In a nutshell
- We’ll show you how to discover Cyprus on a self-guided road trip and experience as many beautiful places as possible along the way!
- Choose between itineraries for 7, 10, and 14 days — depending on how much time you have. Our top pick is the 10-day route.
- For each stop, we share our recommendations on highlights, hotels, and the ideal length of stay.
- Need a rental car? Book in advance and find the best rental car deals on Discovercars — it’s the easiest way to lock in a good price.
Why the South Is the Best Choice
Cyprus has been politically divided since 1974 into the Greek south (Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish-occupied north. For our road trip route, we deliberately chose the Greek part.
It’s part of the EU, has excellent tourist infrastructure, and is totally straightforward for road trippers.
In the Turkish part, rental cars from the south aren’t insured, border crossings can involve wait times, and the political situation is considered tense.
So that you can still experience the contrasts between north and south without crossing any borders, we’ve included the divided capital Nicosia in the route.
On our Cyprus travel guide you’ll find all our articles neatly listed, making trip planning a breeze.
Cyprus Road Trip as a Self-Driver
A self-drive road trip around Cyprus is ideal for exploring the island completely on your own terms and discovering, for example, lesser-known spots in Cyprus off the beaten path.
We recommend comparing rental car deals on Discovercars — Larnaca Airport is the most convenient pick-up point.
Rental car prices in Larnaca run about 35 to 55 euros per day.
Important things to know when renting a car in Cyprus:
- Drive on the left
- Your driver’s license is valid
- Rental cars from the south are not insured in the north
- Observe speed limits and seatbelt requirements
Our Recommendation: 10-Day Route for Your Cyprus Road Trip
If you want to do a road trip around Cyprus, you should ideally plan for ten days. In that time you can explore the most beautiful places in Cyprus, lesser-known spots, and plenty of great highlights.
If you have more or less time, check out our suggestions for seven and 14 days further below.
We’ve mapped out our 10-day route for you here and will walk you through it in detail shortly:
Days 1–2: Arrival & Larnaca
How much time to plan? 2 days
Our hotel pick: Mercure Larnaca Finikoudes Beach
Larnaca is one of the most popular places to stay in Cyprus and the ideal starting point for your Cyprus road trip. From the airport, you’re right in the heart of the city within minutes.
Plan two days for Larnaca to acclimatize after arrival and discover the main sights.
Highlights in Larnaca:
- Finikoudes Promenade
- Church of Saint Lazarus
- Salt Lake & Hala Sultan Tekke
- Beaches around Larnaca
- Flamingos at the Salt Lake in winter
Day 3: Day Trip to Nicosia
How much time to plan? 1 day
Our hotel pick: No overnight stay
Nicosia is the perfect destination for a day trip from your Cyprus itinerary. You can reach the capital in under an hour from Larnaca.
A full day is enough to take in the main sights and experience the striking contrasts between the Greek south and the Turkish north.
Highlights in Nicosia:
- Old town with Venetian walls
- Ledra Street
- Cyprus Museum
- Charming cafés and alleyways with a unique cross-cultural atmosphere
Important: You’ll be staying exclusively in the Greek part of Nicosia, where your rental car remains insured. Anyone wishing to cross on foot into the Turkish part needs a national ID or passport.
There’s no overnight stay here. From Nicosia, you’ll head directly to the Troodos Mountains in the evening, where you’ll spend the next few days.
Days 4–5: Troodos Mountains
How much time to plan? 2 days
Our hotel pick: Casale Panayiotis in Kalopanayiotis
The Troodos Mountains are one of the top things to do in Cyprus. Give yourself time to see all the highlights here and do some hiking — it’s a genuinely wonderful change of pace from the sea and beach.
Highlights in the Troodos Mountains:
- Hiking trails such as the Artemis Trail or Caledonia Waterfalls
- Kykkos Monastery
- Wine villages like Omodos or Kakopetria
- UNESCO-protected Byzantine churches
You’ll spend two nights up here — and it’s a particularly authentic experience. Quiet mountain life, traditional tavernas, Cypriot specialties like meze, and local wines produced right in the mountains.
Not feeling the mountains and rather want to get back to the sea sooner? Then you can head to Paphos earlier and, for example, book a snorkeling trip with turtle watching there.
Days 6–7: Paphos
How much time to plan? 2 days
Our hotel pick: Atlantica Golden Beach Hotel
From the Troodos Mountains, you can reach Paphos in about 1.5 hours — depending on exactly where in the region you’re headed.
Honestly, Paphos should be a central stop on every Cyprus road trip. The region packs in an incredible amount of culture and history while still delivering great beaches and proper relaxation.
Highlights in Paphos:
- Tombs of the Kings
- Archaeological Park of Nea Paphos
- Coral Bay
- Paphos Old Town
- Boat tour from Paphos Harbor
Also read:
Days 8–9: Limassol
How much time to plan? 2 days
Our hotel pick: White City Limassol
Limassol combines modern coastal vibes with historic highlights, making it a really satisfying stop on your Cyprus travel itinerary. The city is known for its lively seafront and offers everything from stylish city hotels to beautiful beachfront hotels in Cyprus.
Highlights in Limassol:
- Limassol Old Town
- Limassol Castle
- Modern marina and promenade
- Governor’s Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus
From Limassol you can also make a side trip to the ancient archaeological site of Kourion. It’s seriously impressive and well worth the detour.
Day 10: Departure from Larnaca
On the last day of your Cyprus road trip, you’ll make your way back to Larnaca, return your rental car, and begin the journey home.
Our tip: Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight so that dropping off the car and checking in goes smoothly and stress-free.
7-Day Route for Your Cyprus Road Trip
Only have a week for your Cyprus road trip? No problem! Here’s a great 7-day itinerary for you — including hotel recommendations:
- Days 1–2: Arrival & Larnaca
- Day 3: Day trip to Nicosia & overnight stay in the Troodos Mountains
- Day 4: Troodos Mountains & onward to Paphos
- Days 5–6: Paphos
- Day 7: Departure from Larnaca
| Where? | Nights | Our Hotel Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Larnaca | 2 | Mercure Larnaca Finikoudes Beach |
| Troodos Mountains | 1 | Casale Panayiotis |
| Paphos | 3 | Atlantica Golden Beach |
14-Day Route for Your Cyprus Road Trip
Have more than ten days to explore Cyprus? Perfect! With this 14-day Cyprus road trip route, you can really experience the island in depth:
A great perk of this route: You pack all the action into the beginning of the trip and can then unwind along the coast toward the end.
- Days 1–2: Arrival & Larnaca
- Day 3: Ayia Napa & overnight stay in Ayia Napa
- Day 4: Day trip to Nicosia & onward to the Troodos Mountains
- Days 5–7: Troodos Mountains
- Days 8–11: Paphos
- Days 12–13: Limassol
- Day 14: Departure from Larnaca
| Where? | Nights | Our Hotel Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Larnaca | 2 | Mercure Larnaca Finikoudes Beach |
| Ayia Napa | 1 | Blue Harbour Boutique |
| Troodos Mountains | 3 | Casale Panayiotis |
| Paphos | 4 | Atlantica Golden Beach |
| Limassol | 3 | White City Limassol |
Cyprus Road Trip Without a Rental Car?
A Cyprus road trip without a rental car is technically possible. Modern intercity buses, similar to FlixBus, connect the main cities like Larnaca, Nicosia, Paphos, and Limassol. They’re affordable, air-conditioned, and reliable.
Find out everything about intercity buses in Cyprus here!
That said, with the buses you’re nowhere near as flexible as with a rental car. Many of the more remote regions, like the Troodos Mountains, aren’t served at all. Smaller coastal towns and mountain villages are also off the table.
That’s why we recommend renting a car for a relaxed, flexible road trip around Cyprus.
