Do you want to plan your Cyprus trip but aren’t sure where to start? In this article, I share our experiences in planning a trip to Cyprus.
From choosing the best sights and booking activities to tips for crossing the border between the Greek and Turkish parts, you’ll find everything you need for a successful Cyprus trip here.
Contents Cyprus trip: Our planning
How We Planned Our Cyprus Vacation
Researching Attractions: How We Found the Best Highlights in Cyprus!
First, we got an overview of the best attractions, excursions, and activities in Cyprus* since the island offers incredible diversity – from ancient ruins and picturesque beaches to stunning natural wonders. Our research was based on travel blogs, guidebooks, and tips from forums to find the places we absolutely wanted to see.
Assigning Attractions and Activities to Regions: Our Strategy for a Relaxed Travel Plan
After researching the top attractions, we assigned them to their respective regions. This allowed us to quickly determine where to book our accommodations* to keep travel times as short as possible. We discovered that many exciting sights are located both around Ayia Napa and near Paphos.
Planning a Cyprus Trip: Road Trip or Day Trips? Our Decision and Reasons
Cyprus is divided into two parts: the Greek Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. After doing our research, we faced the decision of whether to take a road trip or opt for day trips instead.
In the end, we decided against a road trip and chose two main bases – Ayia Napa in the east and Paphos in the west. From these locations, many attractions can be easily explored with day trips.
In Ayia Napa, we booked this hotel*, and in Paphos, we chose a vacation apartment as our accommodation*. These stays serve as a base for our planned excursions while helping us avoid long travel times.
Rental Car in Cyprus: Why We Chose an Automatic Car
In Cyprus, driving is on the left side of the road, which we were already familiar with from our road trip in Scotland. Having learned from our mistake when choosing a rental car in Scotland, this time we booked an automatic car, which made driving on the left much more relaxed. We found and booked the car here*.
A rental car is essential for exploring the island flexibly and at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit both parts – the Greek and the Turkish.
Important Information for Your Cyprus Trip: Border Crossings, Safety, and Travel Tips
“Cyprus has been divided into a Greek and a Turkish part since 1974. Crossing the border is straightforward, but you should always carry your passport. In the capital, Nicosia, you can easily explore both parts of the city, as the border runs right through the old town.
When crossing the border between Northern and Southern Cyprus, it’s important to know that you can drive your rental car from one part to the other without issues. However, some insurance policies only cover the southern part, so check in advance. Be sure to use the official border crossings and always carry your passport with you.
Our Cyprus Trip: 2-Week Itinerary
Day | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Paphos → Ayia Napa | Arrival at Paphos Airport, drive to Ayia Napa, check-in at Amethyst Napa Hotel & Spa* |
Day 2 | Ayia Napa | Cape Greco, Love Bridge, Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach |
Day 3 | Protaras | Boat Tour: Blue Lagoon and Swimming at Turtle Bay* |
Day 4 | Nicosia | Southern Old Town, Selimiye Mosque (Turkish side) |
Day 5 | Famagusta | |
Day 6 | Kyrenia (Turkish side) | St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia Fortress, (Kantara Castle if time permits) |
Day 7 | Salamis (Turkish side) | Roman Ruins |
Day 8 | Ayia Napa → Larnaca → Limassol → Paphos | Larnaca: Church of Saint Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekke, Larnaca Salt Lake Limassol: Kolossi, Kourion, Aphrodite’s Rock, check-in at Paphos Vacation Apartment* |
Day 9 | Paphos | |
Day 10 | Paphos | Tombs of the Kings, Archaeological Site, St. Paul’s Pillar |
Day 11 | Paphos | Avakas Gorge, Coral Bay, Edro Shipwreck |
Day 12 | Paphos → Troodos Mountains | Omodos Village, Mount Olympus (Hiking), Kykkos Monastery |
Day 13 | Akamas Peninsula | |
Day 14 | Paphos → Departure | Return Flight |
Our Chosen Travel Time: Why We Decided on Autumn in Cyprus
We deliberately chose autumn as the time to visit Cyprus because we found that even in late October and early November, summer-like temperatures are still possible on the island. In the past, we often traveled to the Algarve, but this year we wanted to try something new.
Why we specifically opted for an autumn vacation and what makes this season particularly appealing to us is explained in more detail in another post. Feel free to check it out here: Autumn Vacation – Our Decision.
Sights and Activities in Cyprus: Our Must-Sees and Highlights
Ghost Town Varosha: A Place Full of History That We Absolutely Want to See
There are only a few places like this worldwide: an abandoned yet nearly perfectly preserved ghost town. The atmosphere there is said to be unique, which is why we decided this is a must-visit sight. It’s a place that reflects the history of Cyprus in an impressive way. We booked our tour here*.
Dream Beach Nissi Beach and Cape Greco
Our research revealed that this area offers stunning beaches and coastal landscapes that are among the most beautiful on the island. Nissi Beach, in particular, appears to be a popular spot for relaxation and activities, while Cape Greco promises spectacular views. We plan to combine these places as part of a day trip.
Nicosia: The Divided Capital of Europe
As the last divided capital in Europe, Nicosia holds a special fascination for us. Coming from Berlin, we are familiar with such a situation. We are excited to explore both parts of the city – the Greek south and the Turkish north – and to learn more about the history and culture of Cyprus.
Boat Tour to the Blue Lagoon with Turtle Swimming: A Must on Our Cyprus Trip
An absolute highlight that we don’t want to miss is a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon. Since this part of the coast cannot be reached by car, a boat tour seems like the perfect way to experience various stops, such as Cape Greco, the Love Bridge, and swimming with sea turtles. We are looking forward to enjoying all of these highlights. We booked this tour here*.
Flexibility Is Key
Even though we have booked some activities and tours in advance, we always allow ourselves some flexibility to adapt based on the weather and our mood. We want to discover some places spontaneously, while for certain activities, like boat tours, we booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Practical Information for Your Cyprus Trip
Payment Methods
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Cyprus, even for smaller amounts. Cash is mainly needed at markets or in rural areas. It’s worth having a travel credit card with low fees to avoid unnecessary costs. You can compare travel credit cards here*
Currency
In southern Cyprus, the Euro (€) is used, while in Northern Cyprus, the official currency is the Turkish Lira (₺). However, the Euro is often accepted in tourist areas, which makes transactions easier for travelers.
Power Outlets
Cyprus uses type G power outlets, which are also common in the United Kingdom. They have three rectangular pins. To be well-prepared, you should get the appropriate adapters before your trip. We still have some from our trip to Scotland.
Left-Hand Traffic
Cyprus has left-hand traffic, similar to the United Kingdom. Driving in roundabouts can feel unfamiliar at first. It’s worth driving cautiously and getting used to the traffic. You can check out our video about driving on the left in Scotland here.
Safety
We also thought about and had some concerns regarding the conflict between the north (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and the south (Republic of Cyprus). Despite the divided island, there are no current travel warnings for Cyprus. The border between the north and south has been open for years, and traveling between the two parts is hassle-free for tourists. Just make sure to carry your passport with you.
Passport
A valid passport is required to enter Cyprus, especially if you plan to visit the Turkish part of the island. EU citizens can also enter the southern part of the island with an ID card.
Time Zone
Cyprus is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET) and is one hour ahead of Central Europe (e.g., Germany) at UTC +2. During the summer, daylight saving time applies (UTC +3).
Flight Time
The flight time from Central Europe (e.g., Germany) to Cyprus is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the departure airport and flight route.
Language
The official languages in the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so you will have no problem communicating.
Conclusion: Cyprus Trip
Planning a trip to Cyprus is easier than it might seem at first glance, as long as you are well-prepared. Whether you want to explore the island through a road trip or day trips, Cyprus has something for everyone – from breathtaking beaches to fascinating historical sites. With the tips and the sample itinerary from this article, you have a solid foundation for planning your own trip.
