Cyprus Travel Guide: Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol & Nicosia

published:

26.10.2025

source:

Melrose villas

Cyprus is a compact island with warm sea and mountain trails. This Cyprus travel guide is written simply: useful tips, routes and short lists. Where to eat, what to see, how to combine the beach and mountains in one day - all below.

We will touch on Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia, so that your trip is easy, and your vacation is bright.

Cyprus travel guide

The island is small: in a year you can really get around the main cities and towns. In the south - a long coast, in the west - cliffs and wine villages, in the center - mountain Troodos, in the east - transparent beaches.

For a traveler, short distances, clear roads, friendly people are important. In this guide we have collected things to do in Cyprus travel guide: walks along the old streets, swimming in the bays, taverns, museums.

Useful list for the first day

- Water, hat, sunscreen - island sun is active;
- Sneakers for trails and ruins;
- Cash for small purchases in the village;
- Car for rent or a clear bus schedule;
- Offline map of city/place and parking near attractions.

Paphos travel

Paphos is a western coastal city with mosaics, a fortress and sunsets. The old town is convenient for sightseeing: archaeological park, theater, lighthouse. Nearby - Aphrodite's rock and bays.

For families - safe beaches, for couples - atmospheric restaurants in the port. Route: ruins in the morning, beach in the afternoon, street with cafes in the evening. In Paphos, do not rush: the pace is slow, neighboring villages are nice for wine and olives.

Larnaca travel

Larnaca is the "eastern gate" of the island, a city with a long promenade, a salt lake and flamingos in season. Old streets lead to a mosque, churches and a market.

The beaches are soft, with a gentle entrance. In Larnaca, add a trip to Kavo Greco: trails, natural arches, turquoise water. In the evening, a restaurant on the promenade, meze and wine. It is convenient to start a trip and return after trips to the island.

Limassol travel

Limassol is a modern city and a long coastal line with parks, cycle paths and a marina. In Limassol, the route is simple: morning - the sea, day - Kolossi and Kourion (history + view of the coast), evening - the center with bars and a restaurant.

Do you like activities - a bicycle or SUP; quieter - a park by the sea and explore the waves. Limassol is a "city of long walks".

Nicosia travel

The capital is a capital with a mosaic of eras and cafes. Less sea, more history. Old quarters with narrow streets, craft shops, museums. In Nicosia, spend half a day in museums, the other half in courtyards with street art.

This is a city where travelers can relax from the coast and catch a different rhythm of the island.

Cyprus travel 2025

The plan for the year 2025 is a balance of beach and mountain, large cities and small villages. The Cyprus travel 2025 section is for those who like to mix paces.

In summer, the eastern bays, in winter, warm cafes of the capital and Troodos. "What else is in things to do in Cyprus travel guide?" - wine trails, village museums, morning markets. Formula: early departure, short stops, more walking, less rush.

Short itinerary checklist

- Paphos: archaeological park - bay - sunset at the fortress;
- Larnaca: St. Lazarus - salt lake - Cavo Greco;
- Limassol: Kourion - Colossi - marina and promenade;
- Nicosia: museums - old town - evening courtyards;

Tips on transport and pace

Renting a car gives you freedom, but buses also connect the main cities. The roads are clear, the signs are bilingual. For a short trip, it is convenient to have two bases: Larnaca and Limassol - so it is easy to cover the east and south sides of the island.

With children - a resort with a gentle beach; for nature - a mountain village. The Cypriot pace is unhurried - enjoy every street and every place.

Extra tips for travellers

Plan your day at the local pace: in the morning the sea or sightseeing, in the afternoon - shade and a long lunch, in the evening - street walks and music. Left-hand traffic; take your time on the rings and keep your distance.

Bottled water is often drunk, cards are accepted almost everywhere, but small cash is convenient in the village. Watch the safety flags on the beaches, take a light jacket in the mountains even in summer.

- Book a restaurant for the weekend in advance;
- Try local wines and meze - this is a delicious "slice" of island cuisine;
- Tip 5-10% for good service;
- Save offline city/place addresses and taxi contacts in case of a late return.

Final look

This Cyprus travel guide is about feelings. Morning on the beach, lunch in a restaurant, evening sightseeing in the old quarters - this is how the day is made. In each city you will find "your place": in Paphos - rocks and silence, in Larnaca - a long coast, in Limassol - events and walks, in Nicosia - history and courtyards.

Choose a route that suits you, and let this guide be a map of good moments: for tourists, travelers, and everyone who loves the island and wants to explore it without rushing.