The Ultimate 7-Day Cyprus Travel Itinerary
- tejaswiseth
- Apr 9
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Let's design a fantastic 7-day travel itinerary for Cyprus, balancing exploration and adventure with relaxing Mediterranean moments. This guide focuses primarily on the Republic of Cyprus (South) for logistical ease within a week, but acknowledges the island's unique context.
Cyprus 7-Day Escape: Sun, History & Mountain Adventures
Why This 7-Day Cypriot Guide is Valuable For You:
Balanced Experience: Blends key archaeological sites (UNESCO Paphos), stunning coastal nature (Cape Greco), charming mountain villages (Troodos), beautiful beaches, and relaxation time within a manageable week.
Highlights Focused: Covers major must-sees like Paphos mosaics, Aphrodite's Rock, mountain monasteries (optional), and unique coastal formations, giving you a great taste of the island's diversity.
Logical Flow: Follows a sensible route, typically starting near Larnaca or Paphos airport and creating a partial loop to minimize backtracking, utilizing a rental car for essential flexibility.
Mix of Paces: Includes active days exploring ruins and hiking trails alongside more relaxed beach time and scenic drives, preventing burnout and allowing enjoyment of the Cypriot pace.
Flexibility: Offers options on the final day, allowing you to choose between more nature, a unique capital experience, or simply relaxation before departure.
Practical Approach: Assumes car rental (highly recommended for making the most of 7 days) and provides key tips for navigating the island.
Cyprus 7-Day Escape: The Travel Itinerary
Pacing Legend:
(R) Relaxing: Slow pace, focus on scenery, food, beaches, unwinding.
(M) Moderate: Mix of sightseeing, gentle walks, some driving.
(A) Adventurous: Hiking, significant walking, potentially long sightseeing days.
(T) Travel: Focus on driving between regions.
Part 1: Arrival & Eastern Coast Exploration (Days 1-2)
Day 1: Arrival in Larnaca & Coastal Relaxation (T/R)
Arrive at Larnaca International Airport (LCA). Pick up rental car (Drive on the LEFT!).
Check into accommodation in Larnaca or a nearby coastal area (e.g., Oroklini, Pervolia).
Relaxing afternoon: Stroll along Finikoudes promenade in Larnaca, see Larnaca Salt Lake (look for flamingos, Nov-Mar), perhaps visit Hala Sultan Tekke mosque on the lake shore. Enjoy a relaxed seaside dinner. Value: Gentle arrival, coastal introduction.
Day 2: Cape Greco Sea Caves & Beach Time (A/M)
Drive east towards Ayia Napa/Protaras area (approx. 45 mins - 1 hour).
Explore Cape Greco National Forest Park: hike short trails, admire stunning sea views, see the natural rock bridge (Kamara tou Koraka), explore sea caves (by land viewpoints or consider short boat trip from Ayia Napa/Protaras). Visit Ayioi Anargyroi chapel with its cave.
Afternoon: Relax on one of the beautiful beaches in the area – Konnos Bay (picturesque cove) or Fig Tree Bay (Protaras, well-equipped). Avoid the main party scene of Ayia Napa unless desired. Drive back towards Larnaca or stay nearer Cape Greco. Value: Stunning coastal nature, sea caves exploration, beautiful beach.
Part 2: Troodos Mountains & Hillside Charm (Days 3-4)
Day 3: Journey to Troodos - Lefkara & Omodos Villages (T/M)
Drive inland towards the Troodos Mountains (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours).
Stop at the picturesque village of Lefkara, famous for its traditional lace (Lefkaritika) and silverwork. Wander the narrow streets.
Continue higher into the mountains to the charming wine village of Omodos. Visit the Holy Cross Monastery (Timios Stavros), wander the cobbled square, perhaps visit a local winery or try traditional bread.
Check into accommodation in the Troodos region (e.g., Platres, Kakopetria, Troodos village). Enjoy the cooler mountain air. Value: Scenic drive, traditional villages, mountain atmosphere.
Day 4: Troodos Hiking OR Kykkos Monastery (A/M)
Option A (Hiking): Explore Troodos National Forest Park. Choose a hike: Caledonia Falls trail (pleasant walk to waterfall), Millomeris Falls trail, Artemis Trail (circular around Mount Olympus base - easy, good views), or Atalante Trail (longer).
Option B (Monastery): Take a scenic drive (can be long/winding) to visit the rich and famous Kykkos Monastery, the most important on the island (dress code strictly enforced – cover shoulders/knees).
Enjoy a traditional mountain taverna lunch. Value: Mountain hiking & nature OR major religious/cultural site.
Part 3: Paphos Coast - Archaeology & Mythology (Days 5-6)
Day 5: Drive to Paphos via Kourion & Aphrodite's Rock (T/M)
Drive down from the Troodos Mountains towards the coast (choose scenic southern route).
Stop at the magnificent Kourion Archaeological Site near Limassol. Explore the Greco-Roman theatre (stunning views), House of Eustolios mosaics, and other ruins.
Continue west along the coast. Stop at Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) – the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Admire the view and pebble beach.
Arrive in Paphos. Check into accommodation (near harbour/archaeological park is convenient). Value: Major archaeological site, iconic mythical location.
Day 6: Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO) & Tombs of the Kings (A)
Dedicate significant time to the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO site). Focus on the incredible Roman mosaics in the Houses of Dionysus, Aion, Theseus, and Orpheus. See the Odeon and Agora.
Visit the nearby Tombs of the Kings (UNESCO site), impressive underground tombs carved out of rock (not actually for kings, but high officials).
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Paphos harbour. Value: World-class Roman mosaics, fascinating necropolis.
Part 4: Final Adventure or Relaxation & Departure (Day 7)
Day 7: Akamas Peninsula Taster OR Nicosia Glimpse OR Relax & Depart (A/M/R/T)
Choose your final day based on interests and departure airport (Paphos PFO or Larnaca LCA):
Option A (Akamas Nature - best if flying from PFO): Drive north towards the Akamas Peninsula (approx. 45 mins). Visit the Baths of Aphrodite viewpoint. Take a short hike on a nature trail (e.g., start of Adonis or Aphrodite trails) for coastal views and wild scenery. Note: Deeper Akamas exploration requires 4x4/boat/tour. Drive to PFO airport (approx. 30 mins) or back towards LCA (long drive approx. 1.5-2 hours).
Option B (Nicosia Divided Capital - best if flying from LCA): Drive towards Nicosia (Lefkosia) (approx. 1.5-2 hours from Paphos). Park near the Old Town. Explore the southern side around Ledra Street. Crucially: Bring your passport to cross the UN Buffer Zone checkpoint on Ledra Street into North Nicosia (Turkish Cypriot administration). Briefly experience the different atmosphere, see Büyük Han caravanserai, Selimiye Mosque (former cathedral). Return to the south side. Drive to LCA airport (approx. 45 mins). Requires careful time management & passport.
Option C (Relax/Paphos Focus): Enjoy a final relaxing morning in Paphos. Revisit the harbour, relax by your hotel pool, visit a local beach (Coral Bay nearby). Drive directly to PFO or LCA airport for departure.
Depart from Cyprus. Value: Final nature burst, unique divided capital experience, or relaxed departure.
Essential Tips for Your 7-Day Cypriot Trip:
Car Rental & Driving: Highly recommended for making the most of a 7-day trip. DRIVE ON THE LEFT! Roads are generally good, but can be narrow/winding in mountains. Signage includes Greek and usually English. Automatic cars may be less common/more expensive than manual. Book car rental well in advance.
Accommodation: Wide range: Hotels, apartments (very popular), villas, traditional guesthouses in villages. Book ahead, especially for coastal areas in peak summer season (July/August).
Language: Greek and Turkish are official languages (Greek predominantly in the South, Turkish in the North). English is very widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Currency: Euro (€) is used in the Republic of Cyprus (South). Turkish Lira (TRY) is used in North Nicosia/Northern Cyprus (Euros often accepted but rate may be poor).
Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, sunshine, ideal for both sightseeing and hiking/beaches. Summer (June-August) is very hot and sunny (peak beach season). Winter (Nov-Mar) is mild, cooler in mountains (potential snow on Troodos peaks), good for sightseeing, flamingos on salt lakes, fewer crowds.
Food & Drink: Delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Must-try: Meze (a large selection of small dishes - great way to sample!), Halloumi cheese (especially grilled), Souvlaki/Sheftalia (grilled meats), Kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), fresh seafood. Try Cypriot coffee. Commandaria is a famous sweet dessert wine. Good local beers (Keo, Leon).
Packing: Light clothing, swimwear, sun hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen are essential. Comfortable walking shoes/sandals needed. Bring layers (light jacket/cardigan) for evenings or mountain areas. Modest attire (cover shoulders/knees) required for visiting monasteries/churches. Water shoes useful for some rocky beaches. Driving license & passport!
North Cyprus Crossing (Nicosia): If choosing Option B on Day 7, crossing at Ledra Street pedestrian checkpoint is usually straightforward for tourists (check current regulations). Bring your passport. You may need separate car insurance if driving across (often difficult/expensive, hence suggesting walking crossing). Be aware of political sensitivities.
Safety: Cyprus is generally a very safe country with low crime rates. Take standard precautions. Be careful driving on winding mountain roads. Stay hydrated in summer.
Kaló taxídi! Have a fantastic 7-day adventure exploring the beautiful island of Cyprus!
💛 Enjoyed this itinerary or found it helpful?
Support my work with a small donation.
It helps keep these travel guides free for everyone.
Comments