DAY 5 Ayia Napa, Fig Tree Bay, Nissi Beach, Nicosia and Larnaca by Rental Car

For the fifth and final day of your Cyprus road trip, we recommend heading east from Paphos toward Nicosia, Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Larnaca.

Although this is one of the longest day trips from Paphos, it offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience almost every side of the island in a single route. With a rental car from Rentamania LTD in Chloraka, Paphos, you can explore Cyprus at your own pace and choose the stops that best match your travel style.

ROUTE Day Five Route Overview

STOP 1 Nicosia: The World's Last Divided Capital

On your way east, consider making a short stop in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and one of the most fascinating cities on the island.

Park near Ledra Street and enjoy a walk through the old city, surrounded by impressive Venetian walls, historic streets, shops, cafes, and local architecture.

One of the most memorable experiences in Nicosia is walking through the Ledra Street checkpoint and visiting the northern part of the old city. Within a few minutes, visitors can notice a striking contrast between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot culture, architecture, food, and atmosphere.

As a standalone destination, Nicosia may not require a full day for every visitor, but as part of the journey toward Ayia Napa, it adds an interesting cultural dimension to your road trip.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

STOP 2 Konnos Beach and Cyclops Cave

Continue toward Cape Greco and stop at one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus: Konnos Beach.

Surrounded by pine trees and dramatic cliffs, Konnos Beach is known for calm turquoise water, soft sand, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and spectacular Mediterranean scenery.

Nearby, you can explore the famous Cyclops Cave and enjoy one of the scenic walking trails around Cape Greco National Park. This area perfectly combines nature, sea views, cliffs, and Mediterranean landscapes.

A traditional tavern nearby can be a good place to enjoy fresh seafood or local Cypriot cuisine while overlooking the sea.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

STOP 3 Ayia Napa Marina

Before reaching the main beach areas, take a short detour to Ayia Napa Marina.

This modern waterfront development has quickly become one of the most impressive contemporary landmarks in Cyprus. It offers a completely different atmosphere from the traditional villages, old towns, and natural beaches visited earlier in your road trip.

Even a short visit offers a glimpse into the island's more modern and stylish side.

Recommended time: 30–60 minutes.

STOP 4 Nissi Beach

No visit to Ayia Napa is complete without experiencing Nissi Beach.

Frequently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe, Nissi Beach is famous for white sand, shallow turquoise waters, beach bars, music, water sports, and a lively summer atmosphere.

Nissi Beach is particularly popular with younger travellers and visitors looking for a vibrant beach experience. During summer, the beach can become busy, but its beauty easily explains why it is one of the most famous destinations in Cyprus.

Recommended time: 1–3 hours.

ALT Alternative Stop: Fig Tree Bay

For visitors seeking a more relaxed beach atmosphere, we highly recommend Fig Tree Bay in Protaras.

Many travellers consider Fig Tree Bay one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. It offers calm crystal-clear waters, a soft sandy beach, a beautiful promenade, excellent restaurants and cafes, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Both destinations are among the highlights of Cyprus and are worth visiting. If you have enough time and energy, you can see both, but most travellers will enjoy the day more by choosing one main beach stop.

Recommended time: 1–3 hours.

SUNSET Sunset in Larnaca

As the day comes to an end, begin your journey back toward Paphos and stop in Larnaca.

The famous Finikoudes Promenade is the perfect place to enjoy the evening atmosphere, sunset views, palm-lined waterfront, restaurants, cafes, fresh seafood, and a vibrant local setting.

Dinner in Larnaca provides a wonderful ending to a full day of exploration before returning to Paphos.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

PLAN Suggested Day Five Itinerary

TIPS Practical Tips for This Route

• Start early because this is one of the longest day trips from Paphos.
• Take swimwear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and comfortable shoes.
• Bring a phone charger or power bank for navigation and photos.
• Use official parking areas in Nicosia, Cape Greco, Ayia Napa, Protaras and Larnaca.
• Do not drive on beaches, unpaved tracks, cliff paths or protected nature areas.
• Check traffic and allow extra time, especially during high season.
• If you cross the Ledra Street checkpoint on foot, carry valid identification.
• For a relaxed day, choose either Nissi Beach or Fig Tree Bay instead of trying to spend long hours at both.

CAR Which Rental Car Is Best for This Route?

This route is suitable for standard rental cars when you stay on paved public roads. Because the trip is long, comfort matters more than vehicle size alone.

For couples or solo travellers, a compact automatic car is usually enough. For families and groups, a larger family car, SUV or 7- or 8-seat minivan may be more comfortable, especially if you are carrying beach bags, children's items, or luggage.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Ayia Napa from Paphos in one day?

Yes. With a rental car, Ayia Napa can be visited as a full-day trip from Paphos. It is a long route, so it is best to start early and plan your stops carefully.

What are the best beaches near Ayia Napa?

Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach are among the most beautiful and popular beaches in Cyprus. Nissi Beach is more lively, while Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach are often better for a calmer beach experience.

Is Nicosia worth visiting on the way to Ayia Napa?

Yes. A short stop in Nicosia allows visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of the world's last divided capital, Ledra Street, the old city and the cultural contrast between different parts of the city.

Which beach is quieter: Nissi Beach or Fig Tree Bay?

Fig Tree Bay generally offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, while Nissi Beach is known for music, beach bars and a lively summer scene.

Can I drive a rental car into the northern part of Cyprus?

Do not drive a rental car across any border or checkpoint without prior written permission from the rental company and valid insurance coverage. If visiting Nicosia, many travellers park near Ledra Street and cross the pedestrian checkpoint on foot.

Is Cape Greco suitable for a standard rental car?

Yes, standard rental cars are suitable when you stay on paved public roads and use official parking areas. Avoid unpaved tracks, cliff paths, beaches and protected natural areas.

Is this route suitable for families?

Yes, but it is a long day. Families may prefer to reduce the number of stops and focus on Konnos Beach, Fig Tree Bay, Ayia Napa Marina and Larnaca.

What is the best way to explore Cyprus?

Renting a car provides the greatest flexibility and allows visitors to experience beaches, mountains, villages, cities, historical sites and scenic coastal routes throughout the island.

WHY Why We Recommend This Route

Day Five brings together many of Cyprus's most famous attractions and offers visitors the chance to experience Nicosia, Cape Greco National Park, Konnos Beach, Cyclops Cave, Ayia Napa Marina, Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay and Larnaca's Finikoudes Promenade.

This itinerary perfectly concludes a five-day self-drive adventure around Cyprus and gives visitors a broad view of the island's beaches, cities, culture and Mediterranean lifestyle.

CYPRUS Discover Cyprus at Your Own Pace

Over five days, visitors can experience the incredible diversity of Cyprus: ancient history, mythology, traditional villages, mountain landscapes, the Blue Lagoon and Akamas Peninsula, Limassol and modern marinas, world-famous beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, vibrant cities and authentic local life.

From our experience at Rentamania LTD in Chloraka, Paphos, the best way to discover Cyprus is by rental car. The island is compact, roads are generally good, and every day can reveal completely different landscapes and experiences.

Whether you are visiting Cyprus for the first time or returning again, these five self-drive routes provide an unforgettable introduction to one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.

RENTAL Explore Cyprus with Rentamania LTD

Rentamania LTD is a local car rental company based in Chloraka, Paphos. We help visitors explore Cyprus with flexible vehicle rental, hotel delivery, airport delivery, local advice and responsive customer support.

Whether you need a compact car, a family vehicle, a 7- or 8-seat minivan, a 125cc scooter, or another suitable vehicle for your trip, our team can help you choose the right option.

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Author: Rentamania LTD Team

Location: Chloraka, Paphos, Cyprus

Last Updated: June 2026