Best Routes for Road Trips in Cyprus

Cyprus is made for road trips. This compact island—just 60 miles north to south and 150 miles east to west—lets you explore major attractions within days, with every mile revealing new landscapes: golden beaches, cedar forests, Byzantine monasteries, and ancient ruins. Renting a car in Cyprus gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, discover hidden villages, and venture off the beaten path.

The variety of driving routes in Cyprus is impressive. Coastal roads offer sweeping Mediterranean views, mountain passes through the Troodos range climb to 6,400 feet, wine routes wind through traditional villages, and cultural circuits connect UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Getmancar provides professional car rental services in Cyprus with flexible terms—from weekend rentals to long-term rates for stays of a month or more.

This guide covers five top Cyprus road trip ideas, practical car rental tips, and answers to travelers' most common questions about road safety, costs, and driving conditions on the island.

Where to Go in Cyprus: Top 5 Road Trip Routes

Planning where to go in Cyprus depends on your trip length, interests, and season. We've ranked these car routes based on thousands of traveler reviews and expert assessments of cultural, natural, and historical significance. Each route has been tested and includes current information on distances, drive times, and key stops.

Route 1: Coastal Drive from Larnaca to Ayia Napa to Protaras

This one-day route perfectly introduces Cyprus's eastern coast. Distance: 56 miles, drive time: 1.5-2 hours without stops.

Larnaca is the island's third-largest city and a popular starting point thanks to its international airport. The palm-lined Finikoudes promenade is the city's heart, featuring cafes overlooking the yacht marina. The Church of Saint Lazarus, built in the 9th century, houses the saint's relics—one of Eastern Mediterranean Christianity's most important artifacts. In winter (November-March), Larnaca's salt lake hosts 10,000-20,000 pink flamingos migrating from colder parts of Europe.

Following the A3 coastal highway east, you'll reach Ayia Napa in 45 minutes—a youth resort known as "Cyprus's Ibiza." Beyond nightclubs, the town offers natural treasures: Cape Greco with sea caves and natural rock arches, and Blue Lagoon where water clarity reaches 130 feet—perfect for snorkeling. Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach regularly rank among Europe's best beaches for their white sand and turquoise waters.

Protaras completes this route—a family-friendly resort with a calmer vibe. Fig Tree Bay has earned the prestigious Blue Flag for environmental standards and safety. The whitewashed Profitis Ilias church atop the hill requires climbing 153 steps, but the coastal panorama is worth it.

Parking tip: During peak season (July-August), free beach parking in Ayia Napa fills by 9:30-10:00 AM. Municipal paid lots cost €2-3 daily and sit 7-10 minutes' walk from the water.

Recommendation: A compact sedan or economy car (Nissan Tiida, Toyota Yaris) works best for this route—maneuverable in city traffic and fuel-efficient at 5-6 L/100 km.

Route 2: Cultural Loop: Limassol to Paphos to Aphrodite's Rock

This Cyprus road trip itinerary connects three UNESCO sites and dozens of archaeological monuments. Distance: 87 miles (round trip), duration: 1-2 days.

Limassol is Cyprus's cosmopolitan business capital, balancing historical heritage with modern infrastructure. Limassol Medieval Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in 1191, now operates as the Medieval Museum with exhibits of weapons, ceramics, and coins. The Molos waterfront promenade stretches nearly 2 miles with bike paths, playgrounds, and sculptures—ideal for evening strolls.

The mountain village of Omodos lies 12 miles west—Cyprus's wine tourism center. The Holy Cross Monastery houses a fragment of the True Cross and ropes said to have bound Christ. Local wineries offer tastings of Commandaria—a sweet dessert wine produced on the island for over 5,000 years.

En route to Paphos, make two stops: Kolossi Castle—a three-story Knights Hospitaller fortress from the 13th century with walls up to 8 feet thick, and ancient Kourion—an archaeological complex with a Greco-Roman amphitheater seating 3,500, where theatrical performances still happen thanks to its unique acoustics.

Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. The Archaeological Park features stunning floor mosaics from the 2nd-5th centuries covering over 15,000 square feet, depicting scenes from Greek mythology—Dionysus, Theseus, Orpheus. The Tombs of the Kings is an underground necropolis from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, carved into rock, where Paphos's high officials were buried.

Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou) sits 15 miles from Paphos along a scenic coastal road. According to Greek mythology, the goddess of beauty was born here from sea foam. Local legend says swimming three circles around the rock grants eternal youth and love. Best photo time: 30-40 minutes before sunset (around 7:30-8:00 PM in summer), when the sun paints the white rocks in golden-pink hues.

Where to eat: In Zygi village (between Limassol and Kourion), try fresh seafood at Koursaros taverna—especially the grilled octopus. At Paphos harbor, Laona taverna specializes in traditional meze with 20+ dishes.

Route 3: Mountain Route Through Troodos and Wine Villages

When deciding where to go in Cyprus by car to escape summer heat, the Troodos Mountains are the obvious choice. Temperatures here run 18-27°F cooler than the coast even at peak summer. Distance from Limassol: 62 miles, drive time: 2-2.5 hours.

The Troodos Massif is Cyprus's green heart, with the island's highest point (Mount Olympus, 6,400 feet). Kykkos Monastery, founded in 1090 by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, is Cyprus's wealthiest Orthodox monastery. Its main treasure: the icon of the Virgin of Kykkos, reportedly painted by Luke the Evangelist during Mary's lifetime. The monastery museum holds Byzantine icons, ancient manuscripts, and church artifacts from the 9th-19th centuries.

Kakopetria village is a picturesque mountain settlement with 18th-19th century stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and cool streams. It features the Church of St. Nicholas "under the roof" (11th century) and the Church of the Transfiguration (16th century)—both UNESCO-listed for their unique frescoes and architecture. The hiking trail to Caledonia Waterfalls (1.9 miles, 500-foot elevation gain) winds through pine forest and takes 1.5-2 hours round trip.

Platres is a winemaking village with centuries-old wine traditions. Tsiakkas Winery offers tastings of white and red wines from indigenous Xynisteri and Maratheftiko grapes with vineyard tours (€15-20 per person).

Note: In winter (January-March), Mount Olympus operates four ski slopes—the only place to ski in Cyprus. In summer, these slopes become hiking trails with panoramas across the island's southern half.

Mountain road conditions: Serpentine curves with sharp turns require attentive driving. Speed limits drop to 25-30 mph on curves, passing is prohibited on most sections. In fog (common above 4,000 feet in winter), visibility drops to 65-100 feet—use your lights.

Route 4: Capital Route: Nicosia and Surroundings

Nicosia (Greek: Lefkosia, Turkish: Lefkoşa) is the world's only divided capital, where the UN Green Line has run through the historic center since 1974. Distance from Larnaca: 31 miles (40 minutes), from Limassol: 50 miles (1 hour).

The old town is encircled by 16th-century Venetian walls stretching 3 miles with eleven bastions. Ledra Street is the main pedestrian artery leading to Ledra Palace checkpoint, where you can cross into the Turkish-controlled sector. The Byzantine Museum at the Archbishop's Palace holds Cyprus's largest icon collection (9th-19th centuries), including miracle-working images with gold leaf and silver settings.

Lefkara village sits 28 miles south of Nicosia in the Troodos foothills. Since the 15th century, it has produced famous "lefkaritika" lace (geometric patterns in linen thread) and filigree silverwork. Legend has it Leonardo da Vinci visited Lefkara in 1481 and bought a lace tablecloth for Milan Cathedral's altar. Workshops offer lacemaking classes (€25-30 for 2 hours).

Parking in Nicosia

Downtown is a restricted zone. Use municipal multi-story lots at Solomou Square (€1.50/hour, €7/day) or Eleftheria Square (€2/hour, €10/day). Free parking is available outside the city walls, 15-20 minutes' walk from the center.

Crossing to Northern Cyprus

Most nationalities don't need a visa—just a passport. At checkpoints, you'll need to purchase additional insurance for your rental (€20-25 for 1-3 days, €35-40 weekly). Main attractions in the Turkish sector: Bellapais Abbey, St. Hilarion Castle, and Varosha ghost town in Famagusta.

Route 5: Grand Island Loop

This comprehensive Cyprus road trip itinerary is for those choosing long-term car rental in Cyprus who want maximum island exposure. Total distance: 340-370 miles, duration: 4-6 days.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 (56 miles): Larnaca → Ayia Napa → Protaras
Morning start at St. Lazarus Church, drive to eastern beaches, snorkeling at Cape Greco, sunset in Protaras. Overnight: Ayia Napa or Protaras.

Day 2 (75 miles): Protaras → Nicosia → Lefkara
Drive to the capital (1.5 hours), explore the old town, museums, lunch on Ledra Street. Evening in Lefkara village for lace and silver shopping. Overnight: Nicosia or return to Larnaca coast.

Day 3 (81 miles): Larnaca/Nicosia → Troodos
Mountain drive through vineyard valleys, Kykkos Monastery, lunch in Kakopetria, waterfall hike, wine tasting in Platres. Overnight: Kakopetria or Platres (mountain hotels).

Day 4 (62 miles): Troodos → Paphos
Morning descent, visit Omodos village, drive to Paphos, Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings, harbor dinner. Overnight: Paphos.

Day 5 (56 miles): Paphos → Limassol
Morning at Aphrodite's Rock (30-minute photo session), stops at Kourion and Kolossi Castle, explore Limassol old town. Overnight: Limassol.

Day 6 (50 miles): Limassol → Larnaca
Leisurely coastal return to Larnaca with beach stops at Governor's Beach and lunch in Zygi village. Return car at airport.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Ayia Napa: 3* Nestor Hotel (€45-65/night), 4* Grecian Bay Hotel (€80-120)
• Kakopetria: Linos Inn (€50-70, traditional stone house)
• Paphos: 3* Axiothea Hotel (€50-80), 4* Alexander The Great (€90-140)
• Limassol: 3* Kapetanios Odyssia (€55-85)

Route Budget

• Car rental Cyprus (6 days, economy): €80-120
• Fuel (~310 miles, 6L/100km consumption): €45-50
• Hotels (5 nights, mid-range): €250-350
• Meals (lunches/dinners): €150-200
• Entrance fees (museums, parks): €40-60
• Total budget for two: €565-780

Practical Tips for Cyprus Road Trips

Getmancar makes it easy to rent a car in Cyprus with a straightforward three-step process: online booking on the website with car class and date selection, vehicle pickup at Larnaca or Paphos airport (or free hotel delivery for rentals of 7+ days), and convenient drop-off.

Required documents: driver's license (national or international), passport, credit card for deposit (€300-500 depending on class).

Minimum age: 21 years, 1 year driving experience.

Insurance: basic coverage included, comprehensive CDW recommended at €8-12/day for complete peace of mind.

Gas stations: Dense network in coastal cities (every 3-4 miles), sparse in Troodos Mountains. Fill up before mountain routes. Most stations operate 6:00 AM-8:00 PM, with 24-hour stations on highways. All accept Visa/Mastercard.

Best time for road trips: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal temperatures of 72-82°F, blooming fields, and cheap car rental in Cyprus. Summer (June-August) brings coastal heat of 95-104°F, but comfortable mountain temperatures. Winter (November-March) sees 59-68°F, flamingos on lakes, skiing opportunities in Troodos, and minimal car rental Cyprus rates.

Road Trip Packing Checklist

When preparing your trip and deciding where to go in Cyprus by rented car, bring:

• Documents and tech: Driver's license + international permit, passport, Getmancar voucher printout, insurance policy, smartphone with offline maps pre-loaded, 10,000+ mAh portable charger
• Sun protection: Polarized sunglasses for comfortable driving under bright Mediterranean sun, SPF 50+ cream (Cyprus UV index reaches 11 in summer), wide-brimmed hats
• Beach gear: Swimsuits, quick-dry microfiber towels, snorkeling mask and tube for Cape Greco (rental €8-10, purchase €15-20)
• Comfortable footwear: Cushioned sneakers for 2-3 hour walks through Kourion and Paphos archaeological parks, beach sandals
• Water and snacks: Minimum 2 liters drinking water per person (especially for mountain routes where gas stations are rare), energy bars, fruit
• Photography: Camera or smartphone with good optics for Aphrodite's Rock landscapes and Paphos mosaics, spare memory cards
• First aid: Bandages, antiseptic, motion sickness tablets for mountain curves, sunburn relief, personal medications
• Additional: Light jacket or cardigan for mountain evenings (temperature drops 18-22°F after sunset), reusable bags for village shop purchases

Start Your Cyprus Journey with Getmancar

The best road trip routes in Cyprus reveal the island from a new angle—not as a collection of resort hotels, but as living land with 3,000 years of history, where ancient amphitheaters neighbor Byzantine monasteries, and traditional villages preserve authenticity far from tourist paths. The freedom to plan your own route, stop at unplanned viewpoints, and change plans spontaneously—that's what makes renting a car in Cyprus essential for real travelers.

Getmancar has specialized in Cyprus car rental services since 2018, offering a modern fleet from economy to premium SUVs, 24/7 support, and flexible rates. Renting a car in Cyprus in  Larnaca airport starts from €13 daily when booking on the Getmancar website, with long-term discounts up to 30% for rentals of 30+ days. Carsharing is available for short trips (from 1 hour) in Limassol and Larnaca—the perfect solution for quick outings without long-term commitments.

Ready to rent a luxury car in Cyprus or find the perfect budget-friendly ride? Book your car right now at Getmancar and discover Cyprus as locals see it: free, diverse, and endlessly surprising. Your perfect road trip Cyprus adventure starts here!