8 days in Cyprus | Paphos, the Troodos Mountains, Limassol & the Akamas Peninsula

Day 1: Departure for Paphos – Limassol

Depending on your choice of flight, your holiday begins in Larnaca or Paphos. From there, you’ll head to Limassol, where you’ll stay for two nights at one of our Caractère hotels. Limassol has been known as the ‘city of festivals’ since ancient times and remains a vibrant city that embodies both the old and the new. The island’s maritime capital boasts a beautiful marina and a charming old town that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy your first ‘mezze’ on a cosy terrace.

Day 2: Limassol – Kourion – Amathous – Akrotiri

Limassol lies between two major archaeological sites, the ancient city-kingdoms of Amathous and Kourion. Beautiful mosaics, ancient villas and an impressive amphitheatre adorn the Kourion ruins, whilst at the Amathous site you can admire the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite. Take a breather on the Akrotiri peninsula. At the Akrotiri salt lake, you can observe numerous birds of prey, flamingos and cranes that use the lake as a stopover on their journey from Africa to Europe. The region around Limassol is characteristic of Cyprus’s wine industry. The slopes of the Troodos Mountains form the green backdrop to the city. The hilltop villages are known as ‘Kraaochoria’ or wine villages. They uphold the traditions of viticulture and to this day produce the island’s finest wines. Round off your day with a glass of Commandaria sweet dessert wine, one of the oldest wines in the world.

Day 3: Limassol – Nicosia – Troodos Mountains

From Limassol, head towards the capital, Nicosia. This cosmopolitan city is a delightful mix of old and new. Alongside a traditional old town with winding streets that take you back to the Middle Ages, there is also a completely new area with numerous interesting museums, galleries, trendy bars and restaurants. Driving through the countryside and past numerous mountain villages, you reach the Troodos Mountains. Here, you literally step back in time. In the green heart of the island, you can enjoy endless views, forests and valleys. Visit traditional villages and wine-growing communities and observe their unique traditional customs. You will stay here for two nights.

Day 4: Troodos Mountains

Today, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Put on your walking boots and try one of the countless hiking trails. Each one is more spectacular than the last. Visit Mount Olympus – not to be confused with Mount Olympus in Greece – and the dozens of Byzantine churches and monasteries where you’ll see the most exquisite frescoes. In the evening, enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes.

Day 5: Troodos Mountains – Paphos Forest – Cedar Valley

You leave the Troodos Mountains and drive on to Paphos Forest. Here you’ll stop off in the beautiful mountain village of Cedar Valley and visit the famous Kykkos Monastery. You’ll stay in Paphos for three nights.

Day 6: Akamas Peninsula

Driving through the orange groves, you’ll head to the Akamas Peninsula, which forms one large nature reserve. Here you’ll find numerous unspoilt beaches where sea turtles nest. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and take a walk through the stunning natural surroundings. If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, you can also hike through the Avakas Gorge, one of the most beautiful in Cyprus. Be sure to visit the Baths of Aphrodite too.

Day 7: Paphos

Paphos consists of an old and a new town, centred around the harbour and the medieval castle. Stroll through the charming streets and admire the many historical monuments in the Kato Paphos district. Follow in the footsteps of Aphrodite or enjoy a day at the beach.

Day 8: Return home

You’ll return home from Paphos or Larnaca. Need a few extra days’ holiday? You can extend your stay at one of our Caractère hotels of your choice.

Frequently asked questions about this Cyprus tour

When is the best time to take this tour of Cyprus?

For an active holiday exploring the archaeological sites of Kourion and the walking trails of the Akamas Peninsula, April to June and September to October are ideal. Temperatures then range between 20°C and 25°C. In spring, the island is in full bloom, whilst the sea is still lovely and warm in autumn. July and August are perfect for sun worshippers, but less suitable for strenuous hikes in the Avakas Gorge.

Is a hire car necessary for this route?

Absolutely. Although Limassol and Paphos are accessible by bus, the most beautiful spots on this trip — such as the Byzantine churches in the Troodos Mountains, the Cedar Valley and the remote Kykkos Monastery — are in locations where public transport is scarce.

A hire car gives you the freedom to explore the ‘Krassochoria’ (wine villages) at your own pace. Please note: in Cyprus, they drive on the left.

How do I combine culture in Nicosia with nature in Akamas?

This trip is logistically structured so that you alternate the hustle and bustle of the capital, Nicosia, with the tranquillity of nature. Set aside a full day for Nicosia to visit the Green Line and the museums. For the Akamas Peninsula, we recommend setting off early for the Baths of Aphrodite; this way you’ll avoid the midday heat and have the crystal-clear bays and snorkelling spots all to yourself for a while.