Cyprus is compact: the motorway from Paphos to Larnaca takes under two hours, and Nicosia is about an hour from most of the coast. The mistake is changing hotels too often — two or three bases are enough for most trips.
These routes use Paphos (PFO) or Larnaca (LCA) as the arrival airport. Each works best with a hire car for a few days; we suggest tours where they save driving. Remember: Cyprus drives on the left.
Paphos, the Akamas & the Troodos
The west of the island from one base: archaeology, the Blue Lagoon and mountain villages.
Best for: first-time visitors flying into Paphos, short breaks.
- Day 1
Arrive in Paphos
Settle in at Kato Paphos and walk the harbour to the castle at sunset.
- Day 2
Mosaics & tombs
Morning in the Archaeological Park, afternoon at the Tombs of the Kings and Ayia Kyriaki.
- Day 3
The Akamas
Boat from Latchi to the Blue Lagoon, lunch at the harbour, the Baths of Aphrodite.
- Day 4
The Troodos
Drive or tour into the Troodos: Omodos, the Millomeris waterfall and a winery.
- Day 5
Aphrodite’s Rock
Morning at Petra tou Romiou and Kouklia before your flight.
Tip: with no car, swap day 4 for a Troodos tour from Paphos and day 5 for Coral Bay.
The south coast: Paphos to Larnaca
West to east along the south coast, with the mountains in the middle.
Best for: a first full week; open-jaw flights or a one-way car hire.
- Day 1–2
Paphos
The UNESCO sites and harbour of Paphos.
- Day 3
Akamas
A Blue Lagoon boat trip from Latchi.
- Day 4
Coast road to Limassol
Aphrodite’s Rock, Kourion and Kolossi on the way to Limassol.
- Day 5
Troodos
A day in the mountains: Kykkos or the painted churches, Platres and the waterfalls.
- Day 6
Lefkara & Larnaca
The lace village of Lefkara, then Larnaca: Saint Lazarus and the salt lake.
- Day 7
Larnaca
Snorkel the Zenobia or relax on Finikoudes before flying home.
Tip: Intercity buses link Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca, so you only need a car for days 3–6.
Coast, mountains & the capital
The south coast plus Nicosia and the beaches of the east.
Best for: couples and families who want both culture and beach time.
- Day 1–3
Paphos & the Akamas
Base in Paphos; one day for the Blue Lagoon.
- Day 4–5
Troodos
Two nights in Platres or Kakopetria in the Troodos.
- Day 6
Nicosia
Drive to Nicosia; museums and the walk across the Green Line.
- Day 7–9
Ayia Napa or Protaras
Beaches, a Cape Greco cruise and the sea caves around Ayia Napa and Protaras.
- Day 10
Larnaca
Saint Lazarus and the salt lake in Larnaca, close to the airport.
Tip: return the hire car in Nicosia or Larnaca if you plan to use buses and boats on the east coast.
The whole island, north and south
Every region, including Kyrenia and Famagusta in the north.
Best for: a slow, complete trip; returning visitors.
- Day 1–3
Paphos
The UNESCO sites, Coral Bay and the sea caves of Paphos.
- Day 4–5
Akamas
Two nights in Latchi or Polis: Blue Lagoon, the Aphrodite trail and Avakas Gorge (guide).
- Day 6–7
Troodos
Painted churches, Kykkos and a forest walk in the Troodos.
- Day 8
Limassol
Kourion, Kolossi and an evening in Limassol.
- Day 9–10
Nicosia & Kyrenia
Nicosia, then a day trip north to Kyrenia, Bellapais and St Hilarion.
- Day 11–13
East coast & Famagusta
Base in Protaras or Ayia Napa; a day trip to Famagusta and Salamis.
- Day 14
Larnaca
Last night by the sea in Larnaca.
Tip: for the north, check whether your hire car may cross and buy the separate insurance at the crossing — or use tours and taxis.
Adapting the routes
Swap days freely: the island is small enough that most sights are within two hours of any base. In July and August, plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and leave the afternoons for the beach. See getting around for buses and driving, and where to stay for bases.
