Beaches, sea caves, ancient ruins, and sun-drenched harbours – Cyprus’ coast is made for road tripping. Whether you’re zipping between laid-back beach towns or stopping for fresh seafood with your feet in the sand, a Cyprus coast road trip is the perfect way to see the island’s highlights at your own pace.

Ancient stone courtyard with tall columns and weathered walls, illuminated by sunlight from an open roof
Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, Cyprus
Contents show

I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my affiliate links.

👋 I’m Hazel, a solo traveller and travel blogger who’s explored Cyprus from east to west. This itinerary pulls together my favourite coastal stops into one seamless trip, with practical tips to maximise your time.

With just 5 days, you can drive a great Cyprus coast road trip. This itinerary starts in Larnaca, then takes you from the island’s southern and western shores (from Ayia Napa to historic Paphos) with time for side trips into the mountains or across the border.

Day 1 – Larnaca ➝ Ayia Napa & Protaras 🗓️

Start your road trip in Larnaca, home to the Church of St. Lazarus and a lively seafront. Grab a coffee on Finikoudes Beach before hitting the road east.

Stop at Cape Greco National Park for sea caves and cliff walks. Relax at Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa (it’s lively but iconic and you have to see it). Read more about Cyprus beaches.

Aerial view of a coastal area in one of the charming towns in Cyprus, with clear turquoise waters, rocky shoreline, sandy beach, and white buildings in the background. People are relaxing on the beach and swimming.
Nissi beach, Ayia Napa

End your day in Protaras, known for its calmer vibe and Fig Tree Bay.

Solo tip: Protaras is a great first-night stop. Safe, walkable, and filled with waterfront tavernas perfect for dining solo.

Overnight: try Vrissiana Beach Hotel (seafront, central) or The King Jason Protaras (stylish adults-only escape).

Day 2 – Protaras ➝ Famagusta & Varosha 🗓️

Drive to the Deryneia checkpoint and cross into Northern Cyprus to visit Famagusta.

Explore the eerie streets of Varosha, the famous ghost town, and the walled old city of Famagusta.

You’ve got an optional stop at the Salamis Ruins nearby, before you return south by evening.

A weathered, rusted post box stands in front of an abandoned building, surrounded by overgrown grass and weeds
derelict buildings in the ghost town of Varosha in Famgusta in Cyprus
The ghost town of Varosha.

Overnight: Stay another night in Protaras, or continue to Nicosia. Try Centrum Hotel (right in the Old Town) or MAP Boutique Hotel (modern design, central).

👉 Full details: Famagusta & Varosha Day Trip Itinerary.

Day 3 – Nicosia ➝ Limassol 🗓️

Spend your morning exploring Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital.

Cross the Ledra Street checkpoint to see both sides of the city, from buzzing markets to Ottoman mosques. Read more about Cyprus checkpoints.

Visit Buyuk Han for lunch in a historic caravanserai – it’s a sight to behold.

A historic stone courtyard with arched walkways and a domed structure at the center, surrounded by columns and greenery under a partly cloudy sky. The famous Buyak Han in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Buyak Han

Continue south to Limassol, known for its modern marina and medieval castle.

Overnight: Stay in Limassol. Try NYX Hotel Limassol (modern, trendy) or Alasia Boutique Hotel (small and stylish).

👉 Full details: Nicosia Day Trip Itinerary.

Day 4 – Limassol ➝ Paphos 🗓️

Drive along the coast towards Paphos, stopping at historic ruins en route. The Kourion Archaeological Site is full of Roman mosaics and there is a cliffside amphitheatre.

Stone amphitheater with curved, tiered seating overlooking a distant coastline under a hazy sky.
Ancient stone ruins with six standing columns and partial walls under a clear blue sky—one of the fascinating things to do in Paphos.
Kourion and Kato Paphos Archaelogical Park

You can also stop at Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou), which is said to be the birthplace of the goddess of love.

A person strolls along a rocky beach in Cyprus, with majestic rock formations rising from the sea and a clear sky stretching overhead.
Aphrodite’s rock.

Arrive in Paphos: explore the harbour, castle, and the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park.

Overnight: Stay in Paphos. Choose Annabelle Hotel (luxury by the harbour) or Dionysos Central Hotel (budget-friendly, walkable).

👉 Full details: 2 Days in Paphos Itinerary.

Palm-lined promenade in Paphos, Cyprus, with benches and streetlights at night, next to calm water and buildings with lit storefronts in the background.
Night view of a waterfront fort in Paphos, Cyprus illuminated with purple lights, surrounded by small boats and piers, with streetlights reflecting on the water.
Paphos at night

Day 5 – Paphos ➝ Akamas Peninsula 🗓️

Spend your final day exploring the wild west of Cyprus.

The first thing I recommend is it take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon from Latchi.

A hand holds a halved fruit against the striking backdrop of Paphos, where clear blue water meets a distant mountain—a perfect glimpse into the things to do in this beautiful locale.
Explore the rocky coastline of Paphos under a clear blue sky, where the turquoise sea stretches out with a large white boat in the distance and a small red boat closer to shore.
Blue Lagoon boat trip from Latchi

The water is unbelievably blue (it looks like a swimming pool) and there are various legends about the benefits of bathing in the water (it makes you beautiful/gives you eternal youth etc).

You can also hike the Avakas Gorge or Aphrodite Trail, before enjoying a seafood feast in Latchi.

A wooden bench sits under a leafy tree on a dirt patch, overlooking the sea and coastline on a sunny day
Brown sign in a wooded area reads “Baths of Aphrodite,” offering site details and warnings about non-potable water and tree climbing. Lush greenery surrounds this spot, making it a must-see among things to do in Paphos.
Aphrodite trail

After your hike, it will be time to return to Paphos for your last night.

Overnight: End your trip in Paphos – base at Elysium Hotel (resort-style, 5-star) or Pyramos Hotel (central and affordable).

Practical Tips for Your Cyprus Coast Road Trip 📝

Crossing the border: Bring your passport to cross the Green Line. You’ll also need to purchase extra car insurance. See my post on Cyprus Border Crossings for more info on border crossing.

Best time to go: Spring and autumn for ideal weather. Summer is hot, but the coast stays breezy.

Solo travel tip: Road-tripping Cyprus alone is safe and straightforward. Villages and towns are welcoming, and boat trips and wine tastings are a great way to meet other travellers.

    Map of This Cyprus Coast Road Trip 🗺️

    Follow the route for this Cyprus coastal road trip day-by-day with all major stops pinned.

    Driving in Cyprus: What to Know 🚗

    • Drive on the left (same as the UK).
    • Roads are in good condition, though mountain and coastal routes can be winding.
    • Signage is in English and Greek, making navigation easy.
    • Renting a car is essential for flexibility. I recommend booking with Discover Cars to compare the best local deals and pick up at Larnaca or Paphos airports.

    With a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore beaches, villages, and ruins at your own pace – the ultimate way to enjoy a Cyprus coast road trip.

    FAQs for Your Cyprus Coast Road Trip 💡

    Quick answers to help you plan with confidence.

    Q: Is 5 days enough for a Cyprus coast road trip?

    A: Yes. Five days lets you see the highlights from Larnaca to Paphos, with time for a day in Nicosia and a side trip to Akamas.

    Q: Do I need a car for this road trip?

    A: Yes. Public transport connects cities but doesn’t reach many beaches, ruins, or mountain villages. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare the best local deals with easy pickup at Larnaca or Paphos airports.

    Q: Is it safe to road trip solo in Cyprus?

    A: Absolutely. Roads are in good condition, English signage is common, and locals are helpful if you need directions.

    Q: Can I cross into Northern Cyprus with my rental car?

    A: Some rental companies allow it, but you’ll need to buy additional insurance at the checkpoint. Always check your hire agreement before you go.

    Q: What’s the best time of year for a Cyprus coast road trip?

    A: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best mix of sunshine and cooler temperatures. Summer can be very hot, especially inland.

    Q: What do I need to know about border crossings?

    A: If your route takes you into Northern Cyprus, you’ll need your passport (or EU ID) and to buy car insurance at the checkpoint. Entry rules can vary, so it’s best to check my full guide here: Cyprus Border Crossings Explained.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    A Cyprus coast road trip is the best way to experience the island’s variety. Ancient ruins one moment, beach bars the next, and dramatic sea cliffs in between. For solo travellers, it’s the ultimate mix of freedom, history, and laid-back Mediterranean life.

    Related Reading 📚

    More itineraries to pair with your Cyprus coast adventure.

    🏛️ 2 Days in Paphos Itinerary.
    🏝️ Famagusta & Varosha Day Trip.
    🗓️ Nicosia Day Trip Itinerary.
    ⛰️ Troodos Day Trip Itinerary.

    Save This Cyprus Coast Road Trip for Later 📌

    📌 Pin it for your Cyprus travel planning:

    A collage promoting a 5-day Cyprus road trip itinerary, featuring scenic coastal views, ancient ruins, and stone structures, with the website hazelstravels.co.uk shown at the bottom.

    👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.

    Tags: , ,