The resort towns of Cyprus are very different, although they seem similar, so it’s worth understanding where you’re going in advance to find the place that suits you best. I will tell you about the resorts of the Republic of Cyprus — the southern part of the island. North Cyprus is complicated, although the beaches there are excellent.
Protaras (Πρωταράς)
Protaras is a family resort. And it is also quite young, now its beaches have everything you need for a traditional beach vacation: numerous hotels, villas, apartments, restaurants and cafes. But it was not always like this: just half a century ago there was a small village on this place. The development of tourism here is primarily due to the Turkish annexation of the northern part of the island, including Famagusta, a popular resort at the time.
Beaches of Protaras
Protaras is considered an ideal place for family vacations and elderly people. It is relatively quiet and peaceful. The beaches are clean, the sand is fine, almost white, and the gentle entrance to the sea allows you not to worry about small children. All necessary infrastructure is also available: deck chairs, umbrellas, toilets, showers, sports equipment rental.
The most popular beaches in Protaras are Fig tree bay and Flamingo Beach. If you are a fan of secluded rest, you are definitely not here: for silence go to Konnos Bay or Mouzoura Beach — they have a less convenient descent into the water, so there are fewer tourists with children. Another notable beach, Louma, has been awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness.
Protaras Attractions
In ancient times, there was a small ancient polis of Lefkola (Λεύκολλα) on the territory of modern Protaras — you can see its ruins. In general, there are not so many sights in the Protaras area, but they, together with the magnificent clean beaches, are enough to attract a large number of tourists here.
What to see in Protaras and surroundings:
- The Church of St. Elias the Prophet (Church of Profitis Elias) is an old Orthodox church from the XIV century. It is better to come here in the evening — it is not so hot, because you have to climb a small mountain. And also from here you can enjoy a magnificent view of Protaras and the surrounding area — in the light of the lights it all looks especially beautiful.
- Cape Kavo Greco (Κάβο Γκρέκο), 7 km south of Protaras, is the easternmost point of Cyprus. It is also home to the state forest park of the same name, where you can see many rare plants. See the Bridge of Lovers and the church of Ayia Anariri.
- Blue Lagoon Bay is an amazing diving and snorkeling spot on the way to Cape Greco. I was lucky enough to see an octopus here. Be sure to bring a mask!
Ayia Napa (Αγία Νάπα)
Ayia Napa is a youth resort. It is located 8 km from Protaras, and they have a very similar history, because its development was also in the 1980s. However, unlike Protaras, Ayia Napa is the center of youth parties and has the unofficial name of «second Ibiza». Delightful sandy beaches and active nightlife attract young people from all over the world. Here you will also find Europe’s largest themed water park WaterWorld Waterpark and the grandiose Luna Park.
Beaches of Ayia Napa
The most popular beach of Ayia Napa is called Nissi beach — it is located in the very center, it is always crowded, but the sea and sand are clean and the entrance to the water is comfortable.
For a more relaxing vacation, head to Makronissos Beach on the outskirts of the city. More about Ayia Napa’s beaches here.
Ayia Napa Attractions
The town of Ayia Napa itself dates back to the Middle Ages. In its very center there is an old monastery of the same name from the XV century, which now functions as a museum. From here it is not far to Protaras, so it is quite convenient to reach Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon.
Larnaca (Λάρνακα)
Larnaca is a budget resort. There is no such abundance of entertainment here as in other places, but it has its advantages too:
- It’s cheaper here than anywhere else in Cyprus.
- Quiet and peaceful, the beach is convenient for vacation with small children.
- Cyprus' largest international airport is very close to Larnaca.
- It is not a small city by Cypriot standards with all the consequences: not bad shopping, a lot of interesting historical sites in Larnaca itself — you don’t have to go anywhere else.
Beaches of Larnaca
Beach vacation here is inferior to Protaras and Ayia Napa. It is no longer a resort village, where everything is compact and close, but a port city with its distances and urban beach along a huge promenade.
Nevertheless, if you decide to be based in Larnaca, you will not be left without a beach vacation:
- Finikoudes Beach is the most accessible, it can be accessed directly from the promenade of the same name, the sand here is coarse and gray, but clean.
- Kastella Beach is a continuation of Finicudes and has been awarded the Blue Flag, but there is seaweed on the shore.
- Mackenzie Beach — closer to the airport, it is less crowded but has all the necessary infrastructure.
- Faros Beach is best suited for a vacation with children.
Larnaca Attractions
Larnaca itself is rich in interesting sights — it is one of the oldest cities in the world. Be sure to visit:
- The ruins of ancient Kition (Κίτιον) is how Larnaca was called in ancient times;
- Larnaca Fortress (Κάστρο Λάρνακας);
- Church of St. Lazarus (Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Λαζάρου);
- Take an evening promenade along the famous Finikoudes promenade.
To read more about the most interesting tourist attractions in Larnaca, read our Larnaca trip itinerary planner here.
Limassol (Λεμεσός)
Limassol is a universal resort, it is very well located between the main attractions of the island. This is probably why families with children, young people and people of age come here. Everyone will find entertainment to their liking here: the city has three water parks, a moon park, the only zoo in Cyprus, and there is no shortage of bars and nightclubs.
Beaches of Limassol
Limassol is the southernmost city in Europe. The sea here is very clean and warm, and Blue Flag beaches to suit all tastes.
- Lady’s Mile beach is the longest beach in Cyprus and is popular with families with children.
- Governors Beach is the most spectacular due to the white cliffs surrounding it. It is suitable for couples, romantics and divers alike.
- Dasoudi Beach — Located in the center of town, but thanks to the pine and eucalyptus grove along it feels like a forest.
- Pissouri beach is also a great option for a vacation with children with excellent infrastructures, picturesque views, comfortable water entry.
There is another unique place on the way from Limassol to Paphos — the Bay of Aphrodite. According to legend, it was here that the goddess of love and beauty appeared to the world from the sea foam. A large black stone in the sea not far from the shore is the calling card of this place.
The beach itself is small, pebbly. The cove is not very protected from winds, so there are often waves here. It is better not to climb on the rocks — it can be unsafe.
Limassol Attractions
From Limassol it is very convenient to travel around the island, and very close to it there is a great variety of interesting places:
- Kolossi Castle (Κάστρο Κολοσσίου) is the abode of medieval knights;
- Antique Curion (Κούριον) was one of the largest ancient polis;
- The Cat Monastery (Mοναστήρι του Αγίου Νικολάου των Γάτων) is one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus, known for its many furry inhabitants.
To find more things to do and tourist information, read our Limassol sightseeing planner here and here.
Paphos (Πάφος)
Paphos is an elite resort. This is the case when the name of the town justifies the associations that the word «Paphos» evokes in a Russian-speaking person. The resort is focused primarily on the wealthy public, originally here rested mainly Germans and Englishmen. Tourists with children will most likely be bored here, because the suitable infrastructure in the form of playgrounds and animation in Paphos is much less. But there are a lot of luxury hotels and excellent expensive restaurants.
Paphos beaches
Paphos itself does not have large classic sandy beaches like in other resorts of Cyprus. What is within the city limits can hardly be called beaches. But outside the city you can find better options.
- Paphos Municipal Beach is located in the center of the tourist area, equipped with everything you need, there is even sand, but the entrance to the water is rocky.
- Faros Beach is a small sandy beach within the city limits.
- Vrisoudia Beach is a sandy-pebble beach with easy access to the water and a magnificent view of Paphos Castle and the bay.
- Coral Bay is the most popular beach in Paphos. There is a gentle entrance to the water and sand of dark golden color, there is infrastructure for recreation with children. Corallia beach is very close by, which is very similar to it.
- St’George Beach is an atmospheric spot with a small marina and a beautiful church on the shore.
- Geriskopu beach is an excellent sand and pebble beach with good infrastructure.
Paphos Attractions
Paphos itself is a true open-air museum, with the whole town having been placed under UNESCO protection as early as 1980. There are so many historical sights here that you will definitely have a lot to do. I highly advise you to include it in your program:
- The royal tombs (Τάφοι των Βασιλέων) were a large ancient Greek necropolis.
- Paphos Archaeological Park (Αρχαιολογικοί χώροι της Πάφου) is an open-air museum.
- Byzantine churches are Panagia Theoskepasti, 10th century (Παναγγία Θεοσκέπαστη) and Agia Kyriaki, 13th century (Παναγία Χρυσοπολίτισσα).
- Paphos Castle (Κάστρο της Πάφου), founded by the Byzantines.
Policy (Πόλις Χρυσοχούς)
Polis is an unpopular resort. Many tourists have never even heard of it. It is located away from the main tourist area — in the north-west of the country, surrounded by untouched nature of the foothills of the Troodos massif and washed by the bay of Christokhous. It is worth going here if you are tired of the hustle and bustle and crowds of tourists, looking for a quiet and measured vacation. You should not count on an active nightlife — there are no nightclubs and bars open till morning, the situation with entertainment for children is also unimportant.
Beaches of Polis
The beaches of Polis are very clean and well-maintained, the sea is calm and clear, there are few people — just paradise.
- Even the town beach (Municipal Beach Polis Chrysochous) here has a Blue Flag. It is a sandy-pebble beach on the shore of a cypress grove with a comfortable entrance to the water, but the depth starts quite sharply, there may be waves.
- Latchi Beach and Takas Bay are wild beaches, covered with pebbles, with little or no infrastructure.
- Blue Lagoon Beach is a difficult beach to reach and is considered the best beach in the neighborhood of Polis. It can only be reached by water or by bicycle.
Polis Attractions
Polis is an ancient city. It received its present name only in the Middle Ages. It used to be the town of Marion, the first mention of which dates back to the 12th century BC, and then Arsinoe. So there is a lot to see in this area of Cyprus:
- Archaeological Museum — a collection of finds from around the region.
- Baths of Aphrodite is a small lake surrounded by rocks, where legend has it that the beautiful goddess bathed.
- The Akamas Peninsula (Ακάμας) is a picturesque national park where you can see rare animals and plants, endemics of Cyprus.
- The village of Miliu (Μηλιού) is famous for its mineral springs. On the territory of the village there is a SPA-hotel, which before restoration was the monastery of Agioi Anargyroi (Agioi Anargyroi).
Where to stay in Cyprus?
Cyprus is small and can be traveled from almost anywhere — if you have the means. You can rent a car or bike in Cyprus for cheap.
If the beach is not an end in itself, if you like active rest and want to see as much as possible, as a «base» for rest and travel around the island, I recommend choosing Limassol.
I stayed in Protaras and never regretted it once:
- The rented car allowed us to drive around almost the entire southern part of the island and to go to North Cyprus a few times — it was convenient due to the proximity of Famagusta.
- We chose the Blue Lagoon for swimming — so favorably it differed from any beach by its clear water and rich underwater world.
