Cyprus · Troodos
Trans Cyprus
Gravel
Larnaca to Paphos via the Troodos Mountains, on gravel roads few maps know.
per guide
About this tour
Trans Cyprus Gravel crosses the island from east to west — Larnaca on the coast to Paphos by the sea — via the Troodos mountain range that runs through Cyprus’s interior. Six riding stages, 300 to 375 kilometres, with 5,500 to 8,000 metres of cumulative elevation. A compact, high-quality gravel route through a landscape most cyclists never see.
The first stages climb from the coastal plain through limestone hills and monastery roads into the Troodos range, where the highest point of the route sits above 1,800 metres among cedar forests and pine. The air at altitude is cool even in April; the light in the evenings is extraordinary. The gravel roads through the Troodos are largely unknown outside Cyprus — wide, well-graded forest tracks connecting villages that see almost no through traffic.
The second half of the route descends toward the northwest, crossing the Akamas peninsula — a protected wilderness area of rough tracks and coastal headlands — before arriving in Paphos on the Mediterranean shore. The difference in character between the mountain interior and the coast is remarkable, and only possible because you’ve ridden the distance between them.
April is the ideal month for Cyprus — warm at sea level, cool in the mountains, with wildflowers across the upper stages and long evenings for dinner. Danish guides lead daily; GPS tracks available. Support vehicle handles luggage and mechanical cover throughout.
Troodos.
Cyprus in spring is an overlooked gravel destination. At sea level the temperature is warm and the roads are open. In the Troodos mountains — where the route climbs to nearly 2,000 metres — the air is cooler, the gravel is loose and the views reach all the way down to the coast.
We handle the logistics so you can focus on the island. GPS routes, support vehicle and accommodation across seven days — everything is in place when you land in Larnaca.
Route overview
300–375 km · 5,500–8,000 m total elevation · Larnaca to Paphos
What you get
Cedar & pine
Forest roads through the Troodos cedar zone, limestone tracks, and coastal headland trails on the Akamas peninsula.
Mountain & coast
Seven nights in small hotels from the Troodos village guesthouses to a final night in Paphos by the Mediterranean.
April in Cyprus
Wildflowers on the upper stages, cool air at altitude, warm evenings at sea level. The right month, the right island.
Day by day
Stages
Eight days crossing Cyprus by gravel bike — from Larnaca to Paphos via the Troodos Mountains. Five stages through white-earth tracks, monastery climbs and long descents from the island's highest peak.
Individual arrival to the start hotel, a short transfer from Larnaca airport. If you arrive by midday, you're in time for the afternoon intro ride — a relaxed coastal loop to settle into the climate and check the bike.
Welcome meeting and dinner at the hotel.
We open the week with a long, beautiful climb through windmills and limestone cliffs. As the south coast disappears behind us, we pass Stavrovouni Monastery and push deeper into the interior.
The first white-earth tracks and loose gravel spurs arrive early — line choice starts to matter here. The day closes in mountain village atmosphere.
Adventure
50 km · 950 m
Explorer
60 km · 1,400 m
A day of fine gravel roads and long views. We move through valleys, following routes that wind along ridge lines with glimpses of the north coast.
The final climb of the day lifts us to the mountain village of Agros, where the evening offers local cooking and quiet in the heights.
Adventure
50 km · 1,300 m
Explorer
60 km · 1,950 m
The mountain stage — more up than down, as it should be heading for the top. We continue gaining altitude into the classic Troodos area, where the landscape changes and the air grows noticeably cooler.
A day that rewards steady cadence and good gearing. After-bike on the terrace feels well earned.
Adventure
45 km · 1,350 m
Explorer
54 km · 2,000 m
A voluntary gravel loop in the highlands, a shorter ride, or a pure rest day with a walk, a café and quiet time. Your choice entirely.
We're based close to Mount Olympos — the options are many. Reload however you need to before the final two stages.
Now comes the reward for all those metres of climbing. Long descents, fast gravel sections and constantly changing landscapes through valleys and forest.
The day closes with a final climb up to Lysos. That's what happens when you're staying somewhere worth it.
Adventure
65 km · 1,200 m
Explorer
77 km · 1,800 m
The final stage combines forest, open landscapes and coastal sections where you can feel the Mediterranean closing in. The route was chosen for the experience — not the most direct line.
When we reach the waterfront at Paphos, the feeling of "trans" is complete. You've crossed Cyprus on a gravel bike.
Adventure
60 km · 600 m
Explorer
72 km · 900 m
Individual departure. Bus transport to Larnaca airport Saturday morning (approx. 2 hours). If your flight is in the evening, join the voluntary top-to-sea bonus — back up to Troodos for one long connected descent to the coast.
Kilometres of tailwind, wide views and the perfect last-day-on-the-bike feeling.
How We Ride
From Larnaca to Paphos via the mountains
Six stages crossing Cyprus on gravel roads through the Troodos Mountains. The route climbs, descends, and surprises you with what is up here.
Guided stage
Ride with the group
The guide navigates the mountain stages and handles logistics. Cyprus riding is varied — some steep, some fast, and consistently more interesting than the coast suggests.
GPS self-guided
Navigate Cyprus independently
Load the day's route and go. The support crew is always nearby and meets you at each hotel. A quiet way to cross an island that most people only see from the beach.
What's included
Riding & support
- check 6 riding stages from Larnaca to Paphos via the Troodos Mountains
- check Experienced Danish guides
- check GPS routes for Garmin, Wahoo and Komoot
- check Daily evening briefing with maps and elevation profiles
- check Support vehicle with spare parts, spare bike and clothing bag
- check Mechanic help from guides and crew — spare parts only at cost
- check Luggage transfer hotel to hotel, every stage
- check Energy powder from PurePower — complimentary
Accommodation & food
- check 7 hotel nights in shared double room
- check 7 × breakfast, 3 × dinner
What makes it memorable
- check Closing dinner
- check Shared online photo album
- check Gravel-Adventure jersey
- check Lifetime membership of the Gravel-Adventure RIDERS network
Not included
- remove Flights to/from Larnaca
- remove Lunches
- remove Drinks
- remove Dinners on free evenings
- remove Personal travel and accident insurance
- remove Bike rental (available on request)
- remove Single room supplement (available on request)
Before you go
Practical information
Fly to Larnaca (LCA). Direct flights from Copenhagen with Norwegian and SAS; one-stop connections via Lufthansa, Austrian, LOT, Swiss and Aegean. The start hotel is approximately 10 minutes from Larnaca Airport. Arrival transfer is at your own expense — we can recommend a local taxi service. Return transfer to Larnaca on the final morning is included in the tour price.
Most riders bring their own bikes as checked baggage — a hard case is recommended.
Tyres: 38–45mm gravel tyres recommended. The route includes sharp limestone gravel sections — tubeless is worth it.
Personal travel and accident insurance is not included. We strongly recommend valid cover for cycling and medical evacuation before arrival. Ask us if you need a recommendation.
Pack for warm days and cool evenings — October departures can see 10–12°C in the hills. A light packable layer earns its place. Towels and toiletries are provided at all accommodation.
Off-bike: one pair of comfortable walking shoes, smart-casual for dinner. Cypriot tavernas are relaxed but you will want something other than bib shorts.
Common questions
Before you book
The Adventure route suits riders comfortable with 3–4 hours in the saddle over consecutive days. You don't need to be a racer — but you should be genuinely at home on a gravel bike in hilly terrain.
The Explorer route asks more: 5–6 hour days, significant elevation (up to 2,000m per stage), and the confidence to navigate loose gravel and forest tracks independently.
If you're unsure which suits you, a short call with us will settle it quickly.
A gravel bike — mechanical or e-assist — is required. A light MTB with appropriate tyres and gearing also works. Road bikes and hybrids are not suitable.
The bike must be freshly serviced before the tour: drivetrain, brakes, tyres and bearings all in working order. Minimum tyre width 38mm — wider is better, especially for the Explorer route. Tubeless setup is strongly recommended given Cyprus' rocky gravel tracks, dry stone paths and occasional sharp-edged terrain.
Gearing: a maximum ratio of around 0.9 (smallest front chainring ÷ largest rear sprocket) is the practical minimum for the steeper climbs.
Gravel bike rental in Cyprus is not readily available. We recommend bringing your own bike as checked baggage — a good hard case makes the whole trip more straightforward. Get in touch if you need any guidance.
Rental is an additional cost — see the optional extras in the booking section. Contact us if you'd like to discuss specifications before booking.
Both — depending on how you want to ride. A Danish guide leads a group each day on the standard route.
If you prefer to ride at your own pace, GPS routes are loaded before departure — Garmin, Wahoo and Komoot files all included. Most riders use a mix: some days with the group, others at their own speed.
The support vehicle follows the route and is available to all riders regardless of how they choose to navigate.
The support vehicle carries tools, spare parts and a spare bike. Guides provide mechanical assistance, and local bike shops are accessible for anything more specialised.
You pay only for spare parts if needed — mechanical labour from the crew is included.
Explorer route riders should be able to handle basic repairs independently (punctures, chain issues), as they may be further from the vehicle at any given time.
Most of our riders are in the 45–65 age range. The Adventure route is designed for experienced riders who are fit but not racing — sensible daily distances, a genuine rest day mid-tour, and the option to take the support vehicle if a stage isn't working.
The daily route choice means you can calibrate difficulty to how you feel each morning.
What matters more than age is cycling fitness and experience with multi-day riding.
Yes. The tour runs as a group of up to 10 riders per guide, and many participants come alone. The group typically includes riders from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and occasionally further afield.
Accommodation is in shared double rooms by default. A single room supplement is available if you prefer your own room.
Flights to/from Larnaca
Dinners on free evenings, drinks and wine tastings, bike rental, single room supplement, and luggage transport from your home country to Italy can all be arranged separately.
Departures
When to go
| Dates | Availability | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | ||
| 24 Apr – 1 May 2027 | Open | €2,830 |
Per person, shared room. Single supplement on request. €500 deposit secures your place. You choose your preferred date when booking.
Private & group tours
Travelling together? Six or more riders, we'll plan it around you.
If you have a group of six or more — a cycling club, a group of friends, colleagues — we can arrange a private departure on dates that suit you. Same route, same support, entirely your own group.
We also offer fully custom private tours for smaller groups who prefer to travel without other participants.
Prefer to write directly
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