index is actually higher than Greece’s). It is located in the far eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, just off the coast of central Türkiye.

side trip to cyprus

The most important thing to know about Cyprus is that the island is divided in two. The name Cyprus usually refers only to the main southern portion, where Greek Cypriots live.

The northern portion is a de facto sovereign state (which means it is independently governed and has control over the territory), the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Only Türkiye recognizes the TRNC. The island has been peaceful for decades, but the political situation remains unresolved.

Most people live in Cyprus proper, where Greek is the official language. The historical bonds between Cyprus and Greece are very strong, and the Greek Cypriot territory is where most travelers go to.

While I haven’t been to Greece yet ( hopefully later this summer ), those who’ve been to both places say that it definitely feels like a Greek island: not very surprising since Cypriots are ethnically Greek and the island is somewhat of a continuation of the many Greek islands further west.

My Cyprus trip

I promised I’d give my impressions of the country, so let’s start with that.

I very much enjoyed the island, but as someone who isn’t a “vacationer” kind of traveler, it wasn’t my favorite destination either. Even though at least there’s obviously a lot more historical architecture than places like the Caribbean, it does have a very “resorty touristy” feel in many places, which is why it’s not among my preferred countries. But it was still very beautiful.

And I know many people love beaches and relaxing, so in that case, I think Cyprus is an amazing destination since you can also do a lot more too.

If you’re more of a traveler than a vacationer, one issue is that if you are solo, there are absolutely no efficient ways to get around the island without a car, which is another thing I don’t particularly enjoy in a country. I love roadtrips, but as a budget-traveler, renting a car solo is not very budget-friendly and you can’t meet locals like you could in the regular transport.

That said, my rental car only cost €15 per day total, so even if that’s enough for all of my daily (non-lodging) travel expenses in many countries, it wasn’t too bad (and it would’ve been cheaper if I had picked a manual transmission, as it always is in Europe). Thankfully there are quite a few hostels in Cyprus for affordable lodging.

Anyway, I’ll leave that for a potential logistics post, but I chose Cyprus because Lebanon has only one neighbor accessible over land, and my initial plan for an even more unique side trip to Syria was thwarted.

I know many fellow country collectors who’ve been recently and said it was much safer than you’d expect (not that I doubted it), so that was not the issue: with their current situation, the visa costs were over $500, way too much for a cheap traveler like me. I would rather spend that $500 for over 2 weeks all expenses paid in a cheap country.

So basically, I flew in to Cyprus from Beirut, and then I rented a car to explore the island.

side trip to cyprus

Here are 17 stops I made along the way.

I arrived late at night, so I picked a hostel in the city closest to the airport, Larnaca (which is the third-largest urban area in the country).

As I woke up I enjoyed the typically-Mediterranean city view. Like Airbnbs , hostels often allow you to stay in neighborhoods where the locals also live, which makes for an authentic experience.

side trip to cyprus

In case you are wondering, the rooftop water tanks are a common sight in this part of the world, both to increase water pressure and to use solar energy to heat water for free.

The city of Larnaca is known for its seafront area, so I spent the morning working from a nice exterior terrace with a great view, and checked out the city by walking around to get my first feel of life in Cyprus.

side trip to cyprus

2. Stavrovouni Monastery

I love going to the lesser-known spots, so I decided to first head for the Stavrovouni monastery at the top of some hill not too far from Larnaca.

side trip to cyprus

I know the Greek region of Meteora is known for its “hanging” monasteries (high in the mountains), and I really felt like this was as close as I could get to that without going to actual Greece.

side trip to cyprus

The view from above was amazing.

side trip to cyprus

The drive to get there was pretty fun too, with winding roads, as you can see from this view.

side trip to cyprus

I didn’t have the best horsepower for these curves and hills, but I always choose the cheapest rental car (making traveling for less a priority is how I get to travel as much).

side trip to cyprus

I was caught a bit off-guard with one of my rare travel mistakes, with Cyprus driving on the wrong side of the road (but I’ll say more about that in the logistics post).

side trip to cyprus

3. Petra tou Romiou Viewpoint

I read that the best spot for sunsets was at Petra tou Romiou so I made sure to be there on time, driving all the way across the island’s length and enjoying the landscapes along the way.

side trip to cyprus

And the sunset view didn’t disappoint. I’m not the biggest fan of beaches as I said, but I do love ocean views.

side trip to cyprus

4. Kolossi Castle

After an evening in Limassol, the country’s second-largest city, I headed to the Kolossi Castle just outside of the city, as I love architecture and history.

side trip to cyprus

But what I found even more interesting, not just because I am a country collector, but just as someone who loves geography quirks like this: the area where the castle stands is actually surrounded by the United Kingdom on three sides.

5. Akrotiri, UK

Yes, the UK. A British Overseas Territory to be more specific. There are no borders or anything, but the UK kept 2 small portions of Cyprus after the country gained its independence. The one near Limassol is called Akrotiri, while the other one is in the Eastern part of the island (see full map in #14).

side trip to cyprus

This was actually my first time being in the UK, but there wasn’t anything very British about it.

I purposely stopped for a nice view of a British beach on Cyprus, but Cyprus’ main highway goes right through the UK portion with no indication at all. So you could go through a new country without even knowing. I am not sure what will happen with this with Brexit though.

side trip to cyprus

It’s hard to dislike views with blue water like that.

6. Aphrodite’s Rock

Speaking of great oceanfront spots, as you would expect from an island, Cyprus has many of them.

This hidden beach is actually the same spot from my earlier sunset shot, and it had a cool tunnel entrance to reach it.

side trip to cyprus

And the nice rocks in the sea were pretty cool as well.

side trip to cyprus

7. White River Beach

This ocean viewpoint was also pretty nice.

side trip to cyprus

That’s as far along the West Coast I got, and it required driving down a somewhat remote unpaved road. The river’s water even flows over the road at one point (just a bit).

side trip to cyprus

Another spot for a nice sunset was in a park on the main road just north of Paphos , with the palm trees in the forefront. I didn’t explore much of that city, as apart from historic ruins, it’s more of a tourist town more than anything else.

side trip to cyprus

9. Kouris Reservoir

Heading north from Limassol , I also went inland. I first stopped at a nice reservoir. This is the view from Saint Nicholas Church, with mountains all around.

side trip to cyprus

Cyprus is a lot more varied than I expected for such a small island, and there were many more mountains in this central part of the island.

10. Millomeris Waterfall

I went on a short hike to the pretty remote Millomeris Waterfalls , which were well worth the detour for a bit of quiet nature time.

side trip to cyprus

I didn’t see anyone else for a few hours during this little excursion. And it was a very remote road, a lot to ask for my tiny car, the ones Europeans love.

side trip to cyprus

11. Mount Olympos

Cyprus is not just about beaches and coasts, with very nice mountain scenery as well. You’d think you were suddenly in a completely different place.

side trip to cyprus

Heading towards Troodos , near Mount Olympus (which is the highest point in the country), imagine my surprise seeing a lot of snow after having just been on the seaside promenade in Limassol, a mere 50 kilometers away, where the temperature was 17 °C that day.

side trip to cyprus

The roads all over the island were in great condition by the way, but in the mountains, I had to avoid these rocks that had probably fallen recently.

side trip to cyprus

12. Prodromos Reservoir

I went on another very short hike to get a glimpse of the Prodromos Reservoir, hidden among the trees.

side trip to cyprus

It looked a lot better from the drone pictures I had seen.

But it was a nice break to stretch my legs during the roadtrip and enjoy the fresh air.

side trip to cyprus

13. Kakopetria

I took this specific road to get a glimpse of the beautiful authentic white villages, like this one, Kakopetria .

side trip to cyprus

With the mountains in the backdrop, it was very beautiful and quite a change from the coastline.

side trip to cyprus

Seeing these smaller places were the pace of life is much slower is always a great part of exploring a new country.

side trip to cyprus

14. Nicosia (Greek side)

I then headed to Cyprus’s divided capital city near the center of the country.

Nicosia is especially notable for the unique situation of being the city both governments consider their capital, with a United Nations-administered buffer zone dividing Greek Cyprus and Turkish Cyprus in the middle of the walled old town and across the entire length of the city (the entire length of the country actually). Many Canadian soldiers have served in Cyprus, by the way.

side trip to cyprus

Despite being continuously-inhabited for over 4,000 years, you feel just like you are in any modern city in Europe…

side trip to cyprus

…and then suddenly at the end of the hip pedestrian streets, there is a UN checkpoint. I love unique experiences, and I had never crossed into an unrecognized country on foot before, so I headed towards the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

side trip to cyprus

Overall, it would be hard to notice the city had anything special from almost anywhere away from the buffer zone.

Weirdly, some buildings still stand in the space between both sides of the checkpoint, abandoned for decades since nothing is happening in that slice of the city stuck between both territories.

side trip to cyprus

The situation has not evolved much in the past decades, but as this graffiti inside the buffer zone shows, many hold out hope for peace and for “One Cyprus”.

side trip to cyprus

15. Nicosia (Turkish side)

The TRNC flag is basically a reverse of the Turkish flag with two red lines added, and flies next to it prominently in Nicosia (called Lefkoşa in Turkish). And the flags of Greece and Cyprus are sometimes being flown nearby in what seems like a response, a flag rivalry as a proxy for the rest.

side trip to cyprus

Türkiye  is one of my favorite countries, and once you cross over to Cyprus’s Turkish side, it really does feel very different, as you would expect… and it was almost like walking down Istanbul streets.

side trip to cyprus

The massive mosque in the center of the city, Selimiye Camii , is a former cathedral that was converted… not unlike the beautiful 1,500-years-old Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

side trip to cyprus

I walked around the Turkish part of the old town, but sadly didn’t have time to explore anything else in the TRNC.

side trip to cyprus

So I headed back to my parked car on the other side of the non-border border. By the way, the process is very seamless and I simply handed my passport as I would at any border.

side trip to cyprus

There are also some remnants of the decades-long conflict near the no-man zone.

side trip to cyprus

16. Cape Greco

Finally, I explored the southeasternmost corner of the country and went to see the famous Kamara Tou Koraka natural stone arch that would’ve been even prettier if not for the ugly towers in the background.

side trip to cyprus

The water is beautiful, and most of the country’s coastline is stunning actually. There are many many other great waterfront places you can visit.

If that’s what you prefer, you’ll have a ton of options that all looked pretty from the many pics that I had seen, but the few that I chose to see seemed to be the favorites since I wanted to visit the country’s interior and cities as well, and I wanted to keep more time for Lebanon.

17. Hala Sultan Tekke and Larnaca Salt Lake

Finally, my last stop, right next to the airport, was the pretty Larnaca Salt Lake where the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque stands… a reminder that both Greeks and Turks used to live all over the island before it was split into two parts, displacing hundreds of thousands of Cypriots.

I took in the Cypriot air for the last time before flying back to Beirut.

side trip to cyprus

Lebanon was also an incredible experience, stay tuned for a post about that part of the trip as well. Including visiting places where our government advises against all travel, which unfortunately reinforced my sentiment that the prevailing thought among experienced travelers is very correct: these advisories are sometimes too alarmist, at least for experienced travelers.

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Cyprus is an amazing country that is worth exploring, and not just if you are on a mission to explore every country in the world.

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Featured image: sunset in Cyprus (photo credit: Andrew D’Amours/Flytrippers)

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Cyprus Itinerary: 7 Day Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary

There are many countries in this world that can truly amaze you just because of how beautiful they are.

Cyprus is one of those countries.

There are palm trees, sandy beaches, mountains and incredible sea views.

This is why Cyprus is also one of those countries that just calls out for a road trip so that you can see as much of the island as possible.

7 Day Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary

So, if you have 7 days to spend in Cyprus, and want to tour Cyprus by car, then this 7 day road trip itinerary is for you.

Be sure to read my  driving in Cyprus tips too!

Day 1 – Paphos

On your first day, you’ll likely be picking up your rental car, unpacking and wanting to chill out, so I’m going to recommend that you take it easy on your first day.

Paphos is a great base for this 7 day Cyprus itinerary as it’s just 20 minutes away from the Paphos International Airport, which is where you’ll likely be flying into when in Southern Cyprus.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel and are unpacked, I’m recommending you head to the Municipal Baths in Paphos .

This is only a small beach, but it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike, is great for swimming and has showers on-site.

Feel free to spend a few hours here, unwinding and settling into your new holiday.

Once you’re feeling refreshed and ready to start exploring, you could opt to visit the Paphos Archaeological Park , which is just a 25 minute walk away, along the coast.

Paphos Archaeological Park is home to a number of different mosaics, all devoted to telling the stories of the Greek Gods.

It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and at just €4.50 for entry, this is the perfect introduction to your week in Cyprus.

Day 2 – Baths of Aphrodite and Aphrodite’s Beach

As your first day was spent at a more relaxed pace, you may now be feeling like you can take a longer drive out of Paphos to see some of the sights.

The Baths of Aphrodite are about an hour’s drive from the centre of Paphos and are well worth a visit. It’s believed that this small pool is where Aphrodite first met her lover, Adonis.

If you didn’t already know, Aphrodite plays a huge part in Cyprus history, with various myths being based here, including this meeting with Aphrodite and the birth of Aphrodite herself happening off the coast of the island as well.

The baths are also a great starting point for those of you who like a bit of hiking, as the Aphrodite, Adonis, Smiges and Pissouromouttis trails across the Akamas Peninsula start here.

Each trail offers breathtaking views across the ocean and landscapes, or, if you just want the view without the hike, you can go to the trail starting points and still see some great sights from there.

In case hiking isn’t quite your thing, or maybe you want a relaxing rest stop post-hike, nearby Aphrodite’s Beach is a great option.

Just across from the Polis side of the Baths of Aphrodite car park are some steep steps down to the beach.

You can either rent sunbeds and parasols, or head to the right to laze on your beach towel, and swim and snorkel.

The water here is very clear, and you may be lucky enough to see some wildlife during your time in the water.

Note: Entry to the baths, beach and trails are all free.

Day 3 – Coral Bay

I’m a firm believer in giving yourself a good balance of both relaxation and sightseeing while travelling, which is why I’m recommending your third day be spent relaxing again.

Just 20 minutes north of the centre of Paphos is Coral Bay , a truly stunning beach.

There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols available for hire (€2.50 per sunbed, plus €2.50 for each parasol), several bars and cafes along the beach and good toilet facilities. The water is also really warm and clean here, making it perfect for swimming.

There is also a great watersports centre here too ( Coral Bay Watersports ), which provides you with all the equipment you need for boat trips, snorkelling excursions, parasailing, jet ski rides and more.

They have a shack right in the middle of the beach — just look for the flying flags.

Day 4 – Ayia Napa Sea Caves and the Monument of Peace

Day 4 of this 7 day Cyprus road trip itinerary will be spent sightseeing again.

Why not take a drive north to Ayia Napa?

Although it takes a couple of hours to get there from Paphos, there is a very good reason why you would drive there.

And that is the Ayia Napa Sea Caves !

The water here is the most clean and clear I’ve ever seen, perfect for swimming and snorkelling .

And the views from the cliffs are incredible!

To get down to the water, you have to either jump from the cliffs (for the adrenaline junkies), or climb down the rocks (the climb is quite steep, but not impossible)! Just watch your step, and wear sensible shoes.

You’ll want to spend several hours swimming and snorkelling at the Sea Caves, but whilst you’re in Ayia Napa, I’d also recommend scouting out the Monument of Peace landmark .

The statue itself isn’t much to look at, but the views from the top of the hill are fantastic!

On your way either to or from Ayia Napa, it would also be worth visiting the beach called Petro tou Romiou .

This beach is home to Aphrodite’s Rock – where it is believed Aphrodite was ‘born’ from the sea foam and rose up onto this world-famous rock.

Legend dictates that if you want good luck in love and romance, then you should swim out and around Aphrodite’s Rock.

Access to the beach (and rock) are via the underground pedestrian walkway at the Tourist Centre.

Day 5 – Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark

It wouldn’t be a holiday to a fun and hot destination without also scouting out the local waterpark.

Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is located very close to the main centre (just 10 minutes by car) and has a number of waterslides, wave pool, bouncy water bubble and inflatable rubber rings to take down the slides.

This is a great waterpark to come to, and you can easily spend all day here (like we did).

There are sunbeds and parasols available (for no extra charge), plus lockers, changing rooms, cafes and restaurants.

If you decide to buy drinks or food in the park, they scan your wristband and do not take payment until you leave the park at the end of the day (everything is totalled up at the end).

This is great as it saves you having to carry money around with you, or head back to the lockers before eating or drinking.

Also, make sure you book your park tickets online as you’ll get a discount >>

Day 6 – Tombs of the Kings

Now that we’ve had a few days of beaches, swimming and relaxation, it’s time to head to another historical landmark.

Dating from the Hellenic and Roman eras, and found within Kato Pafos (the old part of Paphos), the Tombs of the Kings are an interesting (and eerie) place to visit.

There are eight tombs to see here, with tombs 3, 4 and 8 being the most interesting.

Expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring the whole plot, but you could easily get this down to an hour if you just wanted to see the main tombs (or if you start melting in the heat).

On a warm day, it can get very hot walking between the tombs, so always make sure you have plenty of water with you, as you won’t find anything like that on-site.

Sadly, you won’t find any hidden treasures in the tombs as they have all been plundered over the centuries.

What you will find though is a large almost desert-land, with underground tombs of varying shapes and sizes… and an eerie feeling that you are being watched as you descend the different stone steps.

Note: An adult’s entry ticket costs just €2.50 — bargain!

For the evening, I’m going to recommend you head to Faros Beach to watch the sunset.

There is a great little snack bar here (more on that later), which offers a great base for sunset-watching.

The beach itself is lovely and even has a boarded walkway, which is popular with locals, tourists and dog walkers.

Day 7 – Travel Home

Admittedly, your final day will likely be spent packing up and heading back to the airport.

When we first wrote this Cyprus itinerary, we suggested that you see one last sight before you go: Eleouthkia Botanical Park. 

Sadly, we’ve recently found out that the park as we knew it is no longer open. Apparently, it’s now a garden centre and restaurant and no longer operating as a botanical park.

That’s such a shame because it was so beautiful!

We’ve decided to keep the following information in this blog post – simply as a memory for us and to show you how the park once looked.

Here’s what we said about it…

“Eleouthkia Botanical Park is only 5 minutes away from the airport, so (depending on your flight times), you could head here for a couple of hours.

The park is free to enter and has over 55,000 different types of flowers, shrubs, trees and plants to admire and learn more about. And often, you’ll come across shaped shrubs and displays, which really do help to bring this joyous little park to life! Alongside the shaped shrubs, you’ll spot cute little bridges, quaint wooden huts and tiny pathways that take you right through the trees and under shaded canopies.

It’s a very relaxing place to visit, just perfect for getting you in the right frame of mind before heading back to airport security!”

Is this Cyprus itinerary not quite what you were after? We also offer custom travel planning services !

Bonus #1: Where to Stay in Paphos

There are a number of fantastic hotels, villas and holiday homes in and around Paphos to suit a range of budgets.

Here are my top picks:

  • St Nicolas Elegant Residence – Offering spacious self-catered apartments, with restaurants, corner shop and multiple swimming pools on-site
  • Villa Despoina – Stunning holiday home with swimming pool and very upmarket decor
  • Meltemi Villas – Pretty and traditional villa with some of the best views in the city

Bonus #2: Where to Eat and Drink

When in Cyprus, it’s customary to make the most of the Greek and Mediterranean influences that this country has, especially when it comes to food and drink.

Here are my picks of the best places to eat and drink in Paphos and Ayia Napa (to match the attractions found in this itinerary).

Delicious Cocktails & Mocktails

Serving the best mocktails has got to be Mar Bianco , which overlooks the ocean in Paphos.

F or alcoholic cocktails, Pingouino Cafe is a great option – I highly recommend their ‘Bounty’ cocktail, which really does taste like a chocolate and coconut Bounty bar!

For light bites and drinks on the go, the Lighthouse Beach Bar near Faros Beach is brilliant. Their milkshakes are particularly delicious; they’re made from scratch and use fresh ingredients!

Within the carpark at the Monument of Peace in Ayia Napa, there is a small juice bar, which is well worth a visit as well. For just €4, you’ll get the freshest (and most exotic tasting) smoothie you’ve probably ever had in Europe!

Greek & Mediterranean Food

Within Paphos, there are a number of great options for Greek and Mediterranean food such as Dias Zeus , Ficardo Restaurant , the Windmill Restaurant and Incanto .

If heading to the latter, I highly recommend you ask for their 3 course set menu, which is great value for money and very tasty!

If you decide to follow this itinerary and drive up to Ayia Napa, then I also recommend Spartiatis , which also serves Greek food.

It has a spectacular sea view in the garden area as well!

Notable Mentions

There’s also a great restaurant in the Aphrodite Waterpark in Paphos, which is well worth a visit.

It’s called Phuket , and it serves delicious Chinese and Thai cuisine for great prices and of good portion sizes.

Cyprus is such a stunning island to explore and admire, which is why I would definitely recommend spending a week here (especially if you’re embarking on a road trip like we did!)

It’s a small island as well, so even if you drive from one end to the other, you’ll only actually be driving for a few hours, so it’s definitely possible to see a lot in the time you do have.

I hope these Cyprus itinerary ideas come in handy! Do you think you’ll follow this road trip itinerary? Is there anything I’ve missed off? Feel free to jot down a few thoughts in the comments below…

Need help planning your trip to Cyprus? We also offer custom travel planning services !

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Cyprus Itinerary: 7 Day Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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Hey Justine,

this is a perfect road trip!!! Also love the fact that you did not mention Nicosia. It is a lovely city, but if you only have 7 days, I also recommend to skip. Once the border to North Cyprus is open again, there is many fantastic places to add there to your list as well.

Oh and the beach buggy in Akamas Peninsula is just epic!!!

Thanks Matt, I’m glad you liked our itinerary 😀 Awesome tips, thank you. We definitely have loads more of Cyprus to see so fingers crossed we can head back there one day!

Did you guys hire a car? How did you get around? x

Hi Ali, Yep, we hired a car for this one. If memory serves, the car hire company picked us up from the airport to take us to their base and then we were on our way with the hire car. They drive on the left in Cyprus, so it suited us just fine coming from the UK. It really helped to have the hire car although we could probably have organised some tours from Paphos to most of the main places we wanted to get to. I hope this helps, but just shout if you have any other questions 🙂 Best, Justine

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Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary – How To See Cyprus By Car In 1 Day

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How To See Cyprus By Car In 1 Day - The Best Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary

Are you planning to explore Cyprus by car? Check out this ultimate Cyrpus road trip itinerary for 1 day!

Cyprus is one of the most popular holiday destinations for European travellers, although it’s technically classed as a Middle Eastern country due to its geographical proximity to countries such as Turkey, Syria and Lebanon.

Its culture and cuisine are hugely influenced by Turkey and Greece, so you’ll find myriad Greek Orthodox churches and cathedrals as well as mosques and plenty of ancient archaeological sites located throughout the country. Cyprus is also renowned for being the mythical birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, and you’ll find plenty of homages to her around the island, too.

Thanks to its influences from both Europe and the Middle East, the cuisine in Cyprus is beyond delicious, with so many wonderful dishes inspired by so many different countries and cultures. Basically, if you’re planning a trip to Cyprus, you’re in for a real treat when it comes to the food, sights and its many beaches.

Matt and I spent one month in Cyprus in November/December 2022. We based ourselves in the southern city of Paphos in a little Airbnb apartment and while we were there, we hired a car for 1 day to explore more of southern Cyprus, so in today’s post I’ll be sharing our exact route and itinerary for exploring Cyprus by car.

If you’re planning the perfect day trip in Cyprus, I’ve got just the itinerary for you!

P.S. It’s important to note that you’ll be crossing various borders within Cyprus throughout this itinerary, although it doesn’t go over to the Turkish side of the island. You can read more about the “Cyprus problem” with regard to its borders here.

CYPRUS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Flights:  Kiwi.com  /  Skyscanner Accommodation:  Booking.com  /  Hostelworld Activities/tours:  Get Your Guide  /  Viator Travel insurance:  SafetyWing Reviews:  TripAdvisor My backpacking essentials:  Amazon

Find somewhere to stay in Paphos here!

Cyprus road trip map and itinerary – how long to drive around Cyprus?

Cyprus road trip map - Cyprus by car in 1 day

Despite looking fairly sizeable on a map, Cyprus is a pretty small island that can be mostly explored in just one day . Of course, you can’t possibly see everything Cyprus has to offer in just one day, so you will have to forgo places such as Mount Olympos, Nicosia and Limassol (unless you have more time to explore the entire island, of course), but if you follow my Cyprus road trip itinerary below, I promise that you’ll see and experience a lot of what the country has to offer!

This road trip route in Cyprus is also based on our time staying in Paphos for a month, but you could easily flip the route to begin in Ayia Napa if that’s where you’re staying instead.

The Cyprus itinerary below begins in Paphos, specifically in the Old Town and at the Tombs of the Kings site before driving along the coast to visit some of the best hotspots in Cyprus, such as Aphrodite’s Rock, the city of Larnaca, “Love Bridge”, and concludes in Ayia Napa in the east of the island.

We managed to see all of the sights on the map above (apart from the activities based in Paphos as we did them over several different days during our month in Cyprus). We collected our rental car in Paphos at 10 AM and arrived back in the city at around 7 PM. It was a very long and busy day of driving, but it’s very doable if you only have one day in Cyprus, especially in the summer months when the days are much longer.

Hiring a car in Cyprus

Hiring a car in Cyprus

The cost of a car rental in Cyprus depends on multiple factors, including how long you want to hire a car for, when you want to hire it and where you’re based in Cyprus.

As we were staying in Paphos for one month, we hired our rental car from a local Cypriot company just around the corner from our apartment in Paphos called Arenda Car Rentals which has an excellent Google review rating of 4.9*.

We paid €48 for 24 hours on a weekday in December for our car rental, plus a deposit of €500 (which was refunded immediately once we dropped the car off the next day).

We were pretty happy with how cheap it was for our hire car in Cyprus, but of course, we hired it in the middle of winter when Cyprus is super quiet, so you can expect to pay much more than that in the summer months, with some rental cars costing around €100 a day.

You will also likely benefit from a daily discount if you hire a car in Cyprus for a longer period of time. For example, if we’d hired the same car for two days instead of just one, we would have paid €60 in total for two days, instead of €48 for just one day.

If you plan to explore more of Cyprus than the below road trip itinerary suggests, it can definitely be worth renting a car for a longer period of time.

Paphos – Cyprus by car road trip itinerary

Paphos - Cyprus by car

As we spent a month in Cyprus, we naturally didn’t do all these Paphos activities in one day. However, the map above shows the exact route that we took and most of the things we did on our one-day Cyprus road trip.

If you’re planning to base yourself in Paphos while in Cyprus, you’ll have the chance to see and do more things in Paphos; check out some of my top Paphos recommendations below!

Cyprus by car – road trip itinerary summary

  • Paphos Old Town
  • Paphos Archaeological Park
  • Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos
  • Paphos Castle
  • Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
  • Kourion Archaeological Site
  • Larnaca – Church of Saint Lazarus & Finikoudes Beach
  • Kamara Tou Koraka Stone Arch (Love Bridge)
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Ayia Napa – Sculpture Park & Nissi Beach

1. Old Town of Paphos

Old Town of Paphos

There are two main parts of Paphos that you’ll likely experience while you’re there; Paphos Harbour and the Old Town. The city of Paphos as a whole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to its many ancient ruins and archaeological sites, it’s clear to see why it obtained this title in 1980.

I wasn’t particularly overwhelmed with the Old Town itself as it didn’t feel like it had too much going on. However, that’s likely because we were in Cyprus in the middle of December when the island was super quiet, so perhaps we just didn’t experience it in all its glory.

Some of the best things to see and do in Paphos Old Town include:

  • Check out the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Αγία Σοφία)
  • Eat at Souvlaki Livadias ( the best Greek food I’ve ever had anywhere in the world!)
  • Enjoy the view from Caffè Nero
  • See Paphos Town Hall
  • Stroll through Paphos Municipal Park

2. Paphos Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings

Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings

One of the top attractions in Paphos, and in the whole of Cyprus for that matter, is the Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings. It resides approximately 2km north of Paphos Harbour and you can easily walk to it or grab a local taxi if the heat is too much to bear walking in the summer months.

For an entrance fee of just €2.50, you’re transported back in time to the 3rd century BC to a fascinating necropolis site full of ancient underground tombs and ruins.

Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings

Despite the misleading name, no kings were ever actually buried at the archaeological site (it gets its name from the grandeur of the tombs themselves), but it’s still a truly intriguing place and there’s so much to discover and explore.

The tombs and ruins cover an area of more than 80 acres, so you could easily spend an entire day there and thanks to its location on the coast, you can also enjoy stunning views of the sea as you wander around.

3. Catacombs – Cyprus road trip itinerary

Catacombs

We stumbled across the various catacombs dotted around Paphos completely by accident, but these free-to-visit burial sites made for a fascinating discovery!

There are so many hidden underground caves to be explored, situated just before the roundabout near the King’s Avenue Mall and as it’s free to visit and open all day long, it’s a great attraction in Paphos to enjoy at any time.

4. Kato Paphos Bridge (walkway)

Kato Paphos Bridge

The Walkway (also known as the Kato Paphos Bridge) is another free sight in Paphos that offers lovely views and allows you to enjoy a different part of the city away from the busyness of the harbour.

5. Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos

Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos

As well as the Tombs of the Kings Archaeological Site, Paphos is also home to yet another collection of archaic ruins known as the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos.

Situated on a small promontory in the very southwestern corner of Paphos, this archaeological site is home to several important monuments and sites such as the House of Dionysos, the House of Orpheus and the Villa of Theseus.

Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos

Entrance costs €4.50 per person and as well as the many ruins and preserved sites (the ancient mosaic floors are absolutely fascinating!), you can also leave the site at one of the exit gates along the sea where a coastal path awaits you.

6. Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle

I was thoroughly underwhelmed by Paphos Castle (so much so, I clearly didn’t even take a proper picture of it!), but for just €2.50 each, you can climb to the top of the ancient monument to enjoy spectacular views out to sea.

7. Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) – Cyprus by car itinerary

Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) - Cyprus by car itinerary

If you’re beginning your Cyprus road trip in Paphos, after checking out some of the best things to do in the coastal city, it’s time to head half an hour along the coast to Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Rock.

It’s renowned for being the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty and whether you believe the mystery shrouding this coastal attraction or not, you can’t deny just how beautiful it is.

You can park for free in the car park over the road next to the Touristic Pavillion and then it’s just a short walk down some steps and through a tunnel underneath the road to the beach and the rock.

8. Kourion Archaeological Site

Kourion Archaeological Site - how to see Cyprus by car on a road trip

Another 30-minute drive along the coast takes you to the ancient Kourion Archaeological Site. When we were planning our Cyprus road trip itinerary, this was the place that I was least looking forward to visiting, but it actually turned out to be one of my favourite stops of the whole day!

As you can tell, there’s quite a theme of ancient archaeological sites in Cyprus and the remains of Kourion are perhaps one of the best-preserved in the whole country.

Kourion Archaeological Site - how to see Cyprus by car on a road trip

Many of the remains here are thought to date back to the early 3rd century BC, but looking at some of the preserved artefacts and ruins, it’s hard to believe that they’re so old; many of them are in such pristine condition!

Entrance tickets cost €4.50 each which I think is excellent value for money as the site is absolutely huge; you could easily spend an entire day there if you had the time! My favourite part of the attraction was the Ancient Amphitheater which looks remarkable considering its age (of course, it’s been restored and renovated many times over the years, but the bare bones of it still remain!).

9. Larnaca – Cyprus by car route

Larnaca - Cyprus by car route

An hour further along the coast takes you to the city of Larnaca. We didn’t spend too long there as there isn’t too much to see or do, but it’s worth driving through and checking out some of the attractions below if you have time.

10. Church of Saint Lazarus

Church of Saint Lazarus

The Church of Saint Lazarus is one of the top sights in Larnaca and the little square it’s located in is also beautiful, surrounded by bars and cafes and various souvenir shops.

11. Finikoudes Beach

Finikoudes Beach

We were quite disappointed by the beach in Larnaca, but again, this is probably because we visited in the middle of winter (the weather was still a very pleasant 20°C+ in December in Cyprus, but it’s worth noting that the island will be much quieter than the peak summer months).

If you’re planning a Cyprus road trip for the summer months, the beach will likely be much nicer, although you’ll have to prepare for everywhere to be much busier!

12. Kamara Tou Koraka Stone Arch (Love Bridge)

Kamara Tou Koraka Stone Arch (Love Bridge)

Kamara Tou Koraka Stone Arch, more affectionately known as Love Bridge, is a natural stone arch on the far eastern side of the island, just a few minutes drive from Ayia Napa.

While the bridge certainly does look impressive, and it’s hard to comprehend just how many years of erosion it’s taken for it to take the shape it has today, there’s not really much more to it than that.

If you have time while you’re in the area, however, you can explore more of Cape Greco, but we didn’t have much time left before sunset (as we were there in the winter when the sun sets before 5 PM), so we skipped more of the coast and headed to our next stop.

13. Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

A 3-minute drive or a 10-minute walk takes you to Blue Lagoon, which is a top spot to visit while you’re near Ayia Napa that’s largely sheltered by Cape Greco itself.

With remarkably crystal clear water in the most beautiful shade of blue, the sea looks somewhat tempting to jump straight into, but it was far too wavy and windy to go in the sea when we were there (I think it will likely be calmer in the summer months, but it’s worth checking local weather warnings before your trip just in case).

14. Ayia Napa – how to see Cyprus by car

Ayia Napa - how to see Cyprus by car

Ayia Napa is renowned for being one of the top party destinations for European travellers, but as our trip was in the middle of winter, we found the city to be exceptionally quiet with very few things open.

This made it somewhat more enjoyable, however, as we didn’t have to worry about fighting the crowds or driving around trying to find a parking space; it was so quiet when we were there, we barely saw another soul!

15. Sculpture Park

Sculpture Park

Aside from the stereotypical partying reputation that Ayia Napa has, it’s also home to the incredibly cool and quirky Sculpture Park that’s sat atop a hill overlooking the sea just outside of the city centre.

It’s free to enter (at the time of writing in January 2023) and it’s home to a collection of more than 260 works of art created by more than 133 artists. There are so many weird and wonderful sculptures to enjoy, as well as some truly beautiful creations and it’s definitely worth dedicating some time to strolling around the many masterpieces while you’re in the area.

16. Nissi Beach

Nissi Beach

The final stop on our Cyprus road trip before we drove the 3 hours back to Paphos was Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, just in time for the sunset.

I’d seen many pictures of Nissi Beach over the years, most recently from my little sister who visited in the summer of 2022, where the beach was packed with so many people that you could barely see the sand! On our visit, however, there was barely another person in sight, making it such a great place to watch the sunset in peace.

The sunset was also positively magical and it was such a great way to end our road trip in Cyprus!

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How To See Cyprus By Car In 1 Day - Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary

Has this post inspired you to plan your own Cyprus road trip? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16 .

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The World Was Here First

14 Essential Tips for Driving in Cyprus

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

There are some countries that just beg to be explored by road trip. Places like Iceland , Scotland & California are all synonymous with hitting the open road and I’d argue that driving in Cyprus fits firmly into this category.

While there are some public buses in Cyprus that go between the major cities, a lot of the best beaches, historical sites and charming villages are best reached by hiring a car in Cyprus.

If you’re planning on visiting this lovely Mediterranean island in the near future, here’s everything you need to know about hitting the road in Cyprus!

Table of Contents

14 Driving in Cyprus Tips

1. prepare for driving on the left.

Brits & Aussies can rejoice as this is one of the few countries in the world where they drive on the left hand side of the road.

If you haven’t driven on the left before, then one of the best driving tips is to remember the “me in the middle” rule. This simply means that as a driver, you should always be in the middle of the road.

Other things to note including making sure to give way to the right when entering a roundabout and turning into the correct lane when making a turn.

Even if you are worried you might forget to drive on the left, don’t worry! There are numerous signs on the heavily trafficked roads that are there to remind you.

Road in cyprus

2. Shop around for great deals

Many of the major car hire companies that you’ll find internationally are available in Cyprus so travellers are spoiled for choice.

While you might have loyalty to a specific brand, the best way to get a good deal is to shop around. We recommend doing this by searching on Rentalcars.com to compare major companies or searching on Localrent to compare prices for smaller companies and individuals renting their car.

They compare results from all the major car hire companies that are available in Cyprus and allow you to find a great deal for your specific travel dates.

We ended up renting from Europcar at Larnaca Airport which is typically more expensive in other countries but showed up as a great deal for our travel dates.

3. Plan Ahead If Driving to Northern Cyprus

The fact that the island of Cyprus is currently divided means there are some further complications to consider when driving in Cyprus. If hiring a car in the southern part of Cyprus, it’s best to speak to the car rental company to determine what their policy is with regards to driving to Northern Cyprus.

Many companies will allow you to drive to Northern Cyprus, however, you won’t be covered by their insurance policy. You can, however, buy third party insurance when crossing the border.

If you want to see some of Northern Cyprus but don’t want to take your rental car across the border, then it’s worth spending a couple of days in Nicosia and crossing the Green Line by foot.

Nicosia Border Crossing

4. Buy Third Party Excess Insurance

Whenever you rent a car abroad, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re fully covered for any unfortunate incidents.

Most car rental companies will provide standard insurance that still has a significant excess (or deductible). That means if you need to make a claim you could still be out of pocket a few hundred dollars.

While car hire companies will offer their own insurance to cover the excess, this is typically a much more expensive option compared to buying equivalent insurance from a third party like iCarHireInsurance. If you rent a car numerous times a year, their annual policy, in particular, is great value.

5. Check if you need an IDP

After a trip to Southern Spain where we weren’t able to hire a car because we didn’t have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), we’re always checking if the country we’re travelling to requires an IDP.

When driving in Cyprus, you’ll only need an IDP if your driving license is in a non-Latin alphabet from and from a country outside of the European Union. That means if you’re travelling to Cyprus on an EU, US, Australian or UK license you won’t need an IDP when renting a car.

6. A 4WD is worth considering

While it’s by no means necessary, particularly if you’re sticking to the highways, there are a lot of dirt and unpaved roads that go to some of the tourist attractions. This makes it worth considering a 4WD depending on the type of holiday you’re after.

This is particularly the case for a number of things to do in Paphos , such as visiting the Adonis Baths, Lara Beach & The Blue Lagoon.

If you don’t rent a 4WD it’s still possible to get to these sites in other ways, for example, you can take a ferry to the Blue Lagoon.

Adonis Baths Entrance

7. Free Parking is typically available

One of the great things about Cyprus is that we didn’t have to pay for parking at all during our time in the country.

This is at least partly because the definition of a parking spot is a bit looser compared to what you might expect elsewhere.

Whether it’s parking right on the side curb, or simply parking in an undefined spot of a parking lot, it’s generally okay so long as it’s not dangerous and not blocking any car from getting out.

The main place where we found you had to pay for parking was in the middle of large cities like Limassol or Larnaca. Nevertheless always pay attention to road signs to double-check that you don’t need to pay anything!

8. Check the Fuel Policy & Mileage Limits

When picking up your car hire in Cyprus, make sure to pay attention to the fuel policy and the mileage limits of your policy.

One of the surprising things when we picked up our car, was that they had a ‘return empty’ policy. That meant that we paid for a full tank of fuel when picking up the car but could bring it back empty.

We, therefore, had to plan a bit in advance when fuelling up our car to make sure we didn’t give the car rental company free fuel when returning our car!

9. No Self-Service Fuel Stations

Speaking of fuel policies, one thing to be aware of when fuelling up your car in Cyprus is that petrol stations aren’t self-service.

That means that when you pull into a gas station, simply tell the attendant how much fuel you want and they will fill it up for you. When they’re done, you’ll still need to go inside the kiosk to pay your bill, though.

Pulling off a highway in Cyprus

10. Freeze a Water Bottle Overnight

Hopefully this comes as no surprise to you, but Cyprus is hot. Very hot, in fact. It’s important to always remain hydrated and have plenty of water with you.

A good trick we found to ensure our water didn’t get too warm throughout the day is to freeze a water bottle overnight. By the time we finished our water in the morning, the frozen water bottle was ready for drinking!

11. Check the Speed Limits

Standard speed limits in Cyprus are 100 km/h on the main highways, between 65 to 80 km/h on other roads and sometimes lower on more rural roads, particularly in the mountainous villages.

Like anywhere else in the world, make sure to keep an eye on your driving speed as there are speed cameras around.

Omodos Village

12. Bring an AUX Cord & Cigarette Charger

If you’re travelling to Cyprus on a budget and aren’t renting the most expensive of cars, then I recommend buying an AUX cord and a cigarette car charger .

This will allow you to listen to your favourite music and charge your phone while it eats up your battery as you use it for driving directions.

We were incredibly happy we had these items with us, particularly as the USB port in our car wasn’t particularly good at charging our phones!

13. Drivers apparently have a bad reputation

Many people in Cyprus will tell you that Cypriot drivers are some of the worst that you’ll find in the world.

We didn’t really experience anything worse than normal during our time in Cyprus, though this might have been due to the fact we’d been in the country of Georgia for a few months before our trip here where we actually found the driving crazy!

All in all, as long as you drive sensibly, I don’t think there is anything you really need to worry about when it comes to local drivers.

14. Watch Your Alcohol Consumption

The legal amount of alcohol allowed in your blood when driving in Cyprus is 0.05% is in line with many European countries, but lower than you will find in England. Police checks are also known to be common in well-known party areas such as Ayia Napa.

This means that if you’re planning on having a few drinks in the evening or going for a wine tasting tour in Cyprus, make sure to have a designated driver or leave the car at home!

Sea Caves in Ayia Napa

Driving in Cyprus as a tourist is undoubtedly the best way to see the country and following these tips will hopefully ensure you have a great and affordable trip!

Are you planning on renting a car in Cyprus? Have you been recently? Let us know in the comments below!

side trip to cyprus

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About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

thanks Michael for the tips. did you rent a standard shift car? if so was it difficult to adjust to have the shift on the left side? I’m concern that my muscle memory is only for shifting by right hand.

Thank you for the information. I am flying to Cyprus today and reserved a car. I have several university classmates who are Cypriots. They studied in the US and encouraged me to hire a car.

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BUDGET WAYFARERS

Making the Most of your Cyprus 4 Day Trip – The Complete Travel Itinerary

side trip to cyprus

traveller Sounak

Cyprus four day itinerary will help travelers explore more places if they are on a short visit to the region. Cyprus is a beautiful island country in the Mediterranean Sea. In order to explore it well within a set time frame, planning and sticking to an itinerary is essential.

A four day trip to Cyprus can prove reasonably cost-effective compared to travelling to any other city in mainland Europe. Keeping this in mind, Cyprus four day itinerary will act as a handy guide for travelers.

In my current travel blog, I will share my Cyprus four day itinerary with you. I hope that it assists you immensely when you head out to the region. The 4 days I spent in Cyprus have left an everlasting impression on me.

side trip to cyprus

Cyprus provides an excellent travel-friendly atmosphere with enthralling historic remains, beautiful natural caves and luscious food. The uniqueness of Cyprus lies in the fact that over decades, it has absorbed all the cultural essence from the surrounding lands, and yet stayed individualistic. I would recommend every single person to visit this beautiful European island country.

Cyprus Four Day Itinerary: Day Wise Planner

Planning a trip to Cyprus will be easy if you have a pre-planned itinerary. A Cyprus 4 day itinerary will ensure that you are able to make the most of your days while you’re in this beautiful country.

Since I traveled to Southern Cyprus, I followed the itinerary that covers locales in that region. The aim was to explore maximum places within a minimum time frame.

Here is the Cyprus four day itinerary that I recommend for first-time travelers.

Let me now provide you with daily details of my travel experience to various locations. Go through them and see if you find them useful.

Cyprus Four Day Itinerary: Day Wise Details with Daily Budget

I am sharing my day wise Cyprus itinerary with you below. I will be mentioning the places visited daily, expenses incurred and my overall experience.

Day 1: Reaching Cyprus and Checking in

If you’re traveling to Cyprus for the first time, Larnaca can be a good base city for your tour. There is a major airport in Larnaca. Also, the choice of accommodation is huge here. Not to forget the nominal prices.

An ideal blend of work and relaxation, Larnaca itself has enough to make you aware of the Cyprus way of life.

Generally, check-in and check-outs in apartments or hostels have a certain time range. So, try to plan your arrival in such a way that you reach Larnaca in the afternoon (or close to the check-in time). This way you can make the most of your stay.

The best way for first time travelers to reach their hotel or place of stay is to take a direct local cab from the airport to your accommodation. This will cost you about 15 €.

Main Attractions in Larnaca

The attractions in Larnaca include an impressive cathedral – the Church of Saint Lazarus, a medieval fort and the fascinating Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. The city also has a flourishing Marina. Therefore, it attracts more travelers and workers.

Cyprus four day itinerary

The Church of Saint Lazarus is a beautiful place to visit for any first-time traveler in Larnaca. There is a sacred vibe here and it is very beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. A lot can be explored here within 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t miss out on it.

The beautiful seaside lifestyle will automatically induce a mix of body and mind relaxation. Also, it is well connected with other cities by public transport.

Your trip can ideally begin by getting a feel of Larnaca after you reach the city. It would be a good idea to go out to explore the local restaurants and enjoy the cool breeze of the Mediterranean sea.

A visit to the cathedral might be pleasant. You can walk down the beach to Larnaca Marina which is the port area. A number of big and small boats can be seen commuting up and down. It is worthwhile to enjoy the sunset here.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Located around 3 kms west of Larnaka, on the main Salt Lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. It is the primary pilgrimage site of Cyprus, and stands as one of the most important holy places of worship for Muslims, ranked immediately after Mecca, Medina in Saudi Arabia and Al Aksha in Jerusalem. It is open all throughout the week, so that’s something you don’t need to worry about.

Food Options in Larnaca

While in Larnaca,you should surely explore the versatility of dishes available. Food always make travel stories memorable. The Larnaca sea beach is an amazing food stop where you can get a rich variety of Mediterranean and Arab dishes.

The aroma of shawarma , the soft texture of a Lebanese bread filled with minced meat, the sight of a sea-food platter and the sweet sound of a fresh fish-fry might make you overlook your diet consciousness. 

You should also not miss the innumerable number of beer pubs and ice-cream corners for quick refreshments.

Keep in mind your preferences and indulge yourself in the wonderful multi-ethnic environment. 

Tentative Cost of Food in Larnaca

Food is a big deal in the city of Larnaca. As a traveler, you should be trying out the native cuisine. Well, I did a lot of food tours on my trip and enjoyed them thoroughly. 

I did my research on the eateries in town and am sharing the tentative cost of food in different kind of Larnaca’s eateries below.

I hope the cost-sharing above helps you decide which place you want to dig in as a traveler.

Cyprus four day itinerary

While in Larnaca, make sure to take a food tour comprising different cuisines. This is a picture of the very famous Italian Spaghetti. Food is a big deal in the city of Larnaca. If you’re interested, do try out one of the food tours. They’re so worth it.

Best Eating Places in Larnaca and their Signature Dishes

Now that I’ve shared the average cost of meals in Larnaca’s eateries, it is time for me to spell out the best restaurants in town.

It needs to be mentioned here that these eating places were preferred by me on my trip. Therefore, I am recommending them to you as well. 

Along with the eating places, I am also sharing the speciality of each.

As a backpacker, I try my best to plan my budget well in advance.

On day 1 of my Cyprus four day trip, I didn’t spend much (thankfully). The little that I spent is being shared below.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Since the people of Larnaca take their food seriously, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a restaurant or cafe to eat in. They cater to all sorts of food choices, cuisines, and budgets. What more could you ask for?

Budget Break Down for Day 1

The money spent by me on day one of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

The first evening of your trip is a good time to check whether your Cyprus four day itinerary is being implemented well or not. 

Day 2: Exploring Nicosia – The Capital City of Cyprus

From Larnaca, buses ply to different cities at regular intervals. Buses to Nicosia are available from the main bus stop at the Larnaca city which is known as the Finikoudes bus stop. The updated timings are always available on the website of ‘Cyprus by Bus.’

The average fare to Nicosia is around 4 to 6 €.

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus. It is at a distance of 56 km and takes around an hour to reach from Larnaca. The buses are generally well-timed and also very comfortable.

There is no reason to book a cab for local transport as it would be quite costly (45-50 € for the whole taxi from Larnaca to Nicosia).

Like many other unsolved political problems, modern Cyprus still comprises of two territories separated by UN Green line.

Now, Nicosia happens to be the only capital city in the world which is divided into two territories – the Northern Nicosia is the capital of Northern Cyprus (a state recognized by Turkey only and under Turkish military rule) and the southern being the capital of the Republic of Cyprus.  

Before you travel to Nicosia, it is worthwhile to read a bit about the history of Cyprus. Knowing history often connects one to the ambience of this place.  

Ledra Street: Connecting Two Territories in Cyprus

Ledra Street in Nicosia is very special owing to its connectivity to both the territories. It acts as a single line of flow between completely diverse cultures.

The street, in general, is quite a happening area. It comprises big and small merchandise shops and restaurants. While you start walking the street from the Greek side (capital of Cyprus), the scenario looks more European.

Well-paved alleys which are sometimes covered by beautiful decorative pieces of cloth, give the place an ethnic look. Excellent Greek food is available here along with other food options.

To Anamma is a good and casual restaurant to savour a meal. This place is also good for buying postcards, local souvenirs and small hampers.

Crossing Over to the Turkish Side

In general, there is no political tension in Nicosia. However, you need to go through a barricade with an armed force to cross over to the Turkish side. Remember, your passports will be checked here (and also while coming back).

As you come towards the Turkish side, you will note a severe change in the lifestyle and culture of people. It is more like an old city wrapped with a modern gaze.

The culture here looks more Arab with most restaurants serving falafel and kebabs . A small break at a local café will give you some time to absorb the cultural variation.

Buyuk Han is an important place which is a nice shopping area in an old Islamic styled building. Selimiya Camii is a nearby mosque which had been built over a Roman Cathedral Church during the Ottoman Empire.

Cyprus four day itinerary

The architecture in all of Nicosia really stands out. The contrasts are beautiful, and worth clicking hundreds of thousands of photographs of. Let me tell you, no picture will be able to do justice to the beauty of Cyprus, and Nicosia in particular.

The Turkish side of the town also has several market areas selling different items. It is a good idea not to believe in the authenticity of products as many fake items are known to be sold here.

If you are a traveler who enjoys exploring cultures, this transition will be appreciated by you.

Two real entities co-existing together separated by an apparent border and yet connected by a single alley – that is how you can probably define it. The feeling here is beyond words.

Museums in Nicosia

If you are interested in exploring museums, you can visit a few good ones in Nicosia.

Cyprus Museum is one such place. It consists of the local archaeological findings.

Then there is the Levantis Museum. It is the only museum depicting the historical and social evolution of the city. Levantis art gallery, on the other hand, is a place for art lovers. 

Do check the holidays, entry time and price of the tickets for the museums before visiting. They might change sometimes due to some unforeseen reasons.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Vintage cars parked in a street in Nicosia. This capital city has art and creativity all over its streets. While here, take a stroll along its lanes and streets. They’re full of surprises – vintage cars, authentic cafes, graffiti-covered walls, unique architecture, etc.

Travel Information on Museums in Nicosia

Here is some basic travel information that you should be aware of before heading to any of Nicosia’s Museums.

Nicosia is a place full of history. Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t boring. The history of this place is intriguing.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Paintings were made on the walls in one of Nicosia’s streets. Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus. However, the northern half of Nicosia is the self-proclaimed capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Before you visit here, do read up on the history.

Nicosia for History Buffs

If you are a history buff, do visit the Nicosia old aqueduct and the Famagusta Gate. They are both historic remains from the past.

The aqueduct was built in the Ottoman period. It was used to fetch water from the northern mountains. The Famagusta Gate was built much before by the Venetians. At that time, it was the main gateway of the city.

The ancient remains of Nicosia give the city an altogether different view. You will gradually feel that having traversed through many crests and troughs of different periods, modern Nicosia now stands tall as a blend of history, culture and modernity.

Budget Break Down for Day 2

The money spent by me on day two of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

Now moving on to Paphos – one of the most sought after travel destinations in Cyprus.

Cyprus four day itinerary

While crossing towards the Turkish side in Nicosia, make sure to try some locally prepared Kebabs. They are delicious and full of varied flavours. Furthermore, they’re fresh for they’re prepared right in front of you, and also really cheap.

Day 3: Touring Around Paphos

From Larnaca, Paphos can be reached by bus via Limassol. The bus journey is comfortable (around 1.5 hr). 

One way cost will be around 7 €. You need to check beforehand the bus timings in order to avoid delay.

Visiting Paphos is a major activity that should surely be a part of your Cyprus four day itinerary. In fact, it is a good place to spend a weekend in Cyprus.

Major Attractions in Paphos

Be prepared to travel backwards in time and discover the superb architecture and planning of the pre-historic times while you visit the Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO heritage site).

The park opening timings vary in summers and winters. The parking fee is 4.5 € for an adult. Guided tours are available by private companies but with a guide map, one can do it by self-trekking as well.

Paphos is known for historic remains from the ancient period. The most important excavations are four large Roman Villas, the mosaic floors of which are beautifully preserved.

cyprus four day itinerary

While in Paphos, invest a good amount of time at the Paphos Archaeological Park. It has now been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are guided tours available, you could also explore it yourself. It totally depends on your preference.

Exploring the Roman Side

The majority of the ruins date back to the late Roman period.

Highlights include the hospital and temple dedicated to the God of Medicine. There is also a Byzantine Castle with 40 columns and an Amphitheater. The remains are wonderfully preserved and the visuals will take you back to the ancient time.

If you are interested in mythology, you can also visit Aphrodite’s Rock. It is another beautiful location by the Mediterranean with a giant rock, forming a hillock by the sea. It is believed to be the site of the birth of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, known for love and beauty.

The site became an important place for the worship of the Goddess in the ancient world. The combination of the beauty of the place, and its essence in mythology attracts a good number of travelers here.

cyprus four day itinerary

Aphrodite’s Rock is also known as Petra Tou Romiou. As per mythology, Aphrodite – the Greek Goddess of beauty and love, rose from the waters here a thousand years ago, and chose to start her worldly life from this large rock. Mythology is incredible!

Food in Paphos

Paphos is a good place to taste delicious food.

Along the main road near the archaeological park, there are a number of restaurants serving local food and speciality cuisines.

Enjoy the atmosphere with a good relaxing meal in the cool breeze of the Mediterranean while reliving the history of the place.

Budget Breakdown for Day 3

The money spent by me on day three of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

As my trip drew to its closing end, my heart sank. But I guess all good things must come to an end. It is only then that we realize their importance.

According to legend, she rose from the water in 1,200 B.C. and chose to start her worldly life from this large rock.

Many eateries in Paphos serve delectable Calamari. If you’re a seafood lover, you should surely go for it. Calamari basically refers to dishes prepared from Mollusks especially squids and Octopuses. Trust me, it’s an absolute treat to the taste buds.

Day 4 (The final day): Boat Cruise to Cape Greco

Cyprus four day itinerary is incomplete without spending some quality time in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Therefore, a half-day trip to the south-east covering Cape Greco is highly recommended. 

It is a must to take your swimming gear if you want to enjoy swimming or snorkelling in the blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. 

In the first phase of the trip, you will see the Larnaca skyline from a distance. As you get over the local traffic of the port, you may come across a few fishing boats.

You might see scuba divers in black attire going to nearby diving spots.

As you get across a bit far, it is just blue water all around with the Cyprus city-scape diminished to a line. There might be a live-commentary for your convenience on your pre-booked tour.

You can get involved in a conversation with a fellow traveler or be by yourself on the deck chair, enjoying the Mediterranean Sun.

Enjoy the Cruise Ride

The cruises have excellent food and drink facilities. Along with the fascinating view of the surroundings, you will be able to taste wonderful barbecued items for starters along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Sometimes local drinks can also be served.

The lunch consists of multi-cuisine items designed for the comfort of people from different places. It should also have vegetarian items. However, it is generally a buffet meal.

As you head south-east of the island, the boat will come close to the shore. Gradually, you will see that there is a drastic change in the geological features.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Take a boat cruise from Larnaca to Capo Grecko and enjoy one hell of a ride. Not to forget the gorgeous sea view. These cruises treat you incredibly well and come with a variety of food and drinks. All of that with this view? Just wow.

You will come across Cape Greco which is a series of natural caves formed by erosion.

The blue water will add to the magnificence of the natural structures. There will be stops where the guests can slide down and relax in cold blue water. Enjoy this to the fullest.

After you have enjoyed the trip, you will be taken to the shore where a bus will take you back to Larnaca.

Cape Greco is actually a National Park and you can also visit it via road.

Some Points to Remember

The best budget tip to make the plan cost-effective is to spend half of the fourth day of the cruise. Before you go for the trip on the third day morning, pack your luggage, hand it over to the apartment owner and vacate the room.

The people in Larnaca are quite friendly and they will be ready to keep your luggage at their place, which you might collect before your departing flight.

You can then be flexible as to how you will spend the time. After the cruise, you can just relax by the seaside.

There are plenty of sliding couches by the sea where you can sit and watch the mild waves of the Mediterranean. Also, you will not miss the number of flights landing and taking off every quarter of an hour.

Alternatively, you can hop into some salad bar or just enjoy a cone of ice cream or fresh berry juice. Feel the laid-back attitude of the city until it is time for your flight.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Cape Greco, also known as Capo Greco or Cavo Greko is actually a national park. This place is magnificent comprising lovely trails, spectacular views from the sea cliffs, and an excellent view of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s truly a wonder!

Budget Break Down for Day 4

The money spent by me on day four of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

Now that you are familiar with my Cyprus four day itinerary, it is essential that you be aware of the travel basics to a nation like Cyprus. Knowing the basics of this region will prove immensely useful.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Once your day draws to a close and you’re done enjoying the boat cruise, sip in some fresh berry juice. You can even savour a light salad or a carb-loaded ice cream cone. I could gulp down endless glasses of this delicious and fresh berry juice.

Cyprus as a Travel Destination

Connecting with the essence of the region is important while exploring it.

If you want to travel well, learn to travel on a budget. Budget travel doesn’t imply a shoestring budget but a resourceful travel experience.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Cyprus is a beautiful destination to visit. It offers all its visitors splendour, grace and joy. While booking hotels, make sure to stay near the best sightseeing spots. Else, you will end up missing out a lot. Furthermore, this will also save you transport costs.

How to Plan a Cost Effective Cyprus Four Day Itinerary?

For making a cost-effective Cyprus four day itinerary, you must plan the trip well in advance (~3 months).

If you are travelling with a small or medium-sized family, the best way is to select budget apartments and then finalize the one that suits your requirement.

If you are a solo traveler or travelling with one friend, you can search for hostels. It’s better to avoid starred hotels as they can be quite pricey. Spend that amount on local travelling and food.

Various Accommodation Options at Larnaca 

There are many budget accommodation options in Larnaca and Cyprus. Here’s a list of these options along with the range of the price per night.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Cyprus is as much of a fun place for solo travelers, as it is for people traveling as families or friends. If you’re a solo traveler, you are bound to return to Cyprus for exploring more and more. You will find the perfect quietude here. I can’t wait to be back.

Visa and Flight Information for Travelers

Citizens of countries from the European Union do not need a visa to travel to Cyprus. They can travel to Cyprus with their National Identity Card.

Travelers from certain countries, other than the European Union also do not need a visa to visit Cyprus, for travel purposes. They need to have a passport valid up to at least three months from the date of return.

Travelers from some countries, however, will need a Visa for travelling to Cyprus. It can be obtained very easily from VFS global visa application within 20-25 days. 

Remember, if you need to apply for the Visa, the officers might ask you for the address of the accommodation and flight tickets at the interview. 

Also, it needs to be mentioned here that any traveler who is not a part of the European Union can enter Cyprus via flight from Larnaca or Paphos airport.

A traveler visiting Cyprus via sea, can enter through the ports of Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Latsis only.

Flight Information

The best way to reach Cyprus is by taking the air route to Larnaca. Major airlines have Larnaca as a transit point. So it is not difficult to find a flight to Larnaca.

Choosing an early flight can also make you save a good amount of money.

Travelling via Moscow or Istanbul are some other options.

In order to make it a budget-friendly trip, choose a flight that is reasonably cheap and also does not have too long a transit time. Also, I insist you buy travel insurance. 

It is advisable to convert your currency to Euros before entering the country. The airport often charges a lot of money as conversion rates. So better be prepared beforehand.

Cyprus four day itinerary

Traveling to Cyprus will prove to be the best decision you’ve taken in a while. Visit this lovely country and return as a refreshed individual. I loved every part of Cyprus and hope you feel the same. To be honest, I’m confident you won’t feel otherwise.

Take Backs from My Trip to Cyprus

Cyprus was never on my bucket list of travel. It seems so funny now. It happened to me by sheer coincidence. But I am so glad that it was destined. 

The beauty and versatility of the small island country surprised me for good. Also, the overall pace of the region. Everything runs at a slower pace and that gives you a buffer period to enjoy each moment to the fullest.

Travel is best when you get involved with the heart-beat of the place you go to. Feel the rhythm of the lifestyle and experience the place from the eye of a traveled, rather than a tourist.

The beauty of Cyprus, the mouth-watering food, the history of the place and the cultural variations will keep lingering in your mind. 

Although this current blog comprises a short Cyprus four day itinerary, you can plan a longer trip (I surely will) while visiting the northern region of the country. It has beautiful mountain ranges and valleys. Also, a range of interesting towns.

Do you think that you need a break from the monotony of day-to-day life to refresh yourself? Do you wish you could spend a few days away from home relaxing by the blue water of the sea and savouring delicious Mediterranean food?

If you are in that mood, plan a short 3 – 4 day trip to Cyprus and believe me, you won’t be disheartened.

Happy wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

side trip to cyprus

Plan a road trip in Cyprus

When it comes to the best places in Europe to take a road trip, Cyprus is a hard place to beat. Packed inside this relatively small country, you'll find great beaches, thousands of years of history, quaint villages, and places of outstanding natural beauty.

I visited Cyprus in 2017, and spent a couple of weeks driving around, seeing all the main places of interest and also enjoying some well earned beach time.

The idea of this guide to touring Cyprus by car, is to give you a few basic facts, and also list some places of interest you can include on your own Cyprus road trip itinerary.

cycling in Cyprus

Related: Travelling by Car: Advantages and Disadvantages

Touring Cyprus by car

First things first though. Cyprus is an island that consists of the country of Cyprus (EU member), and the Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey). This travel itinerary of things to see in Cyprus on a road trip is based on the country of Cyprus only.

And before you ask, no, Cyprus is not a part of Greece. A lot of Brits get confused with that!

What Brits might be pleased with though, is that you drive on the left in Cyprus, and a lot of signs are in English. This makes a road tour in Cyprus a lot easier for Brits who might be hesitant about driving on ‘the wrong side' of the road!

Car hire is pretty easy in Cyprus, with depots in most major cities. We hired a car in Larnaca, drove in a loop around Cyprus, and dropped the car back in Larnaca before hopping on a flight back home to Athens.

You can find car rentals in Cyprus here: Discover Cars

Must See Tourist Attractions in Cyprus

You can easily see most of the key places of interest during a 2 week road trip around Cyprus. It will also allow some beach time, because you don't want to rush around every day!

These are some of the places to see in Cyprus I'd suggest adding into your road trip itinerary. They are listed in no particular order.

We based ourselves in Larnaca for a couple of days, and used that as a base to explore the surrounding area. Larnaca is something of a seaside resort, but it's got enough of a local touch to keep things interesting.

In addition to the Skala (which is the Turkish old section of town), there is also a salt lake which we drove around. In spring, this attracts flocks of flamingos, but as we visited in August, we were out of luck on this front.

Sunset at Larnaca salt lake

Still, it was a very nice place to enjoy the sunset!

A little more about Larnaca: Cycling in Cyprus

2. Ayia Napa and Cape Greco

For many people, Ayia Napa would be the only point in going to Cyprus. We're not of that type though, and found Ayia Napa to be too built up for our tastes. Give us a bit of unspoiled coastline any day!

Cape Greco in Cyprus

Cape Greco on the other hand is much more like it. Plenty of walking trails, stunning coastal views, and in spring lots of blooming orchids and flowers.

3. Nicosia (The Divided City)

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, and also the last capital city in the world to be divided by military lines. Whilst staying too long in a city might not be on your road trip itinerary for Cyprus, it's worth a night or two so you can enjoy the cafe culture, and visit some of the museums.

Enjoying an evening meal in Nicosia

We particularly enjoyed the Cyprus Museum (the must see museum of Nicosia), but there's plenty of other to choose from. YOu can find a list here: Museums in Nicosia .

You can also visit the ‘other side' of Nicosia, depending on the local political situation at the time. When we visited, it was easily possible for people to walk backwards and forward over the border between north and south.

Note: In Greece, there is a stigma attached to visiting Northern Cyprus. In the rest of Europe, no one seems concerned about it. For Cypriots themselves (original Cypriots of both north and south), they found being able to go back and forth encouraging. Most that we talked to seemed to want a reunited Cyprus, but the problem is how to actually achieve that.

4. Troodos Villages and Mount Olympus

Traditional stone houses, cobbled alleyways, churches and monasteries are what this area is all about. If you've grown tired of the hotels and signs of modern tourism, perhaps this little step back in time is what you need.

Some of the churches in this area are part of one of the UNESCO site listings in Cyprus. Find out more about them here: Painted Churches in the Troödos Region

If you are driving through from Troodos to Paphos, you could also stop at the small village of Fyti. If not, it makes an easy half day trip from Paphos.

Weaving museum in Fyti, Cyprus

We really loved spending time in this small village, where we visited the weaving museum. The importance of keeping this type of heritage alive can not be underestimated!

If you are going to base yourself anywhere for a length of time during your drive around Cyprus, Paphos is the perfect place. Surrounded by great coastlines, spilling over with archaeological sites, and with an endless amount of places to see and things to do, it's easy to see why many people spend their entire vacation here.

Walking down into one of the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, Cyprus

Here's some of the best things to do in Paphos:

  • Tomb of the Kings
  • Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
  • Take a quad bike tour
  • Cycling in Paphos
  • Beaches in Paphos
  • Aphrodite's Rock
  • Check out a Shipwreck
  • Get a Taste of Local Delicacies
  • Hiking and Mountain Climbing
  • Enjoy Some Peace and Quiet in Fyti
  • Day trips from Paphos

7. Ancient Kourion

The archaeological site of Kourion can be visited as part of your Cyprus road trip when traveling from Paphos to Limassol (or the other way around).

Ancient Kourion in Cyprus

This is a vast complex, famous for its theatre and mosaics. Spend some time here, but make sure to wear a hat and drink plenty of water! It's also possible to take a dip at the beach nearby to cool down afterwards.

8. Limassol

Another popular tourist resort, it has all the obvious attractions such as beaches, but also a very interesting castle.

Kolossi (which is tiny, despite what the name suggests!), was a Crusader stronghold located in the village of the same name. Worth the trip out to see it!

Cyprus Itinerary

Do you have any other destinations or things to do you'd add to this Cyprus road trip itinerary? I'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below!

Cyprus Road Trip Itinerary: Must see attractions in Cyprus

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20 Useful Tips for Driving in Cyprus [2023 update]

Who would not want to drive in the beautiful island country of Cyprus? Driving along the beautiful southern coastline seems improbable and daunting. Or perhaps a scenic drive through the Paphos forest as you checklist all your destination cities in Cyprus seems a bit impossible, right?

Not at all! We are here to tell you that it is possible to have a wonderful driving experience in Cyprus. If done right, this will make your trip to Cyprus a memorable one.

attractions in cyprus reachable by car - Walk Beside Me Blog

Attractions in Cyprus Reachable by Car

Driving in Cyprus can be easy with some guidelines. Be well equipped with some facts and you will love exploring this Mediterranean island country through driving.  Let’s get started with the driving rules related to Cyprus. 

Road Driving Tips in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus can be tricky, mostly because of certain locals. But that does not mean your experience will be terrible. In order to make your driving experience in Cyprus worthwhile, let us get to know some facts straight. 

driving in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Driving in Cyprus

Left Hand Side of the Road

Cyprus was a former British colony, and like most British colonies it inherited the left-hand side driving of the British. You also overtake here from the right. 

driving tips in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Driving Tips in Cyprus

In case you are not familiar with this driving style, take your time to be comfortable with it. 

Meaning of the Single and Double Yellow Lines

In Cyprus, you will observe single and double yellow lines at certain places on the road. The single yellow line indicates that loading and unloading are allowed, but parking is not allowed at all times. 

double yellow lane in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Double Yellow Lane in Cyprus

The double lines mean that parking and even waiting are not allowed at that spot. 

Road Signs in Cyprus

The traffic signs in Cyprus are as per the EU standards and hence are easily recognizable if you are familiar with EU standard traffic signs. Most road signs in Cyprus are in Greek or Turkish, as well as in English. So, you can enjoy and relax on your drive without worrying about learning Greek or Turkish languages.  

We have also observed that the speed limits are expressed in kilometers per hour. So, in case you are used to reading speed limits in miles per hour, you might want to use a converter. For every one mile approximately 1.6 kilometers are covered. 

Road Quality and Types in Cyprus 

Cyprus has five main types of road categories. Motorways (2 lanes for each direction), main roads, secondary roads, local roads, and unclassified roads. The motorways and main roads are always in good condition.  

driving lanes in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Driving Lanes in Cyprus

An exception to this is Turkish-controlled Cyprus. Also, the secondary and local roads may not be up to the mark. 

Important Road Signs in Cyprus 

Cyprus roads have some of the most commonly found road signs. Some of the types of signs are speed limit, prohibition, priority, warning, and special regulation signs. 

road signs in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

There are some special road signs which do not conform to the EU conventions. Some of these include uneven road surface signs, end-of-priority roads, and horses only. 

Also Read: Secret Beaches in Cyprus

Seat Belt Law in Cyprus

Seat belts are mandatory for each passenger sitting in the car. Both front-seat and rear-seat passengers must put on seat belts at all times.  

In case any passenger in a driving car is found without a seat belt you can be charged a hefty penalty of 150 Euros. We would recommend you always use a seat belt, not just to avoid the fine, but for your own safety.

Parking Laws in Cyprus 

Mostly it is alright to park near a curb as long as you are not obstructing any other vehicle or pathway. You can however attract a fine of 100 Euros if you park in the opposite direction of traffic. A fine of 100 Euros can also be charged to you if you park in the single and double yellow-lined area. 

parking in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Parking in Cyprus

Make sure that you do not park in the parking for the disabled. Also, avoid parking near a bus stop or a pedestrian crossing. It is always best to understand the traffic offenses before you begin your road trip to Cyprus. 

Mind the Speed Cameras and the Maximum Speed Limit

You need not worry about remembering all the speed limits. Usually, the signposts mark the speed limit for that road. However, for your convenience remember to not speed above 100 km/h (60 mph) on motorways or highways. 

As a general rule of thumb for urban roads, do not speed above 50 km/h. In the case of non-urban roads do not exceed 80 km/h. Keep the speed limit to 30 kmph for pedestrian zones. It is mandatory to stick to the speed limits in Cyprus.

Failure to adhere to the speed limits can attract a fine. The fines here are charged as per limits of increase in speed for every kilometer. For instance, you can be charged up to 2 euros per kilometer for up to a 30% increase in speed. 

Petrol Station Availability

Most major cities in Cyprus will have modern petrol and gas stations. It is however common to find attendants at petrol stations. You might have to ask them to fill in the fuel for you. 

gas stations in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Gas Stations in Cyprus

The petrol staff is available only between 6 P.M. and 6 A.M. during weekdays and till 4 P.M. on Saturdays. In case of the absence of an attendant, you might have to opt for self-service at the fuel station. 

Alcohol Laws While Driving 

The alcohol laws while driving in Cyprus are strict. The allowed amount of alcohol in your bloodstream should be around 0.05% or less. In other words, it should be no more than 22 mg per 100 grams of breath.   

In case you need to drink, it is advisable to avoid driving. The fine that is attracted increases with the breath-alcohol ratio. 

Mobile Phone Usage While Driving

Talking on the phone while driving is considered a serious offense in Cyprus. You can however use your phone for listening to music using a hands-free system. If caught you can be fined up to 150 euros. 

using the phone while driving in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Using the Phone While Driving in Cyprus

Traffic Style in Cyprus

While driving in Cyprus you need to keep your car or vehicle to the left side of the road. With that said the movement of traffic is not well managed. There are however speed bumps to manage the speed. 

Driving Style of Cyprian People

Despite all the rules and regulations, you may find that the driving style of Cyprian people is not that great. For your own smooth driving experience, we recommend that you drive defensively and follow all the traffic rules. 

road conditions in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Road Conditions in Cyprus

How Crowded Are the Main Cities in Cyprus?

The WildyNess team experienced that major cities like Nicosia and Limassol can be congested at times. 

Also Read: 5 Days in Cyprus Itinerary

Parking Options in Main Cities

Cyprus provides paid and free spaces for parking your vehicle. Parking in the city can cost you 0.4 to 0.6 euros approximately per hour.  However, in cities like Limassol and Nicosia, it can be a little difficult to get a decent parking space during office hours on weekdays. 

Is Driving in Cyprus Safe?

Driving in Cyprus can be tricky. You may observe that sometimes Cyprian people run red lights. It is always better to not rush when you see the green signal.

Jaywalking is also observed in Cyprus. In order to be safe while driving it is always to be defensive and keep your guard up.

Driving in North Cyprus (How Different Is It From South Cyprus?)

An important aspect while driving in Cyprus is to understand the difference between North and South Cyprus. North Cyprus is occupied by Turkey. Only a few southern car rental companies will allow using their cars in North Cyprus. 

It is best to check about insurance and car rental conditions before hiring a car. Most insurance companies will not cover driving in North Cyprus. You can however get insurance at the border.

Rental Car Tips

If you’re someone who is interested in road trips and plans on having a rental car, you should consider the following things. 

car rental in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Car Rental in Cyprus

Rental Companies Preference 

Car rental companies are present in most major cities of Cyprus. It is easier to hire a car through online booking portals. The WildyNess team recommends using Discover cars .

Prepare a Proper Credit Card

You need to have a proper credit card ready for a comfortable road trip in Cyprus. Most car rentals require credit cards. You cannot use cash to rent a car in Cyprus.  

Another important reason is most fuel stations require credit cards for auto-refueling. 

In case you end up facing a traffic fine credit card comes in handy. It is always convenient to pay using credit cards.

Choose an Automatic Transmission Car 

Manual cars are commonly used in Cyprus. However, using a manual car can be quite a hassle. You must specifically mention an automatic transmission car while booking a rental car. 

renting a car in cyprus - Walk Beside Me Blog

Renting a Car in Cyprus

Prepare Your International Driving Permit 

Create your international driving license if you are not in Europe. Citizens belonging to  European countries can use their existing licenses. It is always safe to have an international driving license. 

Minimum Age to Rent a Car In Cyprus

Some rental companies require your minimum age to be 21. Most of them, however, allow 18 years to be the minimum age. 

In case you are below 25, you may have to pay additional charges. You must check with the individual car rental agency for the terms and conditions. 

Choose the Insurance of the Comparison Portal

Along with booking a car, you must also ensure you get car insurance in case of damages or accidents. If you are a US citizen, your credit card probably covers vehicle insurance. In that case, you need not get insurance. 

Driving in Cyprus can be a wonderful experience. You get the delight of driving across varied geographical areas from coastal areas to mountain roads. With the right knowledge of driving rules in Cyprus, you will make this experience truly rewarding.

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A travel-Addict that made his way to 30+ countries despite a full-time job, Achraf loves documenting his journey with words and photos.

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Family travel adventures

Cyprus road trip adventures: exploring Cyprus by car

  • smudgedpostcard
  • 29th April 2022
  • Holiday tips , Road Trips

Cyprus road trip adventures: exploring Cyprus by car

Over the Easter 2022 school holiday, we took our kids on a Cyprus road trip taking in highlights of both the south and the north of the island. We loved exploring Cyprus by car. Our 12 day Cyprus itinerary included the capital – Nicosia – along with days spent exploring the coast and mountains of Northern Cyprus plus the Troodos Mountains and the Paphos coast in the south of the island. We also hired an all terrain buggy to drive along the Akamas Peninsula.

Cyprus by road, castle walls with roads in mountains

If you’re tempted to see more than the beach on your visit to Cyprus, I urge you to consider even just a few days of exploring Cyprus by car – the Troodos Mountains in particular are a wonderful part of the island to visit.

If you want to explore a bit more of the island, it’s worth making the effort to visit both the north and the south of Cyprus – some of the most interesting places to visit are in the Turkish occupied north. If you’re unsure how to go about doing this, I’ve detailed our experience of car hire in Northern Cyprus below.

Cyprus road trip ideas, Cyprus by car

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Visiting Cyprus for a family holiday? Check out my guide on the best things to do in Cyprus with kids .

Table of Contents

South and North Cyprus: some context

The island of Cyprus has a population of around one million. About 75% are Greek Cypriots who live in the south – the Republic of Cyprus, and 20% Turkish Cypriots who live in the north – the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The south – the Republic of Cyprus – makes up around two thirds of the island.

Cyprus has a long old history – if you have a keen interest in getting to grips with the current situation in Cyprus, you’ll need to read many books and newspaper articles and visit several museums to do island’s history justice.

Turkish and Turkish Cypriot flags flying at Bellapais Abbey

But for now, here is my take on it: Cyprus has been occupied for thousands of years – the Greeks settled in around 2,000 BC and over the centuries the Persians, Egyptians, Romans, and Ottomans have all laid claim to the island.

The UK, Greece and Turkey have been involved in the more recent history of Cyprus. The island was under British colonial control during the first half of the 20th century, a situation which caused unrest for many years. The desire for independence from the UK increased after the Second World War – with the majority of Greek Cypriots preferring unity with Greece, and Turkish Cypriots desiring partition.

Independence was gained in 1960 but the conflicting aspirations – Greek unity versus partition – continued. The divisions across the island came to a head in 1974 when the Greek army staged a coup d’etat, prompting the Turkish army to invade. The north of Cyprus was subsequently partitioned by the Turks, displacing some 200,000 Greek Cypriots in the process.

Today, the Republic of Cyprus is part of the EU while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey – not by the rest of the world. Talks on unity are ongoing.

If you plan to visit Northern Cyprus, please check UK Foreign Office advice (or your government’s advice if you’re reading this outside the UK) and ensure your travel insurance covers you.

Kyrenia Harbour

How to get to North Cyprus

It is not possible to fly directly from the UK to Northern Cyprus – you need to go via Turkey. However, it is pretty straight forward to reach the north of the island from the south. The easiest option is to fly into Larnaca and take a taxi to the border – you can book a hire car in advance which can be collected once you’ve crossed the border.

Northern Cyprus is a lot cheaper than the south so it’s a good destination for a low-budget holiday.

Our Cyprus road trip itinerary

We spent the majority of our holiday in the Republic of Cyprus but I was so intrigued by the island’s split and by the historical sites of the north that I convinced the rest of the family to spend a few days in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

This is how we divided our time in Cyprus:

  • 2 nights in Nicosia at the Centrum Hotel
  • 3 nights near Kyrenia at the Almond Village
  • 3 nights in the Troodos Mountains at Casale Panayiotis
  • 4 nights in Paphos at the Almyra Hotel

Although this did involve quite a bit of packing and unpacking it did allow us to properly explore the island rather than doing day trips to the various regions.

Tips on exploring Cyprus by car: flights

It’s a good idea to check flight availability before you spend too much time researching your Cyprus itinerary. You might find your plans are dictated to a certain extent by the flight schedules and flight prices. Many UK flights arrive into Cyprus late in the evening so it’s worth bearing this in mind if you’re travelling with small children or you’re considering staying some distance from the arrival airport.

We decided to have the beach part of our holiday in the Paphos area as opposed to one of the eastern resorts because there were decent timed flights home from Paphos at the right price on the day we needed. There are two airports in the Republic of Cyprus – Larnaca in the east which serves resorts sunch as Ayia Napa and Protaras, and Paphos in the west which covers Paphos beach areas such as Coral Bay and Latchi.

Limassol is midway between the two airports. If you’re keen to visit the Troodos Mountains, Paphos is marginally closer but both airports are under 90 minutes away.

Cyprus by car: what to expect

Exploring Cyprus by car is relatively easy – particularly for us Brits as driving is on the left. The only hurdle for exploring Cyprus by car is crossing the border – I’ll explain more about that below. We did find that the driving styles in the north and south were quite different – the Northern Cypriots drive in a rather more assertive manner which took a little while for us to adjust to.

Our children are currently obsessed with cars so they were fascinated by the expensive cars on the road in North Cyprus. We were rather intrigued too – food and accommodation was very cheap in North Cyprus compared to the south so where was all this money for expensive cars coming from? After chatting to a few people we learned that there is a lot of expat money in both the north and south and the cars are mostly Japanese exports. I got the impression that the local North Cypriots live in a rather frustrating state of low income while foreign money is channelled into the sprawling hotel casinos and property market. Gambling is illegal in Turkey – but not in Turkish controlled North Cyprus.

Recommendations for car hire in Cyprus

We decided to use local firms for our car rentals in Cyprus. In the North we used Pacific Rentals – on the recommendation of a friend in the UK who has family from the north.

In the Republic of Cyprus we used Petsas as they had an office in Nicosia (where we needed to collect the car) and in Paphos.

quad bike on mountain track

For our quad bikes in the Troodos Mountains we used Safari Kalopanayiotis and for the buggy hire in the Akamas National Park we used Petrides Rentals .

We also used a really reliable taxi firm – Antreas Taxi – in Nicosia who we found through the Centrum Hotel – if you need the details please let me know.

Car hire in North Cyprus

I had read that it wasn’t possible to hire a car in the south and drive it into the north without encountering problems with insurance cover. So we opted to fly into Larnaca and take a taxi from there to Nicosia.

I prearranged car hire in Northern Cyprus with Pacific Rentals. We met a representative at the Ledra Palace border and collected our car from him. We dropped the car off in a car park at the border three days later – with the keys left under the foot mat. Everything went smoothly and the car was fine.

Crossing from South Cyprus to Northern Cyprus

We crossed the border between south and north Cyprus a couple of times. During our two day stay in the capital, we walked across at Ledra Street – a quick check of passports on each side was all that was required and there was no queuing.

After our stay in Nicosia, we walked across the border at the Ledra Palace Hotel crossing. It was again easy and straight forward. The southern side checked our passports, then we dragged our suitcases a couple of hundred metres through the UN-controlled no man’s land (past boarded up buildings and barbed wire) to the northern checkpoint where our passports were checked again.

Our stay in Nicosia

Nicosia – Lefkosia in Greek and Lefkosa in Turkish, is a vibrant city. In the south glitzy shopping malls and all the usual international brands overlook the 16th century Venetian walls. The north by contrast has none of the big names (except knock-off versions in the market stalls just across the border) and it feels rather provincial.

We stayed in the aptly named Centrum Hotel Nicosia. It was good value and we had a spacious family room with a balcony overlooking a side street. The hotel is right in the centre of Nicosia so I suspect it could have been quite noisy in the evenings if we’d been there on a weekend.

When I was researching where to stay in Nicosia, I was disappointed that the accommodation on offer was mostly business-style hotels in the south. The north by contrast had some really interesting looking bed and breakfast style accommodation – family run – which I would have preferred. However, as our flight arrived quite late and covid was rampant in the UK I didn’t want to risk any problems trying to cross the border late at night.

Ledra Street, Nicosia

The location of the Centrum is perfect for a quick stay in Nicosia – particularly for families. It’s a two minute walk to Ledra Street which is packed with shops (and ice cream parlours) and there are plenty of restaurants close by.

Our kids loved exploring Eleftheria Square which was five minutes walk from the hotel. This newly created public space (designed by the Zaha Hadid group) has transformed the moat area of the city’s Venetian walls next to D’Avilla Bastion. There are shady spaces, a small open air theatre, cafes and a play area. At night, the square is lit up and our kids loved dashing about leaping on the seats which looked like glowing surf boards.

Children playing Eleftheria Square, things to do in cyprus with kids

We spent two nights in Nicosia – it’s a small capital but there are plenty of sights to take in if you have an interest in the history and culture of the island. The Cyprus Museum covers the rich history of the country while there are churches, mosques and smaller museums which are worth seeking out to gain an understanding of this fascinating island. I would have liked to visit the National Struggle Museum to remind myself of the less palatable British part in Cyprus’s history but I didn’t quite get my timings right.

Flags flying in street in cyprus

As it was our first trip out of the UK for three years, our kids were happy just to wander through Ledra Street and to wind their way along the narrow streets of the old town. It was brilliant being so central and stepping out of the hotel right into the heart of the city. Each evening we found a bar with live music so we had a lovely time listening to the local music.

Cyprus by car: driving from Lefkosa to Kyrenia

Once we’d collected our hire car in Lefkosa we set off out of the city and headed for the Kyrenia Mountains. As you leave the city, there are flat plains of cultivated land interspersed with clusters of holiday homes.

The road climbed steeply into the mountains and then passed between them to drop back down to the heavily developed Kyrenia coastal strip on the north side. There’s a main road which runs along the coast which is packed with holiday villas (some luxurious, others in need of a bit of attention), shops and restaurants. There are many huge hotels proclaiming their five star status but I was delighted with our more modest choice of accommodation when we arrived.

Where to stay in North Cyprus

There are plenty of good value places to stay in Northern Cyprus – tons of self catering Airbnb properties as well as lots of cheap hotels. I’ve read rather mixed reviews of British holiday makers’ experiences at some of the larger resort-style hotels – those with casinos and big swimming pool complexes.

If you’re looking for a good value beach holiday with a back to basics feel – warm, old fashioned hospitality and off the beaten track beaches, I would recommend heading to the Karpaz Peninsula, the long narrow stretch of land sticking out of the east of the island. During my research of places to stay in Northern Cyprus, I came across some lovely looking places – but they were a bit too remote for our trip.

Swimming pool surrounded by palm trees

Based on several recommendations I received from the We Love Cyprus Facebook group, we stayed at the Almond Village Hotel – a family owned and run property a short drive from Kyrenia. This small independent hotel has managed to weather the covid storm and the hotel looked amazing during our stay. They explained that they kept their staff on during the pandemic (no furlough scheme there unfortunately), as good staff are so difficult to find. The staff were all indeed lovely and it was refreshing to see several generations of a family working together at a hotel.

The Almond Village looks quite big on its website but it is actually quite small. It consists of a collection of villas dotted across well maintained gardens with a small farm behind it where vegetables in the hotel restaurant are sourced. Our kids loved playing with the resident dogs and cats as well as visiting the chickens and ostriches which live on the farm.

Hotel villas

The swimming pool was a little chilly in April but two out of four of us braved it for a swim – very refreshing on a hot day. The other guests were Brits – some from the UK, others visiting from the south of Cyprus, quite a few had visited the hotel before.

We stayed in a two bedroom villa which had a small kitchen and a living room – perfect for making a quick meal. However, eating out in Northern Cyprus is about a third of the cost of eating out in the south so we didn’t do very much cooking.

Things to do in Northern Cyprus

Bellapais abbey.

In between the mass of villas and hotels in Northern Cyprus, there are pockets of traditional Cypriot life. The village of Bellapais gave us a glimpse of a more simple way of life, albeit with quite a few shops selling honey, saffron and other souvenirs.

Bellapais Abbey in Northern Cyprus

It was wonderfully quiet during our visit to Bellapais, even the famous abbey had just a smattering of visitors. The aptly-named abbey – of 13th century origins – has an air of calm and tranquility quite at odds with the modern sprawl of Kyrenia which it overlooks. Our kids loved exploring the ruins, although I fear that their imaginary games were somewhat less than holy – apologies to the other visitors we shared the experience with.

St Hilarion Castle

One of the highlights of our visit to Cyprus was St Hilarion Castle. One of three Crusader castles which stand sentry along the island’s north coast, St Hilarion alone warrants the journey from the Republic to the Turkish controlled north.

St Hilarion view

Driving the winding road up to 13th century St Hilarion, and clambering along the battlements and through the towers of this once-mighty fortress, you get the impression that little has changed for the international billionaire elite down the ages. This castle – used by the Lusignan crusader kings – must have taken incredible man-power to construct and maintain, such is its remote, lofty position on the ridge of the Kyrenia Mountains.

St Hilarion Castle Cyprus

There were only a couple of other people exploring St Hilarion while we were there so we had it mostly to ourselves. It is a truly magnificent spot with the most incredible views over the coast below – there would be no excuse for missing an Arab invasion with a viewpoint like this.

View from St Hilarion castle towards Kyrenia coast

Unfortunately, the site is not particularly well looked after – next to the signs suggesting people take home their litter are overflowing rubbish bins. I wouldn’t recommend bringing an inquisitive toddler to the castle, or anyone with a fear of heights – safety plays second fiddle to the drama of the place. We visited on a windy day and we all clung to the rails at the very top of the castle, admiring the incredible views.

St Hilarion ruins in Northern Cyprus

The drive up to St Hilarion from Kyrenia takes visitors past one of many Turkish military bases. We decided to take the scenic route back to our hotel and followed an empty narrow road west along the cloud-covered ridge of the mountains. We didn’t pass a soul during this hour’s drive – save for a couple of goats as we dropped back down towards the coast.

Tank in Northern Cyprus, Cyprus by car

What we did come across was one of the many Turkish propaganda devices, Mucizevi Türk Tankı – an abandoned tank sitting just off the road at rather an alarming angle. It was accompanied by memorial plaques in Turkish and English offering an explanation as to its siting at this place.

Northern Cyprus beaches

The coast to the east and west of Kyrenia is very built up and commercialised. We visited a couple of beach clubs close to the city but they hadn’t really opened up for the season and although there were small stretches of sand which our kids were delighted with, it all felt rather drab and sad. No doubt covid has decimated the beach businesses but I wonder how much the Turkish control of the north has hindered the development of tourism here (for better and worse).

Alagadi beach, Northern Cyprus

So, we decided to drive along the east coast in search of a decent stretch of sand. Around half an hour from Kyrenia the hotels, shops and restaurants which line the main road become more and more spread out until the coastline becomes an empty rocky landscape with the sea glinting tantalizingly in the distance.

Alagadi beach in Northern Cyprus

We ended up at what is probably a very well known spot in the summer months – Alagadi Beach. However, in April it was really peaceful. There is one beach restaurant (with a really friendly owner who looked after one of our boys when he got a splinter in his foot) and not much else, it’s a very chilled out spot. The food was great and there was a lovely atmosphere. It was a wonderfully warm day and it was heavenly – after several cool UK summers – to be contemplating putting on sun cream in April.

Alagadi consists of two arcs of sand – one beach sits directly in front of the restaurant and another is a short drive away over a rocky headland. The latter is best for those who want that perfect uninterrupted view of the sea as the one next to the restaurant did have a view in one direction of a distant factory.

Alagadi is a popular nesting site for green and loggerhead turtles who come to lay their eggs during the summer. A programme is in place to help release the hatchlings into the sea.

Road trip Cyprus: Northern Cyprus to the Troodos Mountains

After three days exploring Northern Cyprus, we drove back to Lefkosa, deposited our car with its keys in the not very official looking car park and walked across the border. We were briefly asked if we had anything to declare as we entered the Republic – they’re after cigarettes – before locating our taxi driver and heading into Nicosia to collect our next car.

Driving out of Nicosia is fairly straight forward. Our destination – the Troodos Mountains – was well signposted and the roads were pretty quiet (it was a Sunday). We found a good value roadside eatery for lunch on the way – Louis restaurant – where the B9 and F928 meet.

Kalopanayiotis reservoir in the Troodos Mountains

Where to stay in the Troodos Mountains

There are plenty of places to stay in the Troodos Mountains – cheap self catering, very good value hotels, traditional mountain hostels and a rather special village accommodation project in Kalopanayiotis which we decided to investigate.

Cyprus by car, Cyprus road trip

There are various villages to choose from as your base in the Troodos. If you’re visiting in the summer, Platres would be a good option as it sits at an altitude of 1,200 metres so it’s noticeably cooler. From Platres you can access some of the most popular hiking trails and it’s a short drive, or a decent hike to Troodos village (altitude 1,750 metres).

If you’d like to have a proper hiking holiday in the Troodos Mountains, the one organised by Cyprus veterans Sunvil sounds really good – they can arrange for your luggage to be carried for you as you walk from village to village.

Cyprus by car, road trip in the Troodos mountains

I was glad we opted to stay at Kalopanayiotis for our April visit. The village sits at a much lower altitude of 700 metres in the Marathasa Valley. While it was zero degrees up at Troodos and not much warmer in Platres, down in Kalopanayiotis it was a balmy 15 to 20 degrees during our stay. Also, although the ski slope had shut, Platres and Troodos had yet to fully awaken from their winter hibernation. Quite a few attractions, shops and restaurants were closed but the sun was shining and the hiking trails were wonderfully peaceful.

Church tower in Kalopanayiotis

We spent three nights at Casale Panayiotis . More of an ongoing village project than a standalone hotel, Casale Panayiotis has been developed by former childhood resident John Papadouris who, after making his fortune elsewhere in the world, returned to his village and helped to bring a new style of tourism to the area.

Casale Panayiotis is not a traditional hotel. There is a main hub in the centre of the village where you’ll find the reception area, the main restaurant and the spa. However, the “hotel rooms” are artfully scattered across the village. We stayed in a two storey, two bedroom unit. We had a little kitchen / living room area with the bedrooms and bathroom accessed via a spiral staircase. Outside, we had a terrace from the living room and a large balcony reached through the bedrooms. Both of these sun-filled outside spaces had views over the village and mountains. If we had visited without the kids we could happily have spent the duration of the stay on the balcony watching the house martins performing barrel rolls across the blue sky.

Cyprus by car View from Casale Panayiotis

Casale Panayiotis is not ideal for families with little children or babies – there are lots of steps and the village is set across a very steep hillside. There is an elevator to take visitors between the lower and upper parts of the village but this isn’t much help if you’re staying half way up the hill. Some rooms are quite a distance from the restaurants.

However, it worked perfectly for our family – the kids loved exploring the narrow pathways, wandering along the streets to breakfast, clambering to the top of the village to find the ice cream shop and discovering the play area which, just like the rest of the village, is situated on a series of terraces overlooking the valley.

Cyprus road trip, ice cream shop in Kalopanayiotis

The Troodos Mountains were doing Airbnb-style lodgings long before the internet helped us find a cheap room to stay in. As the owner of a little museum next to our accommodation explained to me, the villagers in Kalopanayiotis have a long tradition of taking in summer visitors escaping the heat of the capital and other lower lying cities. The village was famed for its thermal springs and the frescoes in the monastery. Local residents would move out of their homes or sleep on the sofa in order to accommodate guests and earn some vital income – the region has traditionally been very poor.

As we drove through the various villages we noticed there were quite a few empty and derelict hotels, partly due to the advent of air conditioning I was told but also no doubt as a result of the covid pandemic too. The Troodos Mountains, the villages and the overall landscape are stunning – I do hope some of these tourism businesses see an upturn in fortunes in the future.

If you’re interested in staying in Kalopanayiotis – do check out Casale Panayiotis or have a look at some of the good value alternatives in the village on Booking.com .

Highlights of the Troodos Mountains

Quad biking.

We spent three nights in the Troodos Mountains. As I am outnumbered three to one by petrolheads, I booked my family a quad biking adventure for our first full day. Along with another family, we were taken off road along mountain tracks – my fear of narrow hairpin bends with dramatic drop offs was well and truly tested. The kids loved the drive through the river valley, delighted by the highlight of splashing through the river.

Quad bike in river

Painted churches of the Troodos villages

After the petrolheads had had their fill of adventures, I managed to convince them to accompany me to the St John Lampadistis Monastery. The Troodos Mountains are famed for their painted churches – modest stone structures which hide within them quite remarkable frescoes.

St John Lampadistis Monastery

Medieval Cypriots fled to the mountains in search of refuge from Arab invaders. Despite the tough conditions in the Troodos, they farmed the terraces and continued their Orthodox faith with the construction churches and monasteries – simple stone structures belying the incredible artwork hidden within.

The paintings at UNESCO-listed St John Lampadistis monastery have been restored so the scenes from the bible are displayed in surprisingly vivid colours.

Hiking in the Troodos Mountains

We enjoyed a really lovely circular seven kilometre hike from Kalopanayiotis, the path weaved its way up the rocky mountainside to reach the Lampadistis winery – another project by John Papadouris – before winding its way back down again through lush countryside, with wonderful views and countless wildflowers all around.

Hiking in the Troodos Mountains

We passed the delightful little 12th century chapel of Theoskepasti which sits in the shadow of a 700 year old oak tree. The tree holds the chapel’s bell.

chapel of Theoskepasti

On another day, we drove up through the Troodos villages, passing through the remaining snow and over to Platres where we wandered along a trail to reach the Millomeri waterfall. (There is also a rather ugly shortcut route for those who don’t fancy the modest one kilometre walk from the village church). Despite the steep return leg, our kids loved this little hike which takes you along a narrow mostly wooded path. We arrived at about 5pm so it was quiet but I imagine it gets pretty busy in the summer.

Millomeri waterfall cyprus with kids

Cyprus by car: driving from Troodos to Paphos

The drive from the Troodos Mountains south to Paphos passes through lovely scenery. Once you have dropped down far enough for the pine trees to disappear the landscape is given over to vineyards. There are signs everywhere inviting you to pop in to taste the wine.

Cyprus olive oil museum, fun things to do in cyprus with kids

Against my better judgement, we decided to skip the wine and head for the little olive oil museum Oleastro, about half an hour south of Platres. This is a good stop for a quick lunch – we enjoyed bread, oil (obviously) and cheese and tomatoes whilst watching a short film about the history of olive oil production. There’s a little play area and some animals to feed.

Where to stay in Paphos

As we hadn’t left the UK for three years and our kids were in dire need of some swimming practice, we pushed the boat out with a four night stay at the Almyra Hotel in Paphos. We booked interconnecting inland view rooms which handily backed onto the play area.

For most of our stay we enjoyed swimming in the heated pools – there’s an indoor one at the spa which families can use in the morning as well as the main heated outdoor pool. The hotel overlooks the sea although there is no beach – just a rocky seafront.

There’s a boardwalk in front of the hotel which takes you into the main tourist area where there’s a multitude of restaurants and shops.

Driving in the Akamas National Park

We managed to drag ourselves away from the swimming pools for a brain-rattling ride through the Akamas National Park. If you’ve heard of the Cyprus Blue Lagoon, this is where you’ll find it. The Akamas Peninsula is a surprisingly wild and undeveloped area to the west of the Paphos urban sprawl. It consists of a rocky coastline, very rocky roads and some rather spectacular views. Hidden along the coastline are some fabulous places for a swim.

Fontana Amorosa

I expect, like everywhere else we visited in Cyprus, the Akamas and its famous beach – the Cyprus Blue Lagoon – will be packed with day trippers come the summer but in April we had it almost to ourselves. There was just one tourist boat disgorging visitors from its stern whilst we were there.

Child sitting on rock at Blue Lagoon in Cyprus

Not content with having spent a day whizzing about the Troodos Mountains on quad bikes, we decided to take an ATV buggy out on the Akamas Peninsula. We hired a four seater buggy from Petrides Rentals , a friendly car hire firm in the small seaside resort of Latchi, about 45 minutes’ drive north from our hotel in Paphos.

Hidden cove in Akamas National Park

The buggy comes complete with goggles (essential for when you pick up speed on the main road as there’s no windscreen) and a cool box for drinks and food. There are seat belts and a bar to hold onto for when you’re going over particularly bumpy terrain.

driving over rocky terraine with blue sea in background

I had heard and read rather mixed reviews about the road conditions in the Akamas National Park so I was a little bit apprehensive about this particular outing. However, the suspension on the buggy was unlike anything I’d come across before – we drove along some ridiculously bad tracks which the vehicle tackled easily.

side trip to cyprus

We came across a couple of normal vehicles which had tried to reach the infamous Blue Lagoon – I don’t think the drivers will be getting the excess back on their insurance. The road to the Blue Lagoon is not suitable for anything other than a 4WD.

Have you enjoyed a Cyprus road trip? What were your experiences of exploring Cyprus by car? Let me know in the comments below.

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A Comprehensive Guide To Cyprus: Which Side Of Cyprus Is Better To Visit

Cyprus featured image

Have you ever found yourself wondering which side of the idyllic island of Cyprus to explore?

Divided into two distinct regions, each with its unique charm and cultural tapestry, the question of Which Side Of Cyprus Is Better To Visit is not just common but also laden with personal preferences and desired experiences.

Whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, pristine beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, or vibrant nightlife, Cyprus promises something for every traveler.

Let us guide you through the highlights of both regions, helping you determine your ideal Cypriot adventure.

Ready to make an informed choice for your next trip? Keep reading and let the beauty of Cyprus unfold before you.

At A Glance - Which Side Of Cyprus Is Better To Visit

It is considered one of the ideal tourist spots to visit and is blessed with abundant natural beauty. Great beaches, friendly people, and splendid beer of South Cyprus captivate the attention of tourists.

In contrast, the natural landscapes, ancient sites, and high-quality olive oil are the specialties of North Cyprus.

You must head to the south for typical beach vacations, but consider the northern region for off-season holidays.

glance of Cyprus

In addition, it has incredible nightlife with clubs that attract thousands of tourists every year from all over the world. North Cyprus is relatively cheaper due to the high value of the Turkish Lira.

What Is The Best Month To Go To Cyprus?

Cyprus, the third largest Mediterranean island, is the perfect vacation getaway. The best time to visit Cyprus is between June and October, preferably in August.

Best Month To Go To Cyprus

The climate of Cyprus during these months is perfect for holidays. During this period, the climate of Cyprus is mild, with average temperatures of around 25°C, ideal for enjoying the sun on the beach or by the pool.

It is warm, sunny, and dry. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean climate that you may find in Cyprus.

January signifies the coldest month in Cyprus. Usually, the temperature stays around 5-7 Celsius.

Which Side of Cyprus Is Warmest?

Cyprus Warmest

The island's geographical location primarily determines the climate of Cyprus. The southern side of the island is warmer than the northern side. It’s just because there is more sun exposure and less wind in the south.

Thus, the Turkish side is warmer than the Greek side. The southern part of Cyprus is almost 11 degrees Celsius warmer than the north.

Mediterranean climate, hot summers, and cool winters encompass South Cyprus. North Cyprus experiences cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers on the Greek side.

Should I visit North or South Cyprus?

visit CYprus

If you want to visit the most popular tourist destinations, south Cyprus is the best choice for you. This country is an excellent place for those searching for the sea, sand, and sun.

It has lots of beaches with crystal-clear water and soft sand. However, North Cyprus is a perfect place to visit when you are interested in exploring the culture and history of this region.

The north side of Cyprus also has some great beaches, but it doesn’t have as many tourist attractions as the south of Cyprus. Moreover, the country has a diverse culture and history.

North Cyprus is your go-to place if you are keen on visiting historical sites and looking for some adventurous spots with lots of activities.

But if you want to explore both sides of this island, we recommend going south first. North Cyprus will bore you unless you're interested in knowing specific facts and history about this country.

Places to visit in Northern Cyprus 

Bellapais Monastery

The Northern Cyprus coast is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun and the sea.

With a clean, sandy beach and turquoise waters, it's a great place to spend a holiday. There are various places to visit, from ancient sites to breathtaking scenery.

The weather is warm in winter (usually around 20-21 degrees Celsius) and sunny in summer (usually around 30-31 Celsius).

The coastline is dotted with small villages and hamlets, which make for a beautiful drive. The capital city of North Cyprus, Famagusta, is home to many beautiful churches and mosques.

There are many other worth-visiting places too, including:

  • Butterflies Kyrenia Castle
  • Kyrenia Botanical Garden
  • Salamis City
  • Turtle Beach
  • Bellapais Monastery

Places to Visit in Southern Cyprus

Kourion Which Side Of Cyprus Is Better To Visit

You can visit the ancient sites of Paphos and Nicosia on Cyprus’ southern coast. These are Cyprus's most popular tourist destinations , with beautiful beaches and archaeological sites.

You can also enjoy the sunshine and clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea at Paphos Bay. If you want to take a more adventurous trip, you can visit the ancient sites of Kourion and Limassol.

Kourion is home to an archaeological museum with artifacts from various periods, including a Phoenician temple and Roman mosaic floors.

Limassol, the second largest city in Cyprus, is famous for its sculpture park. Likewise, you can also visit the archaeological site of Amathous, located in the center of Cyprus, which was once home to ancient sites with an acropolis, theater, gymnasium, and temples.

This content was created by travellingbase.com. If you see this on another site, it has been stolen.

Brief Wrap-up Which Side Of Cyprus Is Better To Visit

Cyprus is a beautiful country with a long history and amazing people. If you’re looking for a place to visit, it’s best to go to the southern part of the island since it has a more laid-back feel.

However, if you have an adventurous spirit, the best place to visit in Cyprus is the northern part of the island.

There are several beautiful beaches, and the water is warmer, but there are fewer tourists than in the south. The south is more developed and has more infrastructure.

It explicitly signifies that the north is more pristine and has untouched areas of Cyprus. The Karpas Peninsula is the most attractive place in Cyprus, having several beaches and rugged hills.

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Broken Navigation

How to travel to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 2024

  • On Apr 1, 2022

When saying we go to Cyprus, many people imagine the European holiday destination with promenades lining up the golden sand beaches. For us, travelling to Cyprus has a different meaning. We headed straight up to the North to see how 1974 changed everything for many, everything for a whole country. 

The island is split in two. The North – Turkish occupied Northern Cyprus: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The South – Republic of Cyprus. Divided in the middle by UN patrolled 180 km long buffer zone. Bullets in houses are still visible today; the once-blooming city of Varosha is abandoned almost 50 years later. Turkish occupation left some places silent, yet history screams to be remembered and places to be explored.  

If you plan to visit TRNC, you might have many unanswered questions, and we created this article to answer all of them. We will tell you how to cross the borders, how to travel around, what to see, where to sleep, where to get to remote places and much more. 

side trip to cyprus

BASIC INFORMATION

  • Currency: TL, Turkish lira 
  • Language: Turkish – people in hotels and restaurants generally have good English as well 
  • Religious: Islam
  • Visa: Generally, you don’t need a visa to enter TRNC

side trip to cyprus

COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS

Updated in March 2023:  TRNC lifted all Covid 19 restrictions for everyone.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Lefkosa (nicosia).

Come to see the UN patrolled buffer zone in the last divided city in the world. Cross the border from Nicosia to Lefkosa to find out you are still in one capital, although in a different country.

The perfect base for exploring the ghost town Varosha, which stays completely abandoned after occupation. Explore the mosque that used to be a church before the Turkish came.

Karpas peninsula

Enjoy the wilderness of this remote area known for its wild donkeys, abandoned golden beaches and amazing greenery. Many donkeys wander around this peninsula, and it is impossible that you miss them. 

Girne/Kyrenia

The compact city centre with a cute harbour. Base yourself in Kyrenia to explore castles like St. Hilarion peak or Bellapais Abbey. Make sure you visit off the beaten path village of Karmi, which we fell in love with.

side trip to cyprus

After the Turkish occupation in 1974, when Greek Cypriots were forced to run away to the South, nothing was the same anymore. The difference between the South and North is abnormal and heavily visible. The scars made to the northern part are still sensitive today. Many people lost their lives and homes without any compensation. In Lefkosa, bullet holes in houses are clearly visible even though it is almost 50 years later. What once used to be a church today serves as a mosque.

It doesn’t take long to realise how many abandoned houses and businesses are all around the country. The military presence is huge and well marked by the signs forbidding you to take photographs in a particular area. 

side trip to cyprus

HOW TO GET TO TRNC

The best way is to fly to the Republic of Cyprus first. We took a flight to Larnaca airport, from where it is easy to get to Nicosia, the city where you want to cross the land borders to TRNC. 

Flights to Cyprus from Europe are very cheap. You can find amazing deals for as little as €15. We flew from Katowice in Poland with WizzAir . 

Find exclusive flight deals here.

At Larnaca airport, find a Cyprus Public Transport stall where you can get a bus card for €5 (you can get 1 card for as many people as you wish). With this card, you have a cheaper rate for buses instead of €2 you pay €1.5, and the more expensive evening and weekend rate (€3.5) does not apply to you with this card. Even if you use it just to go from Larnaca to Nicosia and back, it is worth it. You can top up the card at any bus station. For a bus schedule, download their PameApp.

Bus number 425 goes from Larnaca Airport to Larnaca central station, and you find it upstairs outside the airport building. One way costs €1.5 with the card. 

Then take bus 42 to Nicosia (€4 with the card). The bus stop at the entrance to old town Nicosia, roughly 800 m from the border crossing to TRNC. 

side trip to cyprus

CROSSING THE GREEN LINE IN NICOSIA

The Ledras Street border crossing from Nicosia (Greek part) to Lefkosa is just walking through the checkpoint on one street. First, the Cyprus side checks your passport and Covid-19 status. It literally takes a few seconds, then you walk through the UN area, which is basically all abandoned and is the only way where you see a little bit of inside this zone. After 50 m, you get to another checkpoint on the Turkish side. You again show your passport and Covid-19 status (anyway, nobody wanted to see it on both sides, but that’s just our case). 

If you need to make a test before crossing the border to TRNC, there is a test centre 100 m from the border, on Ledra street. You can’t miss it. It costs €5 for a rapid antigen test, results are ready within 20 minutes, and you don’t need any reservation. 

And hurray, welcome to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. You made it! 

Read: Travel off the beaten path in Cyprus

side trip to cyprus

HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND TRNC

Buses are running between the cities Lefkosa, Famagusta and Girne without problems. However, if you want to visit the places outside the cities, which are actually the reason to come here, you need to rent a car. 

After road tripping in Jordan , we thought it is the best idea to do the same in North Cyprus. We rented a car with Sun Rent a Car as we heard only good things about them. We had a car for 5 days for 1850 TL (€113). You get a car with an empty tank and return the same way. They don’t take any deposit. Note, in TRNC, there doesn’t exist insurance that includes an excess of €0. So in case of an accident, there is usually €400 excess pay.

If you want to be sure your car is waiting for you and have a contract before arriving choose a car on  Discovercars.com . It is the best platform to book a car in advance.

Check the best deals for rental car at Discovercars.com .

side trip to cyprus

Travelling around TRNC is like stepping back in time. With its population of around 300 thousand inhabitants, you spend most of the time driving through the farmlands, greenery, and small villages. The main roads are in great condition, but once you turn to get to the castles on the hill or Karpaz peninsula, the road usually gets narrow for one car only, making it a great adventure. Especially once you realise there is a steep cliff on one side and a rock wall on the other. With the low traffic, as in TRNC, for sure is, there is nothing to worry about. 

The worst roads we experienced were at Karpaz peninsula, where there are more holes than you can’t count. Count with that as we were able to drive only 20 km per hour in some parts. 

Suppose you want to cross the borders with a rental car. In that case, it is easier and safer, especially with insurance, to return the car in the North and then again rent a car in the South. This is exactly what we did. Anyway, there are several border crossings along the buffer zone where you can cross with a car if you are still keen to do it. 

side trip to cyprus

INTERNET, SIM CARD

Internet in TRNC is widely available. All hotels and restaurants/cafes have quite a good connection, at least we never had any troubles. Sometimes the speed was slower, but it was fixed soon. 

Since we made a road trip, we bought a sim card in Lefkosa, and we used data a lot during our travels. It is also very cheap to get a sim card, so why not get one. There is a phone store next to the breakfast place Simit Dünyası. The best option is to get a sim card from Turkcell that offers 3 packages, either 6, 8 or 10 GB of data for 129, 149 or 169 TL (€8, €9,20 or €11) including some minutes and SMS. Coverage is perfect all-around TRNC, including the remote Karpaz peninsula. 

side trip to cyprus

FOOD & DRINKS

Food in TRNC is very cheap (especially at the time of our visit when the Turkish lira was very low). You can expect to try the delicious kebabs, dörum, hummus, pide with melted halloumi inside (our favourite) or traditional lentil soup Mercimek .

Of course, you can’t avoid Turkish coffee, which is absolutely delicious here, and tea is literally available on every corner in all cities. Make sure you drink delicious ayran with every meal.

side trip to cyprus

MONEY & PRICES

TRNC, in general, is a very cheap destination – services, buses, and food is for a very low price but don’t expect to travel on a budget because, as mentioned, you need to rent a car. There is not much accommodation which means higher prices. 

Tea – 6 TL (€0,3)

Dörum kebab – 40 TL (€2,4)

Pide – 45 TL (€2,75)

Soup – 25 TL (€1,5)

Rental car per day in off season 370 TL (€22)

Fuel (one liter of gasoline 95) – 17 TL (€1)

Budget accommodation – 220 – 491TL (€14-€30), but bear in mind in the summer season, it is double the price

There are ATMs and exchange money offices frequently in cities, surprisingly there is no withdrawal fee.

Sometimes, the prices are either in € or TL, anyway, it is always better to pay in a local currency Turkish Lira, especially during the time of our visit in March 2022, the difference was quite big.

side trip to cyprus

Make sure you have proper insurance with high coverage. We already experienced a couple of accidents during years of our travel when the insurance saved our budget. We have a good experience with IATI insurance with great coverage and customer service. Readers of Broken Navigation get an exclusive 5% discount. 

Get your 5% discount with IATI Insurance here.  

LEFKOSA (NICOSIA)

We started our trip in Lefkosa. There is the easiest and closest land border crossing to TRNC after landing in Larnaca. The main street leaning from the border patrols can be busy during the day. It is a popular day trip for travellers visiting Cyprus but wait till afternoon, and you find yourself in a quite empty city. 

Lefkosa (Nicosia in the Republic of Cyprus) is the last divided capital in the world. When you visit both parts, you soon realise the huge difference the separation made. During our stay in Lefkosa, we visited Nicosia for an afternoon trip, especially to see the buffer zone from the other side. 

side trip to cyprus

TOP THINGS TO SEE IN LEFKOSA

All the main sights are within walking distance of an old city, and you can easily explore it in one day. We stayed for 2 nights to have a chance to try some local cafes and restaurants and enjoy the atmosphere. 

UN patrolled buffer zone

This zone of no one stretches 180 km across the country. Once you walk around the city, you end up multiple times bumping into this line with, of course, no possibility of entry. Sometimes there is a wall, sometimes a gate or just a pile of old useless things to unable the entry. 

side trip to cyprus

Yigitler Burcu Park

While exploring the UN buffer zone, make sure you go to this park to get an unusual view of the other side of the town – Nicosia, through a barbed-wire fence. You find here a kids’ playground that was left many years untouched and a UN guard tower. 

side trip to cyprus

Büyük Han 

The best example of Ottoman caravanserai architecture in the town that once served as a hotel for travellers. It is in great condition as it was renovated in the 1990s. Except for the photogenic place, you find cafes, an old library, and some workshops here. 

side trip to cyprus

Samabahçe Quarter 

Cyprus’s first social housing project consisted of 70 whitewashed cottages constructed using only local materials. When walking through the streets of Samabahçe Quarter, we felt like in Greece. 

side trip to cyprus

Ledra street 

If you are not into a souvenir shop and touristic restaurants, make your way further away and roughly after 100 m, you find yourself in a more traditional Lefkosa, with local restaurants, cafes and real life. 

Since we didn’t plan on travelling to Nicosia from the Cyprus side, we made a short trip from Lefkosa. Once again, we crossed the borders and spent a few hours walking in Nicosia’s old town. We weren’t very impressed as this side is very commercial; however, we liked the bench by the UN zone right next to the border crossing. Again, if you visit Nicosia, everything is within walking distance. 

After crossing to south Nicosia, you find a completely different world. Everything is suddenly shining. The main boulevard is crowded with tourists, and the vibe is like a typical holiday destination. Which Nicosia actually is. 

North, in comparison, is very opposite. Once you cross the border for a few metres, it seems like nothing has changed. There are still touristic restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and tourists. But once you make your way further, you realise there are only locals, a few other travellers and you. It is also more alive and noisy, lively atmosphere and what changed the most are…yes, you guessed it right. Prices. But to your advantage. It is much cheaper in North Cyprus than in the South. 

side trip to cyprus

Where to eat in Lefkosa

Simit Dünyası – a fantastic breakfast place located on Girne SD street, a few steps from Basket Pansiyon. It seems everyone coming here for breakfast, and let’s say it is more like a bakery. You can get some pastry with various fillings. Just pick one, and they heat it for you. Make sure you order an ayran drink and Turkish coffee. It gets crowded with locals and tourists every day. They open from 6 am.

Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi – right next door from Simit Dünyası. They serve meat in wraps, kebabs, hummus, pides, baklava and other traditional food. It tastes amazing. 

Kumda Kahve – a beautiful hipster cafe where locals gather, especially during evenings. Get a Turkish coffee or tea and enjoy the atmosphere. If you are on a budget, don’t worry, the prices are low. Just note, in TRNC, people smoke inside the cafes. 

side trip to cyprus

Where to stay in Lefkosa 

Budget I Baskent Pansiyon – We stayed here as the price was just €14 and the location couldn’t be better. However, it is only for the brave ones as it is far from any standard you are used to. We had to sleep in our sleeping bags. But again, you get what you pay for. Internet was amazing, though. 

Mid-Range I Pedieos Guesthouse – a beautiful traditional house with a garden and a nice seating area. Breakfast is included. Heating/aircon, the fridge might be useful, and the rooms have a private bathroom. 

Luxury I Hotel Valide Hang Konak – an amazing photogenic house where the owners really did a great job decorating. This is home away from home. Exceptional breakfast is included. 

side trip to cyprus

FAMAGUSTA (GAZIMAGUSA)

Famous for its city walls and historical sights or as a base for exploring the ghost town of Varosha. Famagusta is also a popular destination for day trips from the Republic of Cyprus. During our visit in March, however, it was a very quiet city, and we enjoyed the atmosphere very much. 

side trip to cyprus

Top things to see in Famagusta

Lala mustafa pasa camii mosque.

Once known as a St. Nicolas Cathedral, that was converted into a mosque. What a fascinating sight. It was amazing to see for us – your eyes tell it is a church, but once you come in, you realise it is a mosque. Open outside prayer times. Free entry.

side trip to cyprus

Venetian walls 

You find these walls all around the old city. Find the stairs near Land Gate and climb to the top to get a fantastic view over Famagusta and Lala Mustafa Pasa Came Mosque and other historic sites.

side trip to cyprus

St George of the Greeks Church 

These ruins of a Gothic church have a very romantic vibe with perfect photo opportunities. Come during lunchtime when the sun makes a beautiful play of shades. After exploration, have lunch in a nearby local restaurant that we loved. We will tell you about it in the food section. 

side trip to cyprus

Varosha 

The main reason we came to Famagusta. Varosha used to be an absolutely timeless beach resort town, where famous and rich people came to enjoy their summer vacation. Resorts lined up the white sand beach, and the city was booming. Then, the Turkish invasion came in 1974, and the city went silent. People ran away, and since that time, nobody ever returned back. Varosha became a ghost town that now serves as a military base. It is now partially open to the public. We rented a bicycle, and we went to explore this forgotten part of TRNC. 

Essential reading: Visit Varosha, The Ghost Town – Ultimate Travel Guide.

side trip to cyprus

WHERE TO EAT IN FAMAGUSTA

Fikretin Yeri – you find it in the same street as St George of the Greeks Church. This family-run little restaurant serves the best traditional lentil soup, and they grill the meat on the outside grill. If we ever go back to Famagusta, we will eat here at least three times a day.

Otherwise, there are so many restaurants and cafes around Famagusta. Choose the one you like the most. 

side trip to cyprus

Where to stay in Famagusta

If you have a car we recommend you to stay in one of the hotels close to the beach North of Famagusta. Especially in the off-season, when the prices are low.

Budget I Mimosa Beach Hotel – if you come off-season like us, take advantage of the low prices and stay in one of the resorts by the beach. We enjoyed a night in Mimoza even though it is not the style we usually choose. But having a warm shower, quiet room, buffet breakfast, and fast internet is something we can’t resist every now and then just to recharge our batteries during long term travel. €27/night. 

Mid-range I Alp Apartment – whole apartment for an amazing price, close to the beach. It is usually 2 bedrooms, so it is perfect even if you travel as a group. The apartment has everything you might need – a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, etc. 

Luxury I Salamis Park Hotel – 5-star accommodation with a hammam. Each room has its own balcony. Breakfast is included, and the hotel is right at the beach. 

KARPAS PENINSULA

The best area for a road trip in TRNC is, without a doubt, the Karpas peninsula. What makes it unique is its remoteness and wilderness. We had such a good time just driving around and enjoying the green scenery full of olive groves, wild white sand beaches, and beautiful castles. You need your own transport to explore this part as no buses run here. 

side trip to cyprus

Top things to see in the Karpas peninsula

Golden beach.

You can adore it either from a viewpoint by the main road or make your way down to the beach and walk along its wild coast. There is no house in plain sight. There are not many places in the world with such an amazing beach that is completely abandoned. It makes us wonder what the world used to look like before all the development. Beach itself is beautiful, especially during sunset.

If you arrive in September, you are lucky as the beach is a nesting ground for turtles. Before you go, contact SPOT (Society for the Protection of Turtles). 

Be prepared to drive slowly as the road is a bumpy ride. We could drive only 20-30 km per hour maximum, although the road is paved but with many holes and damages.

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Wild donkeys

Follow the road from Golden Beach towards Monastery. This is where you meet most of the wild donkeys. They are used to cars and people, and they can be very cheeky. Once you open the car window, be sure one or more donkeys will squeeze their head inside the car, searching for carrots that tourists usually bring them.  

side trip to cyprus

Monastery of Apostolos Andreas

After you enjoy multiple stops just to pet the donkeys, you will eventually reach this monastery right at the beach shore. It is worth a look inside this most important religious site. Many Greek Cypriots make a long trek on pilgrimage to visit this monastery. Free entry. Open from 8am to 6pm.

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Kantara Castle

One of three romantic crusader castles in TRNC. Once you climb up, you will be rewarded with a 360° view over the Kyrenia mountain range. It is located roughly two hours from Kyrenia and offers probably the best view over the Karpas peninsula. Entry is 10 TL (€0.6). It is open from 9am to 5pm from June to September and till 3:30pm from October to May. 

side trip to cyprus

Panagia Kanakaria Monastery

When we arrived at church Panagia Kanakaria Monastery, it was pouring rain. We just jumped out quickly from the car to walk around the locked up building, took a few photos and continued driving. The monastery is beautiful, though, especially the entrance is impressive with the palm trees in front of it. If you want to get inside, you need to find a mukhtar (elected leader) that lives in the village and holds the key. Free entry.

side trip to cyprus

Where to stay in the Karpas peninsula

Mid-range I Glaro Garden Hotel – we had a blast in this family-run bungalows. We arrived after sunset, searching for a place to sleep and found this cute place. We were the only guests in March, and they hosted us like their own family. The homemade breakfast is delicious. It is a paradise place, we highly recommend you stay here. 

Mid-range I Celebi Garden Hotel – another great option we were considering. Located in the middle of nature, with excellent views from your room. Breakfast is included. 

Luxury I Villa Lembos – if you are searching for a resort, this Villa might be a perfect choice. With its great review and walking distance from the beach, you can also enjoy the restaurant inside the resort. 

KYRENIA (GIRNE)

The last stop of our TRNC road trip. We arrived at coastal city Kyrenia after sunset and were greeted by never-ending traffic. It took us a long time to get through all the queues in and around the city, and it seemed like a normal thing as it happened every day of our stay. Anyway, Kyrenia and its surroundings have a lot to offer. 

side trip to cyprus

Top things to see in Kyrenia

Kyrenia castle.

Right in the middle of Kyrenia’s old town, the walls of Kyrenia castle sit next to the picturesque port. The entry fee is 20 TL (1,2€), and you can get a perfect view of the harbour from the top. It is open from June to September, 9am – 7pm, and 9am – 5pm from September to May. 

side trip to cyprus

There can’t be a complete visit to Kyrenia without wandering along this picturesque harbour. Possibly the most beautiful part of an old town. There are many restaurants, and the atmosphere is lively. Sit on the rock wall to soak in this cute place. Some of the boats in the harbour are pretty admirable. Make sure you walk the path that leads between the port and the sea. 

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Trips around Kyrenia

Antiphonitis kilisesi.

We left the car up the hill as the road down the castle seemed quite steep for our car. We walked through the forest trail for 500 m to reach the church. It was the most beautiful one we have seen in TRNC from the inside. The painting is amazing. The entry fee is 10 TL (€0,6). Open from 9am to 4pm.

side trip to cyprus

With good visibility, you can see this flag made of painted rocks on the mountain all the way from Nicosia. You find it when you drive towards Panagia Apsinthiotissa. The flag lights up in the evening. 

side trip to cyprus

St. Hilarion peak

You drive on a small road again that quickly takes you to the top. Along these 5 km uphill, you drive through the military territory. They have a base from both sides, with signs not to take any photos, and they control it. On the day of our visit, there were a lot of gunshots as they had some kind of training or so, which was not very pleasant as you basically drive a few metres from their fence. The climb to the top is steep with many stairs, but nothing one couldn’t do. There is a viewing platform on the top. The entry fee is 10 TL (€0,6). Open from 9am to 6:30pm from April to October and till 3:30pm from November to March.

side trip to cyprus

This easy walk is 3.5 km one way. From the beginning, we thought it was quite basic, but after a few minutes of walking, the scenery gets more and more enjoyable. On one side, there are mountains. On the other, sea and rock formations. Chilled and easy walk. Make sure you come before sunset, as the sunset watching from here is top-notch. Also, locals come here to enjoy the atmosphere. 

side trip to cyprus

Karmi village

This off the beaten path village is worth a visit. To reach it, you need to drive the hilly road, but it’s like a fairytale once you get there. Colourful doors and a church dominate the area. There might be more cats than inhabitants. 

side trip to cyprus

Bellapais Abbey

Maybe it is a subjective opinion, but this place is overly touristic. We didn’t have a good feeling about this place as it seemed a lot like just a money factory. The church is beautiful, though but a bit ruined by the atmosphere. Many buses with day-trippers come here, and unfortunately, everything is overpriced. Entry 15 TL (€0,9), parking 5 TL (€0,3). Open from 9am to 6pm from June to September and till 4pm from October to May.

side trip to cyprus

Where to stay in Kyrenia

Budget I New Kyrenia Hostel – perfect budget option and backpacker hotspot. Every room has its own balcony, and there is also a terrace with a beautiful view. 

Mid-range I Lord’s Residence Boutique Hotel – a cool place located in the city centre. Breakfast is included. Some rooms have a sea view. 

Luxury I Kyrenia Palace Boutique Hotel – Luxury rooms in the heart of Kyrenia. The rooms are decorated in an old-style that makes you feel like living in a castle. Breakfast is included. 

WHERE TO GO NEXT

If you are wondering where to go after TRNC, check out the following posts

How to travel to Lebanon & 2 weeks itinerary

Visiting Syria & Is it safe?

It’s time to plan your trip!

Find our travel resources below that help you plan your next trip. Good luck and safe travels.

Book your flight

Skyscanner is our favourite tool for searching for the cheapest flights and flight combinations. Multi-city or Explore Everywhere helps us to find real bargains.

The best platform to rent a car and compare the prices for your next road trip anywhere in the world is Discovercars.com . The booking process is hassle-free.

Find your acommodation

On Booking.com we always find the best deals for accommodation. Another great option for cheap accommodation is Hostelworld .

Travel insurance

We always recommend IATI Travel Insurance which offers excellent plans. As a reader of Broken Navigation, get an exclusive 5% discount. For Europeans Truetraveller offers perfect travel insurance for the best price.

Explore more with Tours

Some places are better off explored with a knowledgeable guide. Or, if you simply want to save time and hassle, we recommend GetYourGuide . Another great option that also has an amazing range of activities is Viator .

protect yourself online by VPN

We always use  NordVPN  everywhere we travel for safe internet browsing and access to specific sites that might be blocked.

Disclosure: We recommend only companies we personally use. If you book services through any of the affiliate links in our posts, it earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Romana

Travelling for years now, she found the passion in unique and off the beaten path places. Romana is a food lover, but it doesn’t stop her from hiking the mountains for several days. By sharing her experiences, she wants to help you experience the same.

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Getting around Cyprus: how to navigate this sun-drenched island

Alexis Averbuck

Nov 11, 2021 • 6 min read

Young loving couple with vintage motorcycle riding next to ancient stone aqueduct monument in Cyprus

Rent a scooter and follow the back roads to find overlooked sights like the Kamares Aqueduct © wundervisuals / Getty Images

Getting around Cyprus is easy and affordable. Whether you rent your own wheels, use the comprehensive bus system or take a taxi, getting to where you want to go will rarely be a challenge.

Distances are small and roads are well maintained along the coast and between major towns. Even traveling between the southern Republic of Cyprus and North Cyprus is easier than it used to be; just be sure to check the current visa requirements first.

Note that there are important differences if you are traveling to the north rather than the south. The Republic has direct international flights into Pafos and Larnaka , with all the usual international airport facilities; North Cyprus is only recognized by the government of Turkey , and all flights and ferries run via Turkey. Flights to North Cyprus use poorly appointed Ercan Airport near the Turkish Cypriot capital, North Nicosia (Lefkoşa) .

Here's everything you need to know about getting around on the island of Cyprus.

Traveling by bus in Cyprus is inexpensive and convenient, although there are big differences in bus services between the Republic and North Cyprus. Also note that there are no direct bus services across the Green Line; generally, you'll need to take one bus to Nicosia (Lefkosia) or North Nicosia (Lefkoşa), then cross the border on foot and catch another bus on the other side.

The bus network is comprehensive. In the south, regular InterCity Buses link the main towns and many rural villages, and there are useful urban networks in the capital and in Larnaka, Lemesos and Pafos. Buses run from Monday to Saturday, with reduced schedules on Sunday. Almost all bus services stop by 6pm. Note that services to small villages may run only once or twice a day or on specific days.

Fares are cheap and tickets can be bought on the bus; use cash. Within the five bus regions in the south, travel costs €1.50 ($1.70) per ride, €5 ($5.80) per day, €15 ($17.30) per week and €40 ($46) for a month of unlimited journeys. InterCity Bus fares between regions are also reasonable – a trip from Larnaka to Nicosia costs €4 ($4.60). A ticket good for unlimited travel for one day costs €15 ($17.30).

The website Cyprus By Bus has good route and schedule information for the south. There are also handy shuttles linking Larnaka International Airport and Pafos International Airport to major towns; see the shared airport website for details.

A web of private companies provide bus services in North Cyprus. There is no one place to check schedules and routes, but services between major cities tend to run every 20 to 30 minutes during daylight hours. Fares are cheap, between 4TL and 8TL.

People in restaurants and coffee shops in the old part of Nicosia

The easiest way to get around Cyprus is with your own wheels. All the major international rental companies have offices at the two airports in the south and in towns popular with tourists. In addition, there are numerous local agencies on both sides of the island. In summer, reserve a car in advance to lock in lower rates and guarantee availability; at busy times, all the vehicles may be snapped up.   You need a license valid in your home country to rent anything with an engine larger than 50cc, and you must be aged 21 or over in the south, and 18 or over in North Cyprus. While it is theoretically possible to take a rental car from the south to the north, rental agencies discourage this. Ask about any extra insurance needed to do this when you pick up the vehicle. It is not possible to take a vehicle rented in the north to the south.

Road conditions across Cyprus are good, but driving skills are variable and the island has a high accident rate. Both sides of the island drive on the left. Cyprus Driving is a good and comprehensive resource for local license and road rules details. Note that options for buying fuel are limited in rural areas – fill up before driving into the hills. Open-top 4WDs are a popular way to reach more remote monuments and beaches, and scooters and motorcycles are available for rent in most tourist areas.

While there is little special provision made for bikes in Cyprus, you can have an adventurous visit on two wheels. Places to rent a bike can be found in many tourist areas, and costs average about €15 ($17) per day in the south and 150TL ($15) per day in North Cyprus. Inspect bikes carefully and make sure the rental includes a helmet.

Cyprus Tourism has good information for cyclists in the south, including routes and listings of rental companies. Larger towns in the south have bike lanes and there are often oceanside promenades that include bike lanes. Bike lanes are rare in the countryside and in the north, and roads are often busy; ride carefully. If you are heading for the hills of the Troödos Mountains or Kyrenia (Girne) Range , make certain that you and your bike are up to the challenge.

Hotels and beach at Fig tree Bay in Protaras, Cyprus

Taxis are plentiful across Cyprus, with reasonable fares, and they're a popular means of transport for locals and visitors alike. Regular taxis in the south use meters and they can be found at taxi stands in most towns and tourist areas. They can also be summoned by phone — there are dozens of companies, so ask a local about the best number to call.

Taxi services in North Cyprus are more ad hoc, with fares negotiated before the trip begins, but costs are low: a taxi from North Nicosia to Kyrenia costs about 100TL ($1). On both sides of the island, you'll find service taxis – long-distance shared taxis that carry up to eight people and run on fixed routes from city to city, charging by the seat. In the south, these are organized by the Travel & Express consortium; in North Cyprus, they're run by assorted local operators and are known as  dolmuş

Accessible transportation in Cyprus

Accessible travel in Cyprus is a mixed bag. The ancient streets can be tricky for mobility-impaired travelers to navigate, but things are definitely easier in the south. More modern hotels and resorts have accessible rooms and EU rules mean that there are some parking spaces reserved for drivers with disabilities in towns and at some beaches (some of which have wheelchair ramps leading into the water). Cyprus Tourism provides some useful resources for accessible travel in the south.   With notice, taxi companies can often provide accessible vehicles; ask when booking. Public buses are usually not accessible on either side of the island. International vehicle rental firms may have accessible vehicles if you book well in advance. North Cyprus is less well organized for accessible travel, but local people go out of their way to be helpful. For more information on accessible travel, see Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Resources .

You may also like: The best places to visit in Cyprus: from Aphrodite's rock to Adonis' bath See a different side to Cyprus on these stunning hikes The 8 most beautiful beaches in Cyprus for wildlife, swimming and partying

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A sociologist’s view of the Cyprus problem

By Glafkos Constantinides

The Cyprus problem remains unsolved for a good 50 years. In this political ‘production function’, to use a term borrowed from economics, the only constant is change. Little in Cyprus is the same now as it was before 1974 not only on the ground that everybody can see but most importantly in the minds of people, a change with hidden consequences.

The UN-led negotiations framework is dominated by those high-level constitutional and legal challenges leaving by the wayside the ‘people side’ challenges that have to do with the model of society that people have in mind for a federal Cyprus. The ‘people side’ challenge is to understand the social realities that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live and, in that light, to focus on how to close the gap which widens with time.

There is a difference between a federal Cyprus defined as a set of mechanistic arrangement of legal and constitutional provisions and future Cyprus as a society of people. Federal Cyprus as a construct will need to become socially meaningful in the everyday life of people. Ostensibly thorny issues like ‘rotating presidency’, ‘effective representation’, ‘equality’, to mention just a few, have aroused considerable confusion because they mean different things to different people reflecting the social structures in which Greek and Turkish Cypriots live. Turkey is a driving force in the north of Cyprus, this means one thing to the Greeks Cypriots and yet another to the Turkish Cypriots. This is understandable in terms of the social structure in which people live.

The social structure is an important parameter in the effort to achieve progress in Cyprus. The passage of time, as a matter of fact, weakens the international dimension and the gravity of the pile of resolutions on Cyprus and strengthens the local dimension of social reality and ‘those things on the ground’.

Both trends accelerate widening the gap in the expectations of people in both communities of what the ‘Cyprus settlement’ will deliver. Generally, Greek Cypriots expect reversal of the illegality of the occupation of the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus and what stems from it, while Turkish Cypriots expect to retain the benefits created over the past 50 years through the use of land and other resources, made possible by the support of Turkey. There are always important exceptions, but this is what is ‘typically true’ as the great German Sociologist Max Weber said, among other things, in his “Economy and Society” (1968). The vast changes on the ground with extensive building development and new infrastructure, combined with the rise of new professions, economic interests, decision making bodies, income sources and wealth, more so in the north, are not without consequences for how people perceive life to be now and in the future.

Formal negotiations may be stagnant for several years, but society gathers its own momentum crystallising the daily life that people take for granted. Urban expansion, emerging economic interests and lifestyles in the Turkish Cypriot society are dominant components of daily life. Equally robust components in the Greek Cypriot society are salient fragments of past and recent history associated with deeply felt sense of moral, human and material losses.

Progress towards settlement will require sociological analysis for a better understanding of contradictions underlying the images of Cyprus society that people have in mind. Sociology is a particularly effective problem-solving tool in many policy areas including rebalancing diversity into a positive factor for progress.

Sociology is not just about people, it’s about people in social structures, it’s about people in relationships shaping, and shaped by, ‘how things are done’, as social anthropologist Lucy Mair put it in very simple language in her ‘Introduction to Social Anthropology’ (1965). Social structure is the building block of social life as the influential sociologists Talcott Parsons explains in his ‘Social System’ (1951). It is naive to assume that the social structure in Cyprus will fall into place when the mechanisms of power and authority of a federal Cyprus are set out and agreed.

The constitutional and legal framework defining the political personality and security of a federal Cyprus are important, equally important is how people will relate to them and how to regenerate a society based on common knowledge of that society, ‘collective consciousness’ as the founding father of sociology Emile Durkheim called in his ‘Division of Labour in Society’ (1933). The former is what Emile Durkheim called ‘mechanistic solidarity’, where people are understood as categories of citizens, position holders and formal role players. Regenerating a Cypriot society is primarily a challenge of creating ‘organic solidarity’, again according to Emile Durkheim, where people engage in meaningful relationships, pursue shared interests, empathy and common understanding of how things are done.

How would sociology help here in practical terms? Solidarity is a social quality, it’s about how people relate, is not out there to catch, it is achieved not ascribed, it is an outcome developed by people not just meeting but working together, sharing ways of doing things and building a common understanding of the work they do. There is no blueprint other than recognising that problems and solutions have no life of their own, how people interpret them, according to Max Weber, is what matters.

Some approaches are more effective than others. Some flagship examples stand out. The Nicosia Master Plan project initiated in the early 1980s by the visionary Nicosia city leaders Lellos Demetriades and Mustafa Akinci is the prime example of joint work of Greek and Turkish Cypriots city planners for the future growth and conservation of Nicosia based on common knowledge of opportunities and constraints and agreed principles, objectives and solutions.

The technical work proved the vehicle for the development of relationships, mutual understanding and trust transcending city planning issues. The Nicosia Buffer Zone Study , an offspring of the Nicosia Master Plan, developed and applied common principles and techniques for the conservation and emergency structural support of traditional houses of architectural and historical value in the buffer zone in the Walled City of Nicosia, an area where in the past families and businesses were intermixed.

The Bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage , ongoing since 2008 with increased activity every year and support from the EU and UNDP, continues to deliver remarkable results not only on the heritage monuments of Cyprus as buildings but also loud messages and unique lessons of cooperation and common understanding of the context of their work in, and for, Cyprus. Yet again, in the field of entrepreneurship useful examples of common understanding and practices are promoted through voluntary efforts of young entrepreneurs supported by Stelios Foundation.

There are several other people-driven initiatives on education, innovation, technology, etc., which, while making significant contributions to respective fields of work, like all the above outstanding examples of solidarity building activities, fall short of influencing and enriching the content and depth of the formalistic negotiations process.

What is urgently needed is a broadening of the focus of the effort on Cyprus and, enriched with ‘sociological imagination’, as C Wright Mills would encourage us to do in his ‘Sociological Imagination’ (1959), to open up avenues for putting in placed piece by piece a common knowledge of Cyprus as a bicommunal society.

A fundamental canon in sociology is that you cannot tell people in society what to think, belief, value, desire or support, what is right and wrong, what is fair and unfair, but, as William Isaac Thomas in his ‘The Polish Peasant in Europe and America’ , (1920) would remind us, consequences follow shaping people’s actions and expectations. How people think of Cyprus is one of the problems of the Cyprus problem.

Glafkos Constantinides is a sociologist, economist and urban planner and a former coordinator of the Nicosia Master Plan and member of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage

First Gaza aid ship leaves Cyprus with Palestinians on brink of famine

  • LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
  • U.S. forces airdropped aid into northern Gaza on Tuesday, the military said.
  • Palestinians in Gaza sceptical about value of seaborne aid, say deliveries by land are key.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would press its offensive into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
  • U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says President Joe Biden would not currently support an Israeli offensive in Rafah.

LANDING JETTY

Aid ship sails from Cyprus to Gaza as residents of the Gaza Strip are on the brink of famine

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Reporting by Michele Kambas, Stamos Prousalis and Yiannis Kourtoglou in Cyprus, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Jeff Mason and Patricia Zengerle in Washington, Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber in Geneva and Michelle Nichols in New York; Writing by Michael Perry, Sharon Singleton and Gareth Jones; Editing by Peter Graff and Mark Heinrich

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Palestinians gather to receive aid outside an UNRWA warehouse in Gaza City

Britain's National Grid proposes $74 bln energy system upgrade

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The cool kids are in the candy store.

BonBon , a Swedish confectionery on the Lower East Side that’s open until midnight, has become an unlikely nightlife hot spot.

“Last week, we came here instead of going to the bars,” said Katie Miller, 23, who works in e-commerce. “It’s a great Saturday night.”

Exterior BonBon candy store with a long line of people at night.

This past Saturday, a gaggle of 20-somethings dressed in knee-high boots and black leather miniskirts queued up outside the pink storefront, eager to get in. A dedicated “candy bouncer” named Sage managed the line as Britney Spears’ “Toxic” blared from inside.

“Saturday night is the rowdiest it gets – like a rowdy, drunk party,” Sage, 28, said. “It’s fun.”

BonBon has been around for years but it’s suddenly having a moment thanks to TikTok and its social media-friendly pink shopping bags.

 Katie Miller (left), Claire Kemble (center) and  Maggie Hennessee (right), smile holding pink BonBon candy bags.

“It’s been chaos lately,” an assistant manager named Sophie told The Post. “We’re firing on all cylinders nearly all the time. It’s exhausting.”

Roughly 10 customers are allowed inside the tiny shop at a time. They’re given sanitized scoops and set free to pick and mix from among colorful bins of Rambo Watermelon Sours, White Chocolate Licorice Marbles, Berry Bites and fruity Bubs brand chews — the holy grail of Swedish candy.

“They’re a texture that’s not a marshmallow or gummy, but foam – so they’re right in between,” said BonBon COO Sara Ciliberto. “They’re so intriguing.” 

Close-up on a red sour gummy candy at BonBon.

The shop’s Swedish co-founder, Robert Persson, 40, admitted that some customers are clearly inebriated as they scoop their candy, which is priced at $18 per pound.

“The boozy people spend more money, no shame,” Persson said. Then, “You have the stoners – they can spend $150, so you know they’re smoking something. They fill up the big bag – they don’t stop. Or they’ll take forever in the store, just staring.”

But, some people are looking for nothing more than a sugar high.

“This is our plan for the night,” Battery Park-based Riane Puno, 27, told The Post outside the sweet boutique on Saturday. “This is enough of a night for me.”

Riane Puno (from left),  Madie Darbonne and Amy Pincus wait in line outside BonBon on the Lower East Side.

She and two well-heeled friends clutched pink bags of sugary booty.

“We justified spending the money on a drink on this instead,” said Puno’s friend, Amy Pinkus, 28, of her $26 purchase.

BonBon, which also has locations in Williamsburg and on the Upper East Side, imports 12 tons of goodies from Sweden every three weeks to keeps its bins stocked.

Persson said the fact that the Scandi candy is made with real sugar, not high fructose corn syrup, makes it superior to domestic treats.

Close-up on Swedish gummy fish.

“It tastes so good,” said Haley Alpert, a 27-year-old from the East Village who visited the shop last Saturday night with her boyfriend — after calling ahead to make sure her favorite Bubs treats were in stock. “I don’t want normal American candy anymore.”

Gummies, licorice and the like have a unique place in Swedish culture. Children go to the candy store every Saturday and spend the day feasting on sugary treats, a practice known as lördagsgodis , which translates to “Saturday sweets.” The practice dates back to the 1950s when health authorities recommended concentrating treat consumption into a single day to limit tooth decay.

“It’s a whole culture of candy that’s blown up [here] – and I think it started with BonBon,” said Alpert.

Haley Albert, holding a large pink bag, and Adam Siff, with dog, outside of BonBon.

As midnight nears, sugar fiends are desperate for a fix. Customers have been known to show up in their pajamas in an Uber just before the clock strikes 12, according to Ciliberto.

BonBon also delivers via apps such as Seamless and Door Dash. Even on the busiest nights, turning off the apps is a no-no, Persson said. The phone will just ring off the hook with hungry customers.

“It’s like the crack is gone. It’s like selling drugs – they’re addicted,” he said. “Thank goodness, this is a positive thing.”

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Exterior BonBon candy store with a long line of people at night.

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    Day 4: Nicosia. Day 5: Nicosia - Buffavento castle - Kantara castle - Alagadi beach and Caplica beach - Ozonkoy neighborhood (Girne) Buffavento Castle. Kantara Castle. Alagadi beach and Caplica beach. Driving along the coastline. Day 6: Girne - Lapta - St. Hilarion Castle. The sunset for millions - Lapta. St. Hilarion Castle.

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    Stavrovouni Monastery. Perched on a 2,260-foot (689-metre) peak on the Stavrovouni hill overlooking a wide valley in the Larnaca district is the eponymous Stavrovouni Monastery. You can arrive at the monastery by car from Larnaca. It is about a 35-minute drive from the city to the monastery itself.

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