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Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary for Discovering Cyprus

Day 1: Arrival in Larnaca

Larnaca is likely where you’ll arrive, as it has one of the island’s main airports. It’s a small, relaxed city, perfect for kicking off your trip without rushing. Spend the first day exploring at an easy pace.

Head to Finikoudes Beach, located right in the city center. It’s a clean stretch of sand where you can dip your feet in the water after your flight.

Not far from the beach is the Church of Saint Lazarus, one of Cyprus’ most important religious sites. The history of this 9th-century church is incredible, and the architecture is worth checking out.

Wander the Old Turkish Quarter and take in the historic architecture while enjoying some local food. Head to a tavern for dinner, where grilled fish or halloumi (local cheese) are great choices.

Day 2: Larnaca Salt Lake and Cape Greco

Start your day at Larnaca Salt Lake, which is particularly stunning, especially when flamingos flock there between November and March. If you’re traveling outside of those months, don’t worry—the views are still impressive.

Next, drive an hour to Cape Greco, a coastal nature reserve. Solid hiking trails lead to some incredible sea cliffs; the panorama is breathtaking. It’s an excellent place for a swim, with crystal-clear waters if you’re keen to cool off.

End the day in Ayia Napa, just nearby. While the town is known for its nightlife, it also has great restaurants where you can settle in for the evening. Enjoy a walk along the quieter parts of the town’s marina if the clubbing scene isn’t your thing.

Day 3: Ayia Napa to Nicosia

Leave Ayia Napa early and head to Nicosia, the capital, which will likely take about an hour. It’s a bilingual city with a complex history, but it’s also one of the most fascinating places in Cyprus.

Start at the Cyprus Museum, where you’ll get a deep dive into the island’s history from the Neolithic period to the Roman age. The exhibits are laid out well and helpful for getting to know Cyprus’ backstory.

Afterward, walk through the city walls and onto Ledra Street. This street is lined with shops and cafes, but more interestingly, it also leads you directly to the border of Northern Cyprus. You can cross over into the northern part (Turkish side) if you bring your passport.

Spend the evening walking around the Old Town, where you’ll find Ottoman architecture and modern-day cafes side by side. Try some mezze at a local restaurant before calling it a night.

Day 4: Exploring Nicosia

Since Nicosia is such a unique city, give it more time today. Start with a visit to the Leventis Municipal Museum, which offers more insight into Cyprus’ cultural history, but with a focus on Nicosia itself.

Next, head up to the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory. It gives you excellent views of the entire city from above, plus has interactive exhibits about the division between the north and south of the island.

Spend your afternoon at Buyuk Han, a former Ottoman inn that has been transformed into a cultural center. It’s now home to shops, cafes, and galleries. It has a peaceful vibe, making it a good spot for grabbing lunch or a coffee.

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Wrap up your day with a quick trip to the nearby Venetian Walls. You can easily recognize them as they completely surround the Old City. The sunset from here is quite beautiful if you time it right.

Day 5: Nicosia to Limassol

Drive two hours to Limassol, Cyprus’ second-largest city. While it’s a modern city now, there’s plenty of heritage here. Start at Limassol Castle. It’s small but has some excellent exhibits on medieval Cyprus and gives you a sense of the island’s long history.

After the castle, head to the old town district and stroll through the narrow streets lined with cafes, shops, and neoclassical buildings. The area has a laid-back vibe, perfect for lunch.

Finish your day by walking along Limassol’s coastal promenade, Molos. This spot can get busy at night but still offers some nice views of the Mediterranean. There are also plenty of beach bars around if you fancy a drink.

Day 6: Troodos Mountains

Today, head inland to the Troodos Mountains, about an hour from Limassol. This region is home to some beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and UNESCO-listed monasteries.

First, visit Kykkos Monastery. It’s one of Cyprus’ most famous religious sites and features impressive frescoes and architecture. It’s quite popular, so going early to avoid crowds is wise.

Next, hike around Mount Olympus, the highest point in Cyprus. If you’re into outdoor activities, the Troodos offers various easy trails with peaceful surroundings. Most paths are well marked and easy to navigate.

Spend the late afternoon exploring a few of the traditional villages in the mountains like Omodos or Kakopetria. Both have cobblestone streets, local wines to taste, and historic buildings to discover.

Drive back to Limassol in the evening and treat yourself to a good dinner at a seafood tavern.

Day 7: Paphos and Petra tou Romiou

On your final day in Cyprus, drive from Limassol to Paphos, about an hour away. Known for its archaeological sites, Paphos offers a different side of the country.

Your first stop should be the Paphos Archaeological Park. It’s an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning Roman mosaics, ancient villas, and a theater. You could easily spend a few hours taking it all in.

Closer to the city center is the Tombs of the Kings, an ancient necropolis. The tombs are carved directly into the rock and served as burial sites for Paphitic aristocrats during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Before you wrap up your trip, head toward Petra tou Romiou, otherwise known as Aphrodite’s Rock. Legend says the goddess of love was born here. It’s a beautiful stretch of coast, perfect for a final swim or to sit and admire the sunset.

Finish your trip by enjoying a final Cypriot meal in Paphos. Lamb kebabs, souvlaki, or fresh salads make for an ideal dinner before you depart.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day itinerary gives you a mix of beaches, history, nature, and city life, but it’s not too rushed. Cyprus is a country where you should slow down and enjoy the moments. There’s always more to see, so don’t feel pressured to check every box—just relax and take it all in.

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