The Troodos Mountains & Akamas: self-drive guide
Inland from Paphos and Limassol, the roads climb into the pine-clad Troodos mountains - cool villages, UNESCO painted churches and Mount Olympus - then drop to the wild Akamas peninsula near the Baths of Aphrodite. It is roughly a 150 km loop over 1-2 days. Collect an all-inclusive car in Paphos; remember Cyprus drives on the left, and zero excess covers the mountain bends and Akamas gravel.
Cyprus is small but wonderfully varied, and a car unlocks its interior. From the coast the land rises into the Troodos massif: pine forests, hill villages like Omodos and Kakopetria, a clutch of UNESCO-listed painted Byzantine churches, and Mount Olympus, the island’s highest point. To the north-west, the Akamas peninsula stays raw and undeveloped, with gorges, sea caves and the Baths of Aphrodite.
The mountain roads are paved and scenic; the Akamas tracks turn to rough gravel. An all-inclusive Cardamar rental with zero excess is well suited to both - and a useful reminder that Cyprus drives on the left.
Good to know
| Route | Paphos-Troodos villages-Akamas loop |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~150 km (1-2 days with stops) |
| Pick-up | Paphos or Limassol |
| Drives on | The LEFT (former British rule) |
| Road type | Paved mountains; gravel in the Akamas |
Mountains and painted churches
The Troodos range is a cool, green contrast to the coast: wine villages such as Omodos and the Krasochoria, the resin-scented forest around Mount Olympus, and ten UNESCO-listed churches whose frescoed interiors are among Cyprus’s treasures (Kykkos Monastery is the grandest). Roads are paved but winding, so allow time and enjoy the slow pace.
In winter there is even a little skiing on Olympus; in summer the mountains are a refreshing escape from the coastal heat.
The wild Akamas
North-west of Paphos, the Akamas peninsula is a protected wilderness of gorges, juniper and turquoise coves around the Blue Lagoon and the Baths of Aphrodite. The surfaced road ends and rough gravel tracks take over - passable with care in a normal car, though some prefer to walk, cycle or take a boat for the final stretches.
Check your rental’s terms for unsurfaced roads before heading deep into the Akamas, and go gently on the gravel.
Driving on the left, and why zero excess matters
Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British rule, with give-way and roundabout priorities to match - it takes a few junctions to settle in, especially at roundabouts. Pick up the car in Paphos or Limassol and start with the easier coastal roads before heading up.
An all-inclusive Cardamar booking, handled by Sunny Cars, includes full insurance and zero excess - valuable on mountain hairpins and Akamas gravel. With zero excess, a stone chip or a gravel scuff costs you nothing.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in The Troodos Mountains & Akamas can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Rent your car for the The Troodos Mountains & Akamas
The Troodos Mountains & Akamas self-drive - FAQ
Does Cyprus drive on the left?
Yes - Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British rule, so roundabout and give-way priorities are mirrored from mainland Europe. It takes a few junctions to adjust; start on the quieter coastal roads.
Do I need a 4x4 for the Troodos and Akamas?
Not for the Troodos mountains, which are fully paved. The Akamas peninsula has rough gravel tracks where a higher-clearance car helps; check your rental’s unsurfaced-road terms, or explore the final stretches on foot or by boat.
How long do you need for the Troodos and Akamas?
One day covers a Troodos loop or the Akamas; two days lets you combine the painted churches, a wine village or two and the Blue Lagoon without rushing. The loop is around 150 km.
Where should I pick up a car for this route?
Paphos is the closest base for both the Troodos and the Akamas, with Limassol another option. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking with zero excess covers the mountain bends and Akamas gravel.