Cyprus Itinerary: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

Summer is here! And with it, the urge to leave everything behind and go somewhere, near or far. But where to? Where do you start, and where do you end? Trust me, you will have the answer when you finish reading this short Cyprus itinerary.

As a friend once said, a vacation is never real if I’m not wearing a swimsuit.

We chose to visit the beautiful island of Cyprus together with friends to celebrate a special occasion.

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Table of Contents

1. Cyprus Itinerary: A Guide for First-Time Visitors
   1. Where to stay in Cyprus
   2. When to visit Cyprus
   3. Cyprus itinerary: What to do in 3 days in Cyprus
      1. Start your day right with an incredible Cypriot breakfast 
      2. Discover the many sandy beaches 
      3. Visit Cape Greco and the Sea Caves 
      4. Take a boat trip along the coast up to the ghost town of Famagusta  
      5. Have a wild night of heavy partying in Ayia Napa 
      6. Wine and dine on the beach at one of the many traditional tavernas  
   4. Do You Have More Time?
      1. Paphos  
      2. Limassol 
      3. Nicosia
      4. Troodos Mountains 
   5. A few things to know before planning your Cyprus visit for the first time
2. Similar Posts

Cyprus Itinerary: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

Where to stay in Cyprus

Here are some of my hotel recommendations:

• Londa Hotel, Limassol – a fabulous hotel right on the beach in Limassol, with a great pool and beautiful facilities

Check out availability here!

• Alion Beach Hotel – right on the beach in Ayia Napa, close to where the fun is but still next to the sea

Choose your room here!

• Protaras Plaza Hotel. Located in a quieter area with a fantastic view of the deep blue sea, this 3* hotel provides excellent accommodation without breaking the bank.
• Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort is close to Paphos but a bit further away from the sea. It is suitable for natural relaxation and healing and is one of the best spa hotels in Cyprus.

If you are looking for a budget trip to Cyprus, consider these tips to plan your perfect trip.

When to visit Cyprus

When the plane started descending on the island, I was initially struck by the fact that no green stripes were in sight, only yellow and gray stripes of land as far as the eye could see.

Thinking about its localization, one can easily understand why that is. Looking at the map and its proximity to countries like Lebanon and Israel, one understands and expects the arid climate and the thick, hot air we felt once we placed our feet on Cypriot land.

Even so, if you visit Cyprus in April – May or late Autumn, you must expect windy, chilly evenings and come prepared with at least a jacket or two.

Cyprus itinerary: What to do in 3 days in Cyprus

But what can one do on the (not so) little island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea?

Since we resided in Cyprus for only three days, there was only so much we could do.

Either way, I will share the top things we have managed to do in 3 days in Cyprus and the things I will return to the island for.

I must add that most of the places we have been to were recommended by a local friend of my husband’s.

He was extremely friendly and took the time to share an incredible “to-do” list for the island, places to see, restaurants and clubs to go to, the perfect Cyprus itinerary for us, and we had such an easy-going tip.

Start your day right with an incredible Cypriot breakfast

Preferably at a restaurant overlooking the sea.

Cypriot yogurt, like Greek yogurt, is thick and filled with protein. It will fill you until lunch.

Add honey and seasonal fruit, and you will have a great morning or brunch recipe.

If, on the other hand, you are not a fan of dairy in the morning, you will surely enjoy grilled halloumi with lountza, fried eggs, and garlic bread.

And if you have a sweet tooth, waffles are always an option here!

Discover the many sandy beaches

We did that right after breakfast, at least in the eastern part of the island. Cyprus has a never-ending reserve of wide sandy beaches from Nissi Beach to Konnos, Makronissos Beach, Fig Tree Bay, Serna Bay, and Sunrise beaches.

However, if you plan a more extended vacation on the island and have rented a car for your Cyprus itinerary, you will find some of the best beaches in Cyprus on the other side.

Aphrodite’s Rock and Coral Bay in Paphos, Lara Bay, or White Rocks in Limassol, to name a few you should not miss.

Visit Cape Greco and the Sea Caves

Just expect hot weather and walking in the sun, except you can drive on the left side of the road 🙂

We did not.

 

The view over the sea and shore is absolutely breathtaking, and any distance is worth it. Just come prepared with something to cover your head and a big bottle of water.

Both landmarks are amazing and help you understand the power water has over rock. They also help you realize that with consistency and perseverance, anything is possible.

You can always go on a Jeep safari in the East Coast National Park without worrying. Book your tour here!

Take a boat trip along the coast up to the ghost town of Famagusta

This is a relaxing and fun way of spending 4 hours a day, blending in culture, sun, sea, and sightseeing for only 10 euros.

The boat will take you close to where you will see the deserted town of Famagusta, which was once an essential Cypriot port city and the most developed tourist spot on the island.

Unfortunately, in 1974, the city was bombed and invaded by the Turkish army, forcing the Greek Cypriot population to flee into the surrounding fields.

The situation still lingers, and the city has been stuck in time, with abandoned houses, hotels, and supermarkets that can be seen only from a distance.

Another highlight of the boat trip is seeing how the water has “worked” throughout the years to build this incredible landscape, with lots of caves on the shores of the island.

If you are not into diving and snorkeling, you can deep-dive and do some snorkeling in the incredibly turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon close to Cape Greco without having to jump from the cliffs (and I can understand that).

Have a wild night of heavy partying in Ayia Napa

We were on the island for a bachelorette party, and after choosing the destination, we have come to understand that this is the perfect place for that.

Ayia Napa is well known for its many pubs, bars, and clubs where people from all over the world (mostly Europe and Russia) come to party until morning.

Just be aware that the party can end suddenly (as it did in our case) because most of the clubs are not registered as such, and according to the law, music can be played here only until 1:30 a.m.

A good option for a fun club would be Black and White and The Castle Club.

Wine and dine on the beach at one of the many traditional tavernas

Maybe my favorite part of the trip to Cyprus was the food part…oh, and the wine part as well, of course.

Since you are here, you will need to try the specific meze. When you order, keep in mind that one portion is more than enough for two people, and if you are in a bigger group, you will always have to order for fewer people.

The food here comes in large portions or, better yet, in many small portions so that you taste anything and everything.

They serve hummus, tzatziki, roe, tahini, fried eggplant, halloumi, and many more, especially seafood with good hot pita bread, and you will never leave the table wishing for more.

Add a glass of dry rose Cypriot wine, and you will have the recipe for a great dinner. Only a few places to enjoy quiet dinners overlooking the sea are here, and here.

Do You Have More Time?

These are all the places I couldn’t cover during my first trip. If you have more time on the island, visit some of them.

Paphos

The medieval fort and quaint harbor, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Turtle Conservation Station, Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, and Tombs of the Kings are only a few of the sights that make this place filled with history worth adding to your list of must-sees in Cyprus.

 

Limassol

See the Castle, walk in the Marina, and admire the yachts, or better yet, imagine being on one of those luxuriant yachts sailing the whole wide world.

Once you have woken up from daydreaming, head to the old center of the city and be prepared to discover the town’s old history. Spend a few hours of intense shopping in the old market and let yourself be seduced by the traditional shops.

Read also my Ultimate guide to Instagrammable places in Cyprus

Nicosia

The largest city on the island, its capital, and a city divided between two different communities: Greek Cypriots (the southern part) and Turkish Cypriots (the Turkish-occupied northern part).

The latter would make this city even more attractive to visit because I think it might be interesting (from the outside, don’t get me wrong) to see the last divided capital city in Europe!

 Apart from that, the city has a diverse, cosmopolitan, and interesting culture and architecture to be discovered, ranging from the Venetian walls surrounding the old city to the modern tower of famous French architect Jean Nouvel.

Troodos Mountains

I find it incredible that you can also ski in these mountains during the winter, even though I cannot imagine such cold weather on this almost tropical island.

Whether you discover the UNESCO Byzantine Churches, explore the nature trails, or take a cycling route, this part of the island won’t disappoint you.

A few things to know before planning your Cyprus visit for the first time

• they drive on the left side of the road
• the local currency is Euro
• have a UK type plug adapter with you if you want to be able to charge your phone
• Taxi phone number: we talked to George, this Cypriot taxi driver with a perfect English accent, every day and he took us all around since we were too afraid to rent a car and drive on the other side of the road. For longer stays or bigger groups, he can also make you a special price. Just arrange for a pick-up from the airport at 00357.99.625.286.

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