3 Days in Cyprus

This three-day coastal plan is aimed at beach lovers and swimmers who want clear water and easy coastal walks in Cyprus’s southeast, with a bit of town life at night. The pace is relaxed, with one bus transfer, and it runs entirely on the airport bus, the intercity bus and local buses along the Protaras coast.

Day 1: Larnaca

Most flights land at Larnaca, so spend your first night in Larnaca rather than rushing off. The town is compact. Walk the palm-lined Finikoudes promenade, then head south toward the airport end to Mackenzie Beach, where the strip of beach bars and grey sand fills up with locals after work, and planes descend low overhead. It is a laid-back first evening that eases you in after a flight.

Days 2-3: Ayia Napa and Cape Greco

The intercity bus to Ayia Napa takes around 45 minutes to an hour and costs €4 to 5. Drop your bag and walk out to Nissi Beach, where a sandbar runs out to a small islet and you can wade across at waist depth. Expect crowds and music in summer. Mornings … read more 👉

This three-day coastal plan is aimed at beach lovers and swimmers who want clear water and easy coastal walks in Cyprus’s southeast, with a bit of town life at night. The pace is relaxed, with one bus transfer, and it runs entirely on the airport bus, the intercity bus and local buses along the Protaras coast.

Day 1: Larnaca

Most flights land at Larnaca, so spend your first night in Larnaca rather than rushing off. The town is compact. Walk the palm-lined Finikoudes promenade, then head south toward the airport end to Mackenzie Beach, where the strip of beach bars and grey sand fills up with locals after work, and planes descend low overhead. It is a laid-back first evening that eases you in after a flight.

Days 2-3: Ayia Napa and Cape Greco

The intercity bus to Ayia Napa takes around 45 minutes to an hour and costs €4 to 5. Drop your bag and walk out to Nissi Beach, where a sandbar runs out to a small islet and you can wade across at waist depth. Expect crowds and music in summer. Mornings are calmer.

Day three is the best of the trip. Take a local bus toward Protaras and get off near Konnos Bay, a sheltered cove with turquoise water below pine-covered cliffs. From there, walk the coastal paths of Cavo Greco National Park, past sea caves and limestone arches, keeping to the clifftops and carrying plenty of water, since shade is scarce. Finish at Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, named after the single old fig tree behind the sand, for a final swim before the bus back to Ayia Napa.

On your way out of Ayia Napa, stop at Potamos Liopetriou, a narrow creek lined with wooden fishing boats and a couple of fish tavernas, where you will hear more Greek than English.