Cyprus Road Trips
Road trips in Cyprus are easy to plan, offer off-the-beaten-track adventures along with views of the Mediterranean Sea and picturesque mountains. The highway connects all the districts, so; it is easy to drive from one area to the other in no time at all. If you are from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or other countries that operate on the road’s left-hand side, you are in luck, as Cyprus also does.
In this article, we will show you some of the most popular destinations for road trips and what you can expect to find in these locations.
Road Trips in Cyprus: Paphos
Paphos is arguably the most well-known holiday destination in Cyprus. This district sees thousands of tourists each year, with many returning every summer. There are plenty of hotels for you to relax in if that is your thing. But, Paphos also has an abundance of places to explore, and you can easily make a road trip out of your visit.
We suggest starting your trip by visiting Aphrodite’s Rock. This stunning rock formation is the birthplace of the Greek Goddess of love and beauty and is located just off the highway between Limassol and Paphos. Although jumping off the cliff and swimming is prohibited due to the rough sea, the breathtaking view is definitely worth the trip.
Continuing from here, it only makes sense the visit the Baths of Aphrodite. This is one location that nearly every tourist adds to their list on their road trips in Cyprus. The baths are situated in an area called Akamas, a very peaceful location in Cyprus. The trek to visit the baths is along rocky mountainous roads, ideal if you are looking for an adventurous road trip. Once you arrive, you will be able to bathe in the springs where the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, is said to have bathed. The myth states that once you have done this, you will be granted eternal youth or possibly fall in love with the next person you see. After enjoying a swim in the spring, you can go on a small hike through the greenery surrounding the area and enjoy some birdwatching (if you go at the right time of year).
Now, the distance between Aphrodite’s Rock and The Baths of Aphrodite is around 67km. So, we would suggest stopping off in Paphos Old Town on the way. This area in Paphos is vibrant yet relaxing, with many shops, markets, and restaurants to stroll around. It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch or coffee while you are on a road trip. However, if you prefer lunch on the seafront, then head to the harbor.
While you are in this area of Paphos, you should consider visiting the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tombs of the Kings, which is just 2km north of the Kato Pafos harbor. The Tombs of the Kings dates back to the 4th Century and is the burial site of High official from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The underground tombs and chambers are carved out of solid rock and very well-preserved. A definite must-see if you are in the area.
The Road Trip from Larnaca to Limassol
Some of the best road trips in Cyprus are ones that you do not always expect. The drive from Larnaca to Limassol is a great example of this. You can start your adventure by driving southwest of the city towards the Stavrovouni Monastery. The Monastery was founded in 327 A.D. and is 750 meters above sea level. After exiting the highway, it is about a 20-minute drive through the mountain roads until you reach the rocky peak where the Monastery is set. Although women are prohibited from entering, it is still worth the trip for the view you get at once you reach the top. Men are allowed in; however, they must be dressed appropriately and forbidden to take photographs or videos. While you are here, we suggest going for a small hike and even set up for a picnic.
After leaving the Stavrovouni Monastery, head back to the highway and continue onto the village of Lefkara. The mountainous village of Lefkara is renowned for its lace embroidery craft, and here you can find the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing. The village is exceptionally picturesque, filled with traditional terracotta-roofed houses, and has some beautiful chapels and churches. It is also said that Leonardo da Vinci visited the village in the late 1400s.
Once you have finished exploring Lefkara, you can begin heading to the Old Town of Limassol and the harbor. The district has seen major renovations over the past decade and is now known as Cyprus’s cosmopolitan hub. It is the perfect location for a relaxing yet luxury meal or evening drink. Many beautiful restaurants and bars are lining across the seafront for you to enjoy.
A Road Trip to The Mountains
Our final destination is a must for road trips in Cyprus. The Troodos Mountains are one of the most picturesque locations on the island, especially during spring and autumn. You can easily drive to this area from any district in Cyprus via the highway. Due to its high altitude, the mountains see significant snowfall in the winter and is a popular resort for skiing and snowboarding. During the rest of the seasons, the mountains see many tourists and local visitors on road trips because the location offers something for everyone. You can walk through the forests on one of the many nature trails and even set up for a weekend of camping. The campsite facility has showers, toilets and picnic sites for you to relax by.
You can find out more about mountain road trips and hikes by visiting this article.
Conclusion
Road trips in Cyprus offer exciting adventures for everyone. As you can see, every destination can be made into a road trip. There is the option to take a trip to the mountains, explore ancient sites and mystical places or rural villages which rich history. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it by taking a road trip around the island.
