Planning to visit Cyprus in just 3 days? This Mediterranean island is full of treasures from east to west, north to south! Your stay will be punctuated by a past as rich as it is fascinating. From the old town of Nicosia, with its blend of culture and tradition, to the cliffs of Cape Greco, overlooking an intensely blue sea, each stop is a pure delight. With our itinerary of the best things to do in Cyprus in 3 days, get ready to experience an infinite palette of discoveries, between nature, history and human warmth.
Day 1: What to do in Cyprus in 3 days? Nicosia, Saint Hilarion Castle and Kyrenia
It all starts with the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, before heading further north to Kyrenia.
We recommend this this excursion from Paphos which will take you to Larnaca, Lefkara and Nicosia.
Morning: Nicosia
Take your first steps in Nicosia and discover the charm of the old city center. There are no buildings here, just narrow, warm streets that envelop you in the tantalizing aroma of local cuisine as soon as the sun rises. One of Nicosia's must-sees is the famous Green Line, the demilitarized zone that separates the south from the north of the city.
Along the way, we invite you to visit the majestic Selimiye Mosque. Formerly a converted cathedral, it dominates the center with its beautiful Gothic arches. Nearby, the Büyük Han, a historic caravanserai, transports you back to the days of itinerant merchants. Finally, from the peaceful Arabahmet district, where Ottoman mansions bear witness to the city's history, to the Armenian convent, you end your morning tour of this small, human-sized capital of incomparable charm.
Afternoon: St. Hilarion Castle and Kyrenia
After a hearty mezze, a complete menu of at least 10 different dishes, your afternoon begins with a visit to St. Hilarion Castle, one of Cyprus's must-sees. Its enchanting silhouette can be seen from the foot of the mountain, inviting you to come closer. It's simply magnificent, with walls that seem to melt into the mountain rock. What about exploring its secret rooms, tunnels and collapsed towers? You can book this guided tour of Kyreniast. Hilarion and Bellapais Abbey.
Good to know: legend has it that Walt Disney used St. Hilarion Castle as inspiration for the Evil Queen's palace in Snow White.
Continue your day in Kyrenia10 km away. A charming port city, it is adorned with beautiful castles clinging to the hills and solitary churches blended with natural beauty. Are you a fan of nature vacations? Good news! Outdoor activities such as hiking, turtle watching and bird watching abound in the area.
Day 2: What to do in Cyprus in 3 days? Salamis, Cape Greco and Ayia Napa
Before heading back down to southern Cyprus, make a few more stops, first at Bellapais Abbey, then at Salamis.
Morning: Bellapaïs Abbey and Salamine
You start your second day with an unusual and beautiful visit to bellapaïs Abbeya medieval monastery perched high in the hills of northern Cyprus. Stroll between the Gothic arches and cypress avenues and make the most of your long weekend on a dream island! Bonus: a superb panoramic view of the surrounding area. From the 14th-century cloister, surrounded by arcades, to the panoramic roof, every moment in this serene setting is pure bliss.
You can book this guided tour of Kyreniast. Hilarion and Bellapais Abbey.
After this tranquil break, it's on to Salamis, a must-see ancient city on the eastern side of the island. This is not a city, but an exceptional archaeological site! You'll plunge headlong into the history of this once prosperous and influential city. Today, the remains of statues, porticoes and a temple dedicated to Zeus punctuate this visit! They are a marvellous testimony to the city's past greatness, which spanned many civilizations, from Assyrian to Byzantine.
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Afternoon: Cape Greco and Ayia Napa
The most popular excursion: we recommend booking this boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove. You'll see some magnificent caves and admire the absolutely sublime color of the water.
The afternoon is all about nature! You start your escapade with a hike to Cape Greco, located in the far east of Cyprus. This natural park is one of the most visited on the island, and with good reason. It promises splendid sea views from its rocky cliffs. You've been warned: put on your best walking shoes! The area is perfectly signposted. Follow the path along the coast to discover sea caves and exceptional panoramic views.
Good to know: you can swim in the Blue Lagoon, a bay with crystal-clear waters, but access is difficult due to the rocks.
If you still have time, we recommend you finish your day at Ayia Napaa well-known seaside resort in Cyprus. Particularly popular for its 14 Blue Flag beaches, such as Nissi Beach, it's an ideal spot for families. Halfway between ancient fishing village, seaside resort and azure-blue paradise, it's a colorful destination that awaits you! Don't hesitate to book a sea excursion on a glass-bottomed boat. You'll be able to admire the seabed without having to dive. Ideal if you're visiting Cyprus as a family!
Day 3: What to do in Cyprus in 3 days? Larnaca, Limassol, Kourion and Paphos
Last turn in your 3-day tour of Cyprus! We're continuing our journey to the south and south-west of the island to round off this dream weekend.
We recommend this excursion departing from Paphos, which will take you to Larnaca, Lefkara and Nicosia.
Morning: Larnaca, Chirokitía and Limassol
You start the morning in Larnacathe oldest town in Cyprus. Renowned for its hospitality, this pretty town blends tradition and modernity, with the added bonus of a lovely sunny coastline. What more could you ask for? Among Larnaca's must-sees, don't miss the Phinikoudes promenade, which runs alongside the beach and the seaport. Larnaca Castle, a medieval fortress, houses a historical museum.
Good to know off the coast of Larnaca lies the wreck of Zenobia. A perfect outing for scuba diving enthusiasts!
Now it's time to head for Chirokitía, just half an hour away. This Neolithic site has unearthed circular brick and stone dwellings with flat roofs. This large-scale site, which has so far only been partially excavated, reveals a great deal about the history and way of life of times gone by.
For a lunch break, stop for an hour or two in Limassol, a lively town with a charming old quarter. From the medieval castle to the pretty beaches, it's the perfect place for a short break.
Afternoon: Kourion and Paphos
Your escapade on Cypriot soil will soon come to an end, but not before visiting Kourion, another of Cyprus's famous archaeological sites. Once a prosperous city-kingdom, it reveals impressive remains to the curious, including a Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century B.C. The site still hosts open-air cultural events.
Nearby, you can also explore the House of Eustolios, a private villa converted into a leisure center, with its beautiful 5th-century mosaics. Do you like mosaics? You'll find more in the House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators. Attention mosaic lovers!
If you still have time before you leave Cyprus, head for Paphos, a seaside resort on the southwest coast. Between dream beaches and archaeological sites (again!), the visit is very interesting.
Petit Futé tip: By reshaping your day, you can book a guided excursion by bus or minivan from Larnaca, to the archaeological secrets of Paphos.
Where to stay in Cyprus for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Limassol and Nicosia are popular places to stay in Cyprus for a cheap weekend away from France. All amenities are present, as are accessible roads. There are also some very good hotels near Paphos, if you want to visit the west of the island.
- The most luxurious
The large rooms at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort are bright, upscale and comfortable. Charm and authenticity have been preserved in this luxury hotel , , with swimming pool, wellness center and restaurants.
- The friendliest
The Casa Mespilea, a charming little hotel in Paphos, welcomes you with its tasteful decor and top-quality services. Quality bedding, a good little restaurant and peace and quiet: this is an address not to be missed! Book your your hotel in Cyprus.
- The best location
There's a lot to be said for Petit Palais Platres: the best location, the most authentic, the most original, the best value for money! You'll find all this and more at this hotel when you book here. We love the architecture and the view!
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Cyprus is a first-rate destination for a dream holiday combining beaches and cultural visits. It can be visited in any season, including for a vacation in October or a long weekend in November. You'll find some of the most beautiful scenery in the Mediterranean, so don't hesitate: go for it, admire it, enjoy it and have fun!
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