The Best Day Trips from Larnaca by Car: Exploring Beyond the Coast

While public buses run between the major towns, relying on them for day trips usually means strict timetables and limited access to the island's quieter corners. For true freedom—and the ability to pull over whenever you spot a spectacular view or a roadside fruit stall—you really need your own wheels. To easily string together multiple stops in a single day and travel entirely on your own terms, the best practical solution is to rent a car in Larnaca shortly after you arrive. As a brilliant bonus for British visitors, you will feel instantly at home, as Cyprus also drives on the left-hand side of the road.

1. The Lace and Silver of Lefkara Village

Drive time: 35–40 minutes
Best for: Traditional culture, architecture, and buying local crafts

Lefkara is internationally renowned for two things: intricate filigree silverwork and ‘Lefkaritika’ lace. According to local legend, Leonardo da Vinci visited the village in 1481 and bought a lace cloth for the altar of the Duomo in Milan. Today, you can still see women sitting in the cobbled, sun-dappled alleys, working on complex embroidery patterns.

2. The Rugged Beauty of Cape Greco

Drive time: 50 minutes
Best for: Hiking, dramatic sea cliffs, and swimming in crystal-clear water

Head east from Larnaca along the A3 motorway, and in just under an hour, you will leave the city behind for the raw, natural beauty of the Cape Greco National Forest Park. Sitting on the southeastern tip of the island, between Ayia Napa and Protaras, this protected peninsula is a stunning contrast to the built-up resort towns nearby.

3. Cool Air and Wine in the Troodos Mountains

Drive time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Best for: Escaping the summer heat, pine forests, and traditional mountain food