Hello, expensive reader, and welcome to Cyprus, the nation the place I lived for nearly 5 years! I used to be primarily based in Larnaca and have traveled everywhere in the island, and now I’m thrilled to share my insights that can assist you plan your journey right here!
Larnaca is the very best place to remain for first-timers, because it’s close to the primary airport, has nice seashores, and loads of sights! But keep tuned, as I’ve ready 5 different finest areas and in contrast ALL the resorts in all of them so you may simply decide your favourite and guide! I’m actually desperate to make this trip-planning simple breezy for you, which is why I’ve additionally sorted them by worth.
Oh, and about reserving. Do it quick! Hotels throughout Cyprus can get booked months upfront, so higher seize these offers early on!
If you’re in a rush
Here are the very best locations to remain in Cyprus, with resorts from luxurious to funds. They all have top-rated service and site!
funds resort
Best inexpensive lodging within the middle
This map will allow you to visualize the 6 finest areas to remain in Cyprus:
1. Larnaca – finest place to remain in Cyprus for first-timers
Larnaca is a lovely coastal metropolis within the Southeast of Cyprus, and it’s the place you’re probably to land, since that is the place the primary worldwide airport is positioned. It’s additionally town I referred to as house for nearly 5 years! I lived each in villages round it and inside town, and completely cherished how handy all the pieces right here was.
Wherever you’re located, you’ll be only a brief stroll from the seaside, the eating places, retailers, cafés, resorts, and the attractive promenade.
I really like the chilled ambiance, which makes this coastal city ultimate for households and {couples}. But don’t get me mistaken – there’s tons to do right here! I even wrote a separate article on the 13 finest issues to do in Larnaca!
Some highlights embrace the Finikoudes Beach (map), which is the most well-liked seaside within the space. My private favourite is the McKenzie Beach additional south (nice for water sports activities like windsurfing!) as a result of you may see the planes touchdown whilst you swim! Plus, it’s much less crowded, and you will get sunbeds for as little as €2.50! I really like that they constructed a ravishing promenade that now connects Finikoudes and McKenzie, you may actually stroll for 4 km (2.4 miles) by the ocean between seashores!
Another one in every of my favourite spots within the metropolis is the primary sq., St. Lazarus, adorned by St. Lazarus Church (map). You’ll discover good eating places round with probably the most romantic views of the church. I additionally advocate the Hala Sultan Tekke (a mosque and a former sufi lodge) simply by the Larnaca Salt Lake. By the way in which, this place (map) close to the mosque is nice for flamingo-watching!
Beautiful nature, seashores, easy accessibility to eating places serving contemporary seafood, walkable metropolis, and loads of resorts undoubtedly make Larnaka my favourite place to advocate for first-time vacationers!
NOTE: If you propose to go to different locations in Cyprus, it’s finest to hire a automotive for the reason that public transport can get a bit hectic. Still, you may catch a bus to most cities within the area from the City Center in Larnaca. And for those who do hire a automotive, keep in mind that they drive on the left facet of the highway in Cyprus, similar to within the U.Okay.!
Luxury resort
Radisson Blu Hotel is likely one of the finest resorts in Cyprus. This 5-star resort gives a big swimming pool, an excellent health middle, and a wonderful breakfast. You can take pleasure in a panoramic metropolis and seaside view out of your room, and the highest sights equivalent to Hala Sultan Tekke, Larnaca Salt Lake, and the city middle are close by. It’s the right resort for {couples} to take pleasure in their keep in Cyprus!
Other lodging choices in Larnaca
mid-range
This boutique resort has a pleasant pool, a bar, and clear rooms; the seaside is only a brief stroll away
funds
Situated simply by the seaside, this funds resort gives rooms with a kitchen and free Wi-Fi, with principal sights close by
airbnb
Romantic Airbnb with Mediterranean sea view and trendy facilities, strolling distance from the seaside
Things to do in Larnaca
2. Protaras – the place to remain in Cyprus for luxurious + finest seashores
Located on the far Southeastern finish of the island, Protaras metropolis is 54 km (33 miles) away from Larnaca and simply 10 km from Ayia Napa, one other tremendous in style summer time vacation spot. And there are many the explanation why this is likely one of the finest locations to remain in Cyprus.
The locals at all times advised me that Protaras is a vacation spot for the wealthy, and certainly, after we went there, we may see plenty of non-public villas by the seaside.
Protaras additionally has the nicest white sand seashores with crystal clear waters, just like the Fig Tree Bay seaside (map)! You can actually see your toes whereas within the water! The water isn’t too deep, so it’s tremendous family-friendly, though it’s also possible to discover adult-only seashores. In truth, I’d say Protaras has the right seashores for every type of visitors!
After a satisfying day on the seaside, it’s time to have a pleasant dinner. Protaras gives a tremendous meals scene with quite a few worldwide eating places in addition to native Greek tavernas (conventional eating places, like Vangelis Tavern (map)). Does it sound like your house? I’m prepared to leap on a aircraft proper now!
You’ll additionally discover some lovely church buildings right here, like this one within a cave (map) in addition to the beautiful Profitis Ilias church (map) overlooking the ocean.
Luxury resort
Grecian Park is likely one of the finest luxurious resorts in Cyprus. This 5-star resort gives a big swimming pool, a superb breakfast, a health middle, and a personal seaside. Family-friendly services equivalent to a youngsters’ membership and pool can be found, too, and the city middle is a brief drive away.
Other lodging choices in Protaras
mid-range
All-inclusive resort with a tremendous water park, swimming pool, and an excellent breakfast
funds
Clean and comfy residences adjoining to the Protaras Beach, with free parking and eating places close by
airbnb
Family-friendly, funds Airbnb with 2 spacious rooms and a kitchen; the seaside and city middle are a brief stroll away
Things to do in Protaras
3. Ayia Napa – the place to remain in Cyprus for nightlife
Ayia Napa is a metropolis positioned on the Southeast coast of Cyprus, some 40 minutes drive to Larnaca Airport. It can be proper to say that Ayia Napa is the occasion capital of the island and the place you will see that the most vibrant nightlife in Cyprus!
In Ayia Napa, you will see that party-friendly resorts, DJ performances on the seashores, vigorous bars, and nice eating places. Start your day energizing your self by chilling on the lovely sandy seashores alongside the shoreline, then keep for the seaside events at night time!
Ayia Napa is likely one of the finest nightlife locations in European islands, competing solely with Ibiza (Spain) and Zakynthos (Greece)!
But there’s rather more to partying on this lovely city! You can hire a Quad bike (this is a dependable company for it), which is a well-liked approach of discovering the island or go to the small fishing city Potamos Liopetriou. Of course, Nissi Beach, one of the lovely seashores of Cyprus, is the middle of the motion for seaside and water actions in Ayia Napa, together with snorkeling and scuba diving!
My favourite locations to go to close by are the ocean caves (map) and Cape Greco (or Cavo Greco, as locals name it). I’ve been right here just a few instances, each on land and on water as we took a ship journey (this is a GREAT tour that encompasses all of my favourite locations right here!). Cape Greco is a surprising place to see, undoubtedly a should! Many locals go there to take their wedding ceremony footage, and sunsets are simply jaw-dropping!
From lovely nature to water parks to luna parks to sculpture parks to eclectic eating scenes and delightful streets, Ayia Napa really has one thing to supply for everybody!
Luxury resort
NassiBlu is a dreamy 5-star resort with probably the most beautiful backyard, décor, and views! The rooms are elegant, the employees is tremendous thoughtful, and the meals within the restaurant are world-class! The good place to spoil your self throughout your keep in Ayia Napa!
Other lodging choices in Ayia Napa
mid-range
An adult-only resort with an infinity pool and mesmerizing views; it options 3 eating places
funds
Great place with free parking, clear and trendy rooms, and an on-site restaurant serving Greek meals
airbnb
Airbnb with a really good non-public terrace and sizzling tub; you may simply entry the City Center and seashores on foot
Things to do in Ayia Napa
4. Nicosia – the place to remain in Cyprus for historical past
Nicosia is the capital metropolis of Cyprus and the one city on my checklist that isn’t positioned on the coast. This metropolis is crammed with historical past on each nook, and it’s the right place to start out exploring Cyprus for historical past lovers.
The capital is positioned in the midst of the island, and it’s 48 km (30 miles) away from Larnaca. Nicosia is definitely the one metropolis on the earth to be divided between 2 international locations – Cyprus and Turkey! You’ll discover the buffer zone (often called the inexperienced line) that splits this divided capital and the island in 2.
In Nicosia, you may go to historic museums such because the Cyprus Museum, the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, or the Byzantine Museum.
If you stroll alongside the streets of Nicosia, you’ll really feel the genuine vibe of Turkish and Greek cultures mixing. Pretty cool for those who ask me! Just convey your passport for those who plan to cross on the Turkish facet!
An attention-grabbing place close by with a wealthy historical past is Varosha (map) in Northern Cyprus, which is known as the ghost city. The story behind that is that after the inexperienced line was decided to mark the border between Southern and Northern Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot left the city of Varosha and it remained empty after that. However, in The Turkish Cypriot space, you may nonetheless discover eating places and retailers. I undoubtedly advocate you strive Turkish meals and purchase souvenirs of your time in Northern Cyprus.
Do be aware that the absence of sea close by makes Nicosia virtually insufferable for sightseeing in July and August, so I undoubtedly solely advocate staying right here exterior of the summer time season! A day journey to Nicosia is ok for those who actually need to go to in the summertime!
Luxury resort
This 5-star resort is located within the middle of all of the motion in Nicosia, close to the sights and necessary authorities buildings. Impeccable service and breakfast, clear and trendy rooms, and an on-site fitness center and spa make this the very best luxurious resort in Nicosia and past!
Other lodging choices in Nicosia
Mid-range
I really like the brilliant room design with random paintings, good views, and a Greek restaurant
Airbnb
A brief-stay Airbnb with 2 bedrooms, well-equipped, close to the City Center, matches as much as 4 visitors
Things to do in Nicosia
- Learn about native historical past within the Cyprus Museum
- Explore the Selimiye Camii and the adjoining Buyuk Han bazaar (map)
- See the Varosha ghost city on a tour
- Walk round Nicosia’s previous city
- Climb the Shacolas Observatory (map)
- Go on a full-day tour of the beautiful Five Finger Mountains
5. Limassol – the place to remain in Cyprus for a mixture of all the pieces
Located on the South coast of the island 67 km (41 miles) from Larnaca, Limassol is the second greatest metropolis in Cyprus and the place you will see that a little bit of all the pieces you want for an lively trip! It has an city metropolis vibe, historical historical past, good seashores, and a improbable central location for exploring the remainder of the island, making it the very best vacation spot to remain in Cyprus and not using a automotive!
Thanks to the Limassol Marina, this space boasts good seashores, every kind of resorts, conventional eating places and bars. Limassol is a very talked-about city to remain in Cyprus each for locals and vacationers. It is similar distance to Larnaca and Paphos airports, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
Limassol is house to the largest “Old Town” on the island. The principal sights it is best to see listed here are the Cyprus Medieval Museum (Limassol Castle), the archaeological websites of Ancient Kourion & Kolossi Castle, the Municipal Garden, and the Watermania water park for youths.
Apart from historic websites, it’s also possible to benefit from the lovely seashores in Limassol, devour scrumptious Greek meals within the eating places by the ocean, try quite a few retailers and spend a while within the vibrant bars. Plus, in order for you an ideal location for a luxurious romantic getaway, you may keep in Amathus Bay, simply 10km away from Limassol!
In Limassol, you will see that many good resorts, from luxurious to funds. Being a very talked-about vacation vacation spot although, I extremely advocate you to make a reserving upfront for the resorts for those who don’t need to lose your favourite place. Here are the very best locations to remain that I picked for you on this metropolis.
Luxury resort
The Royal Apollonia is likely one of the finest luxurious resorts in Limassol. This seaside resort gives 3 swimming swimming pools, spacious rooms with views of the Troodos mountains or sea, a youngsters’ play space, and an excellent Mediterranean restaurant. The archaeological park and city middle are only a brief drive away.
Other lodging choices in Limassol
mid-range
This beautiful 4-star resort has beachfront location, the very best rooftop pool, and a sizzling spring tub
funds
This all-inclusive resort gives a pleasant swimming pool, non-public parking, and rooms with pool views
airbnb
A pleasant centrally-located place to remain in Limassol with a ravishing kitchen and spacious rooms
Things to do in Limassol
6. Paphos – the place to remain in Cyprus for households
Now, Paphos stands out as the final space I like to recommend, however it’s definitely not the least lovely or noteworthy! It’s simply that Paphos is the one place from the checklist I haven’t visited, however it’s nonetheless a wonderful resort with loads of issues to do!
Paphos is a metropolis positioned on the West coast of Cyprus, 133 km (82 miles) from Larnaca, and it’s so in style that it even has its personal airport!
The metropolis of Paphos is break up into Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos), which is the primary vacationer hotspot, and Pano Paphos (Upper Paphos), which is the residential half. Kato Paphos is mainly an previous metropolis that’s like an open-air museum, with loads of boutiques, eating places, and historical sights.
In the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, you will see that archaeological websites just like the House of Dionysus, and the UNESCO World Heritage website – Tombs of the Kings (a significant necropolis).
Nearby can be the well-known Aphrodite’s Rock (map), the assumed birthplace of the Greek goddess of magnificence!
I notably advocate Paphos for households due to the child pleasant sights within the space, just like the Aphrodite Water Park and Pafos Zoo.
In Paphos, in fact, additionally, you will be capable of discover good seashores, nice native eating places, and bars. The close by Coral Bay is the place you will discover a few of the most lovely sandy seashores with crystal clear water, and it’s lower than a 30-minute drive North from Paphos!
I additionally discovered the very best family-friendly resorts for you, so all it’s a must to do is decide your favourite one and begin the countdown in your vacation! These resorts are the very best ones in Paphos City they usually are likely to replenish quick, so make your reserving upfront!
Luxury resort
Elysium is likely one of the finest luxurious resorts in Paphos. This attractive seaside resort options 3 swimming swimming pools, an excellent spa, a health middle, non-public parking, and delightful rooms with Mediterranean Sea and mountain views. Kids’ indoor and outside playgrounds can be found, too, making this a prime resort to remain in Cyprus for households.
Other lodging choices in Paphos
mid-range
Family-friendly resort in Paphos which gives self-contained residences with 4 swimming swimming pools and a health middle
funds
This funds resort gives rooms with a kitchen, free parking, Wi-Fi, and family-friendly rooms
airbnb
Family-friendly Airbnb positioned by the seaside, with absolutely furnished rooms and an excellent balcony
Things to do in Paphos
- Head to Aphrodite’s Rock
- Take the final tour of Cyprus
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage website Tombs of the Kings
- See the Edro III Shipwreck (map)
- Join a Blue Lagoon boat tour
- Discover genuine Cypriot traditions at Tala Village on the Akamas Peninsula
- Have enjoyable with youngsters at Aphrodite Water Park
BONUS 1: Transport in Cyprus – easy methods to get there and easy methods to get round
Every island vacation spot places a query mark on traveler’s minds. I do know you’re additionally curious whether it is simple sufficient to get to Cyprus and the way the transportation is on the island. Here, I’ll share all the pieces that it’s worthwhile to learn about transportation to and throughout Cyprus.
How to get to Cyprus
Cyprus is a well-connected island, and you’ll attain it by air (most handy), or by sea.
By Air
Cyprus has 2 airports, the Larnaca International Airport positioned on the Southeast of the island, and Paphos International Airport on the Southwest of Cyprus. The distance between the 2 airports is 120 km (75 miles). Before planning your journey, examine which airport is nearer to your resort with a purpose to keep away from lengthy rides.
There are frequent direct flights from many European international locations to each airports and a few tour operators supply all-inclusive packages as effectively. Flight ticket costs fluctuate relying on the seasons so remember that the excessive season in Cyprus is between May and late September, whereas the off-season is between October and late March (aside from the Christmas interval). You can catch excellent offers on flights as effectively by shopping for the ticket months upfront.
By Boat
You can even attain Cyprus by sea. There are some cruises from Europe which cease at Limassol Port in addition to common ferries if you’re already touring in Greece. There are 3 connections from the Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete, and from the port of Piraeus (Athens).
You can examine the timetables and routes on the Greek Ferries web site. A passenger ferry service can be out there between Cyprus and Israel (briefly suspended), Lebanon, and Egypt. Plus, there are additionally ferries from Turkey to Northern Cyprus all yr spherical. So wherever you’re coming from, you may in all probability take a ship for a part of your journey! How cool!
NOTE: If you enter Cyprus from the Turkish half, the Greek authorities might not allow you to enter the Greek facet, which is the place all the most well-liked resorts and cities are. However, you may go on day excursions from the Greek facet to Turkish Cyprus with out points. Just ensure you convey your passport!
How to get round on the island
Now that you just’ve gotten right here, it’s time to start out exploring! Here are the very best methods to get round Cyprus
By automotive and motorbike
Renting a automotive is probably the most handy method to get round in Cyprus. Depending on the season, automotive rental costs should not very costly and you’ll simply decide up a automotive straight from the airport. If you’re an adventurer, you’ll like to listen to that bikes and quad bikes are additionally frequent on the island and may be rented for round €20 per day.
Parking is free in many of the villages however within the cities, automotive parks are often round €0.50 to €3 for half a day, and on-street parking is from €0.80 to €2 throughout workplace hours. Parking is free on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays!
By taxi
Taxis are comparatively cheap and a protected possibility in Cyprus. You can name a taxi out of your resort, discover one on the road in main cities or order a journey on the CABCY app. There are 3 sorts of taxis in Cyprus; city taxis, which function contained in the cities, interurban (or a shared taxi service), and rural taxis, which function within the villages.
Rural taxis wouldn’t have a meter, so you will want to agree on the value upfront. On the opposite, city taxis should have a meter, however the charge adjustments relying on the time of day. If you’re taking a taxi between 6.01 AM – 8.30 PM, you can be charged a day tariff of €0.73 per km with an preliminary cost of €3.42. In all different hours, you can be charged the night time charge of €0.85 per km with a €4.36 preliminary cost.
By bus
Public buses can be found within the main cities and the fares are offered as a single journey €1.50, day by day ticket €5, day by day intercity €15, weekly ticket €20, and month-to-month ticket €40. Rural buses to Troodos Mountains can be found, too, however are much less dependable and frequent, so if you’re attempting to succeed in a extra distant location, it’s finest to rent a automotive.
BONUS 2: 2 day journeys from Paphos you may take pleasure in in Cyprus
I already talked about the very best resorts and areas to remain in Cyprus. However, there are such a lot of extra locations to find right here and that’s why I needed to let you understand about probably the most attention-grabbing day journeys you may take from Paphos: Akamas Peninsula and Omodos.
Although these day journeys are nice to take from Paphos, because the island isn’t too massive, they’re all simply accessible from any of the areas I already talked about on this publish. I extremely advocate you hire a automotive to go to these places as public transportation isn’t out there. This approach it’s also possible to benefit from the scenic highway!
1. Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula National Park (map) is positioned on the West coast of Cyprus and a 1,5 hours drive from Paphos Airport. It is a really picturesque peninsula that gives breathtaking views and has unbelievable wildlife range, together with 168 sorts of birds and 20 totally different reptiles!
In Akamas Peninsula, there are such a lot of issues to find. For seaside lovers, two superb seashores on this peninsula are Blue Lagoon and Lara Beach. They each have superb crystal clear water and supply nice landscapes.
Another well-known exercise to do in Akamas Peninsula is to go climbing. There are 3 principal climbing trails that are the Adonis Trail, the Aphrodite Trail, and the Smilies Trail. All of them supply beautiful views and you’ll examine Cyprus’s tourism website for the size of the tails and to search out path maps.
If you’re taking the Aphrodite path, you’ll attain one other well-known landmark, the Bath of Aphrodite, which is a pure pool and in line with mythology, the waters within the Bath of Aphrodite nonetheless have a particular rejuvenating impact. So why not give it an opportunity? Visiting Akamas Peninsula is likely one of the finest day journey choices in Cyprus!
2. Omodos Village
Situated a forty five minutes drive north-east of Paphos, Omodos is the most well-liked village in Cyprus for its wines, native merchandise, agrotourism, and photogenic streets. On the primary road of Omodos Village, many taverns and retailers promote native merchandise which make the very best souvenirs.
Have a wander and luxuriate in good native meals, purchase some wine and native crafts, and on the finish of the road, you will note Holy Cross Monastery. It is a really vital monastery for the village, and each September they manage a spiritual occasion that lasts three days. If you’re right here throughout that point, look out for the villagers promoting their merchandise within the lovely sq. in entrance of the monastery. If you keep close by in Cyprus, it’s a good suggestion to pay a go to to this lovable village.
FAQs about the place to remain in Cyprus
🏖️ What’s the very best space to remain in Cyprus?
Limassol metropolis is the very best place to remain in Cyprus for first-timers because it gives good seashores, an excellent collection of resorts, and historic websites as effectively. Paphos is a good space for households and Ayia Napa is nice for the nightlife.
🏝️ Which is best, Paphos or Larnaca?
Paphos and Larnaca each supply good seashores. Paphos is extra handy for households and Larnaca gives historic websites in addition to lovely seashores. Some of the very best seaside resorts listed here are Queens Bay Hotel in Paphos and The Royal Apollonia in Larnaca.
👫 Where is finest to remain in Cyprus for {couples}?
☀️ What is the very best month to go to Cyprus?
The finest time to go to Cyprus is between May and June because the climate is the best, not too sizzling or chilly.
🇬🇧 Is English broadly spoken in Cyprus?
As Cyprus was previously underneath British rule, English is broadly spoken in many of the cities in Cyprus.
🤔 Which facet of Cyprus is best?
It relies upon what you’re after. The Northern half has a Turkish Cypriot majority, it’s lovely and low cost, however much less developed. The Southern half is Greek Cypriot, extra cosmopolitan and costly, and gives extra sights.
💶 Which facet of Cyprus is cheaper?
North Cyprus is cheaper. The foreign money there’s Turkish Lira, and the costs are round 30% extra inexpensive there. However, there are far fewer sights within the Northern half.
👨👩👧👦 Which areas are finest for household holidays in Cyprus?
Protaras and Limassol are nice for lively holidays, whereas Paphos and Ayia Napa have loads of family-friendly resorts and residences.
👙 Where are the very best seashores in Cyprus?
Ayia Napa and Protaras within the southeast are recognized for his or her unbelievable seashores and crystal clear waters! The Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa) and Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) seashores are the most well-liked ones round!
Conclusion
Here we got here to the tip of this island journey. I hope this weblog publish helped you perceive the place to remain in Cyprus, and that you just already discovered your ultimate resort!
In the tip, I want to remind you that it’s tremendous necessary to guide upfront as Cyprus is a very talked-about vacation spot in Europe! This will allow you to to get higher offers on resorts and assure to remain in your favourite resort!
If you need additional concepts for the place to remain, these are my 2 favourite resorts on the island:
- Parklane – A prime resort in Limassol with all of the luxuries you want for a spoiled keep
- Rise Street Art Hotel – One of probably the most distinctive resorts in Larnaca, completely adorned in murals
I’m curious to learn about your vacation in Cyprus, so don’t overlook to depart a remark beneath when you’ve got another strategies or questions! I’ll be completely satisfied to depart a reply!
Enjoy your time in Cyprus,
Kinga
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