The Ultimate Cyprus Road Trip
The Ultimate Cyprus Road Trip
Colleen and Xander
If you are looking for a comprehensive view of Cyprus that is more than just beaches, look no further! In this weeklong itinerary, you will see the best the island has to offer.
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Getting there
Cyprus is easily accessible through its two international airports, Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) with low-cost airlines. Public transportation connects the airports to the cities. For this itinerary, a car is recommended for the more off-the-beaten path places, and we started our trip in Paphos but you can start in Larnaca and continue the circuit.
Reliable Car Rental
AERCAR RENTALS
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We rented a car with AerCar, who were super helpful through the whole process. Car rental and gas are relatively cheap in Cyprus, making for an easy road-trip destination! Don't forget, they drive on the left side of the road.
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A car is required for many of the places on this itinerary!
Day 1-2: Paphos
From ancient history, to beautiful nature.
Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings
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This is one of the three impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites that will take you back in time. An expansive outdoor archaeological park, go in the afternoon to avoid the heat while you explore.
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Paphos Castle
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Lovely during the day and at night, sometimes you will find music or other events happening outside this castle and you can continue your walk to the Promenade.
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Oniro By The Sea
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This beautiful restaurant is perfect for a drink or lunch with a stunning seaside view of a shipwreck! As a bonus, I'd recommend swimming to the shipwreck 😊
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Viklari
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This is a bit of a hike, but totally worth it. Offering a set menu of traditional souvla, you will likely have leftovers due to the insane portion size. Make sure you arrive before they close at 5pm so you can enjoy your time overlooking the green mountains and the sea!
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Avakas Gorge Nature Trail
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One of the most impressive gorges makes for a stunning hike. Frogs, mountain goats, and numerous plant species will greet you as you head deeper and deeper into this picturesque gorge.
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Latsi
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A cute little fishing town, Latsi is beautiful around sunset and makes for a great stop to eat some seafood or take a swim.
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Baths of Aphrodite
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It is said that goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in these waters, and you can see why! A short trail leads you through a garden to a pool that you should get to before the sun sets.
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Stay
Nicos & Olympia Apartments
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A lovely stay with a super enthusiastic and helpful host.
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Day 3: Troodos
It's time to hit the mountains!
Poli Crysochous
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This town ended up being one of the most surprising places of this trip! In the center, the alleyways and shops take you back in time with gorgeous architecture and a quiet ambiance.
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Moufflon Enclosure
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Never heard of a mouflon? It's worth stopping to see these fascinating creatures on the way to Troodos!
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Cafe Restaurant
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The very creatively named roadside stop has one thing on the menu: delicious halloumi sandwiches! Also other road trip essentials.
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Kykkos Monastery
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One of the most stunning monasteries. Incredibly quiet and peaceful, letting you appreciate the mountain atmosphere and the architecture.
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Church of the Archangel Michael
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Our second UNESCO WHS of the trip. This low-key church is a piece of art once you step inside. If you are lucky enough to meet the caretaker, you are in for a treat! There are two more wooden churches just a few minutes away by car, that could be worth a visit if you have time.
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Troodos
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Driving through the lush green mountains was the highlight of the trip for me! Definitely an underrated part of Cyprus.
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Laneia
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A stroll through the picturesque village of Laneia is definitely worth the detour. Very clean and laid-back, Laneia also has restaurant options and small exhibits about local history.
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Kapilio Tavern
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A hidden gem for sure. The owner is incredibly hospitable, bringing us dips and dessert on the house. The food was excellent, and the ambiance with the music was impeccable. Skip the touristy places in Limassol and head up here!
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Day 4: Limassol and Akrotiri
Ready for a coastal adventure?
Limassol Center
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We did not find Limassol to be worth too much of our time, but we did not see much of it. The historical center and the boardwalk are nice places to visit.
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Kolossi Castle
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Just outside Limassol, this castle gets rave reviews compared to Limassol Castle. An interesting history awaits as well as a scenic view after climbing to the top!
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Akrotiri
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If you are interested in borders and geographic anomalies, go back in time two hours (yes, Akrotiri follows British time) and leave the EU for a few hours to visit the United Kingdom! While not much changes across this border, it is worth a stopover to see the tiny town and to grab some fish and chips if you are hungry.
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Holy Monastery of St Nicholas of the Cats
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What looks like a huge villa, this is actually a monastery with a well-manicured garden that is home to dozens of cats! Some local souvenirs are for sale as well on an honor system basis.
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Neolithic Settlement of Choirokoitia
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The third and final UNESCO WHS in Cyprus, this settlement takes a bit of imagination but reconstructions help explain the layout and lives of the inhabitants. A nice walk to the top and a huge undertaking for archaeologists.
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Sleep
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Day 5: Larnaca and Protaras
Time for the best beaches and lots of charm.
Church of Saint Lazarus
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Impossible to miss while walking around downtown Larnaca, this is a beautiful church right in the center. Walk from here to the coast to explore the city on foot.
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Pyla Village
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Another underrated village! This is the last village in Cyprus where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live side-by-side. You will see mosques and churches, and make sure to visit the fort for a free, fantastic view of the surroundings. Located in the UN Buffer Zone makes it even more fascinating as well!
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Fig Tree Bay
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The best beach in Cyprus, according to many locals and foreigners. Clear water and golden sand await, and if you bring goggles you will be rewarded with what you see swimming around the island!
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Sea Caves
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Stunning caves to explore, and a gorgeous place to swim. We do not recommend jumping off the cliff, but going around to a spot where you can walk down safely to get in the water.
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Day 6-7: Nicosia
A complex history and a charming present.
The House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios - Ethnological Museum
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Step back in time by visiting the house of this important historical figure. See how they lived back then and see the Nicosia of the past!
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Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory
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There's no better way to see the city and it's unique circle shape than by above! The occupied northern side can also be seen from here, as well as Nicosia's landmarks.
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Yiayia Victoria
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Enjoy a delicious bougatsa or tiropita (pastries) right next to the UN Buffer Zone. One of the cutest places in town!
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Hamam Omerye
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An old hamam from the 1500s, Hamam Omerye still works today! Take some time for yourself and choose from one of their relaxing spa treatments.
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Eleftheria Square
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This Zaha Hadid-designed square makes up the centre of Nicosia where people hang out and stroll around.
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Eleftheria Monument
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Paying homage to the Independence of Cyprus, an impressive monument.
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The Cyprus Museum
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An impressive museum with free entrance, this archaeological look at Cyprus throughout the ages is truly fascinating and really well put together!
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Ledra Street
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The main, happening artery of Nicosia, with lots of shopping and a checkpoint at the northern end.
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Tips for Cyprus
Learn about the country's history before you go.
Don't skip Nicosia!
The country's capital has a tragic history but is definitely worth your time.
Don't use EuroNet ATMs
These ATMs are designed to scam tourists (anywhere in the world), so if you are going to take out cash I recommend Bank of Cyprus. Card is accepted in most places.
Lear a few words of Greek
Although the Cypriot dialect is different from the one in Greece, a few words can go a long way in interacting with locals!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Colleen and Xander
We're Colleen and Xander and we're currently living and studying in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. We've been to over 28 countries together in the past two years, but are also on student budget. When we're not traveling, we also love studying foreign languages, and speak five between the two of us!
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