Cycling in Cyprus travel guide
Day breaks over Cyprus and road cyclists are already saddled up for Troodos Mountain cols and cooler temps away from the flatter, sandier stretches around the coast. Mountain bikers head to Paphos for forest floors or opt for the mule paths interconnecting the Besparmak and Kyrenia mountains. A steep ascent to the top of Mt Olympus promises legendary views; whereas the ridge running along the wonderfully wild and unkempt Akamas Peninsula encourages off road antics overlooking Lara Beach and the Baths of Aphrodite.
Expand Mediterranean horizons on free flowing pine forest trails, deserted tarmac roads and gnarly gravel MTB tracks – ideal for those who like to mix things up on and off road.![]()
Cycling in spring or autumn is certainly best advice although, in summer, if you don’t mind an early start followed by a swim and a little lie down after a meze lunch; who are we to judge? Cyprus suits cyclists seeking seclusion with bike hire, maps, pre-programmed GPS routes, luggage transfers between B&B’s, and emergency support, all included on a tailor made vacation.
IS A CYPRUS CYCLING HOLIDAY FOR YOU?
GO ON A CYPRUS CYCLING HOLIDAY IF…
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Our top Cyprus cycling Vacation
Cycling in the Troodos mountains, Cyprus
Self-guided cycling & cultural vacation in Troodos
From
€1120 to €1700
8 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
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WHAT DO CYPRUS CYCLING HOLIDAYS ENTAIL?
Self guided cycling vacations are the way to go in Cyprus. Routes have been tried and tested and bikes are fitted with pre-programmed GPS units to complement route info cards. You’ll have the chance to rest whenever you wish and find a pace that suits you without worrying about keeping up with the rest of the pack. The added security of luggage transfers and emergency support lets you pedal with confidence as part of your very own tailor made itinerary. Some vacation companies offer a lift to the start of a trailhead, often the highest point, before explaining the way down and leaving you to it.
What can I expect?
What can I expect?
Cyprus has enough variety to suit all types of cyclist. You'll find hundreds of kilometres of vehicle width gravel trails and rocky mule paths, as well as smooth dirt roads running through forests and up into the mountains. The Troodos Mountains, in particular, offer some technical rides and steep single track climbs, especially if you want to head to the top of Mount Olympus – ideal for MTBs. Paved roads away from busy ancient sites and resort towns are quiet and almost car free, especially outside of summer. Flat coastal paths and roads take you between secluded beaches and seaside villages. The Akamas Peninsula, in the northwest, and the Karpasia Peninsula, in the northeast, are the wildest stretches of coastline; they’re great for secluded sandy cycling on paths and roads with off road options, too.
Daily distances vary but won't usually be greater than 30km. Many of the routes have a 50/50 split between off road and on. Quality mountain bikes, not hybrids, have been chosen to suit this combination, even if only riding off road for a short section. Road bikes can also be hired and trips can be tailored to include only tarmac. If you're cycling from Nicosia to the Akamas Peninsula (200km), electric bikes are ideal for easing around narrow rural roads and villages. Of course, you can bring your own bike if you wish, although hire bikes are really rather good, if you like to travel light.
Who's best suited to a Cyprus vacation?
Who's best suited to a Cyprus vacation?
If you're planning on sticking to roads then there will be plenty of hill climbing involved, which can be a challenge; Team GB used Cyprus as their winter training base for the 2004 Olympics. Alternatively, steep off road gravel tracks and long and winding forest paths will put MTB lovers through their paces. For those that prefer a blend of both, Cyprus excels. Being tailor made, these cycling vacations allow you to choose the distance and the routes to suit your own preferences. Lazy days around the coast; cooler inland climbs for sensational scenic views; short distances between villages or picnic spots – that sort of thing.
Point to point or center based?
Point to point or center based?
Our Cyprus cycling vacations include two or three B&Bs that you'll cycle around over the course of a week. These small, locally owned accommodations are situated in the northwest, around the Akamas Peninsula, which has loads of lovely villages along the route from Nicosia to Akamas. Luggage is transferred by vehicle, and you can get a lift if you fancy a rest from pedalling.
It's also possible to stay at one hotel for the whole vacation, which saves on packing and unpacking; Northern Cyprus is great for this. You'll still get to see plenty of the coastline, and sections of the Five Finger Mountains, thanks to daily drives to different trail heads.
BEST TIME TO GO ON A CYCLING HOLIDAY IN CYPRUS
Cycle either side of summer in Cyprus or stick to shaded forest trails, early starts, and cooler temps around the top of the Troodos, especially the summit of Mt Olympus.![]()
Spring is the best time to go on a cycling vacation in Cyprus, when the Akamas Peninsula succumbs to scents of wild rosemary and almond blossom carried in on sea breezes. Although you might experience sunshine and showers, the sight of the countryside in full bloom really takes your breath away. Sea temps are starting to rise and in May-Jun it would be rude not to take a dip. It's too hot in Jul-Aug for cycling although an early start will counteract the heat. Sept, Oct, and early Nov are still warm especially around the coast, and are lovely for cycling.
Cyprus Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
8
16
105
FEB
8
16
70
MAR
10
17
50
APR
12
22
35
MAY
15
24
15
JUN
19
29
0
JUL
21
30
0
AUG
21
30
0
SEP
20
29
0
OCT
16
25
35
NOV
12
21
55
DEC
10
17
110
WHEN TO CYCLE IN CYPRUS & WHEN NOT TO
More about Cyprus cycling
Our Cyprus cycling routes showcase the island's rugged mountains and sandy coastline as well as the UNESCO sites in between Nicosia and Akamas...
