Great Journeys: Cyprus: Southern Cyprus

From mountains to beaches, this journey explores the atmosphere, the history and the beauty of southern Cyprus.

Click on the links below to find out more about individual destinations.

Journey Summary

Because it isn't possible to drive around the whole of Cyprus, exploring southern Cyprus involves some backtracking, which is why our journey forms a figure of eight, starting and ending at the pleasant port of Pafos, with its incredible Roman ruins. Heading up into the mountains, we reach Troodos, where we can either ski or walk on Mt Olympos, depending on the time of year. From the highest point of Cyprus it's an easy drive to the picturesque mountain village of Kakopetria, from where the capital city of Nicosia is a short downhill drive. After exploring the Green Line and the two halves of this divided city, we take a roundabout route through the party beach resort of Agia Napa to Larnaka, a convenient stop on the way to Pissouri, where the nearby ruins of Kourion prove a worthwhile detour. Heading northwest, we take the scenic coastal route to Polis, where (weather permitting) the Akamas Peninsula provides some excellent walking and some breathtaking views. Finally it's time to return to Pafos and its international airport.

Suggested Itinerary

The following is only a suggested itinerary, and is based round a journey by car, with overnight stops at hotels along the way. All roads are suitable for normal two-wheel-drive cars.