Best Weekend Getaway Destinations in Cyprus: 2-Day Escapes

Cyprus is the ideal destination for quick weekend escapes. With year-round sunshine, compact geography, and diverse attractions, you can experience beaches, mountains, ancient ruins, and luxury amenities—all within a 48-hour getaway. Better yet, Cyprus Daily Pass lets you access five-star hotel facilities without overnight prices, making luxury weekends surprisingly affordable.

Here are the top weekend destinations in Cyprus, each offering unique experiences perfect for short breaks.

Paphos: Ancient History Meets Coastal Luxury

Perfect For: Couples, history lovers, romantic getaways Weekend Budget: €200-350 per person

Paphos perfectly blends UNESCO World Heritage sites with stunning Mediterranean coastline. Spend your morning exploring the Paphos Archaeological Park with its incredible Roman mosaics and the impressive Tombs of the Kings. After lunch at the picturesque harbor overlooked by a medieval castle, book a luxury hotel day pass through Cyprus Daily Pass to enjoy infinity pools, private beaches, and spa facilities.

Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Akamas Peninsula—hike the scenic Aphrodite Trail or take a boat trip to the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon. End your evenings with fresh seafood by the harbor and magical sunset views.

Must-Do Activities:

Paphos Archaeological Park & Tombs of the Kings (€7 total)
Luxury resort day pass with pool and beach access (€60-90)
Akamas Peninsula hiking or Blue Lagoon boat trip
Harbor dining and old town strolling
Spa treatment with all-day facility access (€80-150)

Insider Tip: Book your hotel day pass for Saturday afternoon—enjoy the facilities during peak hours, then explore archaeological sites Sunday morning when it's cooler and less crowded.

Ayia Napa & Protaras: Beach Paradise and Vibrant Nightlife

Perfect For: Groups, party-seekers, beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts Weekend Budget: €150-300 per person

Ayia Napa delivers the ultimate beach weekend experience. Start at the famous Nissi Beach with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, then explore quieter spots like Makronissos Beach. A beach club or resort day pass gives you access to DJ-fueled poolside parties, water sports, and beachfront luxury.

For natural beauty, visit Cape Greco National Park with its dramatic sea caves, cliff-jumping spots, and coastal hiking trails. The neighboring town of Protaras offers a more relaxed vibe, perfect for families, with the stunning Fig Tree Bay ranked among Europe's best beaches.

Must-Do Activities:

Beach hopping: Nissi, Makronissos, Fig Tree Bay (free)
Beach club or resort day pass (€40-75)
Cape Greco National Park hiking and sea caves
Water sports: jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding (€20-60)
Ayia Napa nightlife and harbor dining

Insider Tip: Book day passes at two different properties—an energetic beach club Saturday for the party atmosphere, then a family-friendly Protaras resort Sunday for relaxation.

Limassol: Sophisticated Vibes, Wine, and Wellness

Perfect For: Wine enthusiasts, culture seekers, luxury spa lovers Weekend Budget: €250-450 per person

Limassol combines cosmopolitan energy with cultural richness. Explore the charming Old Town with its medieval castle, then lunch at the elegant Limassol Marina surrounded by luxury yachts. A beachfront resort day pass provides access to premium facilities—think infinity pools with sea views and sophisticated beach bars.

Wine lovers should venture to the nearby Commandaria wine region for tastings at traditional wineries. Don't miss Kourion Archaeological Site, a spectacular Greco-Roman theatre perched on a cliff with panoramic Mediterranean views—especially magical at sunset.

Must-Do Activities:

Old Town exploration and medieval castle (€4.50)
Limassol Marina dining and yacht-watching
Luxury beachfront resort day pass (€70-120)
Wine tasting tour in Commandaria region (€30-60)
Kourion Archaeological Site at sunset
Luxury spa treatment with facility access (€100-180)

Insider Tip: Combine wine tasting Saturday morning with a spa treatment in the afternoon—many hotels offer packages that include both.

Troodos Mountains: Nature, Villages, and Mountain Charm

Perfect For: Hikers, nature lovers, winter sports fans, escape-from-heat seekers Weekend Budget: €120-250 per person

The Troodos Mountains offer a completely different Cyprus experience. Traditional villages like Platres and Omodos feature cobblestone streets, local artisans, and authentic tavernas. Hike scenic trails like the Caledonia Waterfall path through shaded forests or the challenging Artemis Trail with panoramic island views.

Culture enthusiasts will love the UNESCO-listed Troodos Painted Churches with Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 11th century. In winter (December-March), Mount Olympus becomes Cyprus's only ski resort—a unique experience skiing with potential Mediterranean views.

Must-Do Activities:

Traditional mountain village exploration (free)
Caledonia Waterfall or Artemis Trail hiking (free)
Troodos Painted Churches tour (donations welcomed)
Mountain taverna dining and local wine (€15-25/meal)
Winter skiing at Mount Olympus (€80-150/day with equipment)

Insider Tip: Summer weekends are perfect for escaping coastal heat—temperatures are 10°C cooler in the mountains. Winter weekends offer unique skiing opportunities just 90 minutes from the beach.

Larnaca: Laid-Back Beaches and Easy Access

Perfect For: Relaxed weekends, families, budget-conscious travelers Weekend Budget: €120-250 per person

Often overlooked, Larnaca offers authentic Cypriot charm without tourist crowds. The palm-lined Finikoudes Beach promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, while Mackenzie Beach offers excellent swimming and plane-watching near the airport.

Visit the beautiful Church of Saint Lazarus, explore the Larnaca Salt Lake (flamingos in winter!), and discover Hala Sultan Tekke mosque. The city's laid-back vibe and affordable dining make it ideal for budget-friendly luxury weekends when combined with hotel day passes.

Must-Do Activities:

Finikoudes promenade and beach relaxation (free)
Church of Saint Lazarus and old quarter (€1-2 donation)
Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke (free)
Resort day pass with pool access (€40-70)
Fresh seafood at beachfront tavernas (€20-35/person)

Insider Tip: Larnaca is the most budget-friendly Cyprus destination—combine affordable accommodation with a premium hotel day pass for maximum value.

Nicosia: Cultural Capital and Unique Divided City

Perfect For: History buffs, cultural explorers, urban adventurers Weekend Budget: €100-200 per person

Cyprus's capital offers a unique experience as the world's last divided capital. Walk through the Venetian walls of the Old City, cross at Ledra Street checkpoint to visit the Turkish-occupied north, and explore both sides of this fascinating city.

Cultural highlights include the Cyprus Museum with archaeological treasures, the Byzantine Museum, and vibrant Laiki Geitonia traditional quarter. While Nicosia lacks beaches, some city hotels feature rooftop pools—perfect for cooling off after urban exploration.

Must-Do Activities:

Old Town walking tour inside Venetian walls (free)
Cross to North Cyprus via Ledra Street (free, bring passport)
Cyprus Museum and Byzantine Museum (€4.50 each)
Laiki Geitonia dining and shopping
City hotel rooftop pool day pass (€30-60)

Insider Tip: Nicosia is best combined with nearby destinations—explore the capital Saturday, then drive 45 minutes to Troodos or the coast for Sunday activities.

Planning Your Perfect Weekend Getaway

When to Visit

Spring (March-May): Perfect temperatures (18-25°C), wildflowers, fewer crowds. Best for hiking and sightseeing.

Summer (June-August): Peak beach season, vibrant nightlife, longest pool hours. Hot (28-35°C) but ideal for water activities.

Autumn (September-November): Warm sea (22-26°C), harvest season, best value. Perfect balanced weather for all activities.

Winter (December-February): Mountain skiing, lowest prices, fewer tourists. Cool (12-18°C) but pleasant for cultural exploration.

Budget-Saving Tips

Accommodation Strategy: Book budget-friendly hotels or Airbnbs (€50-80/night), then add luxury hotel day passes (€60-90) for premium experiences at half the cost of staying at five-star resorts.

Day Pass Timing: Book weekday passes when possible (20-30% cheaper). Weekend prices peak Saturday but Friday and Sunday often have better rates.

Dining Smart:

Breakfast: Bakeries and local cafés (€3-8)
Lunch: Traditional tavernas in villages (€12-20)
Dinner: Splurge at one nice restaurant, keep other meals casual

Free Activities: Beaches, hiking trails, archaeological sites (many under €5), village exploration, and sunset viewpoints cost nothing.

Transportation

Rental Car (Recommended): €25-50/day for compact cars. Essential for exploring multiple areas. Book in advance for weekend availability.

Intercity Buses: Budget option (€5-15 between cities) but limited weekend schedules.

Taxis: Convenient for short distances but expensive for day trips (€40-80 between regions).

Maximizing Cyprus Daily Pass for Weekends

Strategic Booking Approaches

Single Luxury Day: Choose one premium resort for Saturday, use free beaches and cultural sites other days. Saves 70% vs. hotel stays.

Multi-Property Experience: Book different day passes each day—beach club Saturday, spa resort Sunday. Experience variety while saving 50%+.

Spa Weekend: Focus on wellness—book spa treatments that include all-day facility access. Enjoy saunas, steam rooms, pools, and relaxation lounges.

Booking Tips

Book 1-2 Weeks Ahead: Secure popular weekend dates, especially peak season
Check Cancellation Policies: Look for 24-48 hour free cancellation
Group Discounts: Inquire about rates for 4+ people
Package Deals: Some hotels offer day pass + dining credits or spa combos

Sample Weekend Itineraries

Romantic Couples Weekend (Paphos)

Saturday: Archaeological sites morning → harbor lunch → luxury resort day pass afternoon → sunset dinner Sunday: Akamas Peninsula hike → spa treatment with facility access → farewell dinner Budget: €300-450 per person

Party Weekend (Ayia Napa)

Saturday: Nissi Beach morning → beach club day pass afternoon → harbor dinner → nightclub Sunday: Cape Greco hike → Protaras resort day pass → Fig Tree Bay sunset Budget: €200-350 per person

Wellness & Wine Weekend (Limassol)

Saturday: Old Town exploration → marina lunch → beachfront resort day pass → rooftop dinner Sunday: Wine region tour → spa treatment → Kourion sunset → seaside dinner Budget: €350-500 per person

Nature & Culture Weekend (Troodos + Paphos)

Saturday: Drive to Troodos → village exploration → Caledonia hike → mountain taverna Sunday: Painted churches → drive to Paphos → archaeological sites → luxury day pass Budget: €200-350 per person

Final Thoughts

Cyprus's compact size and diverse offerings make it ideal for weekend getaways. Whether you crave beach parties, ancient history, mountain retreats, or spa indulgence, you can create the perfect 48-hour escape without breaking the bank.

The secret to an unforgettable Cyprus weekend is combining smart accommodation choices with strategic use of hotel day passes. Stay in budget-friendly options and splurge on premium facility access during the day—you'll save hundreds while still experiencing five-star luxury.

Ready to plan your Cyprus weekend getaway? Browse available hotel day passes on Cyprus Daily Pass and start creating your perfect escape.

Quick Destination Comparison

Destination	Best For	Vibe	Budget	Best Season
Paphos	Couples, History	Romantic, Cultural	€200-350	Year-round
Ayia Napa	Groups, Party	Energetic, Fun	€150-300	May-October
Limassol	Wine & Wellness	Sophisticated	€250-450	Year-round
Troodos	Nature, Hiking	Peaceful, Cool	€120-250	Summer/Winter
Larnaca	Budget, Families	Relaxed, Authentic	€120-250	Year-round
Nicosia	Culture, Urban	Historical, Unique	€100-200	Spring/Autumn