Which city in Cyprus is the best for recreation. Resorts and hotels in Cyprus: which one to choose so as not to be disappointed

There is a large international airport of the same name, which is why there are always a lot of tourists here. Rest here can rightfully be considered one of the most economical and affordable, and among the vacationers there are many families with small children and pensioners. a very quiet city with a beautiful promenade and a calm, shallow sea. Fans of ancient architecture will also find something to do. The Church of St. Lazarus, the Ottoman fort, the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and others will be interesting to visit.

A 45-minute drive from Larnaca airport is the most party and noisy city of Cyprus. There are hundreds of bars, discos, cafes and other places of entertainment in the city, and mostly young people come here! But for connoisseurs of antiquity, there is nothing special to see. Also, 2 kilometers from the city is one of the best water parks in Europe - Waterworld. As for the beaches, Ayia Napa has some of the most beautiful Cypriot beaches, white sand and azure water deservedly attract many tourists here. By the way, it is here that you can improve your English well, as many English-speaking people rest in Ayia Napa.

10 kilometers from Ayia Napa is quiet and calm. The ten-kilometer coast of Protaras also boasts beautiful beaches with clean sand and picturesque rocky bays. Rest here is ideal for a measured family vacation, as well as for a honeymoon or a romantic trip. Also, rest here is well suited for lovers of scuba diving: clear water, sea caves, mysterious grottoes and underwater rocks, here you can even see the submerged sculptures of Aphrodite and Apollo, all this will give a lot of unforgettable impressions.

This is the second largest resort town in Cyprus. Modern buildings, new hotels, green parks and developed infrastructure in general. Almost all cafes and restaurants have a menu in Russian and Russian-speaking staff, so you won’t experience “translation difficulties” here. It is in Limassol that the castle is located, in which Richard the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria. This resort is also suitable for families with children, as Limassol has a zoo, a water park and an amusement park.

This is the former capital of Cyprus. In this city, located in the southwestern part of the island, there are the most expensive and luxurious hotels. In addition to foreign tourists, wealthy residents of the island also prefer to relax here. it is more than a city, it is a small region where you can find ancient architectural monuments, churches and monasteries, picturesque villages and unique nature reserves. And 20 kilometers from the city there is a place where, according to ancient Greek myth, the beautiful goddess Aphrodite was born. By the way, Paphos has a second international airport, thanks to which direct flights are possible here.

When it comes to a magical beach holiday, Cyprus has absolutely everything: hot sunny weather, beautiful beaches, exciting excursions and plenty of entertainment.

Although the island is small, each of its resorts is very different from the other and each of them has its own "specialty". Therefore, let's figure out which of the resorts of Cyprus to choose? Where to go for family tourists with children, and where will it be better for young people?

In this article, we analyze:

Family friendly – ​​Protaras

Beautiful with perfect sandy beaches, Protaras will appeal to the whole family and leave many happy memories. This is the most "children's" resort in Cyprus. The complete absence of waves and the smooth entry of Fig Tree Bay guarantees the safety of children even of a young age. In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can have fun at the Anastasia Aquamania water park or try Cypriot cuisine at one of the many restaurants on the waterfront.

For night owls and owls - Ayia Napa

Are you traveling with friends? Do you want to sleep until noon, sunbathe in the afternoon, and spend the whole night in bars and clubs? Then you are in Ayia Napa! The course of life in Ayia Napa is simple and stable. The popular lagoons and beaches of Atlantis, Adams, Nissi and Maris become the center of attraction during the day. In the evening, the tourists who have slept and bathed en masse move to the central square with its numerous bars and clubs.

For history buffs - Paphos

There is no better place to delve into the complex centuries-old history of Cyprus than Paphos. Walk through the archaeological park of Kato Paphos, which, in addition to the famous house of Dionysus and the Paphos castle, has many more atmospheric, photogenic and breathtaking attractions. Then you can walk to the tombs of the kings - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main attractions of the island. If you want to explore the sights on your own (without a tour), I recommend renting a bike. Cyprus is great for cycling and hiking.

For cultural immersion – Larnaca

Larnaca is the perfect combination of golden beaches, historical sites and a traditional atmosphere. This is a great place to experience Cypriot culture. Get lost in the narrow streets of the city outside the tourist areas and take time to visit the Church of St. Lazarus or the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque on the shores of the Salt Lake, before recharging the sun and the sea at Finikoudes or Mackenzie Beach.

For city slickers - Limassol

Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus with many fascinating museums, archaeological sites, a lively waterfront and an active nightlife. Limassol, to a greater extent than other resorts in Cyprus, has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is suitable for everyone who wants to spend their holidays not only on the beach, but also in the city, exploring the shops, tasting the local cuisine in many bars and cafes.

For Beach Fans - Nissi Beach

A vacation is so necessary that, apart from the sea, nothing interests you at all? Nissi Beach is located in a quiet lagoon a stone's throw from Ayia Napa and is one of the best beaches in Cyprus. This is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate without getting off your sun lounger. Well, if you get bored, you can go scuba diving, take a boat trip or view the underwater world from the windows of the “submarine”.

Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, kilometers of beaches, indented with azure bays, the cradle of measured rest. This island found its calling as a resort not so long ago - just over 40 years ago, but managed to win love among the inhabitants of Eastern and Northern Europe. There are five main resorts in Cyprus: Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca, Paphos and Limassol. We have described the features of each of them, which we suggest that you familiarize yourself with in the review.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is the most visited resort in Cyprus. It is located on the southeast coast of the island near Cape Greco. Picturesque bays, hot climate, wide sandy beaches and active nightlife - that's what attracts guests of the resort. But Ayia Napa was not always like this - until the 70s of the 20th century, fishermen and farmers lived here. For 40 years, from a small village, the area has become the central resort of the island of Cyprus.

"Behind":

• Ayia Napa has a huge number of restaurants of Greek, Italian, Mexican cuisine;
• many places for recreation with children: WaterWorld water park, amusement park, dinosaur park, dolphin performances;
• bright parties, parties and discos in nightclubs - the resort is called the "second Ibiza";
• the chic sandy beaches of Ayia Napa (all awarded the Blue Flag of the EU).

"Against":

• can be noisy for a holiday with a child;
• poor nature.

Ayia Napa - what to see

1. National Forest Park "Cavo Greco" - located in the East of Cape Greco, the area is about 385 hectares. The main goal of the park is to preserve nature and unique landscapes in the East of Cyprus. On the territory of "Cavo Greco" there are several hiking and cycling routes, picnic areas are equipped. Here you should definitely visit the Ayii Anargyri chapel, get acquainted with the most famous Cyclops cave, swim in Konnos Bay and see with your own eyes the remains of the ancient temple of Aphrodite.

Photo: http://ru.chooseyourcyprus.com

2. Aqueduct in Ayia Napa. A historical monument that has been preserved since Roman rule. The ruins were discovered during excavations in 1974. Once the aqueduct completely supplied the region with water. It is located between Cape Pila Verde and Cape Greco.

3. Makronissos Tombs is an open-air historical landmark of Cyprus, located 4 km west of the city center. There is a sanctuary and several tombs from the Romanesque and Hellenistic periods. The entrance is free.

Ayia Napa beaches

The main feature of the resort is the best beaches in Cyprus with white sand, as well as a soft and gentle bottom. The most popular place for swimming is Nissi Beach, its length is 2 km. For a quiet family holiday, the Golden Beach and Pantahou are more suitable.

Protaras

In 2001, in the neighborhood of Ayia Napa, the resort of Protaras appeared, which was also a village of fishermen. Cozy coves and perfectly white sand on the beaches have made this place an oasis for a romantic and family vacation. Protaras is one of the best places in Cyprus to enjoy the Mediterranean climate to the fullest.

"Behind":

• indented coastline with many bays for a quiet holiday;
• holiday season from April to the end of October;
• lower prices than in other resorts of the island;
• Protaras is a great place to relax with children.

"Against":

• too measured rest;
• there are practically no sights.

Where to go in Protaras

1. The Church of the Prophet Elijah of the 14th century, there are many ancient icons and frescoes.

2. Chapel of the Blessed Virgin, preserved from the 13th century.

3. Caves on the western side of the cape; there is also a rock that resembles a bridge, it is also called the “bridge of lovers”.

4. Show "Dancing Fountains" in Protaras - runs daily.

5. Ocean Aquarium Park is a wonderful place where you can go with your child.

Beaches of Protaras

The best beach is located in the very center of the resort - in Fig Tree Bay. Here you can not only sunbathe, but also do water sports. For holidays with kids, you can choose Scoutari or Louma beach. Diving enthusiasts in Protaras choose Pernera Beach, and after an active holiday they prefer to dine in a tavern or cafe.

Larnaca

Larnaca is the third largest city in Cyprus, located in the southeastern part of the island. Larnaca is not only a resort, but also a port, respectively, an important industrial and commercial center. The infrastructure is developed here - there is a metro, many shops and souvenir shops, a wonderful promenade and a camel park, and also many attractions that tell about the history of Cyprus.

"Behind":

• airport in the city;
• inexpensive housing;
• there is something to see in Larnaca - there are many interesting buildings, historical sites and beautiful nature;
• great place for shopping;
• opportunity to buy interesting and cheap souvenirs.

"Against":

• few supermarkets;
• grayish sand, which can spoil the impression of the beaches.

Sights of Larnaca

1. Church of St. Lazarus, built in the 9th century. Here are the tomb and relics of Bishop Lazarus of Kita.

Photo: http://www.chooseyourcyprus.com

2. Yacht marina, which is popular with yacht owners traveling through the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Here tourists can take a boat trip.

3. Beautiful and lively Finikoudes promenade, where there are cafes, restaurants and taverns. Be sure to visit one of the establishments and try the local fish dishes.

4. Pierides Museum, located in a family villa built in the early 19th century. The museum displays a collection of various objects from ancient and Byzantine times and belonging to the Pierides family. Here you will see ancient plans and maps of Cyprus, a collection of Roman and Greek glassware and much more.

5. Larnaca salt lake (Aliki), which dries up completely in summer and fills with water in winter. By December, birds come here to spend the winter, here you can see flocks of pink flamingos.

Photo: http://www.chooseyourcyprus.com

Larnaca beaches

The beach area of ​​the resort stretches for 25 km along the coast. Finikoudes is located in the city center - you can get here directly from the embankment. Faros beach is suitable for lovers of a relaxing holiday. For those who are interested in active entertainment on the coast, Larnaca offers the beaches of Mackenzie and Dhekelia.

Pathos

Paphos is a resort town in the southwest of Cyprus, which was the capital of the state during Roman rule. All historical monuments of the city are included in the UNESCO heritage list. And it is also believed that it was off the coast of Paphos that the goddess Aphrodite emerged from the foam. The beaches in the resort are mostly sandy, but with a rocky bottom, the climate is humid, with high clouds. There are not many entertainments in Paphos, but there is an opportunity to do any kind of water sports: yachting, diving, kitesurfing.

"Behind":

• a large selection of hotels, including those with their own beach;
• Paphos has a huge number of historical sights;
• opportunities for active sports.

"Against":

• hotels are more expensive than in other resorts;
• difficult entry into the sea.

Sights of Paphos

1. Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos. This is an open-air museum, which presents the excavations of the ancient city of Nea Paphos. Here you will get acquainted with the houses of Dionysus, Aeon, Theseus and Orpheus. Also in the museum you can see the castle of Saranta Kolones, Asklepion, the ruins of the Limeniotissa Basilica.

2. Royal tombs. Complex of underground tombs in Paphos, dating back to the 4th century BC. The most ancient objects are carved from stone, decorated with frescoes and columns. The complex of royal tombs occupies a rather large territory of the archaeological park.

3. The Paphos Zoo presents a collection of 65 representatives of the fauna, including the Amur tiger, giraffes, gazelles, albino kangaroos and even penguins. It is pleasant to walk around the park - there are recreation areas with benches, a restaurant, and a playground for kids.

4. The Byzantine Museum of Paphos, which presents a large collection of icons painted between the 12th and 19th centuries.

Paphos beaches

You can relax on the sand on the beach of Atlantis. By the way, there is also a fish tavern of the same name. Another gorgeous Coral Bay beach is located in the bay - a great place to relax with children. In Coral Bay there are inflatable slides, you can ride a "banana" and water skiing. There is also a municipal beach and areas owned by hotels where you can pay for an umbrella and a sunbed and relax in peace.

Limassol

Limassol is a modern resort town and business center of Cyprus. The name means "middle city" - after all, Limassol is located in the middle between Ayia Napa and Paphos. This is perhaps the only resort in Cyprus where both party-goers and vacationers with children will feel comfortable. Numerous sandy beaches, a zoo, an amusement park, three water parks, clubs - everyone will find a way to have fun in Limassol.

"Behind":

• year-round resort;
• a huge amount of entertainment for every taste;
• many beaches - they are all clean and have a convenient entry;
• wine festival, which takes place in late August-early September.

"Against":

• narrow coastal zone;
• the resort is quite cramped.

Limassol: what to see and where to go

1. Limassol Castle. Located in the city center and is a real museum of the Middle Ages. The fortress was built in the 14th century - this building, as they say, has seen its sights, as it has survived all the wars and natural disasters of Cyprus.

2. Limassol Municipal Park, where you can hide from the heat. Beautiful landscapes, the presence of a zoo and an amphitheater make this place interesting for walking. By the way, this is where the wine festival is held, which we mentioned above.

3. Fasouri Watermania Waterpark Limassol with a bunch of slides, rides and pools. If you come to Limassol for just a week, be sure to set aside one day to visit this water park.

Limassol beaches

The most famous beach of the Lady`s Mile Beach resort is 5 km long; there are various attractions and cafes, the entrance to the water is even. Another beach is Akti Olympion Beach, there are always a lot of people here, as well as entertainment. Governor`s Beach consists of a chain of bays - there is not much space here, but the water is very clean.

Cyprus is one of the best places to learn about the history of the Byzantine Empire and enjoy the Mediterranean climate. We hope our review will help you figure out which resort to choose: Protaras or Ayia Napa; Larnaca, Paphos or Limassol. If you have already decided, go to the catalog of hotels in Cyprus - a comfortable stay by the Mediterranean Sea is waiting for you!

If you want to go on vacation to Cyprus, which city is better to choose?
It all depends on what kind of vacation you prefer. There are very few cities in Cyprus and each has its pros and cons.
First of all, it must be clarified that the island is divided into two parts: Northern Cyprus (Turkish part) and Southern Cyprus (Greek part). I only talk about southern Cyprus.

Limassol

As you can see, the main advantage of this city is its location - in the very center of the island. From here you can equally quickly get to any other city, to the mountains, to the airport.

Limassol is called " Russian city", since there are a lot of Russians here and everything related to Russians (shops, kindergartens, schools, goods, artists, inscriptions, flags, etc.). Therefore, for those who do not speak any other language, Limassol will very easy to navigate on any issue.

Limassol is a fairly large city, when viewed in terms of the size of Cyprus. So here a significant disadvantage for tourists is the movement of cars and gas pollution. Although there are practically no plants and factories here.

There are many beaches, but, unfortunately, most of them are located along the road.

Limassol has many shopping centers and various shops that you can visit and buy something local


and some international brands

Right on the outskirts of Limassol is the largest water park "Fasouri".


Conclusion: Limassol is a good travel idea for those who would like to travel around the island, visit other places (monasteries, other cities, mountains, local villages) or grandmothers with grandchildren who do not speak a foreign language.
In Limassol you will be surrounded by the sea, beaches, sun and sun-burnt Russians.

Nicosia (Lefkosia)

Capital of Cyprus. Located in the north of the island. The only city in which you should not go on vacation at all, since there is neither sea nor beaches, but there is a hot sun and burnt Russians.

Ayia Napa, Protaras, Paralimni

These cities can be combined, as they are very small, exclusively resort and are very close to each other.

Ayia Napa is the most popular resort in Cyprus. Usually, tours to this small town are already packed in winter, only the cheapest or most expensive offers remain (although now there is a crisis, the situation is probably different).


There are always a lot of tourists here, it is very noisy, bars and cafes are packed to capacity, prices are biting, higher than in other cities. In Ayia Napa, many British and Cypriots themselves rest.

The main advantage of Ayia Napa is that it is absolutely a resort town. There is everything a tourist needs here who wants to swim, sunbathe, have fun on the sea and on land, rent any tourist equipment and walk all day in swimming trunks around the city.


But the main feature for which tourists love Ayia Napa is its beaches, they are sandy and relatively clean. In other cities of Cyprus, the beaches are mostly pebbly.


Has its own water park.


Conclusions: Not suitable only for those who cannot stand the noise, as it is very noisy around the clock.

But in Protaras and Paralimni it is quiet and calm. In Protaras you can visit the show "Dancing Fountains":


and admire the most beautiful sunset or sunrise:

Larnaca and Paphos are not very different from Limassol, so it makes no sense to analyze them separately. It can only be noted that these cities are smaller than Limassol and are located in the west and east of the island, respectively. Both cities have an airport. From Larnaca you can quickly get to Ayia Napa, and from Paphos to Polis.
Policy very beautiful place with beautiful beaches.


But the main attraction of this place is the Baths of Aphrodite, which is located just 48 km from Polis. The water level in the bath is no higher than the knee.

There are plenty to choose from. In addition to cities, there are also small villages, suburbs and mountains. There is a place for everyone to have a good time. As they say, if there was money ...

Places to stay in Cyprus are quite diverse. Tourist service can offer options for every taste. In this regard, the popularity of certain places is constantly changing, depending on the size of the target audience, which chooses a suitable resort for their vacation. For those who first decided to relax on the island, it is difficult to decide where to go in Cyprus. However, everyone knows that such cities as Ayia Napa, Paphos, Protaras and Limassol are consistently considered the most popular. Recently, two new competitors have appeared on the market - these are Polis and Pissouri, which began to crowd out the leaders, so you can go there to relax.

Ayia Napa

One of the most popular and young resorts, Ayia Napa, offers visitors an excellent holiday at relatively low prices. It is here that the center of mass festivities is located. consists of only a few streets, and the holidays on them go around the clock, which attracts many young people. However, even family people can relax here, it is enough to choose a hotel away from the city center so as not to hear the noise. Want some fun? This is not a problem, just look around for a special ad with a phone number, which is often posted by local guys. They can deliver a tourist to any club absolutely free of charge.

One of the main features of Ayia Napa is the cleanest beaches, and many of them have been awarded the blue flag for the cleanliness of the environment and the general condition of the waters. The local coast is distinguished by golden sand, a gentle entry into the water and the absence of strong winds. Nissi Beach is considered the most popular place among young people. People of almost all ages come here to have a dizzying fun. But for a quiet and relaxing pastime with a family with small children, you should pay attention to the beaches of Makronissos and Gresian. In addition, you can always visit the local one, which is one of the main attractions.

Pathos

This resort is often chosen by people who want to spend their holidays relatively calmly. The city is quite small, located relatively close to Ayia Napa, which allows you to visit any sights just by driving. Prices here are quite high, which has seriously affected the contingent that settles in the city. Basically, these are quite wealthy tourists, but newlyweds are also often found. The reason is simple - not far from Paphos there is a secluded bay, where, according to legend, she herself was born. Because of this, many lovers consider it their duty to visit this bay in order to strengthen their own relationship and at the same time test the legends on their own, personal experience.

One of the most interesting places in Paphos is the ruins of an ancient port fortress, which was built during the reign of Alexander the Great. In addition, tourists can visit the remains of the villas of Theseus, Aion and Dionysus. For more than 16 centuries, these structures have been submerged in the ground. Also, if you wish, you can get acquainted with the catacombs of St. Solomon, or the Odeon Theater.

Another feature of Paphos is the beaches. Many of them are located in fairly quiet bays. The best among them is Coral Bay. Due to the absence of strong currents and waves, the presence of a good gentle entrance, relaxing on this beach is suitable for many vacationers. Nearby it finds Kara Bay, where the beach is located, which has gained great fame due to the turtle reserve. Many tourists specifically want to go on vacation to this city, at the same time to look at the process of hatching small turtles. Also in Paphos all conditions for outdoor activities are created, here you can:

• ride water bikes;
• go diving, and tourists are often offered to explore the Jubilee Shoals gorge as the most interesting object;
• take boat trips along the entire coast.

In the surroundings, you can find medieval-style taverns, which are always popular with visitors. The cost of food in such establishments is often lower than in restaurants, while a special atmosphere reigns in the premises, which is highly appreciated by both locals and tourists.

Larnaca

Larnaca is one of the most ancient cities in Cyprus. Now it looks more like a big metropolis, because sometimes there are traffic jams on the central streets. In addition, multi-storey buildings appeared. Many tourists come here because of old memory, and also because of the local beaches, since the sea here is extremely shallow. Due to this, in order to dive, you always have to swim some distance from the shore. This is invaluable when sharing a bath with children, which is suitable for most visitors.

Another important one is the palm promenade. In the evening, quite a lot of tourists gather there, who leisurely stroll along it. Also in great demand among visitors is the opportunity to visit the following places:

• the ruins of Kitium, and the age of the discovered buildings dates back to the 13th century BC. e.;
• the chapel of Ayia Faneromeni, located underground;
• the salt lake is one of the main places where tourists of all ages flock, as it is here that you can watch flocks of flamingos.

The beaches of Larnaca provide many options for outdoor activities, ranging from surfing to diving. Yacht trips are available. Interestingly, there are several ancient wrecks near the coast, and divers can try to explore these ships.

Limassol

Limassol often hosts the main festivals of Cyprus, namely:

• wine festival;
• ancient drama festival;
• flower festival;
• June festival.

Also in the city is the largest seaport and wine-making center. It is here that the oldest variety of wine "Sweet Camandria" is produced. Local distilleries quite often conduct tours of their premises. Guests can see all stages of wine making and finally taste the resulting product.

The sand of Limassol beaches has a high content of silicon. This gives it a gray tint, and also has a beneficial effect on the skin. Local hotels are distinguished by a high level of service. It is not worth thinking for a long time, Limassol is suitable, because it is one of the best resorts for a family holiday, since there are children's clubs, gardens, animation, and it is also very calm here.

Policy

Polis is located in the southwestern part of Cyprus. This city has a well-developed fishing industry, which seriously affects the culture of the locals. For example, you can get a boat for rent almost for next to nothing and almost everywhere. Once a year, a fishing festival is held here, where participants must demonstrate the largest catch.

The city is well suited for introverts, as the locals are not particularly accustomed to tourists and do not seek to please or make contacts. In general, life proceeds rather slowly and calmly, and the local beaches are distinguished by the ideal purity of sand and coastal waters. For a relaxing holiday, a trip to Cyprus is worth it to Polis, since a little to the west of the city you can find the beaches of Latchi, where Cypriots and some tourists often come. There are always a lot of fish restaurants on the coast, in addition, there is an opportunity to visit the fishing harbor to see how the ships go to sea.

Troodos

Unlike all other resorts, Troodos is a city of ascetics. Those who choose Cyprus usually already know where to go. There are practically no entertainment venues, dance floors and similar entertainment. Instead, tourists are invited to enjoy the excellent nature of the island, and experienced instructors help to pass the many mountain routes. It should be borne in mind that the area there is quite specific. Because of this, it is advisable to have special shoes for traveling on mountain trails.

In the winter season, tourists can ski down the mountains, such entertainment is very popular. If possible, it is worth visiting the monasteries and temples, many of which are quite ancient. In fact, it is a city of monks, which was slightly reflected in its architecture and the character of the local Cypriots. Life here proceeds calmly, surrounded by mountain landscapes and without fuss.

Conclusion

Thanks to the variety of resorts, the unique blend of cultures and the general hospitality, it has quickly become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. Here, anyone can find a vacation to their liking - from gourmets to lovers of surfing, diving and other active sports. Even for small children, there is a place almost everywhere. Moreover, Protaras is considered a good option for allergies, so many parents tend to come here. Prices for trips are quite favorable, unlike resorts in the rest of Europe, which further enhances the flow of guests to the island.