If it’s your first time in Cyprus and you want to see the best of it all — this itinerary is for you. It’s designed to help you explore the top highlights of the island in a limited timeframe, without the stress.
Each overnight stop is strong enough to be a full vacation destination on its own — perfect for a week or more. But if you want a full picture of the island, this route will take you through Cyprus’ nature, culture, beaches, and city life without repeating locations.
You’ll see:
- 3 national parks 🏞
- The capital and business hub of the island 🏙
- The most iconic beaches 🏖
- Ancient ruins, monasteries, churches, and a mosque 🕌
- Mountain villages with postcard views 🏘
Cyprus has two international airports — Paphos and Larnaca — both accessible from Europe and parts of Asia, often with budget flights starting from €30–70.
This road trip starts in Paphos and ends in Larnaca. Both cities have airports, which makes planning your flight in/out super easy.
There are six main overnight stops in the plan, but feel free to customize it. You could, for example, merge nearby towns like Polis and Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca, or Ayia Napa and Protaras. That way you’ll have fewer hotel switches, though you’ll be doing more day trips by car — which is no problem if you enjoy variety.
And if you’ve got more time, just stretch the route out. We’ve spent months traveling around Cyprus and still haven’t seen everything. It’s a small island — just a couple hundred kilometers long — but it’s packed with things to discover.
This guide doesn’t cover Northern Cyprus (even though we’ve visited it several times). There’s a separate route for that.
🗺 Route Overview
Paphos → Polis → Troodos Mountains → Kakopetria → Caledonia Waterfall → Pissouri → Aphrodite’s Rock → Limassol → Larnaca → Lefkara → Nicosia → Ayia Napa → Cape Greco → Konnos Bay → Protaras → Larnaca
Suggested Overnight Stops:
- Paphos – 1 night
- Polis – 1 night
- Limassol – 1 night
- Larnaca – 1 night
- Ayia Napa – 2 nights
- Protaras – 2 nights
🚙 Why You Really Need a Car in Cyprus
A car in Cyprus isn’t a luxury — it’s a must. Public transport is limited, especially outside big cities. Without a car, you’ll be stuck in one place or relying on pricey and often uninspiring group tours.
We usually book with a platform that’s reliable, has good car choices, and no hidden tricks. You book online, get picked up at the airport, and within 15 minutes, you’re on your way.
💶 Prices start at €8/day in low season or €20/day in summer
💳 Some rentals have no deposit
✅ 15% prepayment and free cancellation option
🏛 Paphos
One of the top 5 resort towns in Cyprus, and a great place to kick off your trip if you fly into the local airport.
Want more detailed info on day trips and things to do around Paphos? There’s a full guide for that. But here’s a quick list of the must-sees:
📍 In Paphos itself:
- Paphos Castle & Harbour Area – full of seaside restaurants and ancient ruins
- Paphos Archaeological Park – if you’re into history, this is one of the top ancient sites in Cyprus
- Seafront Promenade – great for a chill sunset walk
📍 Nearby highlights:
- Edro III Shipwreck + Sea Caves – absolutely magical at sunset
- Akamas Peninsula National Park – raw, wild nature
The Avakas Gorge is a must-see. It takes at least 2 hours to hike, so plan accordingly. Check weather before you go — it may be closed in winter due to rain. There’s a parking lot at the trailhead.
Still got time? Head to Lara Beach, where Caretta turtles nest in July–August. You can reach it with a regular car if you’re careful (we did it in an Audi A4, no scratches). If unsure, join a local jeep tour.
🛏 Where to Stay in Paphos
Paphos stretches along the coast, so you’ve got plenty of accommodation options. You can stay in town, or near Pegeia, which is closer to the shipwreck, the Akamas trails, and offers a good base for heading toward Polis.
Recommended places to stay:
- Rododafni Beach Apartments – beachfront with sea views, cozy balcony, and direct beach access. 10–20 minutes by car to anywhere important. We love it!
- Akti Beach Hotel & Village Resort – similar location, resort-style layout.
- Peyia Pearl Ivy’s Studio – budget option in Pegeia near Coral Bay (one of the best beaches in Paphos). Walking distance to the beach, short drive to major attractions.
🏡 Polis & Latchi
Polis is about 36 km (40 minutes) from Paphos — an easy and slightly winding drive. If you’re staying in Pegeia, it’s even closer.
The town of Polis is charming and local — not directly on the coast, but nearby. On the sea, you’ll find the old fishing village of Latchi, where you can grab fresh seafood right by the water. Latchi is also the starting point for the Aphrodite Trail, a scenic coastal hike.
It’s similar to Akamas: the best way to explore is by ATV or a local jeep tour, though hiking is also an option if you’ve got time.
🛏 Where to Stay in Polis & Latchi:
- Maria’s Place – traditional, spacious Cypriot home in the center of Polis. We stayed here for a few days and loved the value.
- Santa Barbara Sea front resort and spa – modern, well-equipped flat near the sea in the Polis.
- LATSIBLUE 16 Brand new – brand-new apartment right in Latchi with views of the sea and marina. Only a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
⛪ Kykkos Monastery
From Latchi, head into the mountains to one of Cyprus’ most sacred and legendary places — Kykkos Monastery. Located in the Troodos Mountains, it’s a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
🛣 The road there is half the adventure — a winding drive through fragrant cedar forest. Plan a few scenic stops along the way.
📏 Distance from Polis: 60 km
🕓 Travel time: ~1.5 hours (or 2.5 hours with stops)
🏞 Kakopetria — Our Favorite Village in the Mountains
Among all the Troodos villages, Kakopetria stole our hearts. We could easily write a whole post about it — but for now, just add it to your list!
The town is super atmospheric, with stone houses, narrow alleys, and amazing tavern food — try the slow-roasted lamb.
📏 From Kykkos: 30 km (~1 hour)
🚗 Mountain roads are scenic but straightforward — just don’t rush.
🛏 Where to Stay:
- Irene’s House – cozy guesthouse in the old town of Kakopetria. Perfect for one or more nights.
💧 Caledonia Waterfall & Platres
Next up: Platres village — about 30 km or 40 minutes away. A lovely base to explore Caledonia Waterfall, and nearby Millomeris Waterfall.
🚶 Trails are forested and scenic. 20–30 minutes of light hiking will get you to the falls.
💦 Pro tip: visit in spring or autumn when there’s actually water — in summer they may dry up.
If you’ve got time, you can also stop by a few wineries in the area (or plan a full wine day — we’ve got a separate route for that too 😉).
⛱ Pissouri Village & Beach
Time to head back to the coast! From Platres, it’s about an hour to Pissouri, a charming cliffside village that many seasoned travelers choose for longer stays.
Below the village is Pissouri Beach — a few km down a small road. There’s free parking right by the beach. Perfect spot for a swim, lunch, or both.
🛏 Where to Stay in Pissouri:
- If you’ve got a car, we recommend staying in the village itself — great taverns, cafes, and a beautiful central square.
- Or stay by the beach — more relaxed, with fewer crowds.
Recommended options:
- Kotzias Beach Apartments – sea views, modern furniture, great coffee setup. Perfect blend of comfort and style.
- Lazaros Pissouri Apartments – budget-friendly, located in the village. 5-minute drive to the beach.
🪨 Aphrodite’s Rock
One of the most iconic (and touristy) spots in Cyprus. According to legend, this is where Aphrodite rose from the sea.
📸 Best time to visit? Near sunset — the light is magical, and crowds are fewer. It’s located between Pissouri and Paphos/Limassol, so timing it for the evening works perfectly with this itinerary.
🏛 Kourion
Another fantastic ancient ruin site — not as famous as Paphos, but super atmospheric. Add it to your plan if time allows.
🎟 Entry is a few euros and includes on-site parking.
🌊 Bonus: epic sea views from the ancient amphitheater!
🌆 Limassol — Cyprus’ Urban Vibe
From Pissouri to Limassol it’s just 40 km and under 30 minutes on a fast, straight highway.
Limassol is Cyprus’ second-largest city and its #1 coastal metropolis. It’s the island’s business and lifestyle hub, and totally unique in character. If you’re into city vibes and a bit of urban energy — this is your spot.
🏖 The local beach (Dasoudi) won’t blow your mind, especially with the nearby marina and port, but it’s okay for a short visit. What you should visit is the Limassol Marina — a sleek, modern area with restaurants, sea views, and a stylish promenade.
📍 Things to do:
- Walk along the seafront promenade
- Explore the Old Town (compact but charming)
- If you’ve got time, check out Governor’s Beach just outside town — a nice spot for a quick dip and lunch by the sea
🛏 Where to Stay in Limassol:
Limassol is big and busy, but there’s lots of good-value accommodation. Stay near the marina or Dasoudi Beach to make your short stop convenient.
- Metro Court Apartments – budget-friendly, modern, and well-located near the beach and seafront. Ideal for a quick 1–2 night stay. No need to splurge here.
🛫 Larnaca — Airport City with a Chill Vibe
From Limassol to Larnaca it’s ~70 km — less than an hour on the highway.
Larnaca offers two key things:
- International airport
- Old-meets-new Mediterranean charm
It’s a great base to explore southern Cyprus or spend your final nights before departure.
🏖 Beaches in Larnaca are not amazing — sandy but shallow, with clay-like seabeds. Still, it’s worth 1–2 nights.
📍 What to see:
- Finikoudes Promenade
- Old Fort
- Church of St. Lazarus
- Larnaca Marina (currently being redeveloped)
- Salt Lake – best in winter when it fills with water and flocks of pink flamingos
- Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque – right on the lakeshore, peaceful and historic
✈️ On your departure day, stop by Mackenzie Beach — it’s just next to the airport. Chill by the sea, grab a coffee or lunch, and watch planes land right overhead. Locals love this spot, and for good reason!
🛏 Where to Stay in Larnaca:
Larnaca stretches along the coast, so location matters. Choose a place near the center with parking — streets can be narrow with lots of one-way roads.
- White 11 – great value even in peak season, walking distance to both promenades, St. Lazarus Church, and the beach. Excellent for a short road trip stop.
🧵 Lefkara — Lace, Silver & Instagram Streets
Just 40 km (30–40 min drive) from Larnaca, Lefkara is one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus. It’s been lovingly restored but still feels authentic and alive.
📍 What it’s known for:
- Traditional lacework by local artisans
- Handmade silver goods
- Charming streets and colorful courtyards
- The Church of the Holy Cross and viewpoints all over town
🔎 Tip: You want Pano Lefkara (Upper Lefkara), not Kato Lefkara (less interesting). The village sits in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, with a few curves as you approach — nothing too tricky.
🕌 Nicosia — The Divided Capital
Welcome to Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and the only divided capital city in the world. After the 1974 Turkish invasion, a wall was built through the middle of town — and it’s still there today.
It’s a sensitive topic for locals, but a fascinating and important piece of history.
Many travelers skip Nicosia, thinking it’s too big, boring, or far from the sea. That’s a mistake — especially if you’re visiting outside summer.
📍 Must-see:
- Ledra Street – the main pedestrian street that ends at one of the border checkpoints
- Cross into North Nicosia to explore mosques, bazaars, and the Turkish side of the city
- On the Greek-Cypriot side: churches, local cafes, restaurants, and shops
⌛ 2–3 hours is enough to get a feel for the city and the divided island.
🛣 Lefkara to Nicosia: 50 km (~1 hour)
🌴 Ayia Napa — Beach Party Meets Coastal Chill
From Nicosia, head straight to Cyprus’ most famous beach destination — Ayia Napa.
It’s about 90 km (~1 hour drive) — a typical leg for this road trip.
Ayia Napa is packed with beautiful beaches, nightlife, and everything in between.
🏖 Best beaches to check out:
- Nissi Beach
- Makronissos Beach
- Adams Beach
- Grecian Bay
The Ayia Napa Monastery is the heart of town. From here, you can walk to the marina and seafront. Near Grecian Bay, don’t miss the Love Bridge — a stunning natural rock arch.
🌃 At night: even if you’re not into clubbing, Bar Street is worth a stroll. Grab a beer and soak up the island’s wildest nightlife vibes.
📍 We recommend spending at least 2 nights here — perfect to unwind after the action-packed first half of the route.
🚶 On your way out of town, make a quick stop at the Cactus Park and Sculpture Park — parking is right along the road, and the parks are next to each other.
🛏 Where to Stay in Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is divided into distinct areas:
- Nissi Beach – ideal for beach lovers
- Town center/marina – great for exploring the city
- Makronissos Beach – quieter and more relaxed
We’ve stayed all over town during 10+ Cyprus trips — here are our top picks:
- Euronapa Hotel Apartments – modern, reasonably priced, walking distance to the monastery, marina, and beaches. Central and convenient.
- River View Boutique Apts – budget-friendly, with parking included. Just be warned: the garbage truck might be your morning alarm.
- Nissiana Hotel & Bungalows 3* – classic hotel near Nissi Beach. Great pool, good location (second line from the beach).
🌊 Cape Greco — Wild Nature at the Edge of the Island
One of the most spectacular natural areas in Cyprus — don’t skip it!
Located between Ayia Napa and Protaras, Cape Greco (Cavo Greco) is perfect for:
- Swimming in the Blue Lagoon
- Exploring sea caves
- Visiting the tiny Chapel of the Holy Unmercenaries
- Picnicking by the sea — tables and gazebos available
- Feeding the friendly local cats 🐾
📍 It’s just 10 km from Ayia Napa (10 minutes by car).
You can easily spend 1–2+ hours here, depending on how much hiking or chilling you want to do.
Roads are paved and accessible with any car. Parking is free.
🏖 Konnos Bay — Hidden Gem by the Cliffs
Konnos Bay is a small, secluded beach right on the edge of Cape Greco. It’s both peaceful and popular — a rare combo.
🚶 You can walk there from the chapel (15 min along a gorgeous coastal path)
🚗 Or drive — there’s a parking lot by the beach
There’s also a lovely shaded cafe (Konnos Cafe) with sea views — perfect for a drink or snack.
🏝 Protaras — Family Vibes & Calm Waters
Protaras is known as Cyprus’ #1 family resort. It’s quieter than Ayia Napa and has some of the island’s best beaches.
⏳ Stay here for at least 2 nights to recharge.
📍 Top spots:
- Fig Tree Bay – one of the prettiest beaches in all of Cyprus
- Fireman’s Beach – far end of town, near the north border
- Prophet Elias Church – sits on a hill with epic views, especially at sunset. Drive up and then climb the stairs to the top
📏 From Konnos Bay to Protaras: under 10 minutes
🛏 Where to Stay in Protaras
If it’s your first time — stay near Fig Tree Bay. Great beach, close to town, good infrastructure.
- Georgianno Sea Apartments – top location, 2 minutes from the beach, big space with 2 bedrooms, perfect for families or groups. Parking included. A gem — if available, book it!
- Villa Emily – affordable and family-friendly, very close to the beach.
- Protaras Plaza Hotel – stylish, with underground/above-ground parking. Bus 101 (Protaras–Ayia Napa) stops right outside. Just 2 minutes from the beach.
✈️ Departure from Larnaca Airport
All good trips must come to an end — and this one finishes at Larnaca International Airport.
🛣 From Protaras or Ayia Napa it’s about 1 hour by car. Plan your return so your flight departs after lunch or in the evening — that way, you’re not rushing.
🌅 Final tip: spend your last couple of hours at Mackenzie Beach, just next to the airport. Grab a coffee, watch planes land over the sea, and soak in that one-last-sunset feeling.
🧳 Final Thoughts
We could easily double this itinerary — Cyprus has so much more to offer, both popular and off-the-radar. But you’ve got to start somewhere.
This trip gives you a solid first taste of the best Cyprus has to offer. You can always adjust it:
- Extend it to 2–3 weeks
- Focus on just one region (e.g. Protaras + Ayia Napa or Limassol + Paphos)
Whatever you choose, you’re in for a beautiful ride 🇨🇾
✅ Bonus Travel Tips
Is Cyprus safe?
Absolutely. 100% safe — no tropical diseases, no major crime. But if you’re doing any hiking, driving, or active stuff, get travel insurance.
We use Hotline Finance in Ukraine — tons of affordable options, super easy to book online. I’ve only needed it twice (in Spain and Thailand), but it saved me a fortune and a lot of stress.
🔧 Handy Travel Resources:
- ✈️ Flights — Aviasales
- 🏨 Hotels & apartments — Booking.com
- 🚗 Car rental — Local Rent-Cyprus
A car in Cyprus is essential. You’ll adapt to driving on the left in 15 minutes — roads are great and locals drive calmly.
- 🎟 Online tours & activities — GetYourGuide
