Cyprus

Day 1: Paphos coast and the golden light of Akamas

Ease into Cyprus with archaeology in ocean air, then chase the island’s famed soft-western light. In summer, start early and save your energy for golden hour; in winter, the crisp sun makes lingering outdoors a pleasure.

• Morning: Arrive at Paphos Archaeological Park as gates open to see the mosaics at their best with low, slanting light. Carry water and sunscreen (UV can be intense even in spring); if it’s winter, a 09:30–10:00 start is perfect for a gentle, warming sun.
• Midday: Take a shaded seafood lunch on Paphos harbour or slip into the small on-site museum to escape the peak sun (11:00–16:00 in summer). If you’re feeling the heat, adopt the local siga‑siga pace and rest indoors.
• Afternoon: Drive north to the Baths of Aphrodite and walk a short section of the Aphrodite or Adonis Trail; the light over the Akamas Peninsula turns golden from mid‑afternoon. Stick to paved roads unless you have a 4x4; turtles nest at Lara Bay (May–Aug) so heed beach protections.
• Evening: Stay for sunset at Lara Bay or the Polis seafront; dust-in-the-air days make especially dramatic skies. Dine on meze in Polis/Latchi, then an easy coastal drive back under starry, dry skies.

Day 2: Troodos mountains, cool pines and stone villages

Trade coastal heat for high-altitude sun where air is clearer and colours pop. In summer it’s a natural escape from humidity; in winter, snow under bright sunshine makes for dazzling scenes.

• Morning: Drive into the Troodos foothills via a heritage village such as Fikardou or Omodos for coffee in a shaded square and a quick wander of stone alleys. Bring layers—mornings can be cool at altitude, yet the UV remains strong.
• Midday: Long lunch in a courtyard taverna or winery (book ahead on weekends); designate a driver if wine-tasting. If it’s hot, linger in the shade; if it’s winter, the sun is gentle enough to dine outdoors.
• Afternoon: Walk the easy, panoramic Artemis Trail around Mount Olympus or the cooler Caledonia Waterfalls path. In winter, expect snow around Troodos Square—sun on fresh snow is bright, so sunglasses are essential.
• Evening: Descend via Limassol and detour to Governor’s Beach for a twilight swim or photos against white chalk cliffs. Eat by the sea in Limassol; in peak summer, dinner after 20:00 feels best as the heat eases.

Day 3: Sunrise at Cape Greco, turquoise bays and Larnaca’s salt lake

Catch a postcard sunrise on the island’s south‑east tip, then alternate swims with shade like a local. Round off with the mellow light of Larnaca’s salt lake and a seaside stroll.

• Morning: Be at Cape Greco before dawn for the sun lifting over the sea and caves; bring water and sturdy shoes for short clifftop paths. Swim or snorkel at Fig Tree Bay or Nissi Beach straight after—06:30–09:30 is ideal in summer.
• Midday: Retreat to a shaded taverna for a slow lunch or visit Ayia Napa’s Thalassa Museum while UV peaks. If you’re staying on the beach, rent an umbrella and reapply SPF; hydrate even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Afternoon: Drive to Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke for golden‑hour reflections; Dec–Mar often brings flamingos. Outside winter, it’s still a serene light-and-water scene—photographers should time arrival 60–90 minutes before sunset.
• Evening: Stroll Finikoudes promenade for loukoumades or a freddo, then meze at a casual fish taverna. Nightlife options run lively in Ayia Napa (summer) or relaxed wine bars in Larnaca’s old town the rest of the year.

Notes for all days:

• Rent a car to reach sunrise/sunset spots and mountain trails; glare can be strong, so polarised sunglasses help when driving.
• In heatwaves (kafsonas), swap strenuous plans to early morning or evening, and watch local advisories for UV, dust, and fire risk.
• Winter sun is shorter: plan outdoor highlights by mid‑afternoon and carry a light layer for cool evenings.

By Air

• Main airports: Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO).
• Typical nonstop flight times:
  • From UK: London 4h 40m–5h; Manchester ~5h; Birmingham/Edinburgh ~5h.
  • From Europe: Athens ~1h 40m; Vienna ~3h; Frankfurt 3h 30m–4h; Paris ~4h 10m; Rome ~3h 10m.
  • From Middle East: Tel Aviv ~1h; Beirut 50–60m; Amman ~1h 15m; Dubai ~3h 45m; Doha ~4h.
• Ground travel times from Larnaca Airport:
  • Larnaca town 10–15 min; Ayia Napa/Protaras 40–60 min; Nicosia 40–50 min; Limassol 45–60 min.
  • Transport: Kapnos Airport Shuttle (Larnaca Airport–Nicosia), intercity buses to major towns, taxis, car hire.
• Ground travel times from Paphos Airport:
  • Paphos 20–25 min; Limassol 45–60 min; Polis/Latchi 45–60 min; Nicosia ~1h 45m–2h.
  • Transport: Paphos Airport Bus to Kato Paphos/Harbour, intercity bus to Limassol, taxis, car hire.
• Note: Ercan (ECN) in the north is reached only via Turkey (all flights touch down there). Entering the Republic of Cyprus via ECN is not an official entry route; crossing south may involve checks and extra insurance for vehicles.

By Sea

• Greece–Cyprus ferry (seasonal): Car/passenger ferry between Athens (Piraeus) and Cyprus (sailings typically to Limassol or Larnaca, late spring–early autumn).
  • Crossing time ~30–32 hours; usually 1–2 sailings per week in season; cabins and vehicle spaces available. Check current schedules before travel.
  • Piraeus is linked to central Athens by metro/bus; long‑distance rail and flights connect Athens with major European cities.
• Cruises: Limassol is the principal cruise port with frequent calls; limited use for point‑to‑point travel.
• Turkey–Northern Cyprus ferries: Regular services from Mersin/Taşucu to Kyrenia (Girne) or Famagusta (Gazimağusa); fast ferries ~1.5–3h, Ro‑Ro longer.
  • Arrivals are in the north and are not official entry points to the Republic of Cyprus; check regulations if you plan to cross to the south, especially with a vehicle.

By Train

• No rail connection to Cyprus. For a rail‑and‑sea route, travel by train to Athens, then use the seasonal Piraeus–Cyprus ferry when operating.

By Car

• You cannot drive to Cyprus overland. Vehicles can be transported on the seasonal Piraeus–Cyprus ferry.
• Approximate drive times from Limassol Port: Limassol centre 10–15 min; Larnaca ~45 min; Paphos 45–60 min; Nicosia 1h–1h 15m.