Check out this ultimate 5-day Cyprus itinerary from Paphos, which helped me explore some of the island’s most incredible landmarks. Even though it was my third visit to Cyprus, this trip was full of new impressions and experiences. I love being based in Paphos whenever I visit Cyprus – it’s a charming area with plenty of unique restaurants, and it’s also a perfect hub for taking day trips to explore other amazing spots on the island.

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An Ultimate 5-day Cyprus Itinerary

Visiting Cyprus for the 3rd time

As one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a must-visit destination, whether you’re a solo traveler, honeymooner, beach lover, avid hiker, history enthusiast, or party-goer. This island truly has it all. So far, I’ve been to Cyprus three times, and I’ve been fortunate enough to explore many of its unique landmarks.

The first time I visited Cyprus was with my parents for a family-friendly beach vacation. During my second trip, I visited my sister for a weekend while she was studying abroad, and we spent much of our time exploring the nightlife. However, both of these first trips were largely focused on Paphos and its surroundings. For this 5-day Cyprus itinerary, I’ve planned an intense sightseeing schedule to see as much of the island as possible. As a result, it turned out to be quite fast-paced.

If you’re looking to combine sightseeing in Cyprus with some relaxing beach time, I’d recommend stretching this itinerary to 7-10 days. Since this wasn’t my first time in Cyprus, and frankly, I hadn’t been the one planning my previous trips, I felt a strong urge to drive around and explore more of the island’s different regions on my own.

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Views near Aphrodite’s Rock

North Cyprus vs South Cyprus

Cyprus is actually divided into two parts: the Greek Cypriot South and the Turkish North. This division occurred in 1974 after Turkey invaded Cyprus in response to a coup aimed at unifying the island with Greece. The border between the two parts still divides Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, making it the last divided capital in Europe. I first visited Cyprus in 2010, and while there was a visible and relatively peaceful coexistence between the two communities, the division remains a sensitive subject for many Cypriots – especially those displaced from their homes in places like Famagusta, which has become largely a ghost town since the conflict.

My first two visits were to the Greek Cypriot side. Historically, this part of Cyprus has strong British influence (they even drive on the left, like in the UK and Ireland). So, when I think of the laid-back lifestyle and summer vibes of Cyprus, it’s the Greek side that comes to mind. The Turkish North, on the other hand, offers a different experience – less in line with the typical Mediterranean holiday atmosphere. Crossing the border between the two parts of Cyprus is like stepping into a completely different culture.

If you’ve been to Turkey, you’ll quickly notice the differences. In Northern Cyprus, life feels more dynamic, vibrant, and sometimes even chaotic – a shift from the European to a more distinctly Asian atmosphere. In contrast, the Greek Cypriot side feels cozy and relaxing, much like other Mediterranean islands – Malta, Mallorca, and Crete.

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The flags on the Greek side of the Island
Morning walk in Paphos Cyprus
A morning walk along the coast in Paphos

Where to Stay in Cyprus

When it comes to hotels, Northern Cyprus offers the best price-to-quality ratio. You can find 5-star all-inclusive resorts at very affordable prices. However, vacations in Northern Cyprus tend to feel more like visiting the Turkish coast (Bodrum, Antalya, etc.) rather than a European or Greek island experience.

However, personally, I love staying in Paphos. For this 5-day Cyprus itinerary, you can also choose to stay in Larnaca and visit Paphos for a few days. If you’re looking for clubs and nightlife, the undisputed party capital is Ayia Napa. The second-best destination for entertainment lovers is Limassol. Many international celebrities stay in Aphrodite Hills while visiting Cyprus, which is a gated community featuring hotel, luxury villas, restaurants, golf and tennis courts, a riding club, and a soccer academy.

The problem with staying in Northern Cyprus is that you will need to cross the border, which slows down any sightseeing plans. Nevertheless, I would still recommend planning at least a day trip to Northern Cyprus; it is much less touristy and explored than the southern part. You can discover some untouched paradise beaches there. However, in terms of safety and the laid-back Mediterranean vibe, I preferred Southern Cyprus more.

On the road / The Southern side of Cyprus
On the road / The Southern side of Cyprus

What to eat in Cyprus

Cypriot cuisine is influenced by Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern flavors, offering a delightful array of dishes. Here, you can find everything from meze and kebabs to Greek moussaka and Turkish baklava. However, as I mentioned earlier, the southern (Greek) side of Cyprus offers a wider variety for Greek food lovers, while the northern (Turkish) side presents a vibrant palette of traditional Turkish flavors.

  • Halloumi and other local cheeses
  • Olives and Olive Oil
  • Tzatziki spices (the Greeks eat homemade Tzatziki with almost everything)
  • Cyprus wine
  • Silver and lace products from Lefkara
  • Turkish sweets (especially, on the Northern side)

Best Cyprus food tours

If you are a foodie, do not miss one of these unique Cyprus food tours:

Grilled Halloumi cheese/ Tzatziki (the white sauce)
Grilled Halloumi cheese with Tzatziki (the white sauce)
turkish food norther cyprus
Turkish food in Northern Cyprus

5 Days in Cyprus Itinerary from Paphos: Top Places You Can’t Miss on the Island

I’ve chosen to stay in Paphos to start this 5-day Cyprus itinerary because it’s the area I like the most. It’s not as busy as Ayia Napa or Limassol and has the charm of a Greek village, with a beautiful harbor and a lovely area for morning jogs. From Paphos, it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the country’s capital, Nicosia, and 1 hour and 25 minutes to get to Larnaca, which I found quite manageable for a day trip. Driving in Cyprus was pleasant, with well-maintained roads and little traffic, so I felt that driving was a sightseeing experience in itself as I passed through different areas.

Day 1: Paphos and Agios Neophytos Monastery

Staying in Paphos makes it an obvious first stop on any Cyprus itinerary. You can read more about one-day Paphos plans in this post. Don’t miss Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, which features ancient mosaics dating back to the 2nd century A.D., and the charming Agios Neophytos Monastery, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful frescoes.

Cyprus Roman mosaics / Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Roman Mosaics of Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Ayios Neophytos Monastery Cyprus
Agios Neophytos Monastery near Paphos

Day 2: Aphrodite Rock and The Blue Lagoon

If you are visiting Cyprus during the warmer months, consider renting a small boat in Latchi and heading to the famous Blue Lagoon, a Caribbean paradise in Cyprus. It’s best to set out earlier in the morning, as many boats visit this spot on organized tours throughout the day. I absolutely loved the Blue Lagoon – its stunning crystal-clear waters were simply breathtaking. On your way to the Blue Lagoon, be sure to make a stop at Aphrodite’s Rock, a legendary site in the Greek mythology. According to the local legend, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Rumor has it that those who swim around the boulder three times counterclockwise will be blessed with eternal beauty. Another belief claims that if you swim in the area at midnight or find a heart-shaped stone on the shore, you’ll find your one true love.

To visit the Blue Lagoon on your own, you can drive to Latchi and rent a boat (read more about my experience here), or opt for one of the organized tours, which can be easier and more budget-friendly. Here are some top-rated tours to the Blue Lagoon:

Alternative: If you are unlucky with the weather or visiting Cyprus in winter, you can head to Kykkos Monastery instead of the Blue Lagoon. As one of the most significant religious sites on the island, Kykkos Monastery is perched on a mountain peak at an altitude of 1,318 meters. It has been burned down several times throughout Cypriot history, but it remains one of the most remarkable monasteries in Cyprus. Kykkos Monastery is also famous for its connection to the first President of Cyprus, who was once a monk here and was buried 3 kilometers from the monastery after his death.

Latchi Cyprus Travel Guide
The small town of Latchi
One day itinerary paphos cyprus coast summer
Aphrodite’s Rock
Cyprus Blue Lagoon Travel
Visiting the blue lagoon in May

Day 3: Larnaca and Lefkara

Larnaca is home to several unique historic sites, including Agios Lazaros, the Pierides Archaeological Museum, Kamares Aqueduct, the Turkish Quarter, and Cape Greco (which is located about 50 km east of Larnaka). Don’t forget to visit Larnaca’s Salt Lake, where you might even spot flamingos during the winter months, and if you consider diving – Zenobia Wreck Diving Site is amazing.

On the way back from Larnaca to Paphos, I made a stop in Lefkara, the island’s most charming village. Recently recognized by several reputable travel publications as one of the Top 30 Most Beautiful Villages in Europe, Lefkara is a charming destination with cobblestone streets and colorful doors and windows, known as the birthplace of Cypriot folk needlecraft. While enjoying the village’s charm, you can also book a tour to walk around the picturesque Lefkara Manmade Lake, which offers a scenic backdrop for a leisurely stroll.

Lefkara, Cyprus
Lefkara is a must-stop on any Cyprus itinerary
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The streets of Lefkara
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Cute tiles in Lefkara
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The picture-perfect village of Lefkara in Cyprus
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I loved visiting Lefkara
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What a house…

Day 4: A Day Trip to Northern Cyprus

One of the absolute highlights of my five days in Cyprus was a day trip to Northern Cyprus. While it is a popular excursion from Southern Cyprus, the landmarks I got to explore – St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey – felt quite unique. Most tours also include a stop in the small town of Kyrenia, famous for its harbor, cobbled streets, castle, and Shipwreck Museum.

Without a doubt, the most breathtaking views of my 5 days in Cyprus were at St. Hilarion Castle. Some say that Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was inspired by this one. Bring comfortable shoes, as the climb to the top can be rough. Also, beware of the summer heat; it’s best to go early in the morning or to visit during the spring or autumn months (my cute flats were not a good idea, but I realized this too late!). Bellapais Abbey was also amazing with its idyllic Gothic structure, currently used for artistic and musical performances. This place certainly has a lot of old charm and history.

I visited both places on my own, but I would honestly book a tour next time. Driving in Northern Cyprus was a bit stressful, and you are charged a minimum of 25 euros for mandatory insurance when crossing the border.

St. Hilarion Castle, Cyprus
St. Hilarion Castle in Northern Cyprus
St. Hilarion Castle Cyprus
Views from St. Hilarion Castle
Bellapais Abbey Cyprus in 5 days
Bellapais Abbey
northern cyprus itinerary
Bellapais Abbey in Northern Cyprus
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Views from St. Hilarion Castle

Day 5: Nicosia and Buyuk Han

Nicosia is internationally famous for being the only divided capital in the world. It is a perfect place to learn more about local history. Nicosia’s Green Line border extends across the capital, with various entry points for people to cross over. If you want to dive deeper into the region’s history, consider including some local museums in your itinerary: the Leventis Municipal Museum, the Cyprus Museum, and Leventis Gallery. Don’t miss the central shopping streets: Ledra (has a crossing point), Onasagorou, and Ermou.

Another interesting place that immediately captures your attention is Buyuk Han (located on the Turkish side of Nicosia), the largest Ottoman caravansarai on the island of Cyprus.

Büyük Han, Cyprus
Buyuk Han, located on the Turkish side of Nicosia

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