A 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary Around Cyprus

🗓️ Day 1: Nicosia – Discovering the Divided Capital

Start your journey in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and the only divided capital city in the world.

• Morning Walk in the Old Town
  Begin your day inside the Venetian Walls, where narrow alleys, historic buildings, and hidden courtyards create a unique charm. Walk along Ledra Street, a lively pedestrian zone filled with shops and cafes. Step into Laiki Geitonia, a restored neighborhood that feels like a time capsule, with stone houses and traditional architecture.

• Cultural Highlights
  Visit the Cyprus Museum, home to one of the most impressive collections of ancient artifacts in the Eastern Mediterranean. If you’re curious, cross the Ledra Street checkpoint into the northern part of the city to see how the division has shaped modern Nicosia.

• Food Tip: Stop at a local bakery for a halloumi pie or bourekia (pastry with cheese or cream filling).

• Evening Vibes
  End your day at a traditional tavern in the Old Town. Order a meze and enjoy dish after dish of Cypriot flavors — from souvlaki to sheftalia, tahini, olives, and loukoumades for dessert.

👉 Overnight in Nicosia.

🗓️ Day 2: Troodos Mountains – Villages, Wine & Nature

Leave the bustle of the city behind and drive into the Troodos Mountains, where cooler air, pine forests, and traditional stone villages await.

• Morning in Omodos
  Your first stop is Omodos, a picturesque wine village famous for its cobbled streets, traditional lace, and the Monastery of the Holy Cross. Sip a glass of local Commandaria wine — one of the world’s oldest named wines, still produced in the region.

• Scenic Drive Through the Mountains
  Continue your drive through Platres, a resort town once loved by British officers. Stop for a coffee and try soujouko, a sweet made from grape juice and almonds.

• Afternoon Hike & Views
  Head towards Mount Olympus, the highest point in Cyprus. Even if you don’t hike, the views and fresh air are unforgettable. In winter, this area becomes a small ski resort — yes, you can ski in Cyprus!

• Evening in a Mountain Guesthouse
  Stay overnight in a village guesthouse. Dinner is simple but hearty: kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), roasted potatoes, and local red wine.

👉 Overnight in Troodos.

🗓️ Day 3: Pafos – Ancient Ruins & the Blue Lagoon

On Day 3, head west towards Pafos, a city full of history, mythology, and seaside beauty.

• Morning History Tour
  Explore the Pafos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the ruins of Roman villas, mosaics, an ancient theater, and the remains of early Christian basilicas.

• Afternoon Adventure at the Blue Lagoon
  No trip to Pafos is complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon in the Akamas Peninsula. Take a boat trip from Latchi harbor and spend the afternoon swimming in the clearest turquoise waters you’ve ever seen. Bring snorkels — the marine life is fantastic.

• Evening at the Harbor
  As the sun sets, stroll along Pafos Harbor. The medieval castle towers over the water, fishermen bring in their catch, and taverns line the promenade. Order fresh fish, calamari, or octopus, paired with a chilled glass of Cypriot white wine.

👉 Overnight in Pafos.

🗓️ Day 4: Limassol – Ancient Kourion & Modern Marina

Drive east to Limassol, a city that perfectly combines old and new.

• Morning at Kourion
  Just before Limassol, stop at the Kourion Archaeological Site, one of the island’s most impressive ruins. The ancient amphitheater overlooks the sea, and the mosaics of Eustolios’ house are stunning.

• Afternoon in Limassol
  Head into the city to enjoy the Limassol Marina, with its yachts, cafes, and stylish vibe. The Molou Promenade is perfect for a seaside walk, while the Old Town offers narrow streets filled with wine bars and taverns.

• Evening Choices
  You can either relax with a cocktail at the marina or head to a nearby wine village such as Arsos or Lania for a quieter, more traditional dinner.

👉 Overnight in Limassol.

🗓️ Day 5: Ayia Napa & Cavo Greko – Beaches and Adrenaline

Save the adventure for last with a trip to Ayia Napa and Cavo Greko, on the island’s southeastern coast.

• Morning at the Beach
  Start at Nissi Beach or Makronissos Beach. Both offer golden sands, warm shallow waters, and a lively atmosphere. In November, they’re quieter and more relaxed.

• Afternoon in Cavo Greko
  Drive to Cavo Greko National Park, a rugged area of sea cliffs, caves, and trails. The highlight? The Cavo Greko sea caves. This is where thrill-seekers leap into the Mediterranean from the cliffs. Even if you don’t jump, it’s worth the visit just for the views.

• Evening Seafood Feast
  End your road trip with dinner at Spartiatis Restaurant, perched above the sea. Watch the sunset while eating grilled fish and raising a glass to your five days of adventure.

👉 Overnight in Ayia Napa or Larnaca (if flying out).

🛑 Practical Road Trip Tips for Cyprus

• Drive on the left-hand side of the road.

• Fuel stations may close early in villages — plan ahead.

• Roads are well maintained, but mountain routes can be narrow.

• Distances are short: Nicosia to Pafos is only ~2 hours.

• Book accommodations early if traveling in summer.

✨ Final Thoughts

A 5-day road trip around Cyprus gives you the best of everything:

• Culture: Walking through Nicosia’s Old Town.

• Nature: Exploring the Troodos Mountains.

• Adventure: Swimming at the Blue Lagoon and jumping off the sea caves in Cavo Greko.

• Food: Meze, kleftiko, seafood, and sweets at taverns across the island.

Cyprus may be small, but every corner has a story. With a rental car, you can explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and create memories that last a lifetime.

👉 Ready for your road trip? Book your rental car with us and experience Cyprus like a local.