Getting Between Stops
You need a rental car for this route. Buses serve the coast, but service to the mountain villages is sparse and hard to fit into a honeymoon.
Drives are short. Larnaca airport to Limassol is about 45 minutes. Limassol to Omodos or Platres is under an hour. The Troodos villages to Paphos take roughly an hour and a half on winding roads. Allow more time than the map suggests in the mountains.
Cyprus drives on the left, as in the UK. Highways are good and signs are in Greek and English. Mountain roads are paved but full of tight bends, so take them slowly and avoid driving after wine tastings.
Some tracks in the Akamas are rough dirt roads that rental contracts may not cover. Check before leaving the tarmac or join a jeep tour.
Where to Stay
In Limassol, the Four Seasons Limassol and Amara are two of the most polished beach hotels, both right on the water. For something quieter, the Columbia Beach Resort sits on the crescent bay at Pissouri, about 30 minutes west and close to Kourion.
In the Troodos, stay in a village. The Linos Inn in Kakopetria is a cluster of restored houses in the old quarter. Casale Panayiotis in Kalopanayiotis has rooms spread through restored homes and a spa. The Forest Park Hotel in Platres has hosted visitors since the days of British rule.
In Paphos, Kato Paphos puts you within walking distance of the harbor and the mosaics. Almyra is a sleek design-led resort on the seafront. For the splurge, the Anassa near Latchi is built like a whitewashed village above its own beach and is one of the most romantic resorts on the island.
When to Go
May to June and late September to October are the best months. The sea is warm, the heat is manageable and hotels have rooms. Cyprus stays warm late into the fall, so October is a good choice for couples marrying after summer.
July and August are very hot on the coast, often above 95°F and full of families. The Troodos villages stay much cooler then, which makes the mountain stop more valuable in summer.
Spring is the prettiest time in the mountains, with blossom and wildflowers from April into June. The sea is still cool in April and early May.
Winter brings mild days on the coast and occasional snow on Mount Olympus. It is a quiet season for walking and history but not for swimming.
What It Costs
Cyprus covers a wide range of budgets. As an approximate guide, Limassol's top beach hotels such as the Four Seasons and Amara cost about $500 to $900 a night for two in summer. Smaller hotels near the marina cost less. Troodos village boutique hotels run about $150 to $300. In Paphos, the Anassa starts around $750 in season, while Kato Paphos hotels are more moderate.
Rental cars are inexpensive. Flights from the US connect through hubs such as London, Athens or Frankfurt.
The extras worth paying for are a performance at Kourion, a private boat to the Blue Lagoon, a winery visit in the Troodos foothills and a long meze lunch in a hill village. Meze dinners, with many small plates for a fixed price, are excellent value.
Tips for the Two of You
The Cypriot sun is strong. Bring hats, reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water, especially for Avakas Gorge and the archaeological parks, which have little shade. Start hikes early.
Petra tou Romiou is beautiful but the sea there can be rough, with a pebble shore and sudden depth. Swim only on calm days and stay close to shore.
Monasteries such as Kykkos ask both of you to cover shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf or long trousers in the car.
The route gives each of you room for your own interests. One might hike the Artemis trail around Mount Olympus while the other reads in the village. On the coast, one could dive while the other takes a spa morning.
Make It Shorter or Longer
With a week, spend two nights in Limassol, two in the Troodos and three in Paphos.
With 11 or 12 days, add two or three nights at the eastern end of the island near Ayia Napa or Protaras for sandy beaches and sea caves, starting there after landing in Larnaca. Or add a night in Larnaca's old town by the palm-lined promenade before flying home.
Couples who want a city first can start in Athens for two or three nights and fly to Larnaca or Paphos in about an hour and a half. Another option is to pair Cyprus with Jordan, flying from Larnaca to Amman for Petra and Wadi Rum on a longer trip.
If beach time matters most, shorten the Troodos to one night and give Paphos four.
