Cyprus: Protaras and Paphos 7 Day Itinerary
We decided to go to Cyprus on a whim while we were on our week long "work from home" adventure in Croatia. Cyprus was closed to visitors from the Netherlands, but since we were traveling through Croatia and Greece for 2 weeks we had the all clear! Also, we knew it would be quiet since it's a popular destination for Brits and Russians, and they still weren't allowed to travel. Perfect timing.
We didn't have any accommodation lined up until the day before our flight to Larnaca, but luckily the manager of our Santorini hotel was from Cyprus and essentially planned our trip for us. So, let’s dive in to the emerald blue waters and tasty mezze of Protaras and Paphos!
Getting There:
There are two major airports on either side of the island: Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO).
We had a late flight into Larnaca out of Santorini, and were a little worried because Croatia turned orange a few days prior, which meant they might not let us in. The airport was small, but there were two planes that landed at the same time so the border control area was packed with people and they were NOT social distancing. It was like a scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding in there. At one point the guards made an announcement and everyone was yelling as if they were shutting down the airport. Panicked, we asked the girls behind us what they said…”Oh, they were just asking people to social distance.”
Protaras (2 Days)
Where to Stay:
We stayed at Cavo Maris Beach Hotel and were quite happy with it. There are many expensive options in this area and this one was more affordable, the staff was super friendly, pool area was great and location was right on the water.
Where to Eat:
Andama Tavern - Local Cuisine and owned by the cousin of our host in Santorini. We told him we wanted mezze and he responded with a look that said, “say no more”. We ate for hours…Pro tip: Leave the fries. You’ll want them, and they’re delicious, but something has to give and trust me when I say it’s these. Visit us in Amsterdam if guilt overwhelms you and you need your fried potato fix!
What to Do:
Honestly there isn't much…It is more of a resort area, so you come to this side of the island to relax.
Cliff Bar in Grecian Park Hotel for drinks with a view
Stroll the beach at sunset
Cape Greco: The color of the water is unreal
Paphos (5 Days)
Where to Stay:
Aphrodite Gardens Airbnb was absolutely perfect for our home base in Paphos. Perfect location for walking to the beach and some of our favorite restaurants were just 10 minutes away on foot. The kitchen has everything you need for a longer stay and there is a large grocery store down the street! Super convenient and clean, and the host recommended nearly all of the restaurants that we loved.
Where to Eat:
Agora Tavern
La Sardegna da Gino (authentic Italian and very popular)
O PEINALEON (amazing local cuisine, filled with locals)
Plato Sushi & More (In Old Town - live music on the weekends)
Agora Tavern (dinner in Old Town - best mezze!)
Let Them Eat Cake (dessert in Old Town)
Papantoniou Bakeries (Luke blew their minds with how much he purchased - they are all over, and a good way to try some local pastries!)
Τα Μπάνια (delicious food and right on the water)
Pingouino (breakfast)
Oniro by the Sea (beautiful view by Coral Bay)
Τα Μπάνια
What to Do:
There is much more to do on this side of the island. We also preferred the vibe here. You will notice a heavy British influence of pubs and tea houses, but this can easily be avoided. And if you love that kind of thing, then you’ll feel right at home!
Visit Aphrodite's Rock
2nd Century Ruins of House of Dionysus, Villa of Theseus, and Nea Paphos
Beautiful Beach of Coral Bay
SODAP Beach is another popular beach
Visit Paphos Old Town
General Tips
Would highly recommend renting car! Just know they drive on the left side. This was a fun surprise for us as we picked up our car at the airport…Thankfully we were able to upgrade to an automatic, which made it a little less stressful.
I encourage you to read a bit about the history of Cyprus before your trip, specifically regarding the Turkish invasion on the north. With American passports we are allowed to visit the north side of the island, but during COVID that was not an option. Here is an interesting perspective published in The Guardian.
We hope you enjoy the island as much as we did! Let me know if I missed anything in the comments below!
