The best resorts in Cyprus: which one to choose for the perfect holiday

Cyprus is an island of ancient legends, combining a turquoise sea with emerald mountains, myths and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. It is unbelievable how so many natural beauties and interesting things can be found in such a small area! Each resort in Cyprus has its own "zest". In Cyprus, you can find absolutely everything: from party resorts to quiet and peaceful places where you can go to relax with a fascinating book.

Tourism in Cyprus began to develop relatively recently: more than 40 years ago, the first tourists came here. There are 5 main resorts in Cyprus, three of them are large cities. The rest are resort villages, giving a measured rest.

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Paphos

This is one of the most pompous resorts in Cyprus. Paphos is more expensive than other resorts. It was here, near the shores of Paphos, that the same goddess of love, Aphrodite, emerged from the foam.

The resort with its own airport is a kind of entrance gate to Cyprus. Even in ancient times it was the most important city of Cyprus: the capital of the island with a fortress and all the fortifications. But then his fame was forgotten for a long time. For a long time it was a small fishing town that did not claim to be a famous resort at all. However, with the advent of the airport, everything changed. The resort instantly gained popularity among Europeans. A cozy bay, fantastic landscapes and sapphire water have become the hallmark of the island.

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Hotels. The resort is considered the most elite in Cyprus due to the abundance of luxury hotels aimed at wealthy tourists.

Beaches. The beaches of Paphos are usually rocky or rocky-sandy. You will not find a convenient entry everywhere. Another surprise - the waves can be quite solid, and not all daredevils on a windy day will dare to enter the sea. And for holidays with children, you need to look for a secluded place where the accelerating waves will not reach. On the embankment, entrances to the sea are conveniently equipped. Many hotels have their own beach with a convenient entry. Interestingly, the beaches of hotels can be safely used, with the exception, of course, of sun loungers and umbrellas. But if you rent housing away from the city center, then the entrance may be on an uncomfortable rocky area, and the waves will not allow you to calmly enter the sea.

There is a municipal beach in the hotel zone: you can pay for an umbrella and a sunbed, or just sit on the beach on a towel. Not far from Paphos there is a chic beach called Coral Bay with golden sand. It is located in a bay with inflatable slides and water activities.

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Leisure. Paphos has a chic promenade, albeit a small one. Buses run constantly around the city, so it is very easy to get around. Large selection of water activities: yachting, kiting, surfing. With children, it is interesting to look into the Paphos Zoo, look at giraffes, gazelles, kangaroos, penguins and other inhabitants.

Antiquities. A large selection of historical attractions in Paphos: a whole block right in the center of the city is connected with history:

• The main highlight is the archaeological park of Kato Paphos. In fact, an open-air museum, which presents the excavations of the ancient city.
• The house of Dionysus, the antique market, the remains of the basilica, the amphitheater - all this is located right in the "heart" of the resort.
• Take a look at the Tombs of the Kings: an underground complex carved into the rock, decorated with frescoes and columns.
• The Byzantine Museum of Paphos has a large collection of ancient icons: the oldest one dates back to the 12th century.

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Limassol

Without exaggeration, this is the most beautiful and lively city in Cyprus. The waterfront of Limassol is a beauty that breaks hearts! It can compete with many European capitals. Just imagine, turquoise pools right along the embankment, fountains, fancy bridges! It is here that the most luxurious pier is located, where luxury yachts are lined up like a parade.

Limassol means "middle", because the city is located between Ayia Napa and Paphos. By the way, this is the most Russian-speaking resort on the island, where even in supermarkets you can find signs in Russian.

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Leisure. Holidays in Limassol are versatile. The municipal park impresses with its landscapes, it houses an amphitheater, a zoo, swimming pools, bridges, and sculptures. In the evening, the city center turns into a solid bar: the streets are filled with tables where noisy companies gather with beer or Cypriot wine. It becomes so busy that it is even hard to squeeze through the center because of the arranged tables. This is the most party city with an incredible promenade. Everyone will find something to do, and children are delighted with the amusement park and three water parks. The resort is open all year round and offers a huge amount of entertainment. And at the end of August and the beginning of September, a big holiday takes place in Limassol : the wine festival.

Antiquities. Limassol Castle is located in the center of the city. This is a whole museum of the Middle Ages! It was erected in the 14th century. This is where the wine festival takes place. There is something to do for history lovers: nearby are the ruins of the ancient city of Kourion .

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Beaches. They can be called a disadvantage of the resort. They are not as interesting as in Ayia Napa or Paphos. But they have a convenient entry, but the color of the water is different from what other resorts offer. The most interesting is called Lady's Mile beach with a length of 5 km. It is strewn with attractions and cafes: crowded and with a large selection of entertainment. You can also take a bus and get to more turquoise bays.

Hotels. The best five-star hotels are located in the eastern part of the city, and most of the three-star hotels with affordable prices are located in the center.

How to get there: from Larnaca or Paphos by Intercity bus.

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Larnaca

This is the simplest and most unpretentious resort on the island. But incredibly popular, because it is here that the airport is located, where package tourists fly in “packs”. Larnaca is the third largest city in Cyprus. Not only a resort, but also a port, as well as an important industrial and commercial center. The infrastructure is quite developed: the city has its own metro, a large selection of shops, souvenir shops, a camel park, and many attractions. In summer, Larnaca is very popular because of the airport, from where it is easy to get to the city. In addition, Larnaca can be called one of the most inexpensive resorts.

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Leisure. The main attraction is the huge Finikoudes embankment, along which all life is concentrated. It is not as pretentious and luxurious as the Limassol embankment, but full of life. The entire tourist infrastructure of Larnaca is concentrated along its “heart”. It is an endless line of cafes, restaurants, pavilions and taverns. Be sure to try the freshly caught fish in the cafe!

Of the attractions of the city - Salt Lake, where beautiful pink flamingos flock in winter. In summer, the lake practically dries up, leaving only traces of salt. Above it rises a majestic mosque. Yacht Marina is one of the most popular places from where yachts sail across the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

Holidays in Larnaca may also be of interest to diving enthusiasts: just here there are several modern dive centers and you can try to swim to the flooded ocean ferry.

Beaches. The main "highlight" of the resort is the many sandy beaches with a gentle entry into the water. Just such small beaches are looking for parents for their children. The sand on the beaches is grayish, but all the beaches are sandy, with a shallow, gentle entrance. You can walk for a long time without fear of depth. Ideal if you are traveling with kids. The coastline stretches for 25 km. The original Mackenzie Beach is located right next to the airport: tourists like to take selfies in a swimsuit against the backdrop of a plane taking off.

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Hotels. Housing in Larnaca is relatively inexpensive: even in high season, you can find budget deals, because the city is big. And it is cheaper than its twin cities, Paphos and Limassol.

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Protaras

The edge of bright beaches with water of incredible color! Nature is simply mesmerizing! Protaras is a family and romantic resort, practically a "brother" of the noisy party girls Ayia Napa, arranging a party nearby.

It is located on the shore of Fig Tree Bay. It is worth coming here if you are an aesthete looking for a serene holiday in green flowering gardens adjacent to the turquoise of the Mediterranean.

Protaras is a young resort that appeared in the neighborhood of Ayia Napa in 2001. Before that, it was a modest picturesque village of fishermen.

Snow-white sand, cozy bays and turquoise water made it a real oasis of family and romantic holidays. The coastline is indented with many bays where you can sit for relaxation . The holiday season lasts from April to the end of October, as this is the more southern part of Cyprus. And the prices are lower than in other resorts of the island.

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Beaches. The sea here is incredibly clear! More than one and a half dozen beaches with soft sand are created for complete relaxation. Be sure to try Cypriot cuisine in local taverns: tables decorated with elegant tablecloths are placed right along the cozy embankment.

Leisure. Arrange a tour of the surroundings of the resort. Visit natural beauty. The picturesque Siren Bay, look into the very cave of the Cyclops. After all, Cyprus is the birthplace of those ancient Greek myths! Attractions Protaras, mostly natural. Of the minuses - it is more difficult to leave Protaras for sightseeing than from other places. For example, it is more convenient to travel by public transport from Larnaca or Ayia Napa. But you can still leave the resort by bus.

Every evening in Protaras, dancing fountains light up the lights: this is the most interesting place in the resort. Guests from other resorts come to see the fiery dances of the water. With a child it is interesting to look into the aquarium.

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Antiquities. In Protaras, there is the 14th century church of the prophet Elijah with many ancient icons and frescoes, as well as an ancient chapel dating back to the 13th century. On the western side are many mysterious caves and rocks. And also look at the most interesting church of St. Nicholas - snow-white, towering over the blue of the sea.

Beaches. The best beach in Protaras is located in the center of the resort, in the so-called Fig Tree Bay. This is an incredible green area with magical views.

For a holiday with a child, you can choose the sandy beaches of Golden coast, Green bay, Flamingo beach, Konnos Bay.

How to get there: from Larnaca airport by bus number 425, and on the Finikoudes embankment, transfer to bus number 711 or Intercity.

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Ayia Napa

This is the most famous and noisy resort in Cyprus. The edge of night bars and discos that light up in the evening and do not fade away until the morning. Treasury of incredible landscapes: some of the most beautiful beaches are located here.

This is the most visited resort in Cyprus on the southeast coast, next to Cape Greco. It is hard to imagine that until the 70s it was the abode of exclusively fishermen and farmers. But in 40 years the resort has changed incredibly!

And the Instagram bridge of love attracts photo lovers who want to collect more likes on social media.

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Beaches. Only here in Cyprus the sea plays with shades of light emerald and malachite, merging with the bright ultraviolet of the sky. For a combination of unusual colors, go to Nissi Beach. This is the most popular place: a two-kilometer beach of colorful parties. There are also quieter beaches with equally charming landscapes. The beaches in Ayia Napa are some of the best in Cyprus. Snow-white soft sand and a gentle sunset are convenient for swimming, and the sea is much calmer than in the same Paphos. Almost all the beaches of Ayia Napa have been awarded the Blue Flag.

Leisure. It is impossible to pass by the club quarter, where music plays from every speaker all night until morning, and beer and young Cypriot wine are tasted in pubs.

Just in Ayia Napa there are two of the most interesting places for families with children: the largest water park in Europe and the giant Lunapark. There is also a Dinosaur Park, dolphin performances. Lovers of natural beauty will appreciate the Cavo Greco National Park. It is dotted with many cycling and hiking trails. And from a height, simply incredible views of the sapphire sea open up. Take a look at the sculpture park in Ayia Napa, take a picture on the bridge of love.

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Antiquities. Historical monument Makronissos Tombs, Ayia Napa Monastery.

How to get there: from Larnaca airport by bus number 425, and on the Finikoudes embankment, transfer to bus number 711 or Intercity.

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Pissouri

Hide from civilization, escape from the whole world to a secluded corner covered in myths and legends. Wander along the beaches where the foot of the ancient deities stepped; enjoy the scarlet giant disk of the sun, slowly falling asleep in the lilac sea. Pissouri is a gourmet getaway.

The resort is less known than other destinations, but this is also its “zest”. Pissouri locals choose to relax away from noisy tourists. Seekers of solitude and serenity come here. And also wines - the resort is located in the wine-growing region of Cyprus, and noble drinks just originate on these slopes in the form of a vine. It is worth "getting acquainted" with the locals and the contents of their cellars.

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A calm resort where you will not find a huge selection of bars and restaurants as in large cities, but you will find a wonderful sandy beach, cozy hotels, a secluded bay and delicious local cuisine.

How to get there: by bus number 630 from Paphos.

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Polis

A small resort town is buried in a riot of greenery and the singing of cicadas. A quiet measured rest is what tourists come here for. The city comes alive several times a year when fish fairs and yachting competitions are organized here. And then the resort is filled with noise and guests. The rest of the time you are welcomed by endless beaches, winding paths through green forests where you can take walks and admire the blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

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The best time to visit Polis is from May to October. In fact, the resort is adjacent to the National Reserve, which has become a place of pilgrimage among tourists. The Blue Lagoon, Aphrodite's Stone, waterfalls - all this is located near Polis.

How to get there: by bus number 641 from Paphos or by bus number 645 from Larnaca.

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Famagusta

Before that, we described only the resorts of the Republic of Cyprus. Most tourists go there for vacation. But there is also the Turkish part of the island, northern Cyprus. It also has a developed infrastructure for recreation. One of the popular resorts is called Famagusta. Famagusta is Northern Cyprus, so unlike its European part. And the most mysterious city of Cyprus. Before the split of the island into the Northern and Southern parts, the city was the main tourist resort of the island. Elizabeth Taylor and Bridget Bordeaux have been here. One of its quarters, Varosha, was a place of chic and luxury. But everything has changed. A political upheaval in the country has turned the most touristic quarter into a ghost. The Greeks living in Varosha had to leave the quarter in a day, taking with them only what they could carry on themselves. They are not allowed to return. The quarter is forbidden to visit: remaining deserted, it continues to collapse. Although the dining tables are still set, there are clothes hanging in the laundries…

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Antiquities. People go to Famagusta for history. Not only the history of the split of Cyprus. She is ancient. She appeared in the 3rd century BC and survived more than one split. The former main shopping center of the island with ancient Byzantine monasteries, Muslim mosques, ancient architecture. Famagusta was called the city of 365 churches. Armenians, Greeks, French, Italians, Byzantines, Syrians built their temples here... By the way, this city was the residence of King Richard the Lionheart in ancient times. The heyday of the city fell on the 7th century: it was here that the ancient fortress was located. And the resort acquired its current name in the 12th century.

The city was located at the crossroads of the trade routes of Europe and the Middle East, which is why it became a rich shopping center, immersed in luxury.

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Beaches. To the north of Famagusta stretches a string of well-equipped beaches. The sea on this side of Cyprus is calmer and the water is crystal clear. Beautiful beaches are equipped with sunbeds, showers, umbrellas. Guests are waiting for water activation.

Hotels. You can find both budget hotels and five-star resort hotels.

Leisure. People come here to see ancient sights and enjoy a comfortable stay on the snow-white beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.

Famagusta is a great place to get to know Cypriot cuisine. Lots of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. They serve excellent fresh seafood. In addition, only here a kind of mix with Turkish cuisine will be offered for dessert.

How to get there: from Nicosia to Famagusta by bus you can get in just half an hour.

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There are many other, less famous resorts in Cyprus: on the island everyone will find a vacation to their liking!