Cyprus may be just a small island, but it has plenty of things to see and do. Three days can be considered quite a short amount of time, but it’s enough to experience the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s a local’s guide to the best Cyprus itinerary for three days.
Where To Base Yourself for 3 Days in Cyprus
The best destination for a 3-day trip to Cyprus is Paphos, the island’s Western city and district. You can fly directly to Paphos International Airport – has many direct flights from European cities.
Paphos is home to fascinating historical sites, pristine beaches, picturesque rural villages, and stunning nature.
In fact, the entire city of Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and so it’s the perfect spot to experience the island’s long and rich history.
Paphos District is also home to the Akamas National Park, allowing you to witness Cyprus’ unique and scenic landscapes.
Lastly, Paphos may be a coastal city, but the Troodos Mountains are at the city’s doorstep. Therefore, you can easily experience the island’s diverse environment and culture within three days.
Day 1 – Kato Paphos
Start your first day by exploring Paphos’ most ancient neighborhood, Kato Paphos. Ironically, in ancient times, this neighborhood was called New Paphos (Nea Paphos), which you can explore at the Nea Pafos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The site dates back to the 4th century BC, and it was established by King Nicocles, the last king of Palaipaphos (Old Paphos).
The ancient Nea Paphos was a prominent and wealthy city on the island, and from the 2nd century BC until the 4th century AD, it was Cyprus’ capital. However, over the years, it has suffered greatly by both conquerors and natural disasters.
Nevertheless, even today you can experience its wealth by visiting its various landmarks including the:
- four Roman villas with intriguing, well-preserved mosaic floors,
- Roman Agora and Odeon,
- Asklepieion,
- Byzantine-era castle Saranta Kolones,
- ruins of an early Christian basilica,
and the magnificent Tombs of the Kings, just a couple of kilometers further west – a vast necropolis of the ancient city’s high-ranking officials.
After spending a couple of hours exploring the ancient ruins and mosaics, head to the Paphos Harbor area for lunch at one of the seaside restaurants.
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Then, continue your exploration by strolling along the Paphos Harbor and visit Paphos Castle, a Byzantine fort with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Next, explore the 13th-century Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church and the Pillar of St. Paul, where the apostle is said to have been flogged.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a quiet walk along the Paphos Promenade to marvel at the sunset merging the sky and sea with vibrant golden hues.
In the evening, head to Paphos’ Old Town to enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional tavern where you can enjoy delectable authentic Cypriot cuisine along with live lively folk music.
Day 2 – Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula is a nature reserve in northwestern Cyprus and is famous for its beautiful hiking trails, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches.
Specifically, the peninsula is home to the Akamas National Park, a protected area left untouched by human activities and infrastructure.
The park features rugged terrain with breathtaking sceneries that can be explored through its various hiking trails, such as the Aphrodite Trail, the Adonis Trail, and the Smigies Trail.
However, a must-do trail is the Avakas Gorge Trail, a stunning nature path taking you along the gorgeous gorge and a tranquil stream, home to unique indigenous flora and fauna.
All trails start from the park’s entrance and pass through the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural pool that according to Greek mythology it was the bathing site of the goddess and the spot she met her lover Adonis.
In addition to the hiking trails, Akamas is home to plenty of gorgeous beaches, so instead of hiking through the park, you can also consider beach hopping.
However, Akamas’ beaches don’t have any amenities since the park strives to preserve the area’s wildlife.
For instance, the park’s beaches are a nesting area for endangered sea turtles, so it’s important to be mindful while exploring.
If you want to learn more about these beautiful creatures, visit the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station and learn about the conservation efforts for the endangered sea turtles.
To reach the park you can use public transport, but only 4×4 vehicles, buggies, and quad bikes can enter the park due to the park’s terrain.
Of course, you can use a rental car and drive through the park at your own pace. But you can also join the park’s jeep safaris.
The safaris start from the entrance and take you to popular spots within the park, creating an excellent way to experience comfortably the park if you’re not keen on exploring by car or on foot.
Another option is joining a boat tour, which takes you around the peninsula’s coastline with stops at popular spots like the Blue Lagoon, a spectacular beach with pristine, crystal-clear azure waters.
Alternatively, you can join a tour from Paphos and enjoy a hassle-free day discovering the area’s natural beauty and history.
Specifically, the Akamas Peninsula is steeped in history as it was the set for many mythological figures, including Aphrodite.
Therefore, most tours to Akamas include other sites, too, like Aphrodite’s Rock, a beach said to be the Greek goddess of love and beauty’s birthplace.
After exploring the park to your heart’s content, you can also visit one of the villages in the Akamas region, such as Polis or Latchi, stop for food, drinks, or chill at a beach.
Day 3 – Troodos Mountains
On the third day, take a day trip to the Troodos Mountains to get a glimpse of Cyprus’ rural lifestyle and landscapes.
A fantastic destination that allows you to experience everything the mountains offer is the village of Panayia.
Located about a 40-minute drive from Paphos’ city center, you can easily reach the village by rental car, a taxi, or by catching the 637 bus from Paphos’ main bus station, Karavela Station.
Once you arrive at the village, walk through the picturesque, narrow streets and take in the beauty of the traditional whitewashed houses with colorful doors and windows.
For locals, Panayia is a well-known village as it is the birthplace of the country’s first president, Archbishop Makarios III. In his honor, the village now houses two museums.
One is his family home, showcasing rural Cyprus’ lifestyle in the early 20th century and the other is the Museum of Cultural Foundation Archbishop Makarios III, featuring memorabilia from his life as a priest and Cyprus’ first president.
So, don’t miss the chance to explore this small but important part of the island’s history.
The village is also home to the scenic 14th-century Chapel of Panagia Eleousa dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the imposing 20th-century Church of St George.
Just outside the village, you’ll find the Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa, which is dedicated to “Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate.”
The monastery was established in the 12th century by a monk named Ignatios, who found an icon of the Virgin Mary off Paphos’ shore during the iconoclastic period and decided to build a monastery in her honor.
The present structure dates to the 18th century and features stunning frescoes and is home to a gold and silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary and Christ that, according to legend, was painted by Apostle Luke the Evangelist.
The monastery’s Icons and Utensil Treasury is also home to a collection of important icons, religious objects, and other artifacts.
Apart from religious importance, Panayia village is a fantastic spot to experience Cyprus’ cultural heritage through wine.
The village is home to the renowned family-operated Vouni Panayia Winery known for blending tradition and innovation to produce delectable wines.
The winery offers the opportunity to discover the island’s viticulture and winemaking history through an educational tour and wine tasting.
It also has an excellent restaurant where you can savor delicious local delicacies accompanied by one of the winery’s exceptional wines.
UNESCO World Heritage Painted Churches
As you plan your routs around the Troodos Mountains, add into it a number of important and beautiful villages – such as Omodos, Kalopanyiotis (Kakopetria) and as many of the Byzantine era painted churches and monasteries as you can manage.
If the small churches are locked, you can ask in the nearest village cafe for the keep of the key, who will hand you a big brass key which you return to the keeper. It’s an incredible day trip!
Abandoned Villages
On your way back to Paphos, if you wish to have a different kind of adventure, stop by the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Photios.
The villages were abandoned in the 1960s due to heavy rain and floods, and today, they present an excellent open-air museum of how life looked like in the early to mid-20th century.
Getting Around
Paphos’ compact size makes it a walkable city, as you can easily stroll from the charming old town to the ancient ruins and visit all of the city’s fascinating landmarks.
For those who prefer a more convenient mode of transportation, Paphos boasts a reliable public bus system that connects the main attractions to the old town, as well as areas like Latsi.
Taxis are also a great option as they can be hailed directly or booked through your hotel or local tour operators.
Another option is getting around by taxi. All hotels will surely help you book one. Otherwise, you can use taxi apps like Bolt to find a taxi.
However, I strongly recommend renting a car. Cyprus is a relatively small country so most driving distances are small.
A car will give you flexibility and the chance to discover spots public transport does not reach. Just remember that Cyprus drives on the left, like in the UK.
🚙 I always hire my cars online from Discover Cars because I get international companies with good reputations.
Nevertheless, no matter how you choose to get around, Paphos promises an unforgettable adventure. – just remember Cyprus drives on the left, as in the UK.
Wrapping up: 3 Days in Cyprus Itinerary
With its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture, Paphos in Cyprus makes for an unforgettable 3-day getaway.
From exploring the charming streets of the old town and fascinating ancient ruins to hiking through rugged landscapes and swimming in turquoise waters, this itinerary allows you to experience the best of what this magical island has to offer.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and follow this Cyprus itinerary for the best 3 days you can possibly have on Aphrodite’s island!
