Itinerary in Cyprus – accommodations and attractions

We have been living in Cyprus since 2021, and we have explored the island in depth over the years. Even before moving, we visited many times, including an extended three-week trip where we discovered lesser-known areas and enjoyed everything the island has to offer. Despite its relatively small size, Cyprus is full of diverse experiences – from stunning nature trails in the mountains to vibrant cities with an authentic Greek atmosphere, as well as traditional taverns serving excellent local cuisine. The island also offers a wide range of attractions for all types of travelers – perfect beaches for relaxation and swimming, boat trips to magical destinations, exciting jeep tours, water sports of all kinds (from diving to jet skiing), and impressive archaeological sites with a rich history.

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6 Travel Itineraries in Cyprus

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Why Cyprus?

Cyprus is an ideal destination for those looking for a quick getaway – a short flight transports you to completely different landscapes, with a laid-back Greek vibe. It caters to all vacation styles – whether you seek a relaxing beach holiday with blue waters, luxurious hotels, and beautiful beaches, or if you’re an adventure enthusiast looking for nature trails, green mountains, and enchanting streams. In Cyprus, you can enjoy the perfect balance between relaxation and exciting excursions.

A Bit About Cyprus

Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia (the last divided capital in Europe), and the official language is Greek, though many locals speak English fluently. The local currency is the Euro, making it very convenient for travelers who do not need to deal with complicated currency exchanges.

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How to Get There?

Getting to Cyprus is easy, quick, and affordable – often simpler and even more cost-effective than domestic flights! There are direct flights to two major airports in Cyprus:

Larnaca International Airport – the island’s main airport, about an hour from Nicosia and 45 minutes from Limassol.
Paphos International Airport – ideal for those planning a holiday in the western part of the island (Paphos, Troodos Mountains, Limassol).

Flights are available via various airlines, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Aegean, and Cyprus Airways.

How to Get Around?

Public transportation in Cyprus is relatively limited.

If you are staying in Paphos or Larnaca and do not plan to leave the city, you can manage without a rental car.
If you plan to take guided tours, transportation is usually included.
For occasional short trips, taxis or buses are an option.
If you want to explore Cyprus at your own pace and stop spontaneously, renting a car is the best option.

Hotels in Cyprus

Over the years, we have stayed in dozens of hotels across the island – from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels. Here are some standout options in each destination:

Hotels in Larnaca:

Radisson Blu – A 5-star luxury hotel with spacious suites, a pool, and a sky bar, close to the city center.
The Quality Lodge – A modern boutique hotel with a pool and spacious rooms in a quiet location.
Sun Hall – A 4-star hotel on the promenade with a pool and gym.
Qbic City Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city, near restaurants and shops.

For more details: Recommended hotels in Larnaca

Hotels in Limassol:

Parklane – A luxury resort with pools, a kids’ club, and high-end facilities.
Grand Resort – A 5-star hotel with an all-inclusive option at a great price.
City of Dreams – A luxurious resort featuring the largest casino in Europe, rope parks, and unique pools.
Amathus – High-end service, a private beach with inflatables and play areas.

For more details: Recommended hotels in Limassol

Hotels in Paphos:

Olympic Lagoon – A 5-star all-inclusive resort with pools, kids’ clubs, and great food.
Minthis – A luxury resort in the mountains with an infinity pool and an adults-only spa.
Louis Ledra – An all-inclusive hotel with entertainment teams and babysitting services.
Sofianna – A well-located, all-inclusive hotel near the harbor.

For more details: Recommended hotels in Paphos

Hotels in Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is an excellent destination for both family vacations and couples seeking a luxurious resort.

Olympic Lagoon – A 5-star all-inclusive hotel with excellent service, great food, and a variety of pools.
NissiBlu – A new and elegant hotel near Nissi Beach, featuring a spa and excellent restaurants.
Aeneas Resort – A luxury hotel with large pools, sports facilities, and high-quality service.

For more details: Recommended hotels in Ayia Napa

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Hotels in Protaras

Protaras offers excellent hotels for families and couples, with beautiful beaches and a relaxing atmosphere.

Louis Althea Beach – A 4-star beachfront hotel with pools, water slides for kids, and great food.
Louis St. Elias Waterpark – A hotel featuring a small water park and activities for the whole family.
Capo Bay – A 5-star hotel with a stunning beach and outstanding service, ideal for couples and families.

For more details: Recommended hotels in Protaras

Travel Itineraries in Cyprus

Your itinerary will depend on how long you are staying and what you are looking for. Here are some suggested routes:

Family-Friendly Itinerary:

Arrive in Larnaca -> 3 nights in Ayia Napa -> 2 nights in Protaras -> 2 nights in Larnaca with day trips to Lefkara and the Troodos Mountains.

Young Travelers’ Itinerary:

Arrive in Larnaca -> Stay 2 nights on the promenade -> 4 nights in Ayia Napa.

Nature-Focused Itinerary:

Arrive in Paphos -> Stay 3 nights in Paphos with trips to Akamas Reserve -> 3 nights in the Troodos Mountains.

City & Beach Itinerary:

Arrive in Paphos or Larnaca -> Stay 2 nights -> 3 nights in Limassol.

Base Trip:

If you prefer to stay in one place and take day trips, Limassol is a great base since it is centrally located between Larnaca and Paphos and close to the Troodos Mountains.

Larnaca

Recommended Duration: 2–3 days

Things to Do in Larnaca

Salt Lake
Hala Sultan Tekke
Kamares Aqueduct
Church of Saint Lazarus
Larnaca Old Town
Metropolis Mall
Larnaca Seafront Promenade
Larnaca Castle
Fun Factory (Indoor Playground for Kids)
SALTO Trampoline Park
Finikoudes Beach

For more recommendations: Things to do in Larnaca

Day Trips from Larnaca

Cape Greco Nature Reserve (Ayia Napa, ~1-hour drive) – Scenic trails, a natural bridge, and picnic spots. A great place to spend a half or full day.
Lefkara Village – A picturesque village with local restaurants, lace shops, and a wine store offering local wines and liqueurs. Less crowded on weekdays.

Limassol

Recommended Duration: 2–3 days
Getting There: ~45 minutes from Larnaca or Paphos by car

Things to Do in Limassol

Shopping in Limassol

Anexartisias Street – Brands like H&M, Zara, Mango, and more
MyMall – Fashion brands, ice skating, and kids’ play areas
Jumbo – Toy and home goods stores

Entertainment & Dining

City of Dreams Casino – The largest casino in Europe, offering free drinks
Live Music Taverns: Nefeli Tavern & Mageirio Tavern (best on Friday & Saturday nights, reservation recommended)

Seafront & Old Town

Limassol Marina & Promenade – A 15-km walkway with bike paths, food stalls, restaurants, and bars
Molos Park – Playgrounds and bike rentals
Limassol Old Town – Quaint alleyways with bars, restaurants, and cafés

Nature & Outdoor Activities

Prastio Waterfall – A scenic spot for hiking
Yermasoyia Dam – A peaceful picnic area
White Cliffs – A natural site with a family-friendly tavern

Castles & Museums

Kolossi Castle – A medieval fortress
Museum of Illusions – Fun for kids
Car Museum – Classic car collection

Water Parks & Beaches

Water Park – Large slides and activities for adults and kids
Best Beaches:
- Lady’s Mile Beach
- Dasoudi Beach
- Governor’s Beach
Ancient Amathus – Ruins of an ancient city

For more recommendations: Things to do in Limassol, Limassol with kids

Day Trips from Limassol

Lefkara Village, Kalavasos, Zygi, and Tochni – Read more in our post on Villages & Day Trips from Limassol

Paphos

Recommended Duration: 3–6 days (depending on whether you plan to mix beach time with sightseeing)
Getting There: ~1-hour drive from Limassol

Things to Do in Paphos

Yacht Cruise from Paphos
Adonis Baths
Oniro by the Sea (stunning views)
Paphos Old Town
Segway Tour
Paphos Archaeological Site
Paphos Zoo
Wine Tasting at Tsangarides Winery
Paphos Indoor Market
Paphos Harbor
Tombs of the Kings
Joulietta Chocolatier Patissiere (Chocolate Shop)
Kings Avenue Mall (Shopping)
Paphos Water Park
Mini Golf, Bowling, & Go-Karting

For more recommendations: Things to do in Paphos, Paphos with kids

Day Trips from Paphos

Akamas Peninsula – Hiking trails with sea and Paphos views, ending at the Blue Lagoon. Jeep tours and boat trips available.
Venetian Bridges & Troodos Mountains – Explore the Tzelefos Bridge in the Paphos Forest. Drive or hike between the bridges, with an option to climb to a scenic viewpoint.

For more recommendations: Day Trips from Paphos

Troodos Mountains

1. Best Villages in Troodos

Kakopetria – A picturesque village with cobblestone streets, a river, a nature park, and the historic Agios Nikolaos Church.
Omodos – A lively village with a central square, the Timios Stavros Monastery, and local wineries.
Platres – A charming village with hiking trails, Caledonia Waterfall, and authentic restaurants.

2. Nature & Hiking Trails

Kakopetria Nature Park – A relaxing walk through lush greenery.
Vateri Trail (Kakopetria) – A shaded trail with impressive viewpoints.
Millomeris Waterfall – A stunning waterfall near Kakopetria.
Caledonia Waterfall – One of the most famous waterfalls in Cyprus, ideal for hiking.
Yerokamina Viewpoint – A breathtaking spot near Platres.

3. Winter Skiing in Troodos

Ski season: January–March
Cyprus Ski Website – For up-to-date snow conditions
Recommended Hotel: Casale Panayiotis

4. Adventure Parks in Troodos

Sparti Platres Rope Adventure Park – A large rope park with over 270 obstacles.
Marina’s Adventure Park (Kakopetria) – Climbing trails with varying difficulty levels.

5. Best Cycling Routes

Psilo Dendro – Karvounas (16.2 km, Easy)
Karvounas – Prodromos (22.7 km, Medium)
Prodromos – Psilo Dendro (18.2 km, Easy)

6. Wineries in Troodos

For more recommendations: Things to do in Troodos Mountains

Cyprus is a diverse and magical destination, blending stunning beaches, charming villages, breathtaking nature, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, adventurous hikes, mountain trails, or top-tier culinary experiences, the island has something for everyone. Its close proximity to Israel, convenient transportation, numerous attractions, and Mediterranean charm make Cyprus an ideal destination for a short or long vacation.

I hope this guide helps you plan an enjoyable and successful trip!

If you found this post helpful, feel free to leave a comment below. Have more questions? Ask in the comments or reach out on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

Looking for more information on Cyprus? Check out my other blog posts on Cyprus