Posted on Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Family lies at the heart of Cypriot life, one of the key reasons why UK families love to holiday on this unique Mediterranean island. Alongside a warm welcome, family groups are drawn by the world-class beaches, the pine-clad mountains of the interior and the rich and varied historic sites scattered across the island. With a decades-old tourism industry, it's no surprise that it's easy to find family-centric hotels, as well as excellent water-parks and activities that prove popular with kids and grownups alike. Add shimmering seas and mouth-watering food, and you have the perfect family beach holiday destination.

History

'Steeped in history' is a rather over-used term - but with Cyprus the epithet has more than a ring of truth. From Neolithic and Chalcolithic huts and tools dating back several thousand years, together with well-preserved Roman ruins, to the more recent and still-painful remnants of internal strife - history is ever-present as you travel around the island. Today, the island comprises a northern part known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, following the Turkish invasion of 1974 - an area which the international community regards as the Republic of Cyprus. However, only the southern part of the island is effectively under control of the Republic. While tensions remain, the dividing Green Line has been opened up and tourists can travel around both parts of the island with relative ease.

Food for all palates

Despite the divisions between the Muslim north and the Christian south, the two populations have a love of very similar foods. For families keen to sample the local cuisine, meze will form the centrepiece of most meals - a selection of small dishes including creamy hummus, breads, falafel, cold eggplant salad - among many others. Haloumi is another staple - a delightfully salty cheese native to the island. But if little stomachs crave food of the British type, fear not, for Cypriot cooks know their way around fish fingers and fry-ups.

When to visit

Depending how much you love the sun, spring is a rewarding time to visit (starting as early as February), when you'll see a blushing of wildflowers in the meadows and temperatures that are just right. The real heat begins in May and lasts until September, with midsummer presenting the best opportunity to glimpse sea turtles. Avoid December and January - unless you enjoy low temperatures and rain!

Best beaches for families

A beach is just a beach, right? Not when you have little ones. Basic amenities such as toilets and showers, umbrella provision, life guards and nearby restaurants all make for a more relaxing family beach day.

For cerulean Blue Flag waters and powdery sand, head to Makronissos near Ayia Napa on the east, comprised of three pretty coves. CTO Dasoudi Beach, Limassol, is another Blue Flag certified beach, where fragrant eucalyptus, acacia and pine trees provide ample shade. Coral Bay, Paphos, meanwhile, boasts fantastic limestone cliffs, soft golden sand and lots of watersports options.

If you don't want to go far from the urban hubbub, opt for Finikoudes Beach, Larnaca, located between a pleasant marina and a pier on one side, and a medieval castle on the other. Shallow waters make this spot ideal for little people to splash around, while food, amenities and lifeguards are always close at hand.

Fun on the water

Cyprus offers a complete range of watersports, including kite-surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling for grownups and teens. If you're travelling with younger kids, you might consider a boat trip - or even hiring your own vessel for the day.

Top child-friendly activities

Horse riding - Eagle Mountain ranch, Paphos

Choose between rides of one-and-a-half or three hours, departing in either the early morning or the late afternoon. Includes a pick-up and drop-off service, as well as picnic! Friendly, patient staff make this an ideal activity for those with kids.

Aphrodite Waterpark – Paphos

For older children and teens, Aphrodite Waterpark offers some superb white knuckle rides, while younger kids will adore the lazy rivers and baby pools. Look out for special offers.

Palaeontology Museum – Larnaca

Kids and adults alike can't help but be amazed by this superbly-curated selection of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Pygmy elephants and hippopotamuses from 10,000 years ago are among the prize exhibits.

Dinosaur Park – Ayia Napa

This is the perfect place to come after Palaeontology Museum (or indeed before), because the kids will get to see what dinosaurs were like with their flesh on. These lifelike creatures even move and make some rather scary noises.

Tombs of the Kings - Paphos

While these UNESCO World Heritage-listed tombs never housed the remains of royalty (the name just sounded right), they are no less impressive. Residents of Nea Pafos lived here from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. These ancient tombs are set against a moody desert landscape and are sure to delight the entire family.

Play Planet My Mall Limassol

As a counterpoint to all the outdoors fun and ancient history, Play Planet offers a wealth of games and activities for kids of all ages. Older kids will love the arcade video games, while the whole family can enjoy a game of tenpin bowling.

Family-friendly hotels and resorts

Amathus Beach Hotel, Limassol

This family-centric resort boasts 239 rooms, two beachfront areas, a pair of outdoor pools, a family pool and a fantastic waterslide. A choice of in-hotel dining options, including an all-day buffet.

Alexander The Great Beach Hotel

Set beside a charming crescent-shaped beach, Alexander the Great is located in ancient Paphos. Each of the 202 rooms feature balconies or patios and great facilities. The kids' club offers video games and shows, while the four pools include a splash pool for younger children.

Louis Ledra Beach, Paphos

Located on the main Paphos promenade, this mid-range family resort offers optional all-inclusive packages, a well-reviewed indoor kids' club and an outdoor play area featuring a splash zone, swings and see-saws. Adults will love it here too: tennis courts, table tennis, giant chess and beach volleyball are among the pursuits for bigger kids.

Get a Quote