Motorcycle Routes in Cyprus and Renting a Motorbike (2026)

The classic motorcycle routes in Cyprus are the Troodos mountain roads, the old coast road between Paphos and Limassol, and the ride from Paphos to Polis, Latchi and the edge of the Akamas. To rent anything bigger than a 50cc moped you need a motorcycle licence, and since 1 July 2026 learner riders can no longer ride on their own.

Cyprus is a small island with a lot of bends. Within an hour of the coast you can climb from sea level to pine forest well above 1,500 metres, and in spring and autumn the roads are warm, dry and quiet. Below we cover the rides worth doing, the licence rules, the shops that rent bikes and what to watch out for.

What are the best motorcycle routes in Cyprus?

The Troodos mountains: Platres to Kykkos

This is the ride most bikers in Cyprus will recommend. From Limassol, climb to the hill resort of Platres, then up to Troodos Square, close to Mount Olympos, at 1,952 metres the highest point on the island. From there, the road west through the mountain village of Pedoulas twists through the forest to Kykkos Monastery, the best-known monastery on the island. Expect tight hairpins, changing surfaces and the occasional goat. Stop for coffee in Platres or Pedoulas, and fill up before you leave the coast.

For a shorter loop, come back down via Kakopetria on the northern slopes. Our Troodos painted churches guide has more stops along these roads.

The coast road: Paphos to Limassol past Aphrodite's Rock

Skip the motorway and take the old road, which runs closer to the sea. East of Paphos, it reaches Petra tou Romiou, the rock where legend says Aphrodite rose from the waves, then climbs over the white cliffs towards Pissouri, a hilltop village with a bay below it. Further on, the cliff-top site of ancient Kourion is worth a stop before the run into Limassol. It is an easy, scenic ride that works all year.

The north-west: Paphos to Polis, Latchi and the Akamas

From Paphos, the road north crosses the hills to Polis Chrysochous, then drops to the fishing harbour of Latchi and ends at the Baths of Aphrodite, on the edge of the Akamas peninsula. Beyond the Baths the tracks are unpaved and best left to enduro bikes on a guided tour: the Akamas is a protected state forest, and riding off forest roads is an offence. If you want more tarmac, continue east from Polis along the quiet coast road towards Pomos.

See our Akamas and Avakas Gorge guide for what is open in the peninsula.

What licence do you need to ride a motorbike in Cyprus?

Cyprus uses the EU motorcycle categories, with progressive access: the more powerful the bike, the higher the category and minimum age.

The exact minimum ages for each category are set by the Road Transport Department; check them there before you book a test. In practice, a car licence alone only lets you ride a 50cc moped: TT Motorcycle Rentals lists category B as covering 50cc, quads and buggies only, and Easy Riders asks for A or A1 for its 125cc, 300cc and 400cc scooters.

What changed for learner riders in July 2026?

From 1 July 2026, a learner licence for any motorcycle category can only be used in training, supervised by a licensed instructor riding a motorcycle of the same category, or during the practical test. Learner licences are now valid for two years. The rule comes under the Driving Licence Law, 94(I)/2001, and the Road Transport Department has urged learners to book their test early.

Can you ride on a foreign licence?

According to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, EU citizens can ride on their own licence, and non-EU visitors can use their national licence for up to 30 days or an international driving licence, as long as it includes the motorcycle category. If you live in Cyprus with a non-EU or UK licence, read our guide to exchanging your driving licence.

What are the road rules for motorcyclists?

• Helmets: compulsory for rider and passenger.
• Passengers: only over 12, sitting astride the seat, on a motorcycle built to carry one.
• Lights: headlights must be on during the day.
• Alcohol: motorcyclists have the lower limit of 9 µg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, against 22 µg for most car drivers. In practice, do not drink at all.
• Traffic: you ride on the left, and the motorway limit is 100 km/h.

Where can you rent a motorbike in Cyprus?

TT Motorcycle Rentals & Tours has been renting bikes in Paphos since 1980, from its shop on Poseidonos Avenue. In October 2026 its website listed a Sym Symphony 125cc scooter at €25 a day, a BMW G 310 R and a Honda CRF 250L at €55 a day, and a Honda Transalp 700 and Kawasaki Versys 650 at €60 a day. Helmets are included. It also runs a full-day enduro tour to the Akamas (€450) and a three-day tour of the Troodos, Paphos Forest and Akamas (€1,200). Instagram: @motorcyclerentals.paphos.

Easy Riders Rentals is in the centre of Ayia Napa and rents mopeds, scooters and motorbikes alongside quads and buggies. Its minimum age is 18, rising to 23 for large-engine vehicles, and it asks for your licence and passport. Instagram: @easyridersrentals.

What should you watch out for?

• Heat: from June to September, ride early and late, and carry water. Wear proper gear anyway; gravel rash hurts more than heat.
• Winter in the Troodos: from about January to March there can be snow and ice on the high roads, and fog at any time of year.
• Road surfaces: mountain roads can have loose gravel, fallen rocks and polished bends, especially after the first autumn rain.
• Fire season: from May to October, never park on dry grass with a hot exhaust.
• Insurance: Cyprus policies do not cover the north, so check your rental terms before you plan a crossing. Our car insurance guide explains why.

Related guides

• Buggy safaris and buggy routes in Cyprus
• Cycling routes in Cyprus
• Platres area guide: mountain living in the Troodos