Itineraries for Your Trip to Cyprus
1 Week in Cyprus For First Timers
Cyprus is one of my favorite destinations in the Mediterranean—and it’s not because of the beaches. While I love a nice swim in the warm sea as much as the next person, I’ve never been fond of sunbathing, and I’m not the type of traveler who spends a whole day at the beach. What I love about Cyprus is its history and culture, from the mosaics of the Paphos Archaeological Park to pretty villages such as Omodos in the Troodos Mountains. It also helps that the island is fairly compact, making it easy to see a lot in one week in Cyprus. Here’s how to do it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the villages of the Troodos Mountains.
If you’re headed inland, bring a sweater—temperatures can shift quite a bit between the mountains and the coastal areas.
Most visitors to Cyprus fly into either Larnaca or Paphos. Whichever option you choose, spend your first two days exploring Paphos (day trips from Larnaca are an option if you don’t want to stay in Paphos). Start your first morning with a boat ride to the Blue Lagoon, or stop by the Rock of Aphrodite, the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess of love.
Must-sees include the Tomb of the Kings, a sprawling necropolis dating back more than 2,000 years, and Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its huge collection of Roman and pre-Roman ruins and beautifully preserved mosaics.
Spend your next couple of days exploring the interior of the island. You can either brave the hairpin turns of the Troodos Mountains yourself or join a tour and leave the driving to an expert who can show you the ancient icons of the Kykkos Monastery.
Take one day to go deep into the area's traditional tavernas, wineries, and cheese farms to get a taste of Cyprus’s culinary scene.
Wrap up your week in Cyprus with beach time and outdoor adventure in and around Ayia Napa, known for its white-sand beaches, lively party scene, and easy access to Cape Greco National Forest Park.
With a few days here, you’ll have time to swim and sunbathe at ridiculously scenic Nissi Beach and hike out to take in the scenery from Cape Greco Viewpoint and still have time to visit the Famagusta ghost town in the Turkish-occupied part of the island.
