Cyprus is the perfect island for a road trip. Renting a car is easy, the roads are well-maintained, and there are plenty of charming places to stay. With so many beautiful sights and interesting stops, you could easily spend two weeks exploring. But even in just five days, you can see a lot. In this article, I’ll take you along on my 5-day Cyprus road trip, showing you stunning coastlines, hidden mountain villages, and scenic viewpoints.
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Renting a car in Cyprus
I visit Cyprus in November and, as always, I rent an all-inclusive car, which provides extra peace of mind and fewer worries along the way. It means you’re fully insured and won’t face unexpected costs in case of damage. Several rental companies allow you to check in online before your trip, so when you arrive, you can simply grab the keys and hit the road. Once again, I choose an automatic car, not a luxury on an island with many mountain roads. It’s also convenient since you don’t have to focus on shifting gears with your other hand; in Cyprus, you drive on the left side of the road.
Keep in mind that you’re not allowed to cross the border between the southern and northern parts of the island with a rental car. If you’d like to explore the Turkish side of Cyprus, fly directly to an airport in the north and rent a car there.
Day 1 – Nicosia and Alona
Due to a delay at Schiphol, we arrive two hours later at Larnaca Airport than planned. We pick up our rental car and drive straight to the capital, Nicosia. With only about two hours of daylight left (the sun sets around 4:50 p.m. in mid-November) we have just enough time to get a first impression of the city.
Nicosia
We park the car on the edge of the old town and head toward the Green Line, which runs straight through Nicosia. This dividing line has split the city since 1974 into a Greek-Cypriot southern part and a Turkish-Cypriot northern part. The division followed a military intervention by Turkey after a coup backed by Greece aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece. Since then, the buffer zone has served as a guarded strip of no man’s land. You can cross the border on foot by showing your passport twice.
In the Turkish part of the city, we spend quite some time at Büyük Han, a caravanserai that once served as an overnight stop for traders, offering shelter for their animals and storage for their goods. The complex has been beautifully restored and now houses charming little shops and cozy restaurants with inviting terraces.
Of course, we also want to see the Selimiye Camii Mosque, but unfortunately, it’s completely covered in scaffolding during our visit. Still, the area around the mosque is lively and well worth exploring. Be sure to stroll through the Bandabuliya Market, an indoor market built in 1932, and wander the narrow shopping streets that surround it.
Overnight stay in Alona
We have dinner in the Greek part of the city, and later in the evening I get behind the wheel for the 1.5-hour drive to the mountain village of Alona, where we’ve booked a lovely place to stay: The Cliff Alona.
Day 2 – Route through the Troodos Mountains
Today we set out to explore some of the beautiful villages in the Troodos Mountains, though it’s not easy to fit everything we want to see into one route. As the day goes on, we end up skipping a few stops, simply because we linger too long at the scenic spots we fall in love with. But that’s fine; we just go with the flow, as always. We both love this relaxed way of road-tripping!
Tsiakkas Winery
One of the first things you notice in this part of the Troodos Mountains is the abundance of wineries. As you drive along the winding mountain roads, you’re surrounded by rolling vineyards stretching across the hillsides. In mid-November, the landscape is bathed in warm autumn colors, with the vines glowing in shades of yellow and red. We make a stop at Tsiakkas Winery, where the vineyards cascade down the slope beneath a terrace, a lovely spot for wine tasting on a sunny afternoon. Unfortunately, we’re here early in the morning, so no wine for us just yet!
Church of Saint Nicholas, Alassa
A remarkable sight near the Kouris Dam is the Church of Saint Nicholas. The old village of Alassa was relocated to make way for the reservoir, but the church was left behind. Today, when the water level is high, only the bell tower remains visible above the surface. On our route, this little detour feels like a special side trip and the extra kilometers are absolutely worth it.
Laneia
Our next stop is Laneia, a small and sleepy mountain village. It’s lovely to wander through the narrow lanes, many of which are draped in vibrant bougainvillea. Be sure to visit the charming church on the main square, where you’ll also find an old stone fountain. We have lunch at Platanos Tavern, a local spot in the village. Unfortunately, despite its great reviews, the food doesn’t quite live up to our expectations.
Lofou
Our next stop is Lofou, another charming mountain village. We stroll through the narrow alleys in the upper part of the village, where you get a beautiful view over the lower section with the Panagia Chrysolofitissa Church standing proudly in the center. One accommodation that immediately catches our eye is Oinoessa Traditional Boutique Guest Houses; a stunning place where you can stay in a studio or apartment set in an authentic, traditional atmosphere.
Vouni
The village of Vouni is definitely worth a visit. Perched high on a hill, it’s a bit of a climb from the parking area at the edge of the village to the center, but the effort is quickly rewarded. The narrow lanes are full of charm, with lovely glimpses of the surrounding landscape. In Vouni, you’ll find several interesting spots to explore, including the main church, an old fountain and a historic water reservoir on the edge of the village. Nearby, you can also visit Vouni Palace, an impressive archaeological site.
Omodos
We end the day in Omodos, a village famous for the Timios Stavros Monastery, one of the most important Cypriot Orthodox monasteries on the island. It’s well worth visiting the monastery and stepping inside the beautiful church. Around it, you’ll find a maze of narrow, winding lanes, each one seemingly more photogenic than the last. Unfortunately, it’s already late in the afternoon when we arrive, and dusk comes quickly. We have an early dinner at one of the cozy restaurants on Omodos Square before driving back to Alona, where we decide to spend a second night at our lovely accommodation, The Cliff Alona.
Day 3 – Route from the Troodos Mountains to the Northwest
For most of day three, we continue exploring the Troodos Mountains. Our goal is to drive northwest through the mountains, but Google Maps keeps suggesting the coastal route instead. To make sure we stay in the highlands, we add several intermediate stops, a decision that seems smart at first. By the afternoon, however, we realize why Google Maps insisted on the other route: some of the mountain roads are only suitable for 4×4 vehicles. We eventually have to adjust our route (we should have trusted Google Maps from the start!) and the drive takes longer than planned. Still, it doesn’t spoil the fun, the scenery along the way is absolutely stunning.
Kakopetria
Our first stop today is Kakopetria, a charming mountain village. We plan to explore the center, but it’s so crowded with students coming and going with rolling suitcases that we decide to escape into nature instead. From the village, you can take the Vateri Trail, a peaceful walking path that follows a small river through the forest. After the walk, we visit Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, an ancient Greek Orthodox church known for its stunning frescoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just a few minutes’ drive from the village center.
Pedoulas
In Pedoulas, we visit another UNESCO World Heritage site: the Church of the Archangel Michael, dating back to the 11th century. This small, remarkable structure stands at the edge of the village center. To see the interior, we have to find the light switch ourselves, revealing beautiful wall paintings inside a simple yet centuries-old setting. As we leave the village, we stop by a newer church along the roadside: the Chapel of Saint Raphael of the Rocks. This little chapel is stunning, especially inside, where vibrant colors cover every wall.
Venetian Bridges
On our way toward the coast, we pass several ancient stone bridges that were once used by traders and their pack animals. The area is wonderfully peaceful: the warm sunshine, the still air and the gentle sound of flowing water make these spots perfect for a quiet break along the route.
Edro III Shipwreck
The closer we get to the coast, the busier it becomes; quite a contrast after spending so much time in the quiet mountain villages! By late afternoon, we arrive at the Edro III shipwreck, a Norwegian vessel that ran aground here years ago during a storm. The wreck has become a favorite spot for photographers and sunset lovers alike. Along the coastline, you’ll also find many sea caves, some of which can be explored with a guide.
We have dinner nearby at Sea Caves Restaurant Sea Caves Tavern, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the caves and the setting sun. In summer, reservations are recommended, as it’s said to get quite busy. The dishes we order are excellent, definitely a great place to stop for a meal if you’re in the area.
Goudhi
After dinner, we drive northwest, as we plan to visit something in that area the next day. We stay overnight in the small village of Goudhi, where we quickly book a two-bedroom apartment at Leonidas Village Houses. The apartments are set around a small swimming pool, making it a charming place to stay. Inside, the decor is a bit dated, but for one night it’s perfectly fine; cozy, quiet and convenient.
Day 4 – Route along the west and south coast of Cyprus
We’re glad we decided to drive north after dinner and stay overnight, as it means we’re already close to our first stop the next morning. It also gives us a bit of time to relax. We spend an hour by the pool, chatting and enjoying the sunshine. It’s important to plan small moments like this during a packed itinerary, where you simply do nothing at all. And that’s something we’ve both become quite good at, we notice every time.
Limni Pier
But once we get going, it’s always at full speed again. Our first stop today is Limni Pier, an old pier that was once used for loading copper ore from the nearby mine onto ships. It’s not a tourist hotspot (there are no cafés or facilities here) but that’s exactly what makes it so special. I find it a beautiful, peaceful spot along the coast, perfect for a quiet moment and some great photography.
Lara Beach / Argaki tis Kaskias
From Limni Pier, we head toward Lara Beach, a quiet stretch of sand along the west coast that’s harder to reach than most other beaches, which explains the peaceful atmosphere. We quickly discover why: most of the road leading there is unpaved, full of potholes, rocks, and bumps. The drive isn’t exactly comfortable, but we keep going until the road disappears under water. Not knowing how deep it is, we decide not to take the risk. Instead, we end up in the bay next to Lara Beach, at Argaki tis Kaskias.
We grab a panini at Turtles Kiosk Café Restaurant, a small, alternative pop-up spot near the beach. If you prefer a slightly less rustic setting, Lara Café nearby is also a good option for lunch.
Petra tou Romiou / Aphrodite’s Rock
We continue our Cyprus road trip and stop at Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Rock. This iconic coastal spot is said to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, and it’s easy to see why the area is so beloved. The scenery along the coast is absolutely stunning and the temperatures are perfect, even in mid-November. It feels amazing to soak up the sun on such a beautiful island!
Kourion Archaeological Site
No Cyprus road trip would be complete without a visit to some ancient ruins. That’s how we end up at the Kourion Archaeological Site, an ancient city set high on a hill overlooking the sea. What a location! It’s easy to see why people once chose to build a city here; the view is absolutely breathtaking. The site covers a large area, with remains of houses, public spaces and impressive Roman bathhouses to explore.
Limassol Salt Lake
When I read that flamingos can be spotted in Cyprus during winter, I know that’s something we have to see for ourselves. Between November and March, several places on the island host these elegant birds, and one of them is Limassol Salt Lake. As we drive up, we already spot them: groups of tall, pink flamingos standing gracefully in the shallow water. A short walk brings us closer to the lake’s edge, where we have an even better view of these beautiful creatures.
Dinner and overnight stay
A perfect way to end the day! We have dinner at Red Pepper Restaurant in Larnaca, a lovely Italian place where the dishes are full of flavor and beautifully presented. The English chef often comes by for a friendly chat, which adds to the warm atmosphere. After dinner, we drive a short distance to Oroklini, where we spend the night at Antonia Studios.
Day 5 – Bridge of Love and Agios Sozomenos
On our last day, we want to make the most of the remaining hours before our flight. We’re flying out around 2 p.m., and with rain expected later in the morning, it’s the perfect excuse to start early. We stop by Zorbas Bakery to pick up something delicious for breakfast. It’s incredible what they already have available so early in the day: a huge selection of freshly baked pastries and treats!
Agia Napa
We drive straight towards Agia Napa to visit the famous Lover’s Bridge, such a stunning piece of rugged coastline! The natural rock arch is incredibly photogenic, especially with the turquoise sea crashing below. If you’re interested in art, it’s worth stopping by the nearby Sculpture Park, where dozens of fascinating stone artworks are displayed against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
Agios Sozomenos
One of the last places we visit during our Cyprus road trip is the abandoned village of Agios Sozomenos. The history of this place is deeply tragic. Like many other areas on the island, Agios Sozomenos suffered heavily during the Cypriot conflict in the 1970s. Today, all that remains is a ghost village in open countryside, as if the land itself were holding its breath.
Bekir Pasha Aqueduct in Larnaca
We couldn’t leave without stopping at the beautifully preserved Bekir Pasha Aqueduct in Larnaca, also known as the Kamares Aqueduct. Built during the Ottoman period, this impressive structure stretches for 15 kilometers, with nearly half of it running underground. The above-ground section features no less than 75 arches, making it visible from many points around the area. We arrive just in time. As we walk back to the car, the rain starts pouring down. A fitting end to our Cyprus road trip!
Flying to Cyprus
If you want to explore the Greek side of Cyprus by car, the best option is to fly to Larnaca. Several airlines, including Transavia, EasyJet and Air France, offer direct flights from Amsterdam to Larnaca. Flying to Nicosia or Paphos is also possible, but these routes usually include a stopover in Turkey (Istanbul) or Greece (Thessaloniki). To find the best deal, it’s worth comparing options on a flight comparison website such as Expedia.
