Sights Cyprus – What to visit in 4 days?

Cyprus had long been on our travel bucket list, but it wasn’t until January 2025 that we made it for the first time.

We were excited about what we were about to discover on this island with such a distant history. We knew that Cyprus offered extraordinary landscapes, beautiful beaches, picturesque mountain villages and archaeological sites unique in the world. But we never imagined how beautiful it would actually be.

We spent 4 days in Cyprus, far too little for what you can do and visit here. But it was enough to make us realize we want to return.

In this article we show you how we got organized, what our itinerary was, where we ate well in Cyprus and what we discovered along the way that we wished we had known beforehand.

Join us!

Contents:

• How did I get to Cyprus?
• Car rental Cyprus
• What we visited in Larnaca
• Activities Cyprus
• Good accommodation in Cyprus
• What we visited in Cyprus – Day 2
• Sights Cyprus – Day 3
• What we visited in Cyprus – Day 4
• Cyprus holiday conclusions

How did I get to Cyprus?

As I said, we went to Cyprus in January, so winter. We decided on the spur of the moment, when we saw how low airfare prices are during that period.

Așa că ne-am luat biletele București – Larnaca și am început să ne organizăm călătoria.

Larnaca is one of Cyprus’ best-known cities on the south coast. Flights from Romania usually land here.

So, from Larnaca we started our journey.

What is the winter weather like in Cyprus?

Surprising or not, the weather is very pleasant. It resembles the temperatures we have in Romania in May.

In January it was over 20 degrees every day, so we could sit comfortably in our t-shirts. In the evenings it got a bit cooler, but a sweater or thin jacket was enough.

In the summer, temperatures in Cyprus are very high, which can create thermal discomfort. That’s why many prefer to visit the sights of Cyprus in the high season. It’s also cheaper and the weather is ideal.

And if you’re more adventurous, you can even take a dip in the Mediterranean if you catch a sunnier day, as we did.

So go with confidence in winter, or spring/fall, because the weather is gorgeous.

Car rental Cyprus – Where did I get it and how much did it cost?

Yes, if you want to visit Cyprus you need a car.

For areas close to where you’re staying you could also use public transportation. But to get further and maximize your time, it’s best to rent a car.

We went with 2 other friends, but we were able to share the car rental costs, which otherwise would have been quite small.

For 4 days we paid somewhere around 800 lei. The company I rented from is called Europcar and they have a center right near Larnaca airport.

Everything was fine and we had no problems either with the car or working with them.

Ah, by the way. About the car, you should know that in Cyprus you drive with the steering wheel on the right side. If you’re used to driving on the left, like us, it would be useful to get an automatic. If you need to change gears, it gets more complicated.

What we visited in Larnaca?

We arrived in Larnaca in the afternoon towards evening, because that’s when we had our flight to Cyprus.

The first stop from the airport, which is 5 miles from the city, was on the shores of the Salt Lake, where we had a surprise. Dozens of flamingos were bathing in the waters of the lake, creating a beautiful sight.

Then, since we hadn’t eaten anything since morning, we stopped for lunch.

Where did we eat well in Larnaca?

We stopped at The Blue Pinewhere we ate very well.

Here we discovered that the food portions in Cyprus are huge. And the food is very tasty.

I had a stew with chicken, potatoes and leeks that would have easily fed two people. Not to mention the portion of ribs, which was actually gigantic. And not only were there a lot of them, they were really good.

One dish is between 15-20 euro. But get ready for a real treat.

Tourist sights Larnaca

After eating well, we were ready to discover the charms of the city. As I said, Larnaca is a small coastal town of about 70 000 inhabitants.

It has a beautiful promenade, which serves as a promenade. Along the promenade are all sorts of souvenir shops and local handicrafts.

Here’s what we visited in Larnaca:

• Larnaca Aqueduct

Larnaca’s aqueduct, known as the Kamares, was built in 1750 during Ottoman rule to provide water to the city. With its impressive arches, this historic aqueduct is a symbol of the engineering of the time and can be admired even today, as it is spectacularly illuminated at night.

• Larnaca Castle

Larnaca Castle is a historic seafront fortress, originally built in the medieval period and rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 17th century. Today the castle houses a museum with artifacts and exhibits from different historical periods. From its walls, you can admire a superb view of the city’s coastline. We didn’t manage to get inside, but I think it’s worth it.

• Church of St. Lazarus

St. Lazarus Church in Larnaca is one of the most important monuments in Cyprus and a true symbol of the city. Built in the 9th century, the church impresses with its Byzantine architecture and imposing tower, visible from a distance.

👉 See also article – Sights Larnaca not to miss!

As it was already night when we visited Larnaca, we didn’t get the chance to visit any of the sights here. But we strolled through the picturesque streets and enjoyed the charm of this small town.

Then it was off to our accommodation in Protaras, 60 km from Larnaca.

Interesting activities not to miss when in Cyprus

Cyprus has a lot to offer in terms of things to do. You can enjoy beaches, sea cruises, hiking, wine tasting or visiting archaeological sites.

Below are some of the activities we enjoyed the most. We usually book them through Get Your Guide, that’s why we’ve put the links next to each one:

• Sunset cruise in Larnaca with a glass of wine

Imagine how beautiful it can be to admire Larnaca’s coastline from the open sea while enjoying the cool breeze at sunset. This one and a half hour cruise comes with a glass of wine included, so relaxation is guaranteed. As the activity is more often than not sold out, be sure to book early.

• Ayia Napa – Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Cruise with lunch included

This is a 4 and a half hour cruise on the east coast of Cyprus in the well-known Ayia Napa area. The cruise departs from Ayia Napa itself and the route goes around Cape Greco, a protected nature reserve. There’s a great guidebook with lots of interesting details. You can see many caves and swim in the crystal clear waters. Many say it was the best experience they’ve had in Cyprus.

Good accommodation in Cyprus

We have to admit that accommodation was also a factor in our quick decision to go to Cyprus.

We found on Airbnb a gorgeous villa in Protaras, very close to the seaside. The villa has 3 bedrooms, a huge living room with fully equipped kitchen, swimming pool and heated jacuzzi on the upper terrace.

And the price was unbeatable. For the whole villa we paid only 800 lei/ 3 nights.

Of course, we found this price absolutely unreal because it was January, right after the holiday season. We looked at the seasonal prices for this villa and believe us, you can’t come close.

Another reason why we recommend going to Cyprus in winter.

Other good accommodation in Cyprus

If the above villa is unavailable when you want to go or is priced out of this world, here are 2 other great accommodation options in Cyprus:

• Alkisti City Hotel, Larnaca

This is a 3* hotel right in the historic center of Larnaca. It offers rooms overlooking the square in front of St. Lazarus Church. The location and service here are excellent. And the value for money is great, especially as breakfast is included.

• Zoi Ayia Napa

Zoi Ayia Napa is a gorgeous Mediterranean-style villa with swimming pool in the famous Ayia Napa. Here you can stay in a double room or a deluxe suite in very good conditions. The staff are very friendly and the service is excellent. Not to mention the location, very close to the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus.

What we visited in Cyprus – Day 2

Our second day in Cyprus started off very well with a hearty breakfast on the villa terrace. We ate well because we had a busy day ahead of us.

This day was dedicated to the mountain towns, as I had found them to be particularly picturesque.

Here’s what we visited:

• Lefkara

Lekfara is a lovely little mountain town with beautiful stone houses. The narrow streets are lined with open shops, even in winter. The town is famous for its handmade lace and silver jewelry. You can leave with truly unique souvenirs. We also tried Cypriot doughnuts, called Loukoumades. These are deep-fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, usually served with honey, cinnamon and nuts.

• Kakopetria

From Lefkara we drove an hour and a half to Kakopetria. We wanted to get here because we had seen very interesting pictures of the historical town here. And it turned out to be an interesting surprise.

The old houses of Kakopetria, a picturesque village in the Troodos Mountains, impress with their traditional stone and wood architecture. The narrow streets and houses with wooden balconies create a fairytale atmosphere. Some houses have been restored, others have not. There aren’t many taverns or pubs here, but the atmosphere is special.

• Nicosia – Capital of Cyprus

From Kakopetria, we went to Nicosia. We changed a bit our original route that was supposed to take us through Kiperounta, Pano Platres, Omodos and Lofou, because we ran out of time. It was already dusk. But if you’re staying longer in Cyprus, don’t miss these sights.

We arrived in Nicosia after dark. But the old center of the capital was beautifully lit. You should know that Nicosia is the only capital in the world divided by a border. Yes, the city is divided in two. One part is Greek and one part Turkish. You can cross as a pedestrian from one side to the other with just your ID. To cross by car, you also need extra insurance for the Turkish part of Cyprus. Here we enjoyed the picturesque streets, the bustle of the city and the beautifully lit buildings for a few hours.

Where did we eat well in Nicosia?

In Nicosia we stopped for dinner and chose the Piatsa Gourounaki restaurant in the old center. Here the restaurants close in the afternoon and open in the evening, especially for dinner.

We waited a little while until they opened and were comfortably seated at the table. The interior is tastefully decorated and you can tell they pay attention to detail. In the winter there was no need to make a reservation, but in the summer you should definitely book here.

I ordered a souvlaki with salad and a grill mix platter for 2. Again, very generous portions. This was the best souvlaki I have had in Cyprus. The meat was very well seasoned and everything was very flavorful. That grill mix for 2 people was 22 euro. So excellent value for money.

What’s more, we also received a complimentary local dessert + a digestive drink made from mastic tree resin – Masticha.

Sights Cyprus – Day 3

The objective of day 3 in Cyprus was to reach Pafos.

Pafos is on the south-western tip of the island, so we had some distance to travel.

Let’s see where we stopped along the route and what we did in each place:

• Choirokoitia

Choirokoitia is a remarkable archaeological site in Cyprus, home to the remains of a prehistoric settlement from the Neolithic period, dating back thousands of years. This site offers a fascinating insight into early life on the island, with circular houses and a complex water system. Entry to the site costs €2 per person. We spent about an hour here.

• Amathus archaeological site

The archaeological site of Amathus is one of the most important historical sites in Cyprus, offering a spectacular combination of ancient ruins and stunning sea views. Founded in prehistoric times, Amathus was an important city-state in antiquity, dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. What makes it truly impressive is its mix of impressive monuments, including temples, Roman baths and an ancient harbor. Entry here is also €2/person.

• Limassol

We then arrived in Limassol, the second largest city in Cyprus. It’s on the south coast, overlooking the sea. It is a youthful and effervescent city with large, imposing buildings. Here we strolled along the waterfront, saw Limassol Castle from the outside and explored the narrow streets of the old center.

• Kolossi Castle

Kolossi Castle is 14 km from Limassol. It is a medieval fortress located southwest of Limassol, dating from the 13th century. Built by the Ioannite Knights, the castle played an important strategic role in the defense of the island and sugar production. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering wonderful views of the surrounding region.

• Kourion Fortress

Kourion Fortress is an impressive archaeological site on the south coast of Cyprus, near Limassol. Founded in antiquity, Kourion was an important city-state and its ruins include a well-preserved amphitheater, Roman baths, mosaic houses and a sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo. We didn’t get a chance to visit this site as it was already late, but it’s worth setting aside at least 1-2 hours to visit.

• Aphrodite’s Rock

Aphrodite’s Rock, also known as Petra tou Romiou, is a legendary site on the south coast of Cyprus, famous for its natural beauty. According to mythology, this is the place where the goddess Aphrodite is said to have been born from the foam of the sea. It’s a beautiful spot for photos, especially at sunset.

• Pafos

We made it to Pafos after a full day of exploring the entire south coast of the island. Pafos is a historic town in southwest Cyprus, known for its ancient ruins and mythological links to the goddess Aphrodite. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pafos is home to iconic sites such as the Mosaics of the House of Dionysos and the Tombs of the Kings. Here we return to visit the archaeological site. Since it was night, we just strolled along the waterfront and among the picturesque cottages.

Where did we eat well in Pafos?

The truth is that it was not easy to find a good restaurant in Pafos. We had 2-3 ideas, but when we got to the locations, we were astonished to find that they were either closed or had no customers.

Apparently, Pafos is very little frequented in winter, which means many places are closed.

However, I found a restaurant that saved the day.

It is the Imperial Chinese Chinese restaurant in Paphos. It is by far the nicest Chinese restaurant I have been to so far. Elegant, clean and very welcoming.

I ordered cod with vegetables and chicken with vegetables + a portion of plain rice. Very good. Violin had a cocktail and I had a glass of wine. At the end, we got dessert on the house. The price paid for 2 people is about 50 euro.

What we visited in Cyprus – Day 4

Day 4 was also our last day in Cyprus. We flew out in the evening, around 10pm, so we had a day ahead of us to explore the beauties of the island at our leisure.

Day 4 was dedicated to the beaches of the Ayia Napa area, famous for the natural beauty of its beaches. Our accommodation was close by, so we were immediately at the beach.

• Nisia Prasinou Kolpou

Here we made our first stop. The water was a gorgeous blue and we couldn’t resist taking a dip. It felt a bit cold at first, but then it became very pleasant. It was a memorable experience. Then we went to Turtle Beach and Konnos Beach. The whole coast is beautiful.

• Crow’s Arch

Crow’s Arch is a natural stone arch near the village of Agios Nikolaos. It is a spectacular geological phenomenon, formed by rock erosion, which has created an imposing arch shape. We took some great photos here.

• Agioi Anargioi & Zangooly Cave

Agioi Anargioi is a church by the sea and Zangooly Cave is nearby. Zangooly Cave is a coastal cave, known for its beauty and tranquility with stunning rock formations and crystal clear water.

• Cape Greco Peninsula

The Cape Greco Peninsula is a protected natural area, renowned for its spectacular scenery and unique biodiversity. Here you can explore secluded beaches, towering cliffs and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The area is protected to preserve local ecosystems.

• The Bridge of Love

The Bridge of Love is located near Ayia Napa. It’s a particularly popular spot. It’s a natural stone bridge near the sea where you can take some great photos. The surrounding area offers stunning scenery and a romantic atmosphere.

• Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs and restaurants attracting tourists from all over the world. The town center is very vibrant with a colorful atmosphere. This combination of beaches, fun and natural beauty makes Ayia Napa a must-see destination when visiting Cyprus.

From here we drove straight to Larnaca, where we had a last souvlaki and then headed to the airport.

How did we like our vacation in Cyprus?

What are the conclusions after 4 days in Cyprus?

• We loved the island, the cleanliness, the scenery and the beaches
• The food is delicious, plentiful and very good value
• If you come in high season, you get lower prices on everything
• 4 days is not enough to see the whole island. We saw most of the Greek area. For the Turkish part we will have to come back another time.
• Cyprus is a very attractive destination for lovers of nature, beaches, mountains, history or gastronomy.

What about you? Would you like to visit Cyprus?

Write to us in the comments!