Cyprus Resorts: Which Should You Choose?
What is the best resort in Cyprus?
The Mediterranean's third largest island has enticements for all demographics, including families, couples, seniors, solo travellers and party-seekers in the 18-30s bracket.
From palm-fringed beaches to Venetian ruins, two-for-one cocktails to quaint hilltop villages - Cyprus has something memorable in store for everyone.
Here's a quick rundown of the best resorts in Cyprus…
Paphos
Great for: families and couples
Paphos (known as Pafos, locally) comprises Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos) and Ktime Paphos (Upper Paphos). While Kato is unabashedly tourist focussed, with its long palm-lined seafront, beach bars and souvenirs shops, the back streets boast a wealth of historic sites, including catacombs, mediaeval baths, and a delightful fisherman’s' church.
But the blockbuster attraction is the vast Pafos Archaeological Site, one of the finest ecological zones on Cyprus.
As well as being fascinating in its own right, it's a peaceful place to escape from the hubbub of the tourist throngs. Don't miss the intriguing Tomb of the Kings.
More modern, kid-friendly attractions come in the form of fun-packed Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark and Paphos Zoo.
Couples will enjoy the vast array of seafront restaurants, shoreline strolls, and sunbathing.
Ayia Napa
Ideal for: young adults looking to party
Like Marmite and Brussel’s sprouts, Ayia Napa isn’t for everyone.
Such is its status as a party mecca, Ayia Napa almost has the feel of a city state: people don/t go to Cyprus on holiday; they go to Ayia Napa.
Holding its own against hedonist magnets like Ibiza, Magaluf and Mykonos, the central square is lined with countless bars and clubs. It's not as cheap to party here as it used to be, but hunt around and you'll still find good prices on favourite imbibes.
However, it's not all about partying. Ayia Napa boasts some of the finest beaches in Cyprus, and there's plenty of stylish seaside lounge bars to relax in.
History-wise, the area features a charming 15th-century Venetian monastery, and the Thalassa Museum of the Sea - whose prize-winning exhibit is a life-size replica of a 400BC merchant ship.
Limassol
Perfect for: families and lower-key partying
With its local nightlife and relaxed atmosphere, Limassol is a great destination for parents seeking some medium-tempo evening fun. And with beaches, waterparks and the ruins of Amathus to the east, there's plenty to keep the kids occupied, too.
While on holiday it's easy to forget which day it is, but if you enjoy nightlife make sure you head into town on a Friday or Saturday - this is when the locals come out (assured of a day off to deal with any hangovers), so it’s extra vibrant.
Coral Bay
Family-friendly relaxation with historic sites nearby
Which is the quietest resort in Cyprus?
A contender is the 600-metre sandy arc of Coral Bay is just to the north of Paphos, but deserves recognition in its own right.
The shallow, Blue-Flag accredited waters make it ideal for family beach days, while there are lots of quality hotels with pools.
There are also mountain villages and ancient ruins to explore, plus Pafos Archaeological Site just 15km away (see Paphos section above).
Children are sure to love the amusement parks and go-karting tracks.
Larnaca
Beach vibes with big city draws
Larnaca is a beach city, and as such has a laid-back vibe that inland settlements often lack. It boasts one of Europe's best city beaches - Finikoudes, making it a destination in its own right.
If you stay here, you'll also have all the attractions of a big city, plus an impressive harbour where the well-heeled of Cyprus (and elsewhere) dock their superyachts.
Catering to this elite group are a selection of chic harbour-side cafes and restaurants, which are worth visiting for a cafe latte or two – if only to admire the gleaming vessels.
Larnaca is also home to some of Cyprus's most important religious sites including the charming 9th-century Church of St Lazarus, and the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque - one of the revered sites in the Muslim world.
Another must-see are the vast salt lakes to the city’s west.
Protaras
Ideal for scuba diving and beach relaxation
Tourist-focussed Protaras lies on the island's east coast.
Among its various sandy beaches, Fig Tree Bay is the most attractive.
Both overseas tourists and locals mingle on the beaches, which are ideal for families and couples seeking somewhere that definitely-isn't-Ayia Napa.
History buffs won’t have a great deal to explore here, but the area boasts some excellent diving for all experience levels. Prime dive sites include Malama Bay, The Blue Hole and Green Bay.
Pernera
Top choice for families
What is the best resort in Cyprus for families?
While competition is stiff for the family-holiday-euro in Cyprus, Pernera offers most to this demographic.
The entire town is family-focussed: restaurants and sea front bars feature special kids’ sections, and some even have bouncy castles.
Like Protaras, the ancient Greeks, Romans and Venetians didn't fancy building anything around Pernera, so it’s not a top choice for those seeking crumbing ruins.
The beaches, however, are sandy and well-maintained, lapped by calm, clear, shallow waters.
Alongside families, Pernera is popular among seniors, solo travellers and couples seeking a little sundrenched peace and quiet.
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