Limassol sits almost exactly in the middle of Cyprus’s south coast, which makes it one of the best starting points on the island for a road trip. Within two hours of picking up your car you can be hiking in a pine forest at 1,800 metres, snorkelling in a turquoise bay, or wandering the cobbled streets of a mountain village that has barely changed in a century.
Renting a car means you’re not tied to tour bus schedules or expensive taxi transfers — you can chase the sunset to a beach, pull over for an unplanned lunch in a mountain taverna, and set your own pace. Here are five of our favourite routes, each doable as a half-day or full-day trip from Limassol.
1. Troodos Mountains (45–60 minutes)
Head north on the B8 and the temperature drops as the road climbs through pine forest and vineyard terraces. Stop in Platres for coffee by the waterfalls, detour to the Venetian-era Trooditissa Monastery, or push on to the summit of Mount Olympus for panoramic views that stretch to the coast on a clear day. In winter this is Cyprus’s only ski resort; in summer it’s the coolest place on the island.
2. Kourion & Aphrodite’s Rock (30–40 minutes)
A short drive west along the A6 brings you to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Kourion, perched dramatically on a cliff above the sea, followed by Petra tou Romiou — the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite — just a few minutes further along the coast road.
3. Akamas Peninsula & the Blue Lagoon (around 1.5 hours)
Cyprus’s wildest corner. The tarmac runs out near Lara Bay, so the final stretch toward the Blue Lagoon is best tackled in a higher-clearance vehicle, but the reward is one of the clearest bays in the Mediterranean and, in season, a good chance of spotting loggerhead turtle nesting sites.
4. Ayia Napa & Cape Greco (around 1 hour 15 minutes)
Cross the island on the A1/A2 motorways to reach the sea caves and cliff-top trails of Cape Greco National Forest Park, then wind down at Nissi Beach or one of the quieter coves nearby.
5. Lefkara Village (about 40 minutes)
Famous across Europe for its handmade lace and silverwork, Lefkara is a scenic drive through the foothills and a perfect half-day trip if you only have a few hours free.
A few tips before you set off
- Cyprus has no motorway tolls, so fuel is the only running cost to budget for.
- Download offline maps — signal drops in parts of the Troodos range and Akamas.
- Mountain roads are narrow and winding; give yourself more time than Google Maps suggests.
- Fill up before heading into rural areas — petrol stations thin out once you leave the coastal towns.
- Spring and autumn are best for mountain hikes; save the coastal routes for the hottest summer months when a sea breeze keeps things bearable.
Whichever route you choose, having the right car makes all the difference. DriveNow’s fleet ranges from fuel-efficient hatchbacks for coastal cruising to higher-clearance SUVs built for mountain and dirt roads. Message us on WhatsApp or by email and we’ll help you pick the right one for your itinerary.
