This ultimate 10-day Cyprus travel guide covers everything you need to know for your Cyprus vacation, from stunning beaches and charming villages to ancient historical sites. Just a few hours’ flight from major European cities lies this hidden gem – Cyprus. Admittedly, it may not be a “hidden gem” for Europeans; however, surprisingly, most Americans have never heard of this picturesque Mediterranean island or even know where it is. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a friend’s trip, or a solo adventure, Cyprus is the perfect summer destination!

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Getting to Cyprus & Transportation Guide

Cyprus is easily accessible from major cities in Europe. It’s a small island located close to Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, and Syria. Check out flights on Expedia. Here’s how to get there and navigate the area:

By Air

Cyprus has a few main airports: Larnaca International Airport, Nicosia International Airport, and Paphos International Airport. Both are well-connected to major cities in Europe and beyond. Additionally, Cyprus is pretty small and can be driven across in just a few hours. Depending on where you start your journey, you will determine which airport you should try to fly into. However, any one is fine if you see limited flights or price options.

By Car

Renting a car is the best way to explore Cyprus. The island has a well-maintained road network, and driving gives you the freedom to visit multiple attractions at your own pace. Google Maps also works really well!

Tip: I always recommend downloading your maps offline on Google Maps in case you lose service or are in a remote area. Just go into Google Maps and click on your photo in the top right corner. Select Offline Maps and select the area you want to download. I typically download the area and a bit more outside of it. Make sure before you go to save all the spots you want to visit, and your hotel so you can access it offline.

10-Day Travel Guide to Cyprus

Day 1-3: Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is famous for its stunning turquoise beaches and vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect start to your Cyprus adventure. The lively beach town and beautiful coastline make it one of the best spots you’ll visit during your 10 days in Cyprus.

Activities in Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa’s beaches are some of the best in Cyprus, with crystal-clear waters and soft golden sands. Notably, Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach, and Konnos Beach are must-visits for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. There are plenty of beach clubs and chairs you can rent for the day if you don’t want to sit in the sand.

Beyond the beaches, Ayia Napa is also famous for its unique sea caves and cliffs, providing spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for cliff jumping and hiking. Additionally, make sure you stop at Cape Greco or the Love Bridge for a beautiful sunset. Watching the sunset from the Love Bridge was one of the most memorable things we did in Cyprus!

Sights in Ayia Napa

When you’re in Ayia Napa, don’t miss these incredible spots! Spend the day hiking, swimming, cliff jumping, and just admiring the incredible turquoise water.

• Sea Caves Ayia Napa
• Blue Lagoon
• Crow’s Arch

Restaurants in Ayia Napa

There are so many amazing Greek, Cypriot, and Italian restaurants to choose from in Ayia Napa and they’re all walkable from the hotels. There are also a lot of bars and places to smoke hookah. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Sale e Pepe: Delicious Italian cuisine.
• Farmers Traditional Tavern: Traditional Cypriot dishes.
• En Yevo Tavernaki: A cozy spot with fantastic local food. This family-owned spot was a gem!!
• Kafkaros Tavern: Cute spot near Cape Greco – perfect for lunch after a day of swimming & cliff jumping!

Hotels in Ayia Napa

We stayed at the Amanti Resort and loved it! It’s modern and has a beautiful pool and a delicious breakfast buffet. It’s not right on the beach but walkable to everything.

Here are a few other Aiya Napa hotels I’d recommend:

• NissiBlu Beach Resort
• Amarande (Adults Only)
• Alion Beach Hotel

Day 4: Exploring Nicosia

Next, on your 10-Day Cyprus vacation, head to Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, and the only divided capital city in the world. You only need a day here. I recommend leaving early from Aiya Napa so you have a full day, though.

The old city is full of historical charm with its ancient architecture and bustling markets. I recommend walking/crossing over to the Turkish side for a glimpse into the island’s divided history. Don’t forget to bring your passport for this unique experience.

Nicosia is divided due to the ongoing conflict between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, which has its roots in the intercommunal violence of the 1960s and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Consequently, this division has resulted in the city being split into a Greek Cypriot southern sector and a Turkish Cypriot northern sector, separated by a United Nations buffer zone.

Interestingly, it feels like two completely different places and, unfortunately, the Turkish side is much poorer than the Cypriot side. For instance, we found out many on the Turkish side actually cross over to find better work and opportunities to make a living. When you get through border patrol, which only takes a few minutes, try some Turkish sweets or local food. Afterward, wander the beautiful streets and admire the old architecture.

Activities in Nicosia

• Explore the old city of Nicosia and cross over to the Turkish side (bring your passport!).
• Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional Cypriot architecture and admire all the pretty doors!
• Visit historical landmarks such as the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus and the House of Dionysus.
• Wander the vibrant markets and sample local food.

Restaurants in Nicosia

We weren’t in Nicosia for too long but here were a few spots we loved!

• Crosta Nostra: Modern and creative dishes
• Piatsa Gourounaki Express: Casual dining with great gyros
• The Farm Coffee Roasters

Hotel in Nicosia

I highly recommend Map Boutique Hotel. It’s modern, comfortable, and conveniently located to everything. It’s about a 3-min walk to Old Town. They also have a lovely restaurant and a full gym.

Day 5-7: Discovering Paphos

After Nicosia, make your way towards Paphos for the second half of your 10 days in Cyprus The combination of historical sites, stunning beaches, and picturesque villages made Paphos one of our favorite stops in this Cyprus travel guide. On your way to Paphos, you have to drive through the Troodos Mountains, and I highly recommend making some stops along the way.

For instance, on your way down, make a stop at Aesambelis Winery for some incredible wine and, notably, make sure you try the rosé! This was our favorite on the whole island!

Next, stop at a couple of cute villages, Laneia, Lofou, and Omodos (the biggest and most popular one). Just a warning that the roads can get very windy and tight. In some areas we drove through the villages and they are definitely only made for one car at a time. All three are relatively small and you can see them quickly. Additionally, it’s quite a bit of driving, but it allows you to see these spots without having to drive back out from Paphos.

We loved wandering the cobblestone alleyways and taking pictures of the beautiful historic villages. They are so peaceful and charming. Stop for a late lunch at The Black Geese in Omodos. The food was delicious! There are many more wineries and historic monasteries you can visit. I marked them in my Google Maps. Visiting these villages was one of our favorite things that we did during our 10 days in Cyprus.

Finally, make your way outside of Paphos to the incredible Cap St George Hotel where you should stay for 2 nights. The Cap St. George is an absolutely stunning property with sprawling ocean views and I highly recommend taking time to enjoy and relax!

Activities in Paphos

There is no shortage of things to do in and around Paphos. One of our favorite things we did was explore old Paphos town. It’s SO cute and there are so many great restaurants and bars.

• Spend a day in the mountains, wine, cheese, and olive oil tasting (visit Axylou Traditional Cheese Maker for fresh cheese, olives and bread and Stagona for olive oil tasting).
• Visit charming fairytale villages. If you missed them yesterday there are others closer to Pahphos (Kathitkas).
• Discover ancient ruins and enjoy the sea caves and beautiful beaches around Paphos.
• Don’t miss Paphos Old Town for dinner and drinks with a magical sunset.
• If you have 4 wheel drive you can head North to Akama National Forest Park where there are a lot of great hikes and beaches, including the “Blue Lagoon”

Sights in Paphos

• Tombs of the Kings
• Nea Paphos
• Agios Neophytos Monastery
• Odeon Ruins
• Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

Fairytale Villages near Paphos

• Kathikas
• Omodos
• Lofou
• Laneia

Wineries in Paphos

• Aesambelis Winery
• Tsangarides Winery
• Lambouri Winery
• Vlassides Winery
• Ayia Mavri Winery
• Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades Winery

Restaurants in and Around Paphos

• Agora Tavern: Authentic Cypriot cuisine.
• Rum & Jam: Amazing pizza and cocktails.
• Craft Bar: Cozy cocktail bar.
• Davinci Artisan Gelato: Must-try for dessert lovers.
• Dolce Vita Ristorate Italiano
• Trattoria La Vigna
• Geitonia Traditional Kebab House

Where to Stay in Paphos

Although Cap St. George is outside of the main area of Paphos I can’t recommend this incredible hotel enough. It’s a must-stay during your 10 days in Cyprus. It was probably our favorite on the island. It’s immaculate… It’s on a hill overlooking the ocean. They have various restaurants and bars and an incredible pool and a private beach area. The sunsets were also stunning.

Day 8: Exploring Limassol

On Day 8 of this Cyprus travel guide, head to Paphos and drive along the coast to Limassol, a vibrant coastal city, with a mix of modern and historical attractions. Spend the day along the promenade, visiting historical sites, and indulging in delicious local cuisine. You don’t need more than a few hours here before heading to your hotel to relax.

Activities in Limassol

• Visit Kolossi Castle, then explore Limassol for the day
• Agios Neophytos Monastery

Restaurants in Limassol

• Ta Tria Alonia Tavern: Rustic, hearty meals (right outside the Amara hotel and one of the best meals we had in Cyprus)
• Ousia Soulful Kitchen: Right in Limmasol

Hotel in Limassol

The Amara is a stunning 5-star property right outside of Limassol. The pool is absolutely incredible! It’s the perfect spot to unwind and relax after exploring Limassol for a few hours. I believe every room has a view of the Mediterranean. We spent the afternoon hanging out at the pool and enjoying the beautiful views.

Day 9-10: Visiting Pano Lefkara

After just one evening in Limassol, drive about 30 minutes into the mountains to Pano Lefkara, a picturesque village known for its lace and silver handicrafts. Most Cyprus travel guides probably suggest just a short visit, but I recommend staying the night!

When we booked the trip, we wanted the opportunity to stay in one of Cyprus’ famous storybook villages. We found the most incredible boutique hotel, The Agora, and decided to spend the night. The peaceful ambiance and the charming streets made it one of my favorite places in all of Cyprus. The village is quite small and there isn’t a lot to do other than wander and soak in the beautiful lemon trees, roaming cats, and cobblestone streets.

Activities in Pano Lefkara

Outside of Pano Lefkara there are a couple of other things I recommend doing:

• Explore the charming village of Pano Lefkara and nearby Kato Drys Village.
• Visit Terra Oliva Organic Olive Farm and enjoy wine tasting at Dafermou Winery.

Restaurants in Pano Lefkara

• Tochni Tavern: Traditional meals with a modern twist.
• Novel Restaurant: A charming spot with fantastic food in the courtyard of The Agora.

Hotel in Pano Lefkara

The Agora Hotel is one of the most beautiful, charming boutique hotels I’ve ever stayed. It had so much character. Staying here felt like stepping back in time, surrounded by cobblestone streets and local artisans. I loved that every detail was so thoughtful. They give you lovely branded glass water bottles. I ended up buying one of their beautiful bath robes because they were so chic & comfy! Make sure you have a cocktail in their library bar and enjoy the fresh brick oven pizza by the pool.

Final Thoughts

Cyprus is a hidden gem that offers an incredible mix of beaches, villages, and historical sites. Most Amercians head to Greece or Italy for vacation, but Cyprus is very similar and has so much to offer! It’s truly one of my favorite countries in the world and I cannot wait to go back and visit as soon as possible! I hope my 10-Day Cyprus Travel Guide helps you plan an incredible trip!

Make sure to check out my other Europe travel guides for more inspiration and tips. Explore Malta or Corfu, Greece next!

Other Cyprus Travel Guide Tips

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