Ayia Napa is one of the best places in Cyprus to explore by car. Within a short drive you can reach iconic beaches, sea caves, scenic viewpoints, family-friendly resorts, and traditional villages. This guide focuses on road trips from Ayia Napa, the best driving routes, beaches you can easily reach by car, typical distances, and practical tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free.
Road Trip from Ayia Napa – Why Renting a Car Makes Sense
With a car, you can plan your day around sunrise views at Cape Greco, quiet morning swims, and late afternoon stops in Protaras or Larnaca – without relying on limited bus schedules or expensive taxi rides. Driving gives you flexibility, saves time, and lets you visit multiple locations in one day.
Ayia Napa’s roads are generally straightforward, and most popular trips are short and easy. The main thing to remember is that Cyprus drives on the left. After the first hour, most visitors feel comfortable, especially if they start with simple coastal routes.
Best Routes from Ayia Napa
Below are the most popular and scenic routes you can do by car from Ayia Napa. They work well for half-day and full-day plans and cover the top highlights of the east coast of Cyprus.
Route 1 – Cape Greco Scenic Drive
Drive from Ayia Napa toward Cape Greco National Forest Park for sea caves, cliffs, and panoramic viewpoints. This is the classic coastal road trip and one of the best short drives in the region. Plan early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Best for: viewpoints, photos, sea caves, short hikes, sunsets
Route 2 – Ayia Napa to Protaras Coastal Loop
This is a simple and beautiful route linking Ayia Napa with Protaras and Fig Tree Bay. You can stop for beach time, lunch, and a walk along the promenade, then return in the evening. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed day without long driving.
Best for: family beaches, swimming, cafes, easy day plan
Route 3 – Ayia Napa to Larnaca City Break
If you want a mix of sea views and city atmosphere, head to Larnaca. Enjoy the palm-lined promenade, stop for local food, and visit cultural spots if you want a break from beaches. This route is also useful for travelers arriving or departing via Larnaca Airport.
Best for: restaurants, promenade, city vibe, airport access
Route 4 – Ayia Napa to Nicosia Day Trip
For a different side of Cyprus, take a day trip to Nicosia. It’s a longer drive than the coastal routes, but it gives you history, museums, shopping streets, and a strong local feel. Start early and plan parking ahead.
Best for: culture, history, shopping, museums
Beaches by Car – Best Beach Spots Near Ayia Napa
Many of the best beaches in the region are easiest to reach by car, especially if you want to visit early or carry beach gear. Parking can fill up in peak season, so arrive earlier for the most popular spots.
Top beaches you can reach quickly by car:
– Nissi Beach – famous and lively, great for swimming and beach clubs
– Makronissos Beach – clear water and calmer vibe, good for families
– Konnos Bay – scenic and protected bay near Cape Greco, excellent water color
– Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) – one of the most popular family beaches in Cyprus
– Landa Beach – usually less crowded than Nissi, relaxed atmosphere
– Sea Caves area – not a classic beach, but incredible coastal views and photo spots
Distances from Ayia Napa
Driving times in Cyprus can vary with traffic, season, and parking conditions, but the east coast is generally close and easy to navigate. Here are common approximate distances and driving times from Ayia Napa to major nearby places.
Approximate distances and drive times:
– Cape Greco – about 10 to 20 minutes (depending on your stop points)
– Protaras – about 10 to 20 minutes
– Fig Tree Bay – about 15 to 25 minutes
– Paralimni – about 15 to 25 minutes
– Larnaca – about 40 to 55 minutes
– Larnaca Airport – about 45 to 60 minutes
– Nicosia – about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
– Limassol – about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes
– Paphos – about 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours
Road Trip Tips for Driving Around Ayia Napa
To make your road trip easy, focus on parking strategy, timing, and a few local habits. Summer heat and peak tourism can affect traffic around beaches and in the town center.
Useful tips for the best experience:
– Start early for popular beaches – parking fills quickly in peak season
– Plan sunset stops at Cape Greco – arrive before golden hour for the best viewpoints
– Keep water in the car – summer temperatures can be intense
– Take photos of the car at pick-up and drop-off for peace of mind
– Use Google Maps but be flexible – local traffic near beach roads can change fast
– Choose compact cars for easier parking in Ayia Napa center
– Avoid leaving valuables visible in the car, especially near busy beaches
Parking and Practical Driving Advice
Ayia Napa can be busy around the marina, main nightlife streets, and the most famous beaches. Parking is usually easiest a short walk away from the most crowded zones. In summer, plan to park once and walk between nearby points rather than moving the car repeatedly.
If you are not used to left-side driving, start on quieter roads, keep extra distance, and pay attention at roundabouts. After a short adjustment, most drivers feel confident, especially on clear coastal routes.
Suggested 1-Day Road Trip Plan
If you want a simple plan that covers highlights without rushing, here is a smooth one-day itinerary by car.
Easy day plan:
– Morning: Nissi or Makronissos Beach
– Midday: Lunch in Ayia Napa or Protaras
– Afternoon: Konnos Bay swim stop
– Evening: Cape Greco viewpoint for sunset
This itinerary keeps driving short, avoids long back-and-forth routes, and gives you the best mix of beaches and scenery.