5 days in Cyprus – the perfect self-drive itinerary

This summer, I decided to visit Cyprus and Malta, spending 5 days in each of the countries. I was looking forward to seeing the crystal-clear ocean blue waters in person and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Both the countries can easily be called the jewels of the Mediterranean, each rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its sun-drenched beaches and turquoise blue waters to its ancient ruins and vibrant cities, Cyprus offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. During our 5 days in Cyprus, we based ourselves in 2 cities and covered everything as day trips through a rental car. Here’s my suggested perfect self-drive itinerary for 5 days in Cyprus.

Day 1: Larnaca / Nicosia

Day 2: Ayia Napa

Day 3: Troodos Mountains / Limassol

Day 4: Akamas National Park

Day 5: Paphos

Are 5 days in Cyprus enough?

Yes! While I agree that my itineraries are usually action packed with a lot of activities or destinations in one day, I still felt 5 days was enough time to explore the key highlights of the country. No doubt if you’re someone who likes to take it easy and can spend days laid out on a beach, just reading a book or sipping cocktails, then you can easily spend more time relaxing in Cyprus. However, if you’re someone who likes to pack a punch in your daily routine and do both check-in-the-box destinations as well as go offbeat, then 5 days in Cyprus are enough for you.

Do I need to a visa to Cyprus?

Until July 2024, while Cyprus wasn’t a Schengen country, it allowed someone holding a Schengen visa to enter, irrespective of it being their first destination to use the visa. For those without a Schengen visa, there’s always an option to apply for a specific visa to enter Cyprus. Cyprus is part of EU and will soon become part of Schengen, thereby following the same rules as a Schengen visa.

Best time to visit Cyprus

While the summer months of July & August are considered as the peak travel months in Cyprus, with all the prices shooting to their top-most and most festivals taking place during this period, it is also the temperatures that shoot up to mid-40s which make it extremely hard to explore. June & September are considered mid-peak months (we travelled there in June) so things are slightly cheaper, lesser crowded and temperatures are slightly lower and more tolerable. Having said that, when we went mid-June, the country was burning up with the mercury already soaring above 40s during afternoons, days being humid and hot, evenings being balmy. However, once you jump into the ocean waters, you’re fine! In my opinion, early June and late September would make for the best time to visit Cyprus.

Driving in Cyprus

We were slightly surprised when we landed in Cyprus and discovered that it is a left-hand drive country, meaning that vehicles are driven on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is typically on the right side of the vehicle. While it’s not what we are used to back home (in the UAE), we’ve driven in several countries that have left-hand drive, and we are quite okay with it. Infrastructure is well developed in most parts, and roads are easy to drive on (except in selected destinations which I will elaborate in the post). I highly recommend renting a car and driving to make the most of your 5 days in Cyprus.

5 days in Cyprus - the perfect self drive itinerary

Our flight landed in Larnaca so we didn’t have a choice but to spend our afternoon/ evening there. However, I didn’t find anything impressive in the city at all. Larnaca did not have much of a vibe, nor were the beaches that great, so if you have the choice, then I’d recommend going for either Ayia Napa or Nicosia over Larnaca as your base for the first 2 nights if you’re spending 5 days in Cyprus.

Things to do in Larnaca:

• Church of St Lazarus: A magnificent Byzantine church renowned for its stunning architecture and housing the tomb of St. Lazarus.
• Larnaca Castle: An ancient castle located right on the beach, known for its rich history, picturesque views, and as a cultural landmark.
• Larnaca Salt Flats: A natural wonder where pink flamingos gather, offering a stunning sight against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.

Suggested overnight stay in Larnaca (budget, city center): Zodiac Hotel Apartments  Day 2: Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa was one of my favourite areas in Cyprus! If you have only 5 days in Cyprus, this is a must visit. Not only is this area known for its beautiful viewpoints, cliff jumps & crystal-clear waters, but also a vibrant nightlife. Strewn with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to a diverse crowd, Ayia Napa has its own charm.

Start your journey from Nissi Beach (driving time 35 min from Larnaca), perhaps the most famous beach in Ayia Napa, known for its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. The beach is lined with numerous bars, beach clubs, and restaurants, each offering its unique ambiance. We discovered a beach club that served excellent cocktails and featured great music, providing the perfect setting for us. You pay as little as €7.50 for two sunbeds and an umbrella, which you can use for the entire day. Pretty reasonable, eh? However, the beach can tend to get really crowded, especially on weekends, so the best time to be there is earlier than 10 am!

The waters here were so beautiful that we spent at least 2 hours just swimming and laying around. From Nissi Beach, head towards the Bridge of Love (driving time 10 min from Nissi Beach), a natural rock formation which is a picturesque landmark. A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this place is known for its romantic ambiance and stunning views. You can get some nice shots by going all the way above the arch (not risky at all). The location offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photography. There are several restaurants as well as food trucks nearby to grab a bite.

The next stunning spot to visit in Ayia Napa are the Sea Caves (10 min driving time from Bridge of Love). The Sea Caves are renowned for their striking natural beauty. The limestone cliffs have been eroded over time by the sea, creating a network of caves and arches that are visually spectacular. The water around the caves is crystal clear, showcasing shades of turquoise and blue. Many locals were jumping off the cliffs into the ocean below, which seemed quite a spectacular feat considering how tall these cliffs were! Scary, but entertaining to watch. You can also potentially climb down the rocks and go to lower spots from where you can jump into the sea. You could even take boat tours to go closer to these sea caves. You don’t particularly have any restaurants in this area, just a food & ice cream truck.

From here, head to the Blue Lagoon (drive time 10 min from the Sea Caves). Now, there’s no specific beach here to relax so if you wish to swim, be ready to go down some hard, sharp rocks and cliffs to get into the ocean. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour that takes you right into the middle of the blue waters, with music, barbecue, and enough time to sunbathe or swim/ snorkel/ dive in this gorgeous, scenic blue lagoon. Apart from a small kiosk serving the basics, there aren’t many restaurants in this area but it’s a great idea to carry your picnic as you’ll have ample places along the rocks where you can just and enjoy the lovely view!

Last but not the least, if you’re a diving enthusiast, head to Green Bay in Protaras (driving time 10 min from Blue Lagoon) where you can take a 2.5-hour diving trip, suitable for people with all skill levels. If you’re not certified, indulge in a ‘discovery dive’, providing a safe and picturesque environment for novice divers to explore underwater.

For those not interested in diving, you could either enjoy some beach time in Fig Tree Bay in Protaras or explore the town on foot, and visit the historic Profitis Elias Church, which offers panoramic views of the area.

Recommendation: Vassos (Psarolimano) Fish Tavern in Ayia Napa is an excellent place to try fresh sea food.

Click here to book your stay in Ayia Napa. Day 3:  Limassol + Troodos Mountains + Paphos

On Day 3 of your 5 days in Cyprus, start your day by exploring Pano Lefkara (35 min from Larnaca), a picturesque village nestled in the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus. Renowned for its intricate lacework known as "Lefkaritika" and its exquisite silver handicrafts, this charming village boasts narrow, cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. This is a great break into the interiors of Cyprus, into cooler and less humid weather, away from the coast.

Recommendation: Grab a cup of coffee or breakfast at Lefkara Coffee Yard Bar-Restaurant.

From Pano Lefkara, drive towards Omodos, yet another charming village in the Troodos Mountains, located about an hour ahead. You may stop in Limassol for a quick bite (Limassol Old Port Marina is lined with cafes and shops).  Omodos seems a lot more commercialized than Pano Lefkara, with a central square that has several patio restaurants and bars. It features cobblestone streets, picturesque houses, and the Monastery of the Holy Cross, a major historical landmark. You will also be able to find quaint taverns where you can enjoy some wine tasting and traditional Cypriot cuisine.

While driving towards Omodos, you will come across several wineries on the way. You may choose to stop at any of them; we went to one which was slightly ahead of Omodos called Lambouri Winery, a family run luxury boutique winery that’s just located off the mainroad, 7 min ahead of Omodos. Wine tasting in Cyprus (and subsequently, the wine) is very reasonably priced and underrated. Wine enthusiasts, try Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, and Commandaria wines!

From here, head to Petra Tou Romirou (Aphrodite's Rock), a 40 min drive away. This is a stunning coastal landmark in Cyprus linked to the legend of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. According to mythology, Aphrodite emerged from the sea at this spot, making it a site of historical and cultural significance. The area is characterized by its striking rock formations and crystal-clear waters, attracting visitors for its breathtaking scenery and romantic allure. We were lucky to find the beach quite empty when we arrived!

Finally, end your day in Paphos, a large town with an amazing vibe.

Suggested accommodation in Paphos: Nereus Hotel by IMH Europe Travel & Tours Day 4: Paphos, Sea Caves, Akamas Forest National Park, Adonis Bath Waterfalls

On Day 4 of your 5 days in Cyprus, start your day by exploring a UNESCO World Heritage site, Paphos Archaeological Park with its impressive mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings. The park includes significant monuments such as the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus, and the House of Aion, which showcase intricate floor mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The park also features the ancient Odeon, the Agora, and the Asklepieion, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past and architectural splendor.

Then, drive to the Paphos Sea Caves (25 min), where you will have a vantage point that offers excellent views of the intricate rock formations, with the turquoise waters splashing against the white walls. This makes for a brief stop before you towards the highlight of the day, Akamas Forest National Park.

While there’s a lot to do in Akamas Forest National Park including ATV tours and hiking which offer unparalleled views of the gorges, valleys, and coastal cliffs, our favourite activity (and unmissable one) was the boat tour to the Blue Lagoon. While the Blue Lagoon in Ayia Napa is stunning, the one here surpassed the experience simply because of how beautiful, crystal clear and BLUE the waters were. The boats depart from Latchi Harbour thrice in the day during summer months, at 10.30 am, 2 pm and 5 pm, with each trip lasting about 3 hours, and costing as low as $22 per person!

We booked our tour on Viator but you could just land up and board any of the boats from the harbour – I am quite sure you will find at least one!

From here, you could either head to Baths of Aphrodite, another attraction within the Akamas Forest National Park or onwards to your next destination, Adonis Bath Waterfalls (45 min drive). Surrounded by lush greenery, the site is where Adonis and Aphrodite spent time together, adding a romantic allure to its scenic beauty. The waterfalls cascade into a refreshing pool, which turned out to be too cold for my liking, but several people were swimming in it. The area also features statues, picnic spots, and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those interested in exploring Cypriot myths and legends. There’s a small kiosk that serves wine & beer, as well as snacks, right at the waterfall, in case you forget to carry your picnic!

At the end of the day, return to Paphos to stay overnight. Day 5: Avakas Gorge, Coral Bay Beach, Tsangarides Winery

On Day 5 of your 5 days in Cyprus, start your day with a visit to Avakas Gorge. Be prepared that the drive to the start of the nature trail inside the gorge is quite bumpy as the road starts to become unpaved at some stage. There were many hatchback and saloon cars that were driving the path, but I felt extremely uncomfortable with the one we had rented; if you don’t have the confidence, don’t risk it! Alternatively, you could just park your car near Agiou Georgiou Ave and then take the 40-min walk towards the gorge. Once you get to the gorge, look for the signs. There is a circular route that takes in the gorge and the surrounding hills.

If you plan to hike inside the gorge, the route takes 2 hours each way. The path is moderately challenging, but you can always choose to turn back at any stage you start to feel tired. Be prepared to climb over some big rocks and step carefully on slippery stones as the gorge gets narrower. The views you’ll be rewarded with are totally worth it.

Keep about 4-5 hrs to explore this place. From here, head to Coral Bay beach. It’s time to lay back, relax and swim in some crystal-clear waters and maybe even indulge in some water sports. With numerous amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, and cafes, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable day by the sea after that challenging hike.

Recommendation:  Visit Cap St. George’s Beach Club, which has some amazing cocktails and gourmet dishes. The club features elegant decor, a sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional service.

The final destination for today will take you back into the Troodos Mountains before you end the day at Paphos. A 40-min drive will bring you to Tsangarides Winery, a cozy family-owned winery located in the village of Lemona. It's known for producing high-quality wines, particularly focusing on indigenous grape varieties such as Xinisteri and Maratheftiko, as well as international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The winery combines modern winemaking techniques with a respect for traditional methods, aiming to showcase the unique terroir of the region. Wine tasting with a cheese platter in this green, cozy, picturesque surrounding is a must-do activity, according to me.

End your day in Paphos or head towards your next destination / back to Larnaca for your flight. Your 5 days in Cyprus have come to an end!