Cyprus Road Trip
A Cyprus road trip works best as a loop from Larnaca: east coast first, then up into the Troodos, across to the Akamas and Paphos, and back along the south coast through Limassol. Plan ten days, drive on the left, and book mountain stays, because the mountain legs are slower than they look on a map.
- Best for
- Confident drivers who want the whole island, not a single resort.
- How much time
- Ten days is comfortable; a week is possible if you drop the east coast. Allow more if you want to hike.
This guide is about the route and the driving. For a day-by-day plan with timed morning, lunch and evening, see the 7-day itinerary. We do not print kilometres or drive times: they change with traffic, roadworks and season. Each leg links to live directions.
Before you drive
- Traffic drives on the left. Roundabouts are frequent; look right, give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
- Motorways link the south-coast cities and Nicosia; mountain roads are narrow, winding and slow.
- Fuel before you climb into the mountains or enter the Akamas, where stations are far apart.
- Check parking: historic centres and village squares can be tight.
- Confirm with your rental company what the insurance covers and whether crossing to the north is allowed. Many contracts restrict it.
- Allow for summer heat: keep water in the car and avoid long daytime walks on the coast in July and August.
The route in six legs
Larnaca to Ayia Napa and Protaras
Base: Ayia Napa or Protaras
Start by the airport and head east for the island's best-known sandy beaches and Cape Greco.
Live route: Larnaca → Ayia Napa
- natureLarnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke · Larnaca
A quick wildlife stop between November and February, when flamingos are usually there; water levels vary at other times. - beachNissi Beach · Ayia Napa
Sandy and busy; swim early. - viewpointCape Greco · Between Ayia Napa and Protaras
Cliffs, sea caves and coastal paths. Go at sunrise or late afternoon. - beachFig Tree Bay · Protaras
A calm sandy bay for families.
Skip ifYou dislike resort areas: skip straight to the mountains and add a Larnaca night instead.
Larnaca area to the Troodos villages
Base: Kakopetria or Platres
Head inland through the craft villages and into the forested hills, where the temperature drops and the roads slow down.
Live route: Larnaca → Kakopetria
- villageLefkara · Larnaca district
Lace and silverwork; lovely narrow streets. - villageFikardou · Eastern Troodos
A preserved mountain village. - sitePainted churches · Troodos
Choose two: Asinou and Agios Ioannis Lampadistis are good starting points. - siteKykkos Monastery · Western Troodos
The island's best-known monastery, high in the forest.
Skip ifYou cannot spare a full day: choose either the painted churches or a forest walk, not both.
Troodos to Polis and the Akamas
Base: Polis or Latchi
Descend from the mountains to the quieter northwest coast and the Akamas peninsula.
Live route: Kakopetria → Latchi
- natureBaths of Aphrodite · Akamas
A modest pool in a shady grotto that doubles as a trailhead for the Aphrodite Trail. - foodLatchi harbour · Near Polis
Seafront tavernas and boat trips along the Akamas coast. - beachLara Bay · Akamas coast
Wild bay, sea turtles in summer; unsurfaced access.
Skip ifYou are short on time: shorten the west and spend longer in the mountains.
Polis to Paphos
Base: Paphos
A coastal run to Paphos, the island's most historic base after Nicosia.
- beachCoral Bay · Peyia
Sandy and west-facing; a good swim stop. - sitePaphos Archaeological Park · Kato Paphos
The Roman-era mosaics: arrive early. - siteTombs of the Kings · Paphos
Rock-cut tombs beside the sea.
Skip ifYou have already seen major Roman sites elsewhere: Kourion on the next leg is similar, so choose one.
Paphos to Limassol along the south coast
Base: Limassol
The coast road gives the most scenic driving on the island, with Kourion as its anchor.
- siteKouklia · East of Paphos
The ancient sanctuary of Aphrodite. - viewpointPetra tou Romiou · South coast
A sea stack with a legend; a short stop, best at sunset. - foodPissouri Bay · South coast
A relaxed lunch-and-swim stop. - viewpointKourion · Limassol district
Clifftop Roman city above the sea.
Limassol back to Larnaca
Base: Larnaca
Wind down along the motorway with one or two good stops before the airport.
Live route: Limassol → Larnaca
- townLimassol old town · Limassol
A final seafront dinner. - siteChoirokoitia · Between Limassol and Larnaca
Neolithic settlement, UNESCO-listed. - beachFinikoudes · Larnaca
Palm-lined promenade; easy last meal.
Where to sleep
| Leg | Base | Why |
|---|---|---|
| East | Ayia Napa or Protaras | Beaches, restaurants, easy access to Cape Greco |
| Mountains | Kakopetria or Platres | Central to painted churches and forest trails |
| Northwest | Polis or Latchi | Gateway to the Akamas |
| West | Paphos | Sites, harbour, restaurants |
| South | Limassol | Central, strong dining, close to Kourion |
| Finish | Larnaca | Next to the airport |
Best viewpoints on the loop
- Kourion: the theatre and the cliffs above the sea.
- Cape Greco: headland cliffs at sunrise.
- Petra tou Romiou: the sea stack at the end of the day.
- Troodos ridges: pull-offs along the mountain roads give long views to the coast.
- Akamas: coastal paths near Lara and the Baths of Aphrodite.
Prefer a shorter route with timed days? See the Cyprus 7-day itinerary. For broader planning, read the Cyprus travel guide.
Check before you go
Hours, prices and schedules change. Confirm them at the source: