The driver takes the A6 east to Limassol and then the A1, which turns inland, crosses the hills near Kofinou and runs across the Mesaoria plain to the capital. Unlike the coastal routes, the second half of this drive is through open countryside with views of the Troodos range to the west and, on clear days, the Pentadaktylos mountains in the north ahead of you.
Nicosia is the only divided capital in Europe. The old town sits inside Venetian walls shaped like a star, with Ledra Street running north to the crossing point into the north of the city. Most hotels, offices and government buildings are in the modern centre around Makarios Avenue, Strovolos, Engomi and Aglantzia, which the A1 reaches directly. Weekday traffic in the city centre can add 10 to 20 minutes at peak times.
This is a popular route for business travellers flying into Paphos for meetings or embassy appointments. If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, give us the appointment time and the address and we'll work backwards to set the pick-up.
- Have an appointment in Nicosia? Tell us the time; morning traffic into the city can be heavy.
- Note that Nicosia is inland and noticeably hotter than the coast in summer, and cooler in winter.
- Going back to Paphos Airport from Nicosia? Allow at least 4 hours between pick-up and departure.
