Cyprus is a crossroads of empires, where Venetian walls meet Ottoman hans, Byzantine chapels hide in mountain folds, and Roman mosaics glitter by the sea. In late February you’ll find mild weather, smaller crowds, and great prices—ideal for a culture-rich, 3–4 day break that easily expands into a week of discoveries.

This itinerary zeroes in on two compact, atmospheric cities: Nicosia (the last divided capital, brimming with museums, artisans, and coffeehouse culture) and Paphos (a seaside town layered with UNESCO-listed antiquity and village life just inland). Both are exceptionally affordable for hotels and meals in winter.

Practical notes: intercity buses link the island efficiently and cheaply; carry your passport if you plan to cross the Green Line into Northern Cyprus; and expect 12–18°C by day in February with occasional showers. Cyprus mezé is a culinary journey—pace yourself and savor each small plate.

Nicosia

Why go: Inside Nicosia’s star-shaped Venetian walls, lanes twist past craft workshops, street art, Ottoman-era doorways, and intimate museums. Cross Ledra Street’s checkpoint on foot to explore the northern side—two cultures in one walkable old town.

• Top sights: Leventis Municipal Museum (engaging city history), Buyuk Han caravanserai (artist studios, tea), Omeriye Hamam (historic bath), Selimiye Mosque (former cathedral), Cyprus Museum (island’s finest antiquities).
• Eat and drink: Traditional mezé at Zanettos (since 1938), charcoal-grilled pork souvla at Piatsa Gourounaki, Cypriot classics at To Anamma, and craft pints at Pivo Microbrewery. For coffee, try The Home Café by the Ledra Palace checkpoint.
• Good to know: Bring your passport for the Ledra Street crossing; museums close earlier in winter; English is widely spoken.

Where to stay (under ~€100/room/night in Feb): Look inside or just outside the walls for value. Search deals on Hotels.com (Nicosia) and VRBO (Nicosia). Areas near Onasagorou or Faneromeni put you right in the old town atmosphere.

Getting in from Larnaca (LCA): Direct airport–Nicosia shuttle/bus runs ~45–60 minutes; expect ~€4–9. Check schedules and tickets via Omio (buses in Europe).

Curated activities:

Full Day Tour in Nicosia: Split in Two — Explore both sides of the capital with a guide, learning about the Green Line, architecture, and daily life in a divided city.

NORTHERN CYPRUS ALL-IN-ONE Private Day Trip from Nicosia — A deep dive to Famagusta, Kyrenia, and Salamis with an expert, ideal if you want a private, flexible day.

Paphos

Why go: A small, photogenic coastal city where everyday life rubs shoulders with World Heritage treasures—think Roman villas with jewel-like mosaics, rock-cut tombs, and a strollable harbor lined with tavernas and fishing boats.

• Top sights: Kato Paphos Archaeological Park (Houses of Dionysos, Aion), Tombs of the Kings, Paphos Castle, Avakas Gorge, Sea Caves and EDRO III shipwreck, traditional villages like Kathikas and Tala.
• Eat and drink: 7 St. Georges Tavern (farm-to-table mezé, no menu—dishes keep coming), Hondros (harbor institution), seaside sunsets at Oniro by the Sea, cocktails and views at Muse Café Kitchen Bar. For brunch, Omikron or Menta.
• Good to know: Many boat trips run weather-permitting in winter; bring sturdy shoes for ruins and gorge paths.

Where to stay (often €40–90/room/night in Feb): Town center or Kato Paphos keeps you walkable. See current deals on Hotels.com (Paphos) and VRBO (Paphos).

Getting there from Nicosia: Intercity bus via Limassol typically ~2–2.5 hours, ~€7–9. Search and book via Omio (buses in Europe).

Curated activities:

100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos) — A flavors-and-heritage day in the Troodos: stone-built hamlets, centuries-old monasteries, and mountain scenery.

Jeep Safari to Akamas National Park: Avakas Gorge Tour from Paphos — Rugged coastal cliffs, gorge viewpoints, and off-road fun; perfect if the sea is too brisk for swimming.

Ocean Vision | Half Day with BBQ Cruise — If the weather plays nice, a coastal cruise with a BBQ lunch and sea views from Europe’s largest coastal cruiser.

Day 1 — Arrival in Cyprus, on to Nicosia

Afternoon: Land at Larnaca (LCA) and hop the shuttle/bus to Nicosia (45–60 minutes; ~€4–9; check Omio for times). Check into your old-town base near Onasagorou or Faneromeni. Stretch your legs through Laiki Geitonia’s lanes and the star-shaped Venetian walls.

Evening: Welcome dinner at Zanettos: a parade of seasonal mezé—loukaniko sausage, tahini, grilled halloumi, and slow-braised dishes—arrives until you beg for mercy. Nightcap at Pivo Microbrewery for a Cypriot craft lager in a stone-built space.

Day 2 — Walled Nicosia: museums, hans, and hidden courtyards

Morning: Coffee at The Home Café by the Ledra Palace crossing, then the Leventis Municipal Museum for a compact, beautifully curated sweep of Nicosia’s story. Wander to Faneromeni Square and peek into boutiques for lace, copperware, and modern Cypriot design.

Afternoon: Explore Buyuk Han, a 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai turned arts hub; linger with mint tea under the arcades. Walk to the Cyprus Museum for Bronze Age treasures, then trace the Venetian walls and bastions.

Evening: Dinner at To Anamma for oven-baked kleftiko and village salads. For a low-key bar, slip into Sfinakia for classic Greek hits and easy-going vibes, or find a rooftop for city views if the evening is mild.

Day 3 — Two worlds in one day: guided Nicosia and Northern Cyprus

Choose a full-day tour to make sense of the city’s layers and cross the Green Line with context. No need to break into morning/afternoon/evening today—let your guide lead the flow.

Full Day Tour in Nicosia: Split in Two — Understand the walled city, the checkpoint, and life on both sides with a historian’s eye.

Or opt for a deeper foray:

NORTHERN CYPRUS ALL-IN-ONE Private Day Trip from Nicosia — Famagusta’s walled town, the Roman city of Salamis, and postcard-pretty Kyrenia harbor in one tailor-made day.

Back in Nicosia, dine at Piatsa Gourounaki for smoky souvla and lemony roast potatoes.

Day 4 — Nicosia to Paphos, Roman mosaics by the sea

Morning: Intercity bus to Paphos (~2–2.5 hours; ~€7–9 via Omio). Check into your Kato Paphos stay and stroll the palm-lined promenade.

Afternoon: Head straight to Kato Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO). Don’t miss the House of Dionysos mosaics (3rd-century), where hunting scenes and wine-god myth shimmer in stone tesserae.

Evening: Dinner at Hondros, a harbor stalwart plating rabbit stifado, octopus in vinegar, and hot pitas. For a view with your digestif, climb to Muse Café Kitchen Bar overlooking the twinkling town.

Day 5 — Akamas wild coast by 4x4 (or a calm-day cruise)

Morning & Afternoon (guided day): Go off-road into Akamas—Avakas Gorge, sea cliffs, and nature trails.

Jeep Safari to Akamas National Park: Avakas Gorge Tour from Paphos — Rugged scenery, photo stops, and local stories; a great winter choice.

If seas are calm and you’d rather be on the water:

Ocean Vision | Half Day with BBQ Cruise — A relaxed coastal circuit with lunch on board (runs weather-permitting in winter).

Evening: Book 7 St. Georges Tavern. No printed menu—just a rolling mezé that changes with what’s ripe or foraged (wild greens, village cheeses, slow-cooked lamb). Reserve ahead at weekends.

Day 6 — Troodos stone villages and mountain flavors

Spend the day in the highlands: frescoed chapels, cobbled lanes, and smoky aromas of wood-fired ovens.

100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos) — A culture-and-nature sampler with historic monasteries, village coffee stops, and scenic viewpoints.

Evening: Time your sunset at Oniro by the Sea near the Sea Caves (EDRO III shipwreck in silhouette). Then head back into town for loukoumades (honey-drenched doughnuts) and a mellow nightcap.

Day 7 — Tombs of the Kings and departure

Morning: Explore the Tombs of the Kings—honey-colored necropolis carved into living rock, with Doric columns and echoing chambers. Coffee at Omikron before packing up.

Afternoon: Intercity bus back to Larnaca Airport for your flight (allow ~2–2.5 hours travel plus buffer; check Omio for departures). If you have time, a quick stroll on Larnaca’s Finikoudes promenade and gaze across the salt lake—flamingos often linger into March.

Budget and timing check

Hotels in Feb commonly price at €40–95 per room per night in Nicosia and Paphos, meeting your €100/night target. With buses instead of flights, you save both time and money—no wasted days in transit, and easy, direct routes. If you still crave a 3–4 day “fly-out” city break around Feb 20, direct budget flights from Larnaca often run under €200 return to regional capitals; search options via Omio (flights in Europe) and pair with stays on Hotels.com—but for pure value, Cyprus itself delivers everything you asked for.

Optional add-on from Larnaca: If you extend near Larnaca, consider this rural day:

Meet the Locals of Lefkara and Machairas Mountains — hand-made halloumi tasting, lace-makers at work, and mountain monastery views.

Where to book transport:

• Omio (Buses in Europe) — Intercity buses Larnaca–Nicosia–Paphos.
• Omio (Trains in Europe) — For any onward European rail you may combine.
• Omio (Flights in Europe) — If you decide to tack on a separate city-break.

Where to book stays:

• Hotels.com — Nicosia | VRBO — Nicosia
• Hotels.com — Paphos | VRBO — Paphos

Summary: This week threads together Nicosia’s layered history and Paphos’s world-class antiquities with mountain villages and hearty Cypriot cuisine. It’s designed for minimal transit time, low costs, and maximum heritage—exactly the kind of small, picturesque, and affordable escape you asked for.