How To See Cyprus In 3 Days

Last Updated: January 12, 2024

Cyprus is an island with a rich history and Mediterranean beauty. It is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean and it has so much to offer that will have you wishing you could stay a little longer.

The great weather, delicious cuisine, and the laidback lifestyle are what makes Cyprus a great holiday destination. Below, you will find the ultimate 3-day guide to Cyprus island. Which places to visit, where to eat and what to know before you book your trip.

DAY 1

As soon as we landed, we were welcomed by unpleasant weather with rain and wind. We were too hungry to go straight to our hotels, so we decided to make a quick stop in Limassol for a relaxing dinner. The tiredness of the trip caught up with us quickly after, so we headed towards Ayia Napa where our hotel was located. 

AYIA NAPA

Ayia Napa, once a fishing village, has now evolved into being a top destination for youngsters and families alike. It is the heart of Cyprus, especially during the summer months when the town comes to life.

CAPE GRECO

I had my eye on Cape Greco for quite some time now. I was particularly keen on watching the sunrise from this little hermit’s cave located under Ayioi Anargiroi Church. This cave may not be as renowned as its neighboring sea caves but it’s nothing short of spectacular. No wonder Cape Greco is one of the most instagrammable places in Cyprus.

LOVE BRIDGE

As the sun was climbing higher up in the sky, we continued our trip towards the Love Bridge. A stone bridge formed naturally throughout the centuries. The way the bridge is extending towards the crystal clear water is so serene, that will have you abstractedly pause and grasp the moment.

BEACH AND SUN

Cyprus is famous for its beautiful beaches and one of the top ones is definitely Nissi Beach. If your time is limited on the island and you can only visit one beach, then Nissi each has to be the one. Be sure to arrive in time for the sunset if you are a romantic soul like me. Savor the moment and watch as the sun goes down and reflects striking orange and vibrant purple colors on the sea.

DINNER

We tend to avoid touristy places to eat when we are traveling. We would rather try local eateries we believe that that’s the best way to experience the hospitality and local food. This time was no different, so we did our research and found a tavern at a village called Germasogeia, a 10-minute drive from the center of Limassol. We had an amazing experience here. The food tasted homemade and the owner was one of the kindest people we met during our trip. I can’t recommend it enough!

DAY 2

COSMOPOLITAN LIMASSOL

We chose a hotel in Limassol so that we could start exploring the city first thing in the morning. We started our day by stopping by at a Zorbas bakery for a freddo espresso coffee (iced coffee made the Greek way) and traditional Cypriot pies. This bakery is one of the most popular in Cyprus, so my advice is, do not miss it. You’ll be spoiled for choice as you will find pies with different options of fillings, such as spinach; feta, meat and tahini. 

We then headed off towards the Palm lined Boulevard of Limassol and ended our stroll at the Marina. The city is bustling with cafes and restaurants. If you have time to venture towards the city centre then Limassol Old Town is definitely worth seeing. It is a fantastic place to take a leisurely stroll around the traditional shops and old houses with beautiful architecture. 

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE IN CYPRUS

You don’t want to miss a visit to the picturesque Pano Lefkara village. A vibrant traditional village, famous for its embroidery techniques and its skilled silversmiths. What I loved most about it, was the beautiful architecture and how colourful it was.

ON THE ROCKS

We couldn’t leave Cyprus without seeing at least one more beach. We decided to make an impromptu detour and we found ourselves at White Stones beach, a 30’ drive from Pano Lefkara. This is a somewhat secluded area with only one taverna on the beach. A great place if you’re seeking an alternative to the sandy beaches of Cyprus and if you need a break from the crowds.

TAKE ME TO CHURCH

I only found out about this place while in Cyprus, while scrolling through the abyss of Instagram. We had a few hours to spare so we thought it was worth checking out. We were somewhat surprised when we saw it with our own eyes. A bell tower of a church, picking out from the middle of the dam. 

I read later that, where the artificial dam stands today, there was once the village of Alassa. When the development of the dam started, the inhabitants moved to a nearby village. Nowadays, there are only the ruins of the church to remind us of what once stood there.

DAY 3

FLAMINGO AT SALT LAKE

I could not wait to explore the Larnaca Salt Lake. I was so ecstatic to finally see a flamingo and this area is so popular for attracting flocks of flamingos during the winter months. Little did I know that they prefer to gather around the middle of the lake, making it impossible to get a good look at them. 

The lake, however, did not disappoint at all. Hala Sultan Tekke, a mosque located at the bank of the salt lake, blends in so naturally creating a sedate aura. If you like trekking, there is a 4km designated trail with benches found here and there. It is a very popular spot for joggers and dog walkers.  

We decided to spend the rest of the day in Larnaca, eating our way through the city. Then we enjoyed a lazy afternoon by the Finikoudes Beach, located at the centre of Larnaca. 

Towards the end of the day, we thought we would try the famous Edem’s Yard, a hidden gem just off the busy road of Finikoudes. Their brunch options are a real treat and they know how to spice things up by adding a new heavenly dish every weekend. If you don’t mind queuing for a table, then this place should definitely be on your list.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

DRIVING

Driving in Cyprus is on the left-hand side and renting a car is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to explore the island. The roads are in good condition and very facile to drive on.

LANGUAGE

The common language spoken on the Greek side of the island is Greek but Cypriots have an excellent command of the English language.

WHAT MORE TO SEE

A few places that we did not manage to visit but they were highly recommended by friends, are the Troodos mountain, Caledonia Waterfall and Aphrodite’s Rock.