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Cyprus is a great choice for relaxing at the beach in a stress-free environment. And while we love that, it’s good to step away from the tourist hotspots of Ayia Napa and see what the rest of the country has to offer.
From hilltop monasteries to some of Europe’s best beaches, Cyprus truly has something for everyone. Add into the mix some excellent food and the fascinating political situation, and you truly have one of Europe’s most unique destinations.
In this 4 day Cyprus itinerary we’ll recommend the very best this Mediterranean island has up its sleeve.
Getting to Cyprus
Getting to Cyprus couldn’t be easier. Cyprus’s two airports, Paphos and Larnaca are served by most major European budget airlines.
This means it is often possible to find super cheap deals especially during the off season (spring and autumn). This makes Cyprus one of the best places in Europe for a budget getaway.
Driving in Cyprus
Car rental is easily available in Cyprus starting from €25 per day. Unquestionably, your own set of wheels is the best way to truly see this island. And while the bus network is pretty good, it may not be possible to fit everything into four days by bus. But you can definitely give it a good try.
4 day Cyprus itinerary
Day 1 – South: Beaches & Limassol
The South is famous for its sandy beaches and clear waters.
Larnaca
Though Larnaca Airport is a good option for arriving in the country, we would skip visiting this town as there are many other nice places to see on your Cyprus itinerary.
Scuba diving in Larnaca
However, those with their scuba diving license might want to consider a dive trip to MS Zenobia.
This Swedish cargo ship wrecked in 1980 isn’t too far off the coast; it takes around 20 minutes to reach the site from Larnaca harbor. With a maximum depth of 42 meters, this site is well known in the diving community as one of the best shipwrecks for diving in the world.
Limassol
Hit the ground running and head down to Limassol, Cyprus’s second largest city by population. Limassol has a lot to offer: nice beaches, a historic city center and historical buildings. Swing by the castle to learn some history or stroll along the modern marina for views of the Mediterranean.
If you’re getting hungry, there is an indoor food market called Limassol Agora, which is a good place to grab a cheap bite to eat with a variety of foods to choose from.
Beaches
Pissouri beach town is a lovely place to visit on your Cyprus itinerary. You’ll find a few cafes here to get lunch, and the beach is perfect to relax. The sea in Pissouri is calm and clear, making it great for a swim.
The surrounding landscape of Pissouri bay is remarkable, and is best appreciated by taking a walk around the area.
Hiking
Cape Astro trail is a magnificent hiking route leading out of Pissouri along a rocky coastal path. It may be steep for some, but the views are breathtaking and reaching the top of the hill is absolutely worth the effort. Expect the hike to take about two to three hours (round trip) from Pissouri.
Day 2 – West: Beaches & Paphos
The West is known for its historical sights and hilly landscape.
Paphos
Paphos town can be incredibly busy with beachgoers during the summertime, but that’s worth overlooking purely for the historical heritage of this historic city. Ancient ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras dominate this incredibly historical region. Dotted across the city, you can find remnants of the past empires that have all passed through Cyprus and left their mark.
Ancient ruins
The most noteworthy place is the Paphos Archaeological Park (also called the site of Neo Paphos) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The base entrance fee is only €4.50 (at the time of writing) with optional add-ons. That’s an excellent deal to see some of Cyprus’s most awe-inspiring ancient wonders. When viewing the Odeon and Mosaics, you can really imagine the scenes in the times of old.
Beaches
If you fancy some beach time, there are a variety of beaches to choose from. Although many of them in the west are shingle or pebbled shores, you can still enjoy some hours in the sun and a fresh ocean breeze. I recommend White River beach for a remote and quiet experience. Coral bay has nicer sand for lounging but is often much busier in the summer months.
Akmas Peninsula
The western most tip of Cyprus offers plenty of opportunity for getting in touch with nature. Akamas Forest covers this rugged peninsula and there is impressive countryside just waiting to be explored. You’ll find many rocky bays along the north coast, and the sea here is often calm and clear for swimming.
Hiking
There are so many trails available to you in this area. Choose Smidges nature trail for elevated views of the area and coast. If you want a spectacular walk through a canyon, take Avakas Gorge trail. The most popular site on Akmas is the Baths of Aphrodite, from where you can follow the Aphrodite Nature Trail all the way to the spectacular Blue Lagoon.
Being a circular 8 km and rocky trail, I would recommend wearing appropriate shoes and taking supplies.
Days 3 and 4 – Center: Mountains & Capital
The center is best known for its mountains and cultural vibrancy.
Troodos Mountains
In the center of the island sits the Troodos Mountains. These extremely scenic mountains offer many options for hiking. Cyprus’s highest peak, Mount Olympus, is an unexpectedly great place to ski during the winter months, and has many walking trails for the rest of the year.
Best of all, this mountain range is dotted with strikingly picturesque historic towns. There’s a couple in particular that you shouldn’t miss:
Omodos
Omodos is a beautiful cobbled old town. Being surrounded by vineyards, this is a great place to sample some of the island’s very best wines. Stroll the streets and see artisans selling locally produced products like olive oil, natural soaps and honey, all of which make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
The main street has plenty of restaurants and cafes. Pick one at random and sample classic Cypriot food, like moussaka and halloumi. You won’t regret adding this mountain village to your Cyprus itinerary.
Lofou
Lofou is another one of those (thankfully) unspoiled picturesque mountain villages that is worth including on any Cyprus itinerary. The town has been preserved to remain looking as it once did hundreds of years ago, with all buildings and walkways being made from cobbled stone.
In Lofou. you’ll find BES, a local beer microbrewery. It’s well worth making an extra effort to get to this hidden gem to sample some of the best of Cypriot craft beer that you can’t easily find elsewhere. I recommend the pomegranate sour which you can find at their shop or at the few restaurants in this tiny village.
Vineyards
The island of Cyprus has a long history of wine production (it dates back nearly 6000 years), and to this day they continue to produce some wonderful flavors. Bottles of Cypriot wine that sell for a pretty penny overseas can cost a fraction of the price here.
Get in on the action and book a tasting session at either Ktima Christoudia or Tsiakkas Winery. It’s hard not to be impressed with the location when sipping wine surrounded by such stunning landscape.
Katerina Sweets
Consider a stop at Katerina Sweets to buy some local products. These folks make traditional sweets and sell organic honey and liqueurs, among many other locally sourced products. The shop really has an overwhelming amount of different products, so plan to spend a good 45 minutes in here.
There are plenty of taste-testers so you can try before you buy. If you’re on the hunt for unique souvenirs, this shop is an excellent option.
Nicosia
Nicosia is the most populous city of Cyprus and the last divided capital left in the world. A border wall dissects Nicosia, meaning the north falls into the derestriction of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The cost of living is cheaper in the north so, as a traveler, you can take advantage of this and do some shopping or enjoy dinner on your visit.
You absolutely can venture north and cross the border on foot. You’re guaranteed entirely different culture compared to the south.
Travel tip: To cross into Northern Cyprus, you will need to show your passport to border officials, but you will not receive a stamp. It’s an easy process and an interesting experience to add to your Cyprus itinerary.
If you’re thinking of extending your trip to Northern Cyprus, don’t miss our guide with everything you need to know (including the best beaches in Northern Cyprus).
Don’t overlook the southern part of Nicosia which is home to some interesting museums like the Cyprus Museum for ancient history. The Museum of National Struggle is also an informative lesson on the segregation of this island. Otherwise, Nicosia is the financial cultural center of Cyprus and as such feels very different to the coastal cities.
(Credit: Isaac Thorn)
Coffee
Cyprus has a strong coffee culture comparable to Greece with the Freddo Espressos and Freddo Cappuccinos (iced coffee) during the hot months. This is most obvious in the capital as the competition between local cafes for the best coffee is strong.
Beyond four days in Cyprus
With distances between points of interest relatively short in Cyprus, you won’t have to travel for more than one or two hours at a time. Fancy spending longer than four days on the island? Check out our Northern Cyprus itinerary for all the necessary information, how to visit and what to do.
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