Ayia Napa Car Tours: Top 5 Explored & Compared

Ayia Napa, Cyprus, now there’s a spot just teeming with sunny beaches, electric nightlife, plus it has landscapes just calling out for some serious exploration. While, that is, lazing on the sand definitely has its charms, getting behind the wheel and discovering what the area has to offer really opens up a whole new perspective. I’m talking hidden gems that your everyday tourist probably doesn’t get to clap eyes on, quaint villages where life is lived at a wonderfully slower pace, and views which are honestly breathtaking. But, with choices that are just plentiful, where do you actually begin? I’ve gone ahead and road-tested quite a few tours, so, too, I can help you plan your adventure. Read our full review: Ayia Napa car tours Full Review and Details

1. Cape Greco National Forest Park Tour

Cape Greco, it is almost, is more than worthy of being top of our list. And, right from Ayia Napa, it’s actually a pretty straightforward drive that brings you to an area bursting with stuff that would make an artist reach for their paints. The park, usually, is really popular, which can mean some spots end up more crowded than others, it really rewards a bit of wandering, though. So, bring those walking boots. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cape Greco tour)

The coastal roads meander a fair bit, offering some totally stunning views out to sea. What is especially neat is just how many viewpoints you can pull over at, take a breather, and snag some amazing shots, just that kind of thing really sticks in your mind. In some respects, you will find paths that branch off leading to spots like the aptly named Love Bridge, or even the intriguing sea caves which have all been shaped by the sea itself over just what seems like an eternity. The place has quite a rugged charm, so don’t expect manicured gardens; it’s all about natural beauty here.

I would, in a way, tell you that one of the real high points is the chance to do some snorkeling or even swimming in some seriously clear waters. Usually, it is quieter if you travel just a little bit further, just what you want if dodging other people is fairly important. If you’re a fan of wildflowers or just birds in general, depending when you visit, too, it could turn into a real treat. The park authorities have put in a lot of effort making routes easy to follow and there’s usually information available regarding things you can see. Is that so much more insightful?

2. Troodos Mountains Scenic Drive

Alright, trading those beaches for something quite different, a trip up to the Troodos Mountains usually ends up being a memorable counterpoint. The landscape sort of does a complete 180° from the coast. The drive itself? So winding, yet extremely pleasing to the eye as you climb higher, just what is wanted to stretch those legs. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Troodos Mountains tour)

What I find interesting when hitting the mountain roads is simply witnessing the world morph as you move higher and higher. It ends up noticeably cooler too, which might be a real breather during peak summer months. Quite interesting is stumbling across tiny villages where traditions are that strong you could probably reach out and touch them; it actually makes you feel part of things for a while, basically. You see elderly folk sitting outside their homes, so much time in the world, that offer you a friendly nod, and coffee shops filled with chatter.

As a matter of fact, many churches found up in the Troodos region also count towards UNESCO World Heritage status, featuring incredible Byzantine artwork, such craftsmanship! Very popular are a lot of walking trails that just weave throughout, which cater for anyone who wants a leisurely wander right up to keen hikers needing to test themselves. Then, there’s Caledonia Waterfall; it needs a bit of a walk, but that scene that greets you makes it almost worth the effort. That feeling when the spray kisses your face is almost invigorating. In other words, a place with much more to it than you’d believe.

3. Akamas Peninsula Adventure Tour

Akamas Peninsula now, alright that is, demands more from the car due to that tougher terrain, so a 4×4 might actually be prudent. And that area stays largely untouched by construction; this is the Cyprus for all the nature lovers that really keeps them enthralled, so don’t forget that camera! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Akamas Peninsula tour)

What actually excites anyone about visiting Akamas may well be spotting local wildlife; it might be that you see migrating birds, or rare plants that call this area home. In some respects, for anyone up to speed with mythology, this is supposed to be where Aphrodite bathed. It can feel a little surreal swimming there considering its mythical backdrop; what could be more appealing?

The roads here can easily feel less maintained, so taking it easy makes an enormous amount of sense. It is not unusual to see goats that just meander across your path. Those coastal views are absolutely sublime, but, clearly, those inland areas have just as much appeal too. It’s about embracing a touch of adventure when it comes to visiting Akamas. After all, that makes travel more pleasing, anyway.

4. Larnaca Salt Lake and Surroundings

Only a short distance from Ayia Napa brings us to Larnaca, with its salt lake which offers an unusual yet totally striking spectacle. Alright, so, there’s no coastline in view here; still, seeing this expansive lake has something magical about it, you know, kind of? That’s, frankly, a special moment that just everyone has to see, you get me? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Larnaca Salt Lake tour)

Frankly, at some stage in the year, depending just on the climate, you will actually find thousands of flamingos using the lake on their migration routes. The entire area, now I was saying, provides such an amazing opportunity when it comes to wildlife. Not many places exist in Europe now where just anything close to that is something you can clap your eyes on, right?

You should be, at least, exploring other bits of Larnaca too whilst you are close, especially visiting the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, the setting for which is completely serene just sat on the water’s edge. You could also drive a bit out to the nearby villages, or just meander around the salt flats too if just being on the beaten track doesn’t thrill you. In the meantime, Larnaca delivers a surprising amount which you might often skip.

5. Authentic Villages of Famagusta Tour

Actually, should your desire lie just with appreciating just what is so traditional in Cypriot life, venturing out to some authentic villages inside the Famagusta area becomes extremely appealing, by the way. Many locations exist away from tourist resorts that have character and they are almost just picture-postcard-material too; so that’s how pretty! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Famagusta villages tour)

The appeal for many is to see folks who are, definitely, still engaged in traditional crafts. You will find markets at times too, clearly filled with handmade things which are only found in the area; is that not neat? There exists such satisfaction seeing those families preserving parts of their pasts in such a world that evolves almost too fast!

Almost everyone enjoys wandering the old village squares where life unfolds slowly, right where people are just chewing the fat over coffee, actually putting the earth to rights; you understand? This is really that authentic Cyprus experience where tourists, honestly, become less visible. The food also turns out to be completely top tier; usually home-cooked affairs at local taverns that clearly know they are onto something wonderful!

Ayia Napa offers great driving adventures with its varied landscape, you know? Plan wisely!