Cyprus routes…
The best way to explore the island is by car...we can’t stress this enough. :-)
So if a rental car is in your budget go for it! You won’t regret it.
If you enjoy driving then you won’t mind following our favorite routes below. You will have a splendid day out exploring the inland of the island as well as the coast – depending on the route and the destination.
So are you ready to start planning?
Let’s go…
Follow the quick links below to guide you through the article.
Please note that the road signs in Cyprus (in the South part) are in Greek and English. However, you won’t find a road sign saying Nicosia…but Lefkosia. Please see below for your information…
Lefkosia = Nicosia
Lemesos = Limassol
Ammochostos = Famagusta
Larnaka = Larnaca
Pafos = Paphos
Agia Napa = Ayia Napa
P.S.1. Always have a full tank of petrol from the start of your journey, especially if you are planning to explore the mountains of the island. It’s difficult to find a petrol station in the mountains and the last thing you want is to run out of fuel.
P.S.2. We drive on the left side of the road, so take extra care if you are used to driving on the right side.
Quick links:
Nicosia Road Trips – Circular Routes
Paphos Road Trips – Circular Routes
Limassol Road Trips – Circular Routes
Ayia Napa Road Trips – Circular Routes
Larnaca Road Trips – Circular Routes
Linear Routes
Route 1 starts from Nicosia (Lefkosia) City Centre and heads towards the scenic mountains and back to Nicosia City Centre.
Route 1
Wake up early in the morning for Route 1 and have a full tank of petrol. It’s a long route through the scenic mountains of the island. If you wish to make a few stops on the way, we recommend…
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 2 starts from Nicosia (Lefkosia) City Centre and heads towards the coastal village of Kato Pyrgos via the mountains and back to Nicosia City Centre via the picturesque Paphos Forest.
Route 2
Nicosia City Centre, Kato Pyrgos, Paphos Forest (Cedar Valley), Kykkos Monastery, Mount Olympos (the highest point of the island), Troodos Square, Troodos Botanical Garden, Agros village, Nicosia City Centre.
You should have a full tank of petrol and wake up early in the morning. Again this is a long route so it is recommended to make a few stops on the way. We recommend the following stops…
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 3 will take you a journey through the panoramic mountains to discover the UNESCO churches of the island.
Route 3
Panayia (or Panagia) means Virgin Mary.
Nicosia City Centre, Panayia tis Asinou (Nikitari), Church of the Holy Cross of Ayiasmati (Platanistasa), Panayia tou Araka (Lagoudera), Church of the Virgin Mary of Podithou (Galata), Church of Saint Nicholas of the Roof (Kakopetria), Church of the Archangel Michael (Pedoulas), Panayia tou Moutoulla (Moutoullas), Monastery of Saint John Lampadistes (Kalopanayiotis), Nicosia City Centre.
It’s recommended to have a full tank of petrol and an early start.
Apart from the UNESCO churches you will find that the villages – in which the churches are situated – are the most picturesque and traditional ones. You will love it!
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 4 starts from Kato Paphos (Kato Pafos) and heads towards the beautiful coastal village of Kato Pyrgos via Polis Chrysochous (Polis) and back to Kato Paphos via the picturesque Paphos Forest (Cedar Valley).
Route 4
Kato Paphos, Polis Chrysochous (Polis), Kato Pyrgos (coastal village), Paphos Forest (Cedar Valley), Kykkos Monastery, Chrysorroyiatissa Monastery, Kato Paphos.
We recommend the following stops…
An early start and a full tank of petrol are recommended.
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 5 starts from Kato Paphos (Kato Pafos) and heads towards the beautiful wine villages via Mesogi.
Route 5
Kato Paphos, Mesogi, Stroumpi, Polemi, Kannaviou, Pano Panagia, Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery, Statos-Ayios Fotios, Lemona, Amargeti, Kato Paphos.
Have a full tank of petrol and get ready to explore the wine villages, including the Chrysorrogiatissa monastery. Enjoy the ride…and the wine :-)
You will find wineries in Mesogi, Stroumpi, Polemi, Kannaviou, Pano Panagia, Chrysorrogiatissa, Statos-Ayios Fotios, Lemona and Amargeti.
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 6 starts from Kato Paphos (Kato Pafos) and heads towards the wine villages (Laona-Akamas).
Route 6
Kato Paphos, Mesogi, Tsada, Stroumpi, Kathikas, Akourdaleia, Polis, Drouseia, Kato Arodes, Pegeia, Kato Paphos.
You will find wineries in Mesogi, Stroumpi and Kathikas.
A full tank of petrol is recommended.
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 7 starts from Kato Paphos (Kato Pafos) and heads towards the wine villages (Diarizos Valley).
Route 7
Kato Paphos, Acheleia, Kouklia, Nikokleia, Fasoula, Mamonia, Agios Georgios, Kedares, Praitori, Filousa, Agios Nikolaos, Arminou, Mesana, Salamiou, Kelokedara, Choletria, Acheleia, Kato Paphos.
You will find wineries in Praitori and Salamiou.
A full tank of petrol is recommended.
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 8 starts from Kato Polemidia in Limassol and heads towards the panoramic mountains.
Route 8
Kato Polemidia, Lofou, Arsos, Omodos, Kato Platres, Troodos Square, Kakopetria, Agros, Kato Polemidia.
We recommend an early rise and a full tank of petrol. You will love these traditional villages in the mountains. If you don’t have time to explore all of them we recommend the following stops...
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 9 starts from Kato Polemidia in Limassol and heads towards the beautiful Commandaria wine villages.
Route 9
Kato Polemidia (Limassol), Kolossi, Erimi, Monagri, Agios Georgios, Silikou, Doros, Laneia, Trimiklini, Agios Mamas, Kapileio, Zoopigi, Kalo Chorio of Limassol, Agios Pavlos, Agios Konstantinos, Louvaras, Apsiou, Gerasa, Kato Polemidia (Limassol).
In this route, wineries can be found in Monagri, Doros, Agios Mamas and Kalo Chorio of Limassol.
Again a full tank of petrol is recommended.
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 10 starts from Kato Polemidia in Limassol and heads towards the charming wine villages in Pitsilia.
Route 10
Kato Polemidia (Limassol), Trimiklini, Pelendri, Potamitissa, Dymes, Kyperounta, Chandria, Polystypos, Alona, Agros, Agios Ioannis, Agios Theodoros, Kato Polemidia (Limassol).
You will find wineries in the villages of Pelendri and Kyperounta.
Make sure you have a full tank of petrol in your car.
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 11 starts from Kato Polemidia in Limassol and heads towards the charming traditional wine villages in the Limassol District.
Route 11
Kato Polemidia (Limassol), Kolossi, Erimi, Avdimou, Anogyra, Pachna, Malia, Arsos, Vasa Koilaniou, Omodos, Mandria, Kato Platres, Pera Pedi, Koilani, Vouni, Agios Amvrosios, Lofou, Pano Kivides, Souni-Zanakia, Kantou, Kato Polemidia (Limassol).
For wineries check out the villages…
Check your fuel tank in your car and fill it up if it’s low. Also an early start is recommended.
Please see the map below for directions…
Route 12 starts from Ayia Napa and ends back at the same location. It’s a circular route. You will have a great day out while exploring the villages of Eastern Cyprus (Famagusta district).
Route 12
Ayia Napa, Liopetri, Xylofagou, Ormideia, Xylotymvou, Dasaki Achnas, Avgorou, Frenaros, Deryneia, Paralimni, Protaras, Cape Greko, Ayia Napa.
Please see the map below for directions…
If you are staying in Ayia Napa and you wish to visit the capital city of the island – Nicosia (Lefkosia) – and then head towards the mountains follow Route 13.
This Route starts from Ayia Napa and heads towards Nicosia City Centre. From Nicosia City Centre you will head towards the mountains and back to Ayia Napa.
An early start and a full tank of petrol are highly recommended.
Route 13
From Ayia Napa take the motorway towards Larnaca. From Larnaca take the motorway towards Lefkosia (Nicosia).
Ayia Napa, Nicosia (Lefkosia), Kakopetria, Pedoulas, Kykkos monastery, Trooditissa monastery, Kato Platres, Pera Pedi, Limassol, Ayia Napa.
Please see the map below for directions…
If you are staying in Ayia Napa and you wish to visit Larnaca and then head towards the mountains, follow Route 14.
This Route starts from Ayia Napa and heads towards the Larnaca distirct. From Larnaca (Finikoudes = Palm Trees) you will head towards the mountains and back to Ayia Napa.
An early start and a full tank of petrol are recommended.
Route 14
Ayia Napa, Larnaca (Finikoudes), Skarinou, Kato Lefkara, Kato Drys, Agros, Trooditissa Monastery, Kato Platres, Limassol, Ayia Napa.
Please see the map below for directions…
Explore the magnificent mountains of the island from Ayia Napa via Limassol.
Route 15 starts from Ayia Napa and heads towards the Limassol district. From Limassol you will head towards the mountains and back to Ayia Napa.
Although we don’t have tolls in Cyprus, we recommend avoiding the motorway (whenever possible) and follow the Route 15 below. The scenery is much more wonderful.
Start early in the morning and have a full tank of petrol.
Route 15
Ayia Napa, Kiti, Zygi, Limassol Molos (Promenade), Lofou, Kato Platres, Troodos Square, Agros, Vavatsinia, Ayia Napa.
Please see the map below for directions…
If you are staying in Larnaca and you wish to explore the beautiful inland of the island (the mountains) Route 16 is for you.
Route 16 starts from Larnaca (Finikoudes) and heads towards the inland of the island and back to Finikoudes.
Start early in the morning and have a full tank of petrol.
Route 16
Larnaca (Finikoudes), Kalo Chorio of Larnaca, Agia Anna, Archangel Michael Monastery, Saint Herakleidios Monastery, Phicardou (Fikardou), Machairas Monastery, Vavatsinia, Lefkara, Finikoudes.
Please see the map below for directions…
By following the Route 17 you will explore the wine villages
of Larnaca District and Nicosia (Lefkosia) District.
Route 17 starts from Larnaca (Finikoudes) and heads towards the wine villages and back to Finikoudes. To start your wine adventure take the motorway and head towards Skarinou.
We recommend an early start and a full tank of petrol.
Route 17
Larnaca (Finikoudes), Skarinou, Lefkara, Kato Drys, Farmakas, Fikardou, Kalo Chorio Oreinis, Monastery of Saint Herakleidios, Stavrovouni Monastery, Larnaca (Finikoudes).
You will find wineries in Lefkara, Kato Drys and Kalo Chorio Oreinis.
Please see the map below for directions…
Please note that only men are allowed in Stavrovouni monastery. Women can wait in the parking lot where they can digest the breathtaking view from the hill in which the monastery is built – as long as there is no fog, the view will, without a doubt, leave an impressionable imprint that will last a lifetime in your memory of our beautiful island.
If you are staying in Paphos (Pafos) and you wish to stay for a few nights in Nicosia (Lefkosia) the fastest route to get there is by taking the motorway.
However, if you have time ahead of you we highly recommend Route 18. By following this Route, you will reach your destination (Nicosia) through the mountains in which the scenery is unimaginable.
You will get to explore Troodos, our picturesque villages and a few monasteries of the island while heading towards your destination.
Route 18 starts from Kato Paphos and heads towards the inland of the island. You pass through the forests and traditional villages while en route you will find picturesque monasteries waiting for you to visit.
We highly recommend an early start and a full tank of petrol.
Route 18
Kato Paphos, Monastery of Saint Neophytos (in Tala), Stroumpi, Chrysorrogiatissa monastery, Pano Panagia, Kykkos monastery, Kalopanayiotis, Kakopetria, Agros, Nicosia City Centre.
Please see the map below for directions…
If you wish to travel from Limassol to Paphos and you have time ahead of you, we highly recommend Route 19 which will take you to Kato Paphos through the scenic mountains.
By following this Route you will get the chance to explore the inland of the island which is in itself, an awesome experience.
So instead of taking the motorway consider following Route 19. You won’t regret it…as long as you start early in the morning and have a full tank of petrol.
Route 19 starts from Kato Polemidia (Limassol) and heads towards the beautiful inland of the island. You pass through the forests and traditional villages waiting for you to visit.
If you have time you can make a stop at one of our wonderful monasteries, too.
Route 19
Kato Polemidia (Limassol), Omodos, Kato Platres, Trooditissa Monastery, Kalopanayiotis, Kykkos Monastery, Throni tis Panayias, Cedar Valley, Polis Chrysochous (Polis), Saint Neophytos Monastery in Tala, Kato Paphos.
Please see the map below for directions…
It’s quicker to take the motorway and travel from Ayia Napa to Kato Paphos, but you will miss all the scenic views of the mountains.
If you are up for it, travel from Ayia Napa through the mountains and the traditional picturesque villages to your destination of Kato Paphos.
Route 20 starts from Ayia Napa and heads towards Larnaca. From Ayia Napa take the motorway towards Larnaca and head to Kalo Chorio Larnacas, Agia Anna, Mathiatis and Analiontas to visit the monastery of Archangel Michael.
En route you will find four monasteries worth visiting. In addition, consider making a stop at Agros, Troodos Square, Kalopanayiotis and Stavros tis Psokas.
In Kalopanayiotis – apart from this wonderful picturesque village – you will also find the UNESCO monastery of Saint John Lampadistes.
This route is one of our favorite ones…but you should be careful with the petrol. When the tank is half full, fill it up because in the mountains it’s difficult to find petrol stations…and you don’t want to run out of petrol.
Also, consider an early start because you have a long drive ahead of you.
Route 20
Ayia Napa, Monastery of Archangel Michael, Monastery of Saint Herakleidios, Machairas Monastery, Agros, Troodos Square, Kalopanayiotis, Kykkos Monastery, Throni tis Panayias, Stavros tis Psokas, Kato Paphos.
Please see the map below for directions…
…And that wraps up our article on Cyprus routes. We hope you have a great time here on our island! Enjoy :-)