Howdy, expensive reader, and welcome to Cyprus, the nation the place I lived for nearly 5 years! I used to be based mostly in Larnaca and have traveled everywhere in the island, and now I’m thrilled to share my insights that will help you plan your journey right here!

Larnaca is the most effective place to remain for first-timers, because it’s close to the primary airport, has nice seashores, and loads of points of interest! However keep tuned, as I’ve ready 5 different greatest areas and in contrast ALL the motels in all of them so you possibly can simply decide your favourite and e-book! I’m actually desirous 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! Motels throughout Cyprus can get booked months upfront, so higher seize these offers early on!

In case you are in a rush

Listed here are the most effective locations to remain in Cyprus, with motels from luxurious to price range. All of them have top-rated service and placement!

This map will enable you visualize the 6 greatest areas to remain in Cyprus:

1. Larnaca – greatest place to remain in Cyprus for first-timers

Larnaca is a stunning coastal metropolis within the Southeast of Cyprus, and it’s the place you’re most definitely to land, since that is the place the primary worldwide airport is situated. It’s additionally town I referred to as residence for nearly 5 years! I lived each in villages round it and inside town, and completely liked 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, outlets, cafés, motels, and the attractive promenade.

I like the chilled ambiance, which makes this coastal city ultimate for households and {couples}. However don’t get me improper – there’s tons to do right here! I even wrote a separate article on the 13 best things to do in Larnaca! 

Some highlights embody the Finikoudes Seaside (map), which is the most well-liked seaside within the space. My private favourite is the McKenzie Seaside additional south (nice for water sports activities like windsurfing!) as a result of you possibly can see the planes touchdown whilst you swim! Plus, it’s much less crowded, and you may get sunbeds for as little as €2.50! I like that they constructed a phenomenal promenade that now connects Finikoudes and McKenzie, you possibly can actually stroll for 4 km (2.4 miles) by the ocean between seashores!

One other one in all 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 essentially the most romantic views of the church. I additionally suggest the Hala Sultan Tekke (a mosque and a former sufi lodge) simply by the Larnaca Salt Lake. By the best way, this place (map) close to the mosque is nice for flamingo-watching!

Lovely nature, seashores, quick access to eating places serving recent seafood, walkable metropolis, and loads of motels undoubtedly make Larnaka my favourite place to suggest for first-time vacationers!

NOTE: Should you plan to go to different locations in Cyprus, it’s greatest to lease a automobile for the reason that public transport can get a bit hectic. Nonetheless, you possibly can catch a bus to most cities within the area from the Metropolis Heart in Larnaca. And in case you do lease a automobile, do not forget that they drive on the left aspect of the street in Cyprus, similar to within the U.Okay.!

Different lodging choices in Larnaca

Issues to do in Larnaca

2. Protaras – the place to remain in Cyprus for luxurious + greatest seashores

Positioned 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 widespread summer season vacation spot. And there are many the reason why this is without doubt one of the greatest locations to remain in Cyprus.  

The locals all the time informed me that Protaras is a vacation spot for the wealthy, and certainly, once we went there, we may see a number 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 possibly can actually see your ft 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 reality, I’d say Protaras has the proper seashores for every type of friends!

After a satisfying day on the seaside, it’s time to have a pleasant dinner. Protaras affords 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 home? I’m prepared to leap on a aircraft proper now!

You’ll additionally discover some stunning church buildings right here, like this one inside a cave (map) in addition to the beautiful Profitis Ilias church (map) overlooking the ocean.

Different lodging choices in Protaras

Issues to do in Protaras

3. Ayia Napa – the place to remain in Cyprus for nightlife

Ayia Napa is a metropolis situated on the Southeast coast of Cyprus, some 40 minutes drive to Larnaca Airport. It could be proper to say that Ayia Napa is the social gathering capital of the island and the place you will discover the most vibrant nightlife in Cyprus! 

In Ayia Napa, you will discover party-friendly resorts, DJ performances on the seashores, energetic bars, and nice eating places. Begin your day energizing your self by chilling on the stunning sandy seashores alongside the shoreline, then keep for the seaside events at evening!

Ayia Napa is without doubt one of the greatest nightlife locations in European islands, competing solely with Ibiza (Spain) and Zakynthos (Greece)!

However there’s rather more to partying on this stunning city! You possibly can lease 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. In fact, Nissi Seaside, one of the crucial stunning 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 occasions, 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 marriage ceremony photos, and sunsets are simply jaw-dropping!

From stunning nature to water parks to luna parks to sculpture parks to eclectic eating scenes and exquisite streets, Ayia Napa really has one thing to supply for everybody!

Different lodging choices in Ayia Napa

Issues 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 record that isn’t situated on the coast. This metropolis is full of historical past on each nook, and it’s the proper place to begin exploring Cyprus for historical past lovers. 

The capital is situated in the course of the island, and it’s 48 km (30 miles) away from Larnaca. Nicosia is definitely the one metropolis on the planet to be divided between 2 international locations – Cyprus and Turkey! You’ll discover the buffer zone (referred to as the inexperienced line) that splits this divided capital and the island in 2. 

In Nicosia, you possibly can go to historic museums such because the Cyprus Museum, the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, or the Byzantine Museum. 

Should you stroll alongside the streets of Nicosia, you’ll really feel the genuine vibe of Turkish and Greek cultures mixing. Fairly cool in case you ask me! Simply deliver your passport in case you plan to cross on the Turkish aspect!

An fascinating place close by with a wealthy historical past is Varosha (map) in Northern Cyprus, which 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. Nevertheless, in The Turkish Cypriot space, you possibly can nonetheless discover eating places and outlets. I undoubtedly suggest you attempt 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 suggest staying right here outdoors of the summer season season! A day journey to Nicosia is okay in case you actually need to go to in the summertime! 

Different lodging choices in Nicosia

Issues to do in Nicosia

• Study native historical past within the Cyprus Museum
• Discover the Selimiye Camii and the adjoining Buyuk Han bazaar (map)
• See the Varosha ghost city on a tour
• Stroll 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

Positioned on the South coast of the island 67 km (41 miles) from Larnaca, Limassol is the second largest metropolis in Cyprus and the place you will discover 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 most effective vacation spot to remain in Cyprus and not using a automobile! 

Due to the Limassol Marina, this space boasts good seashores, all types of motels, conventional eating places and bars. Limassol is a very talked-about city to remain in Cyprus each for locals and vacationers. It’s the identical distance to Larnaca and Paphos airports, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.

Limassol is residence to the largest “Previous City” on the island. The principle points of interest you must see listed here are the Cyprus Medieval Museum (Limassol Citadel), the archaeological websites of Historical Kourion & Kolossi Citadel, the Municipal Backyard, and the Watermania water park for youths.

Other than historic websites, it’s also possible to benefit from the stunning seashores in Limassol, devour scrumptious Greek meals within the eating places by the ocean, take a look at quite a few outlets and spend a while within the vibrant bars. Plus, if you need an ideal location for a luxurious romantic getaway, you possibly can keep in Amathus Bay, simply 10km away from Limassol!

In Limassol, you will discover many good motels, from luxurious to price range. Being a very talked-about vacation vacation spot although, I extremely suggest you to make a reserving upfront for the motels in case you don’t need to lose your favourite place. Listed here are the most effective locations to remain that I picked for you on this metropolis.

Different lodging choices in Limassol 

Issues to do in Limassol 

6. Paphos – the place to remain in Cyprus for households

Now, Paphos could be the final space I like to recommend, nevertheless it’s definitely not the least stunning or noteworthy! It’s simply that Paphos is the one place from the record I haven’t visited, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a wonderful resort with loads of issues to do!

Paphos is a metropolis situated on the West coast of Cyprus, 133 km (82 miles) from Larnaca, and it’s so widespread that it even has its personal airport! 

Town of Paphos is cut up into Kato Paphos (Decrease Paphos), which is the primary vacationer hotspot, and Pano Paphos (Higher 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 points of interest. 

Within the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, you will discover archaeological websites just like the House of Dionysus, and the UNESCO World Heritage website – Tombs of the Kings (a significant necropolis). 

Close by can be the well-known Aphrodite’s Rock (map), the assumed birthplace of the Greek goddess of magnificence!

I notably suggest Paphos for households due to the child pleasant points of interest within the space, just like the Aphrodite Water Park and Pafos Zoo.

In Paphos, after all, additionally, you will have the ability to discover good seashores, nice native eating places, and bars. The close by Coral Bay is the place yow will discover a few of the most stunning sandy seashores with crystal clear water, and it’s lower than a 30-minute drive North from Paphos!

I additionally discovered the most effective family-friendly motels for you, so all you must do is decide your favourite one and begin the countdown in your vacation! These motels are the most effective ones in Paphos Metropolis they usually are likely to replenish quick, so make your reserving upfront!

Different lodging choices in Paphos

Issues to do in Paphos

• Head to Aphrodite’s Rock 
• Take the ultimate tour of Cyprus
• Go to the UNESCO World Heritage website Tombs of the Kings 
• See the Edro III Shipwreck (map)
• Be part of a Blue Lagoon boat tour
• Uncover genuine Cypriot traditions at Tala Village on the Akamas Peninsula
• Have enjoyable with youngsters at Aphrodite Water Park

BONUS 1: Transport in Cyprus – how one can get there and how one can get round

Each 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. Right here, I’ll share all the pieces that it is advisable to find out about transportation to and throughout Cyprus.

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 Worldwide Airport situated on the Southeast of the island, and Paphos Worldwide Airport on the Southwest of Cyprus. The gap between the 2 airports is 120 km (75 miles). Earlier than planning your journey, test which airport is nearer to your lodge 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 provide all-inclusive packages as effectively. Flight ticket costs range relying on the seasons so take into account that the excessive season in Cyprus is between Could and late September, whereas the off-season is between October and late March (aside from the Christmas interval). You possibly can catch excellent offers on flights as effectively by shopping for the ticket months upfront. 

By Boat
You too can attain Cyprus by sea. There are some cruises from Europe which cease at Limassol Port in addition to common ferries in case you are already touring in Greece. There are 3 connections from the Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete, and from the port of Piraeus (Athens). 

You possibly can test the timetables and routes on the Greek Ferries website. 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 12 months spherical. So wherever you’re coming from, you possibly can most likely take a ship for a part of your journey! How cool!

NOTE: Should you enter Cyprus from the Turkish half, the Greek authorities could not allow you to enter the Greek aspect, which is the place all the most well-liked resorts and cities are. Nevertheless, you possibly can go on day excursions from the Greek aspect to Turkish Cyprus with out points. Simply be sure you deliver your passport!

get round on the island

Now that you just’ve gotten right here, it’s time to begin exploring! Listed here are the most effective methods to get round Cyprus 

By automobile and motorbike
Renting a car is essentially the most handy technique to get round in Cyprus. Relying on the season, automobile rental costs are usually not very costly and you’ll simply decide up a automobile straight from the airport. In case you are 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 a lot of the villages however within the cities, automobile parks are normally 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 secure possibility in Cyprus. You possibly can name a taxi out of your lodge, 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 don’t have a meter, so you will have to agree on the value upfront. Quite the opposite, city taxis must have a meter, however the price adjustments relying on the time of day. Should you take a taxi between 6.01 AM – 8.30 PM, you’ll be charged a day tariff of €0.73 per km with an preliminary cost of €3.42. In all different hours, you’ll be charged the evening price 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 bought as a single journey €1.50, each day ticket €5, each 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 in case you are attempting to achieve a extra distant location, it’s greatest to hire a car. 

BONUS 2: 2 day journeys from Paphos you possibly can get pleasure from in Cyprus 

I already talked about the most effective motels and areas to remain in Cyprus. Nevertheless, there are such a lot of extra locations to find right here and that’s why I needed to let you understand about essentially the most fascinating day journeys you possibly can take from Paphos: Akamas Peninsula and Omodos. 

Though these day journeys are nice to take from Paphos, because the island isn’t too large, they’re all simply accessible from any of the areas I already talked about on this publish. I extremely suggest you rent a car to go to these areas as public transportation shouldn’t be out there. This fashion it’s also possible to benefit from the scenic street!

1. Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula Nationwide Park (map) is situated on the West coast of Cyprus and a 1,5 hours drive from Paphos Airport. It’s a very picturesque peninsula that gives breathtaking views and has unimaginable wildlife variety, together with 168 sorts of birds and 20 completely 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 Seaside. They each have superb crystal clear water and provide nice landscapes. 

One other well-known exercise to do in Akamas Peninsula is to go mountain climbing. There are 3 foremost mountain climbing trails that are the Adonis Path, the Aphrodite Path, and the Smilies Path. All of them provide beautiful views and you’ll test Cyprus’s tourism site for the size of the tails and to seek out path maps. 

Should you take the Aphrodite path, you’ll attain one other well-known landmark, the Bathtub of Aphrodite, which is a pure pool and based on mythology, the waters within the Bathtub of Aphrodite nonetheless have a particular rejuvenating impact. So why not give it an opportunity? Visiting Akamas Peninsula is without doubt one of the greatest day journey choices in Cyprus!

2. Omodos Village
Located 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 avenue of Omodos Village, many taverns and outlets promote native merchandise which make the most effective 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’s a very vital monastery for the village, and each September they arrange a non secular occasion that lasts three days. Should you’re right here throughout that point, look out for the villagers promoting their merchandise within the stunning sq. in entrance of the monastery. Should you keep close by in Cyprus, it’s a good suggestion to pay a go to to this lovely village. 

FAQs about the place to remain in Cyprus

🏖️ What’s the most effective space to remain in Cyprus?

Limassol metropolis is the most effective place to remain in Cyprus for first-timers because it affords good seashores, an amazing number of motels, and historic websites as effectively. Paphos is a good space for households and Ayia Napa is nice for the nightlife.

🏝️ Which is healthier, Paphos or Larnaca?

Paphos and Larnaca each provide good seashores. Paphos is extra handy for households and Larnaca affords historic websites in addition to stunning seashores. A number of the greatest seaside resorts listed here are Queens Bay Hotel in Paphos and The Royal Apollonia in Larnaca.

👫 The place is greatest to remain in Cyprus for {couples}?

☀️ What’s the greatest month to go to Cyprus?

The most effective time to go to Cyprus is between Could and June because the climate is the best, not too sizzling or chilly.

🇬🇧 Is English extensively spoken in Cyprus?

As Cyprus was previously below British rule, English is extensively spoken in a lot of the cities in Cyprus. 

🤔 Which aspect of Cyprus is healthier?

It relies upon what you’re after. The Northern half has a Turkish Cypriot majority, it’s stunning and low cost, however much less developed. The Southern half is Greek Cypriot, extra cosmopolitan and costly, and affords extra points of interest.

💶 Which aspect of Cyprus is cheaper?

North Cyprus is cheaper. The forex there may be Turkish Lira, and the costs are round 30% extra reasonably priced there. Nevertheless, there are far fewer points of interest within the Northern half. 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Which areas are greatest for household holidays in Cyprus?

Protaras and Limassol are nice for lively holidays, whereas Paphos and Ayia Napa have loads of family-friendly motels and flats.

👙 The place are the most effective seashores in Cyprus?

Ayia Napa and Protaras within the southeast are recognized for his or her unimaginable seashores and crystal clear waters! The Nissi Seaside (Ayia Napa) and Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) seashores are the most well-liked ones round!

Conclusion

Right 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 lodge! 

Ultimately, I want to remind you that it’s tremendous essential to e-book upfront as Cyprus is a very talked-about vacation spot in Europe! It will enable you to get higher offers on motels and assure to remain in your favourite lodge! 

In order for you further concepts for the place to remain, these are my 2 favourite motels on the island:

• Parklane – A prime resort in Limassol with all of the luxuries you want for a spoiled keep
• Rise Street Art Hotel – Probably the most distinctive motels in Larnaca, completely adorned in murals

I’m curious to find out about your vacation in Cyprus, so don’t overlook to depart a remark beneath you probably have some other recommendations or questions! I’ll be pleased to depart a reply!

Get pleasure from your time in Cyprus, 

Kinga

---

Pin it for later!

Pin it for later!