From Paphos: Larnaca Highlights Tour with Lefkara & Nicosia

If you’re staying in Paphos and want to see a broader slice of Cyprus in one day, this guided tour offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s culture, history, and scenery. For about 9 hours, you’ll travel in comfort with a knowledgeable guide, visiting three of Cyprus’s most striking highlights: the charming village of Lefkara, the historic Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque near Larnaca, and the divided capital city of Nicosia.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its ability to blend scenic beauty with authentic local culture. The visit to Lefkara introduces you to traditional lace and silver crafts, giving you a tangible connection to Cypriot artisanship. Then, the stop at the Salt Lake offers a chance to see flamingos in season, alongside the spiritual site of the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque—a striking contrast of nature and faith. Finally, walking through Nicosia‘s old town, divided by the Green Line, provides a glimpse into a city that’s both historic and modern, with a unique political dimension.

That said, this tour does pack in quite a bit in a single day. The length—around 9 hours—means some travelers might find the drive a little tiring, especially if you prefer more relaxed pacing or longer visits at each stop. Also, since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to plan for snacks or meals on your own.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Cyprus without fussing over transportation or logistics. It’s perfect if you’re keen on history, culture, and scenic views, and you’re comfortable with a fairly full day on the road.

Key Points

• Scenic and Cultural Mix: Combines natural highlights, historic sites, and local crafts.
• Comfortable Transportation: Includes air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Viola are praised for their friendliness and insights.
• Full-Day Experience: Around 9 hours, with multiple stops offering a good balance of sightseeing and free time.
• Authentic Local Touch: Visits to Lefkara and Nicosia offer a glimpse into real Cypriot life.
• Limited Food Options: Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in Paphos, setting the stage for a day of sightseeing. The first stop, Lefkara, is a village world-famous for its intricate lace and silver workshops. As we strolled along the stone-paved streets, it was easy to imagine how generations of artisans have kept these traditions alive. Reviews consistently mention how guides like Viola, with her extensive knowledge, give a real sense of the craft and community (many call her “amazing”). Walking through Lefkara gives you the chance to soak in authentic village life, admire traditional architecture, and perhaps pick up a handcrafted souvenir.

Next, the tour moves to Larnaca’s Salt Lake—a vast, shimmering expanse that, in the right season, hosts flamingos and other migratory birds. The view of the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque beside the lake is particularly striking, especially at sunset or in clear weather. Several reviews mention how this spot is a photographer’s delight, with some noting that a longer walk or more time to explore would enhance the experience. Still, the scenic beauty makes it a highlight, not just for the views but for the sense of tranquility it offers.

The journey continues along the Finikoudes Promenade in Larnaca, offering a lively contrast to the earlier rural stops. Here, you’ll see bustling cafes, palm trees, and the historic Church of Saint Lazarus. Many visitors find this church a meaningful stop—built in the late 9th century, it’s believed to house relics of Saint Lazarus, and you’re encouraged to touch relics, wash your face with holy water, and pray for healing if you wish. Reviews praise the guide’s explanations and the opportunity to connect with the spiritual aspect of the site.

Finally, the tour heads to Nicosia, the world’s only divided capital. We cross the Green Line into the Turkish-occupied part of the city, which adds a political dimension to the visit. Walking through the old town, you’ll see centuries-old walls, vibrant shops, and the famous Ledra Street crossing point. Many reviews mention the fascination of standing in two parts of a city that’s divided but still very much alive. The guided walk often includes stories of history and current affairs, making it more than just sightseeing.

The tour concludes with a drop-off back at your hotel, tired but enriched.

The Transport and Guides

Comfort is a key part of this experience. The air-conditioned bus is generally well-maintained, and hotel pickup is included—though some reviews mention that if you stay in apartments rather than hotels, you might need to choose the closest pickup points. Guides like Viola and Galina are frequently praised for their friendliness, wealth of knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged. Many reviews highlight how guides share insights beyond the typical commentary, leading to a deeper understanding of Cyprus.

However, some reviews note that the bus can have minor issues—such as broken seat belts or less-than-pristine windows—which might impact the comfort for some travelers. The length of the day also means you’ll be spending quite a bit of time on the bus, so comfortable shoes and water are essentials.

The Value of the Tour

At its price point, this tour offers a good deal for travelers wanting a curated overview of Cyprus’s highlights. With transportation, a guide, and multiple stops, you’re getting a comprehensive introduction without the hassle of planning each visit individually. The reviews repeatedly mention the professionalism of the guides and the interesting commentary, which adds value to the experience. Food isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal during free time.

What We Love and What to Consider

We loved the variety of stops that include scenic natural sights, historic sites, and a living village. The guides’ knowledge really elevates the experience—many reviewers mention guides like Viola or Galina as genuinely passionate and informative. The comfortable transportation and hotel pickup add to the convenience, especially if you prefer a stress-free day.

On the downside, the long hours can be tiring, and some visitors wish for more time at each stop. The lack of included food or drinks means you should come prepared. Also, for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, the tour isn’t suitable, as walking is involved at several sites.

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Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal if you want a rundown of Cyprus’s key sights in one day. It’s perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, or anyone curious to see how traditional crafts like lace and silvermaking still thrive. It suits those comfortable with a full schedule and long travel times, and who don’t mind a packed day.

This guided tour from Paphos delivers a solid balance of scenic beauty, history, and local culture in just one day. The carefully curated stops ensure you get a meaningful taste of Cyprus, from its picturesque villages to its historic capital. The knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport make this experience both enjoyable and educational.

If you’re looking for a well-organized way to see a variety of Cyprus’s highlights without the stress of planning, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially good if you enjoy learning from guides who are passionate about their island—and if you appreciate authentic experiences, like wandering through Lefkara’s craft shops or crossing into the divided parts of Nicosia.

For those who want a scenic, cultural snapshot of Cyprus in a manageable day trip, this tour offers good value and memorable moments.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is generally included within a 5-minute drive for some hotels in Paphos. If you stay in an apartment, you should select the closest pickup point.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening. Expect a full day on the road with multiple stops.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase meals during free time.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as walking and some uneven surfaces are involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, a hat, sunglasses, and possibly a camera. Some sites may require modest clothing—bring a scarf or modest attire for religious sites.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks English and many reviews praise their knowledge and friendliness.

Can I cross into the Turkish-occupied part of Nicosia?
Yes, the tour includes crossing the Green Line into the northern part of Nicosia, which is an interesting political and cultural experience.

Is this tour good value for money?
Considering transportation, a guide, and multiple stops, many travelers find it offers good value for a full day’s sightseeing.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
Most reviews note that the stops are well-paced, with enough time to explore and take photos. However, some wish for a little more time in certain places.

What if I want a more relaxed experience?
If you prefer more leisurely visits or longer in-depth exploration, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s designed to cover many highlights efficiently.

To sum it up, the Paphos to Larnaca Highlights Tour is a solid choice for travelers eager to see more of Cyprus in one day. It offers scenic views, cultural insights, and the comfort of guided transportation. Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or someone wanting a snapshot of the island, you’ll find value and enjoyment in this thoughtfully arranged journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: