Hire a car and follow our detailed round trip itinerary to embark on an exciting journey around the beautiful island of Cyprus. Starting and ending in Larnaca, this adventure will take you to charming places, allowing you to enjoy mouth-watering local cuisine and comfortable accommodation. The whole trip will be about 450 km and will take about a week at a leisurely pace.
Day 1: Larnaca - Limassol (70 km)
Start your journey by renting a car in Larnaca. Before setting off, visit the beautiful Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and stroll along the lively Finikoudes promenade. Afterwards, drive southwest on the A1 highway towards Limassol, stopping at Kition, an ancient archaeological site.
Upon arrival in Limassol, tour the historic Limassol Castle and stroll along the beautiful Molos promenade. For lunch, visit To Kanoni, a charming local eatery with authentic Cypriot dishes. Afterwards, check into your hotel, such as the elegant Londa Beach Hotel.
Day 2: Limassol to Paphos (70 km)
After breakfast, head west along the B6 coastal road to Paphos. Along the way, stop at the ancient archaeological site of Kourion, home to stunning Greco-Roman ruins. Once in Paphos, visit Paphos Archaeological Park to admire the impressive mosaics at the House of Dionysus.
Sip a delicious coffee at the Muse Café Kitchen, and for dinner try a delicious meze at Laona Restaurant. Spend the night at the luxurious Annabelle Hotel, located right on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 3: Paphos - Polis (40 km)
Today, take the E713 and E740 highways to Polis, a quaint town surrounded by lush forests. Discover the picturesque Baths of Aphrodite and visit the Akamas Peninsula, an unspoiled nature reserve with fantastic hiking opportunities.
Grab a bite to eat at The Old Town Restaurant in Polis and enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes. For overnight stay at the charming Polis 1907 Hotel, a restored traditional house.
Day 4: Polis - Troodos Mountains (90 km)
Drive south on the E740 highway and then east on the B8 and B9 roads to reach the Troodos Mountains. Explore the charming villages of Platres, Omodos and Lofou, known for their traditional architecture and stunning views. Visit Kykkos Monastery, one of the most famous and wealthy monasteries in Cyprus.
Stop for a cup of coffee in Troodos Square and have lunch at Petros Restaurant in Platres, famous for its local cuisine. Spend the night at Forest Park Hotel or another cozy lodge in the mountains.
Day 5: Troodos Mountains - Nicosia (80km)
Drive east along the B9 and A1 highways to the bustling capital city of Nicosia. Wander the narrow streets of the old town, visit the Cyprus Museum and admire the stunning Selimieh Mosque.
Taste delicious coffee at Menta Specialty Coffee and savor local cuisine at Zanettos Taverna. Stay overnight at the Hilton Nicosia or another comfortable hotel.
Day 6: Nicosia - Ayia Napa (100 km)
Take the A2 highway to reach Ayia Napa, a popular beach resort. Relax on the golden sands of Nissi Beach and explore the natural wonder of the Sea Caves. Don't miss the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park, an open-air gallery with fascinating works of art.
Stop by Coffee Island for a refreshing drink and for dinner, visit the family-run Vangelis Tavern, serving delicious local cuisine. Stay overnight at the chic Alion Beach Hotel.
Day 7: Ayia Napa - Larnaca (50 km)
On the last day, drive back to Larnaca via the A3 highway. Before dropping off your rental car, spend some time at Cape Greco, a protected national park with stunning views of the sea, coastal cliffs and spectacular sea caves.
Back in Larnaca, treat yourself to one last Cypriot meal at the traditional To Kazani Tavern for a mouth-watering meze. If you have time left, visit St. Lazarus Church and explore Larnaca's salt lake before saying goodbye to this charming island.
Travel Tips
- Rent a GPS navigator or make sure your smartphone has an offline map app to help you navigate the island easily.
- Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and driving customs, including driving on the left side of the road.
- Take sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun.
- Be prepared for occasional tolls and parking fees.
