Cyprus Itineraries

Given its relatively compact size, Cyprus rewards those with a sense of wanderlust. Within an hour or so's drive you can leave the beach and find yourself exploring a cool mountain monastery or wandering the streets of an ancient Roman city. The following itineraries can all be done within a fortnight, giving you a taste of both sides of the island.

Recommended Cyprus itineraries

If you are planning your travel to Cyprus yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

Cyprus Itinerary 1 - The Grand Tour

Two weeks in Cyprus and not sure where to start? Our Grand Tour puts you on the right track.

1. Larnaka

Home to the island's biggest airport, Larnaka is the inevitable starting point for many visitors to Cyprus. However, its elegant promenade, beautiful Agios Lazaros cathedral, ancient ruins, and a vibrant resort are reason to linger.

2. Lemesos

Cyprus's second city, with a reputation for great restaurants, has transformed itself recently into the definition of laidback Mediterranean living.

3. The Troodos Mountains

Small villages, lovely monasteries and churches, cool mountain air, the Troodos Massif offers a startling contrast to the more hectic coast.

4. Pafos

Known for its family-friendly resorts, Pafos has, among the hotels, shops and restaurants, a pretty harbour, some world-class historical monuments and a fascinating hinterland of small villages.

5. Girne (Kyrenia)

The most beautiful harbour town on the island, and a good introduction to life in north Cyprus, Girne has a stunning castle, a relaxed atmosphere and offers wonderful days out to St Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey.

6. Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkoşa)

Cyprus's capital, with a wealth of monuments, museums and good shopping and eating, offers a taste of both north and south Cyprus – you can cross from one side to the other in a matter of minutes.

7. Gazimağusa (Famagusta)

An ancient port city defined by its elegantly ruined old town, pounded by the Ottomans in 1571. Nearby are the magnificent ruins of Ancient Salamis and also the unsettling sight of Varosha, derelict since 1974.

Cyprus Itinerary 2 - East Cyprus

East Cyprus, particularly Larnaka district, boasts some of the island's finest beaches, liveliest resorts and several crossing points to the north.

1. Agia Napa

Once the archetypal 18–30 resort, Agia Napa has morphed into a more sophisticated destination with a surprising smattering of museums, street art and other attractions.

2. Larnaka

Worth a day or two for its promenade, town centre beach and marina, and also its old fort, Pierides museum and Agios Lazaros Church.

3. Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkoşa)

Take a walking tour of both north and south sides of the city, then drive across the Green Line and north to Girne, stopping off at St Hilarion Castle on the way.

4. The Karpaz Peninsula

Explore the villages and small-scale sights of the Karpaz Peninsula. Look out for its wild donkeys, and press on to lonely Apostolos Andreas monastery, both the easternmost and the northernmost point on the island.

5. Salamis

You could spend an entire day exploring the ancient city of Salamis, the nearby Royal Tombs, Monastery of St Barnabas and the ruins of Enkomi-Alasia – all within a couple of kilometres of each other.

6. Gazimağusa (Famagusta)

A modern city with an old town at its heart, a place for strolling, sitting in cafés, and admiring the historical ruins.

7. Derynia

Cross back into the republic at Strovilia, drive around the Kokkinochoria (red villages), and drop into the Cultural Centre of Occupied Famagusta to view the ruins of Varosha on the outskirts of Gazimağusa, a ghost town abandoned since the invasion of 1974.

Cyprus Itinerary 3 - West Cyprus

The west side of the island presents untouched wilderness, lively resorts and some of the island's most important archeological sites.

1. Pafos

With an airport second in importance only to Larnaka, Pafos is the best place to start a tour of the west. Don't miss the town's spectacular UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics, important early Christian remains, eerie Tombs of the Kings or, just to the southeast, the ruins of Palaipafos and pretty Petra tou Romiou, birthplace of Aphrodite.

2. Polis

Driving from Pafos to Polis, take time to look at the Monastery of Agios Neofytos, Pafos Zoo, and the numerous villages, known for their traditions and their wine, in between. Polis is also the gateway to the Akamas Peninsula.

3. Kato Pyrgos

Having driven northeast around Chrysochou Bay, through the villages of Pomos and Pachyammos, stay for a while in quiet Kato Pyrgos, from where you can explore the forests of Tiliria.

4. Vouni and Soli

Cross the Green Line into north Cyprus at Limnitis/Yesilirmak, and take time to look first at the remains of the Palace of Vouni, then of Soli. Continue to Güzelyurt, an unpretentious market town with an interesting museum.

5. The northern Troodos

After Güzelyurt, cross back into the south at Zodeia/Astromeritis and head up into the northern Troodos regions of Marathasa and Solea, staying perhaps in Kakopetria. Head south to the coastal motorway, then west to Pafos Airport and your flight home.