In a nutshell
- Cyprus has so much to offer beyond the beach — we’ve rounded up the 8 best day trips and activities in Cyprus to help you make the most of your trip.
- Most tours depart from Paphos, one of the most popular bases in Cyprus — but there are options from Larnaca and Limassol too.
- Our personal top picks: the snorkeling trip with sea turtles and the day trip to the Troodos Mountains — both are seriously unforgettable.
- Traveling with kids? Don’t miss the Golden Donkey Farm in Larnaca — it’s a highlight for the whole family.
Cyprus Snorkeling Trip with Turtles
- Start: Paphos
- Duration: 4 hours
- Language: English
On this snorkeling trip off Paphos, you get to explore Cyprus’s underwater world and swim alongside sea turtles.
The tour heads to a little-known cove with a sandy beach that’s ideal for snorkeling.
The group is split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. You can bring your own gear or borrow some — it’s included in the price. After a helpful briefing, you’re in the water.
Our experience: We did this trip ourselves and still rave about it. We were placed in the advanced group and felt completely comfortable throughout. The guides really pay attention to everyone, and they’re genuinely dedicated to making sure you have an unforgettable time. And we did!
We actually swam alongside a sea turtle and spent a total of 1.5 hours in the water. Afterward, we were wiped out and just wanted to collapse on a sun lounger — but we were also rarely happier.
Book the snorkeling trip with turtles
Find your hotel in Paphos
Find the best places to stay in Cyprus
Day Trip to the Troodos Mountains
- Start: Paphos
- Duration: 8 hours
- Language: English
This day trip to the Troodos Mountains shows you a completely different side of Cyprus — away from the beach and up into the mountains.
The tour visits two impressive monasteries: the Panayia Chrysorrogiatissa, a true lesser-known gem in Cyprus, and the famous Kykkos Monastery, which ranks among Cyprus’s most iconic highlights.
Between the culture and history, you’ll stop in the mountain villages of Pedoulas and Omodos, sample traditional food, and get an authentic glimpse into Cypriot village life.
Our experience: We loved the mix of nature, culture, and small villages. It’s a great contrast to beach life — you learn so much about the history and way of life in Cyprus. Absolutely worth it for anyone after a cultural day out.
Book the day trip to the Troodos Mountains
If you're planning a road trip, we'll show you here how you can include the Toodos Mountains in your itinerary:
Jeep Tour in Cyprus
- Start: Paphos or Larnaca (hotel pickup)
- Duration: 7 hours (from Paphos) or 8 hours (from Larnaca)
- Language: English (both tours), German (from Larnaca only)
A jeep tour is one of the most exciting things to do in Cyprus. There are two options depending on whether you start from Paphos or Larnaca, and the sights along the way differ by route.
From Paphos, you head along the coast, through the Avagas Gorge, past the village of Akamas, with stops at Lara Beach — one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus — the Baths of Aphrodite, and the Blue Lagoon.
From Larnaca, the tour heads inland into the Troodos Mountains, with different landscapes and highlights. You really get a feel for the Cypriot hinterland on this one.
Both tours combine nature, adventure, and seriously stunning views. Perfect if you love going off-road and want to explore the island beyond the beaches.
Book the Cyprus jeep tour from Paphos
Book the Cyprus jeep tour from Larnaca
Trip to the Ghost Town of Famagusta
- Start: 35 options
- Duration: 8 hours
- Language: English
Famagusta sits on the eastern coast of Cyprus and is best known for the Varosha district — a ghost town frozen in time since the Turkish invasion of 1974.
On a day trip, you can visit this extraordinary place and wander through abandoned streets, crumbling hotels, and ancient city walls.
Varosha is a fascinating and eerie experience that stands in complete contrast to the typical sun-soaked spots in Cyprus. The combination of history, derelict buildings, and the unique atmosphere makes it truly one of a kind among Cyprus activities.
We’d strongly recommend visiting Varosha on a guided tour. Access is strictly regulated, and the guides provide fascinating background that brings the whole story to life. You’ll move around safely and won’t miss a thing.
The day tour also takes you to St. Barnabas Monastery and the archaeological site of Salamis.
Book the trip to Famagusta and Salamis
Cyprus Buggy Tour
- Start: Paphos (no pickup)
- Duration: 5 hours
- Language: English
A buggy tour is one of the most fun ways to explore Cyprus. You ride a buggy or quad along the coast near Coral Bay, discover a shipwreck, and explore some seriously cool sea caves.
Additional stops include St. George’s Harbor marina, a turtle nesting site in the Akamas Reserve, and Lara Beach — where you can jump straight into the water.
There’s a short café break along the way before heading to the Adonis Baths, complete with waterfalls and nature trails.
The buggy tour combines action, nature, and beautiful coastal scenery. In just a few hours, you get a generous taste of Cyprus’s diversity.
Tour to Lefkara & Nicosia
- Start: Paphos (hotel pickup)
- Duration: 9 hours
- Language: English
This day trip is one of the best things to do in Cyprus if you’re after real cultural depth.
You’ll stroll through the charming village of Lefkara, watch locals practice the traditional craft of lace embroidery, and soak up the peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.
From Lefkara, you continue to the Larnaca Salt Lake and the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque right on the water — a tranquil, incredibly photogenic spot where flamingos can even be spotted in winter.
Next up is Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. You’ll wander through the historic center, visit the Church of Saint Lazarus, and take in the ancient city walls that give the city its unique character.
In a single day, you get a rich mix of traditional villages, religious sites, and urban history.
Book the tour to Lefkara & Nicosia
Blue Lagoon & Baths of Aphrodite Tour
- Start: Paphos or Limassol (pickup at/near hotel)
- Duration: 8–9 hours
- Language: English
These day trips combine the best of coastal scenery and mythology, and you’ve got two departure options: Paphos or Limassol. The sights along the way differ slightly depending on which you choose.
From Paphos, you travel along the coast, passing the Edro III shipwreck and sea caves, take a boat out to the Blue Lagoon with a snorkeling stop, visit the village of Polis Chrysochous, and finish at the Baths of Aphrodite.
The tour from Limassol also heads to the Blue Lagoon, but stops along the way at the birthplace of Aphrodite and the village of Latchi before continuing to the Baths of Aphrodite.
Both are excellent Cyprus experiences — though if we had to pick, the tour from Paphos edges it slightly.
Book the Blue Lagoon day trip from Paphos
Book the Blue Lagoon day trip from Limassol
Family Trip to a Donkey Farm in Cyprus
- Start: Farm is located in Skarinou, Larnaca — you drive there yourself or can add pickup, e.g. from Paphos or Limassol
- Duration: 4 hours
- Language: English
At the donkey farm in Skarinou, you’ll have a wonderful day out with the family.
You’ll see how cheese and halloumi are made the traditional way, get a tour of the farm, meet the donkeys up close, and get to pet and feed them.
There’s also a tasting of donkey milk and fresh olive oil, before the day wraps up with a delicious Cypriot meal.
Honestly, a visit to the Golden Donkeys Farm is so much better than a classic donkey ride. The animals are treated with real respect here, rather than being exploited for tourists. It’s a lovely, relaxed outing where you can experience authentic Cypriot traditions at a proper working farm.
And it’s not just for families, either. Animal lovers and anyone curious about farm life in Cyprus will have a great time here too.
Book the donkey farm trip in Cyprus
Frequently Asked Questions About Excursions in Cyprus
Is it better to rent a car or book guided tours in Cyprus?
Honestly, both have their advantages.
A rental car gives you flexibility — you can explore places like the donkey farm in Skarinou or the Troodos Mountains at your own pace.
Guided tours are perfect when you want to relax or visit spots like the Blue Lagoon that you can only reach by boat.
Plus, the guides fill you in on everything worth knowing and make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
Which Cyprus activities are best for families with kids?
For families, the trip to the donkey farm is the standout pick. If you’re traveling with older kids, the snorkeling excursion or the buggy tour are also great options.
Should you book Cyprus excursions in advance or on arrival?
Book online in advance — it’s the smarter move.
You’ll secure your spot, confirm the tour language ahead of time, and can read reviews before you commit.
Booking on arrival can work, but for popular experiences like the Blue Lagoon or the jeep tour, don’t count on last-minute availability.
Are there English-language tours in Cyprus?
The vast majority of tours in Cyprus are conducted in English. You don’t need to be fluent — basic English is usually more than enough to follow along.
One tour that also runs in German is the Jeep tour from Larnaca.
Are there private or exclusive tours available in Cyprus?
Yes, there are a handful of private tours available in Cyprus.
They’re a great option if you want a more independent experience or prefer to enjoy the tour exclusively with your family or group.
That said, private tours in Cyprus are priced at a group rate of 130 to around 500 euros and aren’t as commonly booked.
