25 Best Places to Visit in Cyprus by Car (2026 Road Trip Guide)
Discover the island’s top beaches, mountain villages, historical landmarks, and hidden gems — with the freedom of a rental car.
Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s most diverse destinations. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural escape, or a proper road trip, the island packs crystal-clear lagoons, UNESCO World Heritage sites, mountain villages, and vibrant nightlife into an area you can cross in under three hours.
The best way to see it all is by car. Public transport in Cyprus is limited outside the main towns, and many of the spots on this list — hidden coves, mountain monasteries, remote viewpoints — simply aren’t reachable any other way. Renting a car means you set the pace, not a tour bus timetable.
This guide is organized by region so you can build your own route, whether you’re based in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, or Ayia Napa.
Ayia Napa & Protaras Region
1. Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
Cyprus’ most famous beach — white sand, turquoise water, and a lively atmosphere with water sports and beach bars. Perfect for: families, couples, groups of friends.
2. Cape Greco National Forest Park
Between Ayia Napa and Protaras: dramatic sea cliffs, hiking trails, sea caves, and standout viewpoints.
Don’t miss: Cape Greco Sea Caves, Love Bridge, Blue Lagoon viewpoint, sunset spot.
3. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras
Regularly ranked among Europe’s best beaches for its calm, crystal-clear water — ideal for a slower family day.
Based in the east of the island? Our Ayia Napa car rental fleet puts all three of these within a 15-minute drive.
Larnaca Region
4. Finikoudes Promenade, Larnaca
A palm-lined seafront walk with cafés, restaurants, and easy parking — a good first or last stop on a road trip.
5. Mackenzie Beach
Minutes from Larnaca Airport — ideal for a swim before an early flight or straight after landing. Picking up on arrival? See our Larnaca Airport car rental options for Meet & Greet pickup.
Larnaca is also the most central base for day trips — under an hour to Nicosia, Limassol, or the Troodos foothills. Browse car rental in Larnaca to start from here.
Nicosia Region
6. Old Town Nicosia
Europe’s last divided capital, and a fascinating mix of history and modern culture.
Top spots: Ledra Street, the Venetian Walls, Cyprus Museum, Leventis Museum, Faneromeni Square, and the tavernas of the Old City.
Nicosia’s central location makes it a natural base for exploring the whole island — pick up your Nicosia car rental here and you’re within a 90-minute drive of almost everything on this list.
7. Lefkara Village
Famous for handmade lace and silverwork — around 40 minutes from Nicosia, on the way toward Larnaca or Limassol.
Troodos Mountains
8. Mount Olympus & the Troodos Villages
Escape the summer heat in the mountains. Highlights: Mount Olympus, waterfalls, traditional villages, nature trails, and scenic viewpoints along genuinely enjoyable mountain roads.
9. Omodos Village
One of Cyprus’ most picturesque villages — stone streets, local wineries, handmade lace, traditional restaurants, and the Timios Stavros Monastery.
10. Kykkos Monastery
High in the Troodos range, and one of the most important monasteries in Cyprus.
11. Millomeris Waterfall
One of Cyprus’ tallest waterfalls, reached via a short, well-marked hiking trail.
12. Cyprus Wine Country
Cyprus is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions. Visit wineries around Omodos, Platres, Koilani, and Vouni — most are only practical to reach with your own car.
Driving tip: mountain roads are narrow and winding but well maintained. Allow extra time in winter for occasional snow at higher elevations.
Limassol Region
13. Limassol Marina
Waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, cafés, and views of the yachts — a good evening stop.
14. Kourion Archaeological Site
One of Cyprus’ most impressive ancient cities: a Roman amphitheatre, mosaic floors, ancient baths, and sweeping sea views.
15. Kolossi Castle
A medieval castle just outside Limassol, offering a quick but worthwhile detour into Cyprus’ crusader-era history.
16. Governor’s Beach
Known for its striking white cliffs, quieter atmosphere, and seafood tavernas.
Limassol sits roughly midway along the south coast, making it a convenient stop between Larnaca and Paphos. Check car rental in Limassol if you’re starting your route here.
Paphos & Akamas Region
17. Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
According to Greek mythology, this is where Aphrodite emerged from the sea — one of Cyprus’ most photographed landmarks, and a natural stop between Limassol and Paphos.
18. Paphos Harbour
Waterfront dining, medieval history, and reliably good sunsets.
19. Coral Bay
Calm water, soft sand, and strong facilities for families — just north of Paphos town.
20. Sea Caves of Peyia
Dramatic limestone formations, best photographed at sunrise or sunset.
21. Blue Lagoon, Akamas Peninsula
Some of the clearest water on the island. Reachable by boat tour, 4×4 excursion, or a scenic coastal drive.
22. Akamas National Park
Hiking, bird watching, jeep safaris, cycling, and seasonal turtle spotting along one of the island’s last wild coastlines.
23. Baths of Aphrodite, Polis
A scenic stop near the edge of Akamas, with shaded walking paths and easy access toward Latchi, Polis, and coastal viewpoints. It works especially well as part of a Paphos-to-Akamas day route.
The Akamas roads get rough toward the peninsula tip — an SUV is worth considering if you’re heading past Lara Beach. See car rental in Paphos for options.
Further Afield
24. Famagusta Viewpoint
From the southern side of the island, you can view the historic city of Famagusta and learn about its unique history.
25. Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement
A UNESCO-listed archaeological site between Larnaca and Limassol, ideal for travellers who want a meaningful culture stop without a long detour from the motorway.
The Ultimate Cyprus Road Trip Route
One of the best things about Cyprus is how easily you can cover multiple regions in a single trip. A popular loop:
Nicosia → Troodos Mountains → Omodos → Limassol → Paphos → Akamas → Larnaca → Ayia Napa → Protaras → Nicosia
Done at a relaxed pace with overnight stops, this takes 5–7 days. It’s doable in 3–4 days if you’re moving quickly, though you’ll want a full day each in the Troodos and Akamas to do them justice.
Best Route by Pickup City
| Starting point | Best first route | Good vehicle choice |
|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | Old Town Nicosia → Lefkara → Troodos → Limassol | Compact car or SUV |
| Larnaca Airport | Mackenzie Beach → Finikoudes → Ayia Napa → Protaras | Economy or family car |
| Limassol | Kourion → Omodos → Troodos villages → Paphos | Compact car or SUV |
| Paphos | Aphrodite’s Rock → Coral Bay → Akamas → Baths of Aphrodite | SUV for Akamas routes |
| Ayia Napa | Nissi Beach → Cape Greco → Fig Tree Bay → Famagusta Viewpoint | Economy or convertible-style leisure car |
Plan Your Rental Car Route
- Beach and city route: choose a compact or economy car for easy parking in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa, and Protaras.
- Troodos and Akamas route: consider an SUV for mountain roads, steeper villages, and rougher access roads near the Akamas Peninsula.
- One-week island loop: compare available vehicles in the Infinite Car Rentals catalog before choosing your pickup city.
- Monthly or extended trip: check long-term car rental in Cyprus if you are staying for several weeks or working remotely from the island.
Useful Cyprus Driving Guides
Planning a longer route? These related guides can help you choose the right roads, pickup point, and vehicle:
- Best Scenic Drives in Cyprus
- Driving in Cyprus: 2026 Survival Guide
- Northern Cyprus Road Trip Guide
- Best Luxury SUVs for Cyprus Road Trips
- Why Choose Infinite Car Rentals in Cyprus
Why Rent a Car in Cyprus?
Many of the island’s best locations — hidden beaches, mountain villages, remote viewpoints — are difficult or impossible to reach by public transport. A rental car gives you the flexibility to go where and when you choose.
At Infinite Car Rentals, every booking includes:
- Automatic vehicles
- Unlimited mileage
- Insurance included
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- Meet & Greet at Larnaca Airport
- Convenient pickup in Nicosia
- Friendly local support throughout your trip
Ready to Explore Cyprus?
Book your vehicle today with Infinite Car Rentals and discover Cyprus without limits.
Frequently Asked Questions – Driving in Cyprus
Which side of the road do you drive on in Cyprus?
Cyprus drives on the left, like the UK. Rental cars are right-hand drive.
Are there tolls on Cyprus roads?
No, Cyprus has no toll roads. The A1, A2, and A6 motorways connecting the main cities are all toll-free.
How long does it take to drive across the island?
Nicosia to Paphos is around 1.5 hours; Larnaca to Ayia Napa is about 40 minutes. Most of the island is within a 2-hour drive from any major city.
Can I do a one-way rental, picking up in one city and dropping off in another?
Yes — one-way rentals between Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and Ayia Napa are available. Let us know your route when booking.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
EU license holders don’t need one. Drivers from most other countries do — check with us when booking if you’re unsure.
