One of the most popular questions among tourists who are planning a trip to the island is which resort to choose in Cyprus. This question can not be given a definite answer as each one chooses a resort that meets their own interests: someones need to organize a holiday with children and others are looking for the best opportunities for water sports; someones need tranquility and privacy while others dream of wild nightlife. We will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of the main resorts in Cyprus.
Larnaca
Larnaca is the most ancient city of Cyprus, located at equal distance from almost all the main resorts of the island and its capital (65 km to Limassol and 45 km to Ayia Napa, Protaras and Nicosia).
There are many attractions and ancient shrines, but to base your choice on them does not make sense, since each of Cyprus’ resort boasts a wide selection of excursions.
Larnaca is best suited for those looking for opportunities for quiet, secluded and inexpensive recreational holidays. In the city there are a lot of hotels, the best of which are The Golden Bay Beach 5 * (about 140 euros per room per night) and the Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows 4 * (about 120 euros per room per night). There is also a sufficient number of small family run hotels offering affordable and comfortable accommodation.
Those who are planning a vacation in Cyprus with children, it is better to choose another resort because the entertainment at the hotel (with some exceptions) is not diverse enough, most of the children’s animation and clubs are not available and in order to organize a trip to the water park and zoo you will have to go to another city.
In Larnaca, there are a lot of discos and night clubs, but the most popular among young people are in other areas.
Limassol
Limassol is one of the most popular resort towns in Cyprus. This is the central place of deployment of the Russian-speaking population on the island.
From our point of view, this area is perfect for almost all types of travelers. For family vacations the perfect hotels are:
– St. Raphael 5* ( 120 euros per night per room with the«all inclusive» scheme), including an excellent animation program for children;
– The Mediterranean Beach 4* (room rate around 100 euros per night with breakfast).
For lovers and honeymooners the perfect choice would be the Four Seasons Hotel 5* with a special “adult” area, situated in the shade of palm trees and surrounded by a private pool (room – from 250 euros per night) or the Amathus Beach Hotel 5*, designed for quiet respectable holidays(at the price of 300 euros per night).
In addition, Limassol attracts young people because of its nightlife; it is here that many bars, clubs and restaurants work almost all year round and a variety of festivals (including beer and wine festivals, the famous Carnival in February, and so on) are held.
Some guests who do not speak foreign languages, will be pleased that in Limassol they speak Russian in hotels and restaurants (most of these have menus in Russian also), as well as in stores and all entertainment centers. However, prices are higher than at other resorts in Cyprus.
This resort is strongly not suited for those who prefer to relax away from their fellow compatriots, because this part of the island has been jokingly nicknamed “Limassolgrad”, alluding to the numerous Russian-speaking diaspora here who have chosen this city as their favourite.
Paphos
During ancient times, this city was the capital of the island. Paphos is the most respectable resort on the island, which justifies its name. It is here that until recently the most luxurious hotels were housed, and the resort enjoyed great demand among the European tourists.
This part of the island is ideal for families with children and those who need a quality relaxing holiday. For children there is a varied entertainment: the largest zoo on the island, a beautiful water park, numerous amusement parks and entertainment facilities.
However, if the quality of the beach is critical for you, it is best not to stay in Paphos but near the resort: the hotel area of Coral Bay (Coral Bay), Pissouri village and Latchi. Here are located the best sandy beaches in the area.
Ayia Napa
30 years ago Ayia Napa was a small fishing village. Today, Ayia Napa boasts one of the best resorts in Cyprus, being especially popular among young people but also to families with children. Young people are attrackted by the resort’s crazy nightlife, no wonder Ayia Napa is known as “Cyprus Ibiza.”
At the same time, the resort is suitable for families. The hotels which are focused on families with children, are located at a short distance from the center, preserving them quite calm and quiet.
The best hotels in Ayia Napa are considered to be Adams Beach Hotel 5 * (about 140 euros per room per night) and the So White Boutique Suites 5 * (about 190 euros per room per night).
Protaras
The small and cozy Protaras is located 5 km from Ayia Napa, which provides travelers an excellent opportunity to visit both resorts at the same time.
Protaras is ideal for lovers of high-quality beaches and outdoor enthusiasts of the sea. There is great diversity and attractive natural world at Protaras.
In the resort there are hotels of different price categories, as well as many apartments and villas which can be rented for short periods (the cost of renting villas with 3-4 bedrooms are from 200 euros per night).
What is the result?
We reviewed the main resorts in Cyprus, so you just have to choose between them; the quiet inexpensive Larnaca; the vibrant life and endless festivals of Limassol; the respectable Paphos, the noisy, with endless sandy beaches Ayia Napa or cozy Protaras, as if specially created for beach lovers and action sports fans.
