Making the Most of your Cyprus 4 Day Trip – The Complete Travel Itinerary

Cyprus four day itinerary will help travelers explore more places if they are on a short visit to the region. Cyprus is a beautiful island country in the Mediterranean Sea. In order to explore it well within a set time frame, planning and sticking to an itinerary is essential.

A four day trip to Cyprus can prove reasonably cost-effective compared to travelling to any other city in mainland Europe. Keeping this in mind, Cyprus four day itinerary will act as a handy guide for travelers.

In my current travel blog, I will share my Cyprus four day itinerary with you. I hope that it assists you immensely when you head out to the region. The 4 days I spent in Cyprus have left an everlasting impression on me.

Cyprus provides an excellent travel-friendly atmosphere with enthralling historic remains, beautiful natural caves and luscious food. The uniqueness of Cyprus lies in the fact that over decades, it has absorbed all the cultural essence from the surrounding lands, and yet stayed individualistic. I would recommend every single person to visit this beautiful European island country.

Cyprus Four Day Itinerary: Day Wise Planner

Planning a trip to Cyprus will be easy if you have a pre-planned itinerary. A Cyprus 4 day itinerary will ensure that you are able to make the most of your days while you’re in this beautiful country.

Since I traveled to Southern Cyprus, I followed the itinerary that covers locales in that region. The aim was to explore maximum places within a minimum time frame.

Here is the Cyprus four day itinerary that I recommend for first-time travelers.

Let me now provide you with daily details of my travel experience to various locations. Go through them and see if you find them useful.

Cyprus Four Day Itinerary: Day Wise Details with Daily Budget

I am sharing my day wise Cyprus itinerary with you below. I will be mentioning the places visited daily, expenses incurred and my overall experience.

Day 1: Reaching Cyprus and Checking in

If you’re traveling to Cyprus for the first time, Larnaca can be a good base city for your tour. There is a major airport in Larnaca. Also, the choice of accommodation is huge here. Not to forget the nominal prices.

An ideal blend of work and relaxation, Larnaca itself has enough to make you aware of the Cyprus way of life.

Generally, check-in and check-outs in apartments or hostels have a certain time range. So, try to plan your arrival in such a way that you reach Larnaca in the afternoon (or close to the check-in time). This way you can make the most of your stay.

The best way for first time travelers to reach their hotel or place of stay is to take a direct local cab from the airport to your accommodation. This will cost you about 15 €.

Main Attractions in Larnaca

The attractions in Larnaca include an impressive cathedral – the Church of Saint Lazarus, a medieval fort and the fascinating Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. The city also has a flourishing Marina. Therefore, it attracts more travelers and workers.

The Church of Saint Lazarus is a beautiful place to visit for any first-time traveler in Larnaca. There is a sacred vibe here and it is very beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. A lot can be explored here within 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t miss out on it.

The beautiful seaside lifestyle will automatically induce a mix of body and mind relaxation. Also, it is well connected with other cities by public transport.

Your trip can ideally begin by getting a feel of Larnaca after you reach the city. It would be a good idea to go out to explore the local restaurants and enjoy the cool breeze of the Mediterranean sea.

A visit to the cathedral might be pleasant. You can walk down the beach to Larnaca Marina which is the port area. A number of big and small boats can be seen commuting up and down. It is worthwhile to enjoy the sunset here.

Located around 3 kms west of Larnaka, on the main Salt Lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. It is the primary pilgrimage site of Cyprus, and stands as one of the most important holy places of worship for Muslims, ranked immediately after Mecca, Medina in Saudi Arabia and Al Aksha in Jerusalem. It is open all throughout the week, so that’s something you don’t need to worry about.

Food Options in Larnaca

While in Larnaca,you should surely explore the versatility of dishes available. Food always make travel stories memorable. The Larnaca sea beach is an amazing food stop where you can get a rich variety of Mediterranean and Arab dishes.

The aroma of shawarma, the soft texture of a Lebanese bread filled with minced meat, the sight of a sea-food platter and the sweet sound of a fresh fish-fry might make you overlook your diet consciousness. 

You should also not miss the innumerable number of beer pubs and ice-cream corners for quick refreshments.

Keep in mind your preferences and indulge yourself in the wonderful multi-ethnic environment. 

Tentative Cost of Food in Larnaca

Food is a big deal in the city of Larnaca. As a traveler, you should be trying out the native cuisine. Well, I did a lot of food tours on my trip and enjoyed them thoroughly. 

I did my research on the eateries in town and am sharing the tentative cost of food in different kind of Larnaca’s eateries below.

I hope the cost-sharing above helps you decide which place you want to dig in as a traveler.

While in Larnaca, make sure to take a food tour comprising different cuisines. This is a picture of the very famous Italian Spaghetti. Food is a big deal in the city of Larnaca. If you’re interested, do try out one of the food tours. They’re so worth it.

Best Eating Places in Larnaca and their Signature Dishes

Now that I’ve shared the average cost of meals in Larnaca’s eateries, it is time for me to spell out the best restaurants in town.

It needs to be mentioned here that these eating places were preferred by me on my trip. Therefore, I am recommending them to you as well. 

Along with the eating places, I am also sharing the speciality of each.

As a backpacker, I try my best to plan my budget well in advance.

On day 1 of my Cyprus four day trip, I didn’t spend much (thankfully). The little that I spent is being shared below.

Since the people of Larnaca take their food seriously, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a restaurant or cafe to eat in. They cater to all sorts of food choices, cuisines, and budgets. What more could you ask for?

Budget Break Down for Day 1

The money spent by me on day one of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

The first evening of your trip is a good time to check whether your Cyprus four day itinerary is being implemented well or not. 

Day 2: Exploring Nicosia – The Capital City of Cyprus

From Larnaca, buses ply to different cities at regular intervals. Buses to Nicosia are available from the main bus stop at the Larnaca city which is known as the Finikoudes bus stop. The updated timings are always available on the website of ‘Cyprus by Bus.’

The average fare to Nicosia is around 4 to 6 €.

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus. It is at a distance of 56 km and takes around an hour to reach from Larnaca. The buses are generally well-timed and also very comfortable.

There is no reason to book a cab for local transport as it would be quite costly (45-50 € for the whole taxi from Larnaca to Nicosia).

Like many other unsolved political problems, modern Cyprus still comprises of two territories separated by UN Green line.

Now, Nicosia happens to be the only capital city in the world which is divided into two territories – the Northern Nicosia is the capital of Northern Cyprus (a state recognized by Turkey only and under Turkish military rule) and the southern being the capital of the Republic of Cyprus.  

Before you travel to Nicosia, it is worthwhile to read a bit about the history of Cyprus. Knowing history often connects one to the ambience of this place.  

Ledra Street: Connecting Two Territories in Cyprus

Ledra Street in Nicosia is very special owing to its connectivity to both the territories. It acts as a single line of flow between completely diverse cultures.

The street, in general, is quite a happening area. It comprises big and small merchandise shops and restaurants. While you start walking the street from the Greek side (capital of Cyprus), the scenario looks more European.

Well-paved alleys which are sometimes covered by beautiful decorative pieces of cloth, give the place an ethnic look. Excellent Greek food is available here along with other food options.

To Anamma is a good and casual restaurant to savour a meal. This place is also good for buying postcards, local souvenirs and small hampers.

Crossing Over to the Turkish Side

In general, there is no political tension in Nicosia. However, you need to go through a barricade with an armed force to cross over to the Turkish side. Remember, your passports will be checked here (and also while coming back).

As you come towards the Turkish side, you will note a severe change in the lifestyle and culture of people. It is more like an old city wrapped with a modern gaze.

The culture here looks more Arab with most restaurants serving falafel and kebabs. A small break at a local café will give you some time to absorb the cultural variation.

Buyuk Han is an important place which is a nice shopping area in an old Islamic styled building. Selimiya Camii is a nearby mosque which had been built over a Roman Cathedral Church during the Ottoman Empire.

The architecture in all of Nicosia really stands out. The contrasts are beautiful, and worth clicking hundreds of thousands of photographs of. Let me tell you, no picture will be able to do justice to the beauty of Cyprus, and Nicosia in particular.

The Turkish side of the town also has several market areas selling different items. It is a good idea not to believe in the authenticity of products as many fake items are known to be sold here.

If you are a traveler who enjoys exploring cultures, this transition will be appreciated by you.

Two real entities co-existing together separated by an apparent border and yet connected by a single alley – that is how you can probably define it. The feeling here is beyond words.

Museums in Nicosia

If you are interested in exploring museums, you can visit a few good ones in Nicosia.

Cyprus Museum is one such place. It consists of the local archaeological findings.

Then there is the Levantis Museum. It is the only museum depicting the historical and social evolution of the city. Levantis art gallery, on the other hand, is a place for art lovers. 

Do check the holidays, entry time and price of the tickets for the museums before visiting. They might change sometimes due to some unforeseen reasons.

Vintage cars parked in a street in Nicosia. This capital city has art and creativity all over its streets. While here, take a stroll along its lanes and streets. They’re full of surprises – vintage cars, authentic cafes, graffiti-covered walls, unique architecture, etc.

Travel Information on Museums in Nicosia

Here is some basic travel information that you should be aware of before heading to any of Nicosia’s Museums.

Nicosia is a place full of history. Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t boring. The history of this place is intriguing.

Paintings were made on the walls in one of Nicosia’s streets. Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus. However, the northern half of Nicosia is the self-proclaimed capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Before you visit here, do read up on the history.

Nicosia for History Buffs

If you are a history buff, do visit the Nicosia old aqueduct and the Famagusta Gate. They are both historic remains from the past.

The aqueduct was built in the Ottoman period. It was used to fetch water from the northern mountains. The Famagusta Gate was built much before by the Venetians. At that time, it was the main gateway of the city.

The ancient remains of Nicosia give the city an altogether different view. You will gradually feel that having traversed through many crests and troughs of different periods, modern Nicosia now stands tall as a blend of history, culture and modernity.

Budget Break Down for Day 2

The money spent by me on day two of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

Now moving on to Paphos – one of the most sought after travel destinations in Cyprus.

While crossing towards the Turkish side in Nicosia, make sure to try some locally prepared Kebabs. They are delicious and full of varied flavours. Furthermore, they’re fresh for they’re prepared right in front of you, and also really cheap.

Day 3: Touring Around Paphos

From Larnaca, Paphos can be reached by bus via Limassol. The bus journey is comfortable (around 1.5 hr). 

One way cost will be around 7 €. You need to check beforehand the bus timings in order to avoid delay.

Visiting Paphos is a major activity that should surely be a part of your Cyprus four day itinerary. In fact, it is a good place to spend a weekend in Cyprus.

Major Attractions in Paphos

Be prepared to travel backwards in time and discover the superb architecture and planning of the pre-historic times while you visit the Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO heritage site).

The park opening timings vary in summers and winters. The parking fee is 4.5 € for an adult. Guided tours are available by private companies but with a guide map, one can do it by self-trekking as well.

Paphos is known for historic remains from the ancient period. The most important excavations are four large Roman Villas, the mosaic floors of which are beautifully preserved.

While in Paphos, invest a good amount of time at the Paphos Archaeological Park. It has now been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are guided tours available, you could also explore it yourself. It totally depends on your preference.

Exploring the Roman Side

The majority of the ruins date back to the late Roman period.

Highlights include the hospital and temple dedicated to the God of Medicine. There is also a Byzantine Castle with 40 columns and an Amphitheater. The remains are wonderfully preserved and the visuals will take you back to the ancient time.

If you are interested in mythology, you can also visit Aphrodite’s Rock. It is another beautiful location by the Mediterranean with a giant rock, forming a hillock by the sea. It is believed to be the site of the birth of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, known for love and beauty.

The site became an important place for the worship of the Goddess in the ancient world. The combination of the beauty of the place, and its essence in mythology attracts a good number of travelers here.

Aphrodite’s Rock is also known as Petra Tou Romiou. As per mythology, Aphrodite – the Greek Goddess of beauty and love, rose from the waters here a thousand years ago, and chose to start her worldly life from this large rock. Mythology is incredible!

Food in Paphos

Paphos is a good place to taste delicious food.

Along the main road near the archaeological park, there are a number of restaurants serving local food and speciality cuisines.

Enjoy the atmosphere with a good relaxing meal in the cool breeze of the Mediterranean while reliving the history of the place.

Budget Breakdown for Day 3

The money spent by me on day three of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

As my trip drew to its closing end, my heart sank. But I guess all good things must come to an end. It is only then that we realize their importance.

Many eateries in Paphos serve delectable Calamari. If you’re a seafood lover, you should surely go for it. Calamari basically refers to dishes prepared from Mollusks especially squids and Octopuses. Trust me, it’s an absolute treat to the taste buds.

Day 4 (The final day): Boat Cruise to Cape Greco

Cyprus four day itinerary is incomplete without spending some quality time in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Therefore, a half-day trip to the south-east covering Cape Greco is highly recommended. 

It is a must to take your swimming gear if you want to enjoy swimming or snorkelling in the blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. 

In the first phase of the trip, you will see the Larnaca skyline from a distance. As you get over the local traffic of the port, you may come across a few fishing boats.

You might see scuba divers in black attire going to nearby diving spots.

As you get across a bit far, it is just blue water all around with the Cyprus city-scape diminished to a line. There might be a live-commentary for your convenience on your pre-booked tour.

You can get involved in a conversation with a fellow traveler or be by yourself on the deck chair, enjoying the Mediterranean Sun.

Enjoy the Cruise Ride

The cruises have excellent food and drink facilities. Along with the fascinating view of the surroundings, you will be able to taste wonderful barbecued items for starters along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Sometimes local drinks can also be served.

The lunch consists of multi-cuisine items designed for the comfort of people from different places. It should also have vegetarian items. However, it is generally a buffet meal.

As you head south-east of the island, the boat will come close to the shore. Gradually, you will see that there is a drastic change in the geological features.

Take a boat cruise from Larnaca to Capo Grecko and enjoy one hell of a ride. Not to forget the gorgeous sea view. These cruises treat you incredibly well and come with a variety of food and drinks. All of that with this view? Just wow.

Cape Greco

You will come across Cape Greco which is a series of natural caves formed by erosion.

The blue water will add to the magnificence of the natural structures. There will be stops where the guests can slide down and relax in cold blue water. Enjoy this to the fullest.

After you have enjoyed the trip, you will be taken to the shore where a bus will take you back to Larnaca.

Cape Greco is actually a National Park and you can also visit it via road.

Some Points to Remember

The best budget tip to make the plan cost-effective is to spend half of the fourth day of the cruise. Before you go for the trip on the third day morning, pack your luggage, hand it over to the apartment owner and vacate the room.

The people in Larnaca are quite friendly and they will be ready to keep your luggage at their place, which you might collect before your departing flight.

You can then be flexible as to how you will spend the time. After the cruise, you can just relax by the seaside.

There are plenty of sliding couches by the sea where you can sit and watch the mild waves of the Mediterranean. Also, you will not miss the number of flights landing and taking off every quarter of an hour.

Alternatively, you can hop into some salad bar or just enjoy a cone of ice cream or fresh berry juice. Feel the laid-back attitude of the city until it is time for your flight.

Cape Greco, also known as Capo Greco or Cavo Greko is actually a national park. This place is magnificent comprising lovely trails, spectacular views from the sea cliffs, and an excellent view of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s truly a wonder!

Budget Break Down for Day 4

The money spent by me on day four of my overall Cyprus four day itinerary is as follows.

Now that you are familiar with my Cyprus four day itinerary, it is essential that you be aware of the travel basics to a nation like Cyprus. Knowing the basics of this region will prove immensely useful.

Once your day draws to a close and you’re done enjoying the boat cruise, sip in some fresh berry juice. You can even savour a light salad or a carb-loaded ice cream cone. I could gulp down endless glasses of this delicious and fresh berry juice.

Cyprus as a Travel Destination

Connecting with the essence of the region is important while exploring it.

If you want to travel well, learn to travel on a budget. Budget travel doesn’t imply a shoestring budget but a resourceful travel experience.

Cyprus is a beautiful destination to visit. It offers all its visitors splendour, grace and joy. While booking hotels, make sure to stay near the best sightseeing spots. Else, you will end up missing out a lot. Furthermore, this will also save you transport costs.

How to Plan a Cost Effective Cyprus Four Day Itinerary?

For making a cost-effective Cyprus four day itinerary, you must plan the trip well in advance (~3 months).

If you are travelling with a small or medium-sized family, the best way is to select budget apartments and then finalize the one that suits your requirement.

If you are a solo traveler or travelling with one friend, you can search for hostels. It’s better to avoid starred hotels as they can be quite pricey. Spend that amount on local travelling and food.

Various Accommodation Options at Larnaca 

There are many budget accommodation options in Larnaca and Cyprus. Here’s a list of these options along with the range of the price per night.

Cyprus is as much of a fun place for solo travelers, as it is for people traveling as families or friends. If you’re a solo traveler, you are bound to return to Cyprus for exploring more and more. You will find the perfect quietude here. I can’t wait to be back.

Visa and Flight Information for Travelers

Citizens of countries from the European Union do not need a visa to travel to Cyprus. They can travel to Cyprus with their National Identity Card.

Travelers from certain countries, other than the European Union also do not need a visa to visit Cyprus, for travel purposes. They need to have a passport valid up to at least three months from the date of return.

Travelers from some countries, however, will need a Visa for travelling to Cyprus. It can be obtained very easily from VFS global visa application within 20-25 days. 

Remember, if you need to apply for the Visa, the officers might ask you for the address of the accommodation and flight tickets at the interview. 

Also, it needs to be mentioned here that any traveler who is not a part of the European Union can enter Cyprus via flight from Larnaca or Paphos airport.

A traveler visiting Cyprus via sea, can enter through the ports of Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Latsis only.

Flight Information

The best way to reach Cyprus is by taking the air route to Larnaca. Major airlines have Larnaca as a transit point. So it is not difficult to find a flight to Larnaca.

Choosing an early flight can also make you save a good amount of money.

Travelling via Moscow or Istanbul are some other options.

In order to make it a budget-friendly trip, choose a flight that is reasonably cheap and also does not have too long a transit time. Also, I insist you buy travel insurance. 

It is advisable to convert your currency to Euros before entering the country. The airport often charges a lot of money as conversion rates. So better be prepared beforehand.

Traveling to Cyprus will prove to be the best decision you’ve taken in a while. Visit this lovely country and return as a refreshed individual. I loved every part of Cyprus and hope you feel the same. To be honest, I’m confident you won’t feel otherwise.

Take Backs from My Trip to Cyprus

Cyprus was never on my bucket list of travel. It seems so funny now. It happened to me by sheer coincidence. But I am so glad that it was destined. 

The beauty and versatility of the small island country surprised me for good. Also, the overall pace of the region. Everything runs at a slower pace and that gives you a buffer period to enjoy each moment to the fullest.

Travel is best when you get involved with the heart-beat of the place you go to. Feel the rhythm of the lifestyle and experience the place from the eye of a traveled, rather than a tourist.

The beauty of Cyprus, the mouth-watering food, the history of the place and the cultural variations will keep lingering in your mind. 

Although this current blog comprises a short Cyprus four day itinerary, you can plan a longer trip (I surely will) while visiting the northern region of the country. It has beautiful mountain ranges and valleys. Also, a range of interesting towns.

Do you think that you need a break from the monotony of day-to-day life to refresh yourself? Do you wish you could spend a few days away from home relaxing by the blue water of the sea and savouring delicious Mediterranean food?

If you are in that mood, plan a short 3 – 4 day trip to Cyprus and believe me, you won’t be disheartened.

Happy wayfaring 🙂