For a beach-focused first visit to Cyprus, I would compare Protaras and Fig Tree Bay with the quieter hotel stretches around Ayia Napa. Choose Larnaca for a city-and-beach break or Paphos for archaeology, a harbour and resort hotels.
Planning a last minute trip to Cyprus? 🇨🇾
Here are some of my favourite places to stay & things to do:
🛌 Places to Stay:
1. Ivi Mare (fantastic adults only luxury hotel in Paphos)
2. Louis St. Elias Resort & Waterpark (the best hotel for families in Fig Tree Bay)
3. Christophers Sandy Bay (studio apartment hotel by an incredible beach in Ayia Napa)
🎟️ Top Activities & Tours:
1. Visit the Troodos Mountains on a day trip
2. Take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon in Ayia Napa
3. Explore the ghost town of Famagusta on a day trip
🚘 If you want to rent a car, I recommend getting an overview on this website.
This guide covers places in the Republic of Cyprus’s government-controlled areas. Match your base to your arrival airport and compare the actual beach or town-centre distance before booking; a resort carrying a town’s name may be several kilometres from its centre.
So, let’s get started with the guide to where you should stay in Cyprus.
At the bottom of the guide, I’ll share my thoughts on areas of Cyprus that are best avoided.
Contents
The Best Areas in Cyprus
- Ayia Napa – the all-round best area in Cyprus ⭐️
- Protaras & Fig Tree Bay – best area for families with children
- Larnaca – best area with a combination of city and beach (near the airport)
- Paphos – best area for history enthusiasts
- Limassol – Cyprus’s second-largest city with plenty to do
- Nicosia – one of the most exciting capitals in Europe
Below, I’m going through the areas and linking to great places to stay for your trip to Cyprus.
1. Ayia Napa – Best All-Round Area ⭐️
Let’s start with one of the most popular destinations in Cyprus, Ayia Napa, or Agia Napa, as it is also spelt.
Ayia Napa, especially in the past, has had a bit of a party reputation, and indeed you can still feel the presence of many young Scandinavians and Brits who enjoy the sun and lively nightlife.
However, I also visited Ayia Napa as a child and loved it. It’s all about hotel choice; you should research beforehand to ensure you don’t end up in a party hotel.
Many family-friendly hotels, beaches, and (incredibly) cosy restaurants exist in and around Ayia Napa.
Around Ayia Napa, you’ll find numerous beautiful sandy beaches and small coves where you can easily throw down your beach towel and enjoy a near-private beach experience.
Check out the best hotels in Ayia Napa here.
The area around Ayia Napa is full of beautiful natural experiences.
Notable attractions in and around Ayia Napa includeNissi Beach, Cape Greco, the centuries-old monastery in the centre of Ayia Napa, and the city buzzes with life when you venture out after dark.
Choose Ayia Napa if you’d like to stay in a larger city close to the airport, where you’ll never be bored but can still find quiet beaches and enjoy family-friendly hotels.
Check out my video from Ayia Napa in 2024:
Places to stay in Ayia Napa
There is an abundance of excellent hotels in Ayia Napa. Here are some of my favourites.
Amarande Hotel in Ayia Napa is a true gem, combining modern luxury with Cypriot charm.
This is one of the best hotels in Ayia Napa, perfect for those who desire luxury.
- It’s an adults-only hotel, so it’s only for those travelling to Cyprus without children.
The rooms are tastefully decorated, spacious and equipped with all modern comforts.
When you stay here, you’re just a few steps from the azure Mediterranean coast and close to Ayia Napa’s vibrant nightlife and historical sights.
Additionally, Amarande offers a range of facilities such as a spectacular swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and several exquisite restaurants.
If you’re after a unique and luxurious Cypriot experience, Amarande Hotel in Ayia Napa is the place for you.
See more photos and book online here.
The following hotel is perfect for those travelling to Cyprus with children and wanting to stay in a good hotel that doesn’t break the holiday budget.
Aktea Beach Village is a family-friendly hotel designed to make your stay as comfortable and entertaining as possible, especially when travelling with children.
The hotel is close to the beach and offers a selection of spacious apartments with private balconies and fully equipped kitchens, ideal for families.
Children will love the two swimming pools with water slides and the dedicated kids’ club.
Additionally, Aktea Beach Village is centrally located, so you can easily access local attractions like the famous Ayia Napa Monastery and the exciting Luna Park.
Moreover, Nissi Beach, one of Cyprus’s most beautiful beaches, is just around the corner.
If the hotel has a downside, it may be worn around the edges – but it’s inexpensive.
See more photos and book online here.
Melissi Beach Hotel & Spa is the best place in Ayia Napa for those who want to stay with a pool right by the beach but within walking distance of the city centre.
This hotel is a stone’s throw from the sparkling Mediterranean, giving guests easy access to the beach’s golden sand and clear, blue water.
The hotel combines luxury and comfort with its exquisite indoor spa, modern fitness centre and delicious rooms.
With its fantastic location and top-notch facilities, Melissi Beach Hotel & Spa is a true paradise for those who want to combine sun and beach with the pulse of city life.
See more photos and book online.
2. Protaras & Fig Tree Bay – Best Area for Families with Children
A short drive east from Ayia Napa, we find another Cyprus area where things are quieter and, therefore, the perfect choice for those travelling to Cyprus with children.
For couples, Protaras, also known as Fig Tree Bay (naturally, due to its many fig trees), is also an excellent area as there are plenty of things to do.
- Check out my guide on the best things to do in Cyprus
You can enjoy a few drinks at the many cosy restaurants, bars, and pubs in the evening.
I remember watching the Euros (football/soccer for my American readers) in British pubs with my dad when I was a kid, and I loved it – even though I’m from Denmark and we never won anything 😀
See the best hotels in Protaras here.
Protaras has a main street where “it’s happening” and where tourists often go for short strolls, choose the restaurant for the evening, and browse in souvenir shops, but of course, the beautiful sandy beach is the town’s main attraction.
Close to Protaras (and quite close to Ayia Napa), you can find the beautiful Konnos Beach, which is undoubtedly worth visiting.
Protaras is a good area choice for those who want plenty of options in a classic holiday town but may wish for a little less hustle and bustle than Ayia Napa.
Places to stay in Protaras & Fig Tree Bay
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best places to stay in Protaras and Fig Tree Bay.
Louis St Elias Resort & Waterpark in Protaras/Fig Tree Bay is an excellent choice for families seeking fun and relaxation in Cyprus.
Louis St Elias is in an elevated setting away from the beachfront. The hotel offers a scheduled free beach shuttle, which matters for families who would find the walk in the heat inconvenient. Check the timetable for your stay and the route between your room, pools and reception.
The pools and water slides are the main attractions. Check height restrictions, opening times and the facilities suitable for your children’s ages before choosing the room and board package.
From exciting water slides to child-friendly pools, there are enough water activities to keep the whole family entertained.
A great candidate for the best family-friendly hotel in Protaras.
See more photos and book online here.
Capo Bay Hotel is located in the heart of Fig Tree Bay, just a few steps from the famous, picturesque beach, which allows you to enjoy the sun and sea to the fullest.
The hotel is within walking distance of everything in Fig Tree Bay, so you can spend your entire trip to Cyprus here and enjoy total relaxation if you want to.
In addition, the hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms, a relaxing spa, and two swimming pools for when you fancy chilling at the property.
See more photos and book online here.
Evalena Beach Hotel in Fig Tree Bay is a budget-friendly beachfront hotel that offers excellent value.
The hotel is right on the beach and within walking distance of everything in Fig Tree Bay.
Despite the affordable price, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, some even with sea views.
With its perfect location and competitive prices, Evalena Beach Hotel is a good choice for budget-conscious travellers.
See more photos and book online here.
3. Larnaca – Best Area for a Combination of City & Beach
Larnaca is a larger city on the southern coast of Cyprus.
For many travellers, Larnaca Airport is where you fly if you travel to Cyprus and stay on the eastern part of the island (the other airport is in Paphos).
One advantage of Larnaca is that the airport transfer to your hotel is almost nonexistent.
Larnaca is Cyprus’s third-largest city, so it offers a different kind of local life than either Ayia Napa or Protaras, where the local focus is primarily on tourism.
See the best hotels in Larnaca here.
That’s not to say that you’ll be the only tourist in Larnaca if you stay here on your holiday – the city has two wonderful, large sandy beaches and is also a popular travel destination.
The city also has a large saltwater lake, where you can see flamingos 😀
Therefore, Larnaca is a good choice for families with children, couples and single travellers who want to experience a little more than just a sandy beach and pool holiday – although that is very much possible here too.
Places to stay in Larnaca
Let’s take a closer look at hotels in Larnaca, where there is an incredible number to choose from.
Lebay Beach Hotel is beautifully located on the coast, so you get a unique view and easy access to a charming private beach here.
So if you’re looking for a place to stay in the Larnaca area that offers peace and relaxation by the sea, this hotel is a perfect choice.
However, it’s important to note that the hotel is a little outside Larnaca’s centre.
This provides a peaceful and secluded atmosphere, but it also takes a little longer to reach the city centre and the famous main beach.
There is about 5 km from the hotel to the centre of Larnaca, which takes about 10 minutes by car or 1 hour’s walk along the beach.
If you appreciate peace, beauty and direct beach access, and are okay with a short trip to the city centre, then Lebay Beach Hotel is the perfect place to stay in Larnaca.
See more photos and book online here.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca is a city-hotel option with sea views from some rooms. It is a different property from Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca on Dhekelia Road, so check the address carefully if a beachfront stay is your priority.
For the Radisson Blu, compare the route to Finikoudes and the places you plan to visit. I would choose it for the hotel facilities and a city base rather than assume the main beach and old-town sights are all just outside the entrance.
The hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms, many with views of the Mediterranean.
In addition, there is a fitness centre, a spa and wellness area, and several exquisite restaurants.
A good choice for those who want to combine a beach holiday with a city holiday in Larnaca.
See more photos and book online here.
4. Paphos – Best Area for History Enthusiasts
Now it’s time to take a closer look at the western part of Cyprus, which is notoriously lusher and less touristy than the eastern areas.
Paphos is an excellent suggestion for those who want to explore western Cyprus and experience an ancient city with plenty of history and soul.
See the best hotels in Paphos here.
According to legend, Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite, and it’s also on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, so this is truly a city where you can experience more than just the beaches Cyprus is so famous for.
In fact, Paphos is probably one of the best choices for a place to stay in Cyprus if you are travelling to the island outside the warm high season – especially if you are interested in ancient Greek history.
In summer, there is plenty of life, good sandy beaches and everything else you travel to Cyprus for.
This is also where we find Cyprus’s second airport, Paphos Airport, which you can fly to directly from various European airports.
Places to stay in Paphos
Of course, there are also plenty of great places to stay in Paphos – let’s take a closer look at a couple of my favourites.
There are some charming luxury hotels in Paphos, so we start with one of them.
The Ivi Mare (adults only) is a luxury hotel that offers an exclusive and peaceful atmosphere for those seeking an adult holiday in Cyprus.
The Ivi Mare Paphos This hotel exudes elegance and tranquillity, perfect for those who just want to relax in beautiful surroundings close to Paphos city centre.
The hotel’s first-class facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a luxurious spa area where you can pamper yourself with various relaxing treatments.
The Ivi Mare is ideal for an exclusive adult holiday in Paphos with its luxurious accommodation, first-class facilities, and peaceful adults-only environment.
See more photos and book here.
I can also mention the hotels The King Jason and Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel in the same style.
However, there are also plenty of cheaper hotels in Paphos – let’s take a closer look at a central hotel.
Princessa Vera Hotel Apartments, centrally located in Paphos, is an excellent place to stay for families or couples seeking affordability, comfort and easy access to the city centre.
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the hotel offers a range of facilities, including a family-friendly swimming pool, perfect for a fun and relaxing day under the sun.
Located just a few minutes walk from Lighthouse Beach, combining city life with enjoying a few hours by the sea is easy.
Furthermore, the city’s central attractions, shops and eateries are within walking distance, making it easy to explore everything Paphos has to offer.
See more photos and book here.
5. Limassol – Cyprus’ Second Largest City with Plenty to Do + Beaches
About halfway between Larnaca and Paphos, we find Limassol, with its 183,658 inhabitants, is the second largest city in Cyprus.
Limassol is located on the south coast of Cyprus, so in addition to a modern city with a waterfront, there is also a lovely sandy beach that tourists and locals flock to in the warm summer months – in fact, there are as many as 5 sandy beaches in Limassol.
See the best hotels in Limassol here.
Limassol can be compared with Barcelona, Nice, Palma de Mallorca and even Los Angeles, where we have a modern city with everything that entails, but right by the sea and with good beaches.
In Limassol, however, there are also plenty of attractions from ancient Greece (or ancient Cyprus, actually), which Barcelona or LA cannot exactly boast about 😀
The city will also be a good base for excursions to other areas of Cyprus.
Limassol would be a good area for families with children, couples and single travellers who want to have the opportunity to experience the best of Cyprus.
Places to stay in Limassol
As Cyprus’s second largest city, there is a hotel for all tastes and budgets here. Let me show a couple of my favourites.
We start with one of the best hotels.
Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol is a five-star paradise located directly on the beautiful coastline of Cyprus.
From the moment you step into the hotel’s foyer, you will be captivated by its elegance and design.
The facilities at Amathus Beach Hotel are of the highest standard. With several pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an award-winning spa, there are plenty of opportunities for activity and relaxation.
But it’s not just the hotel’s inner qualities that impress. Its prime beachfront location makes it easy to enjoy the blue Mediterranean and the warm sun on the hotel’s private beach.
If you’re looking for a combination of luxury, comfort and exceptional location, Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol is the perfect choice for your stay in Limassol.
The hotel also has family rooms, so staying here with children is possible.
See more photos and book here.
If you plan a family vacation to Limassol, GrandResort by Leonardo Hotels would be another good place to stay.
Its combination of family-friendly facilities and a relaxing atmosphere makes it a hit for children and adults.
The hotel has a dedicated children’s area, which includes a fun and safe children’s pool, a playground and a mini club with organised activities.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and many have a fantastic sea view. They are also designed with families in mind, with the possibility of adjoining rooms for larger families.
See more photos and book online here.
If you are looking for a more centrally located hotel in Limassol, then the Crowne Plaza Limassol is an excellent choice.
After a morning of sightseeing in Limassol’s lively city centre, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the hotel’s private beach or dip in the heated outdoor pool.
The hotel’s location means you are within easy walking distance of some of the city’s best attractions, restaurants and shops.
Crowne Plaza Limassol is the perfect choice for those who want to combine city holidays with beach holidays and explore everything Limassol offers right from their doorstep.
See more photos and book here.
If you want to stay in the centre of Limassol, look at Alinea Suites Limassol – a small hotel with super lovely rooms and even a small rooftop pool.
6. Nicosia – One of Europe’s Most Exciting Capitals
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and the only city in this guide that is not located on the coast.
Given Cyprus’ high temperatures in the summer months (it can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius), it’s worth considering twice before booking a hotel in Nicosia in the middle of July.
Find the best hotels in Nicosia here.
It’s a super exciting city with a fascinating history that can still be felt.
Nicosia is still divided into a Greek and Turkish part – by a wall, where you need to show your passport to cross through.
It was an exciting experience both as a child and when I returned as an adult and understood everything better.
Whether you should stay in Nicosia or just make a day trip here, I will leave it up to you – I don’t think I would stay here in the summer months, but if you travel to Cyprus outside the peak season, it can make perfect sense.
It’s like in Crete, where I recommend Heraklion, but not in the summer months.
So you’ve been both recommended and warned against Nicosia from here 😀
Places to stay in Nicosia
Let’s take a look at a couple of good hotels in Nicosia.
If you are planning a summer trip to Nicosia, the Hilton Nicosia is an ideal place to stay.
One of the best things about the Hilton Nicosia is its outdoor pool area.
Here, you can take a refreshing dip, sunbathe on the terrace or relax with a good book.
With the pool bar nearby, it’s easy to spend a whole day at the pool and still have everything you need within reach.
But the Hilton Nicosia isn’t just about summer life.
The hotel also has an indoor pool, perfect for swimming regardless of the weather, and a spa offering various treatments for pampering and relaxation.
See more photos and book here.
Central Park Residence is an excellent place to stay in Nicosia if you want to be in the city’s heart and have more space than a regular hotel.
With its central location, it is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
You are literally right in the pulse of the city, but you step into stylish tranquillity and comfort when you come home to your apartment.
Perfect for those who want to explore Nicosia on foot – perhaps outside of the summer months.
See more photos and book here.
I hope you found this guide to where to stay in Cyprus helpful and are now ready to book your hotel.
If you have any questions about the areas or Cyprus in general, please feel free to leave a comment below.
By the way, I recommend exploring more than just the city you choose to stay in, as Cyprus has a rich history and you can have some excellent day trips (I still remember my tours from when I was a child) up in the mountains, among other things.
Have a great trip to Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which areas are best for family holidays in Cyprus?
Ayia Napa, Protaras/Fig Tree Bay, and Pafos are popular destinations for families as they offer kid-friendly hotels, beaches, and activities. I often spent summer vacations in Ayia Napa and Protaras as a child, which was absolutely perfect.
Which areas are best for couples and adults?
Paphos and Limassol have several hotels that suit couples, while Protaras and Ayia Napa also offer quieter stays away from the busiest nightlife streets. Choose the specific hotel rather than the town’s reputation alone.
Some recommendations, including The Ivi Mare and The King Jason Paphos, are designed for adults. Check each hotel’s minimum age before booking, particularly if you are travelling with teenagers.
What is the best time to visit Cyprus?
Cyprus can be visited year-round, but to get the most out of your holiday, it is best to visit between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny.
Where are the best beaches in Cyprus?
Some of the best beaches in Cyprus can be found in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pafos, and Fig Tree Bay.
Is Cyprus a safe travel destination?
For current security and entry information, check the FCDO’s Cyprus travel advice before booking and before departure. This guide compares holiday bases in the Republic of Cyprus’s government-controlled areas; it does not assess every part of the island. For hotel choice, check the exact location, transfer arrangements and recent guest feedback.
What currency is used in Cyprus?
Euro.
Where to avoid in Cyprus?
Choose around your plans rather than rule out whole towns. In Ayia Napa, families and light sleepers should check the distance from late-night venues and recent noise reviews. Nicosia is useful for history and city life, but it is inland and can be very hot in summer, so it is not a substitute for a beach resort.
For a rural stay without a car, confirm public transport and meal options before booking. Outside the main summer season, also check which hotel facilities and nearby restaurants will be open.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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We have just returned from Paphos after our first ever visit to Cyprus. We are both retired and I use a wheelchair, so getting about has its issues. However, we found that most parts of Paphos are well thought out with access ramps all over the place and dropped kerbs making crossing the roads easy. There are cycle tracks at the side of many pavements too, so for a wheelchair user these make for a smooth ride if you choose to go into town on foot ,rather than use a taxi. Rather than being told to ‘get a move on’ whilst using a Zebra crossing, several drivers actually stopped and blessed me, making the sign of a cross towards me. To say I was surprised is an understatement, but found the local people so kind and helpful that it set Cyprus in another league altogether. The high level of humidity we experienced in September meant that had I known in advance, I would have packed differently. Knowing that clothes needs washing out every day I would have taken fewer and been expecting to launder them. Our hotel had a spotless laundry for the guests to use. €3 a load with free powder and conditioner so for all my husband had declared that he had no intention of doing any washing on holiday, the humidity instantly changed his mind.
We were in Paphos for the History and got exactly what we went for. The main archaeological site is another Pompeii, only it was destroyed by an earthquake and not a volcano. Why is isn’t mentioned in history programs on TV is a mystery to us, as the remains and perfect mosaics covering many acres, have to been seen to be believed. Work here is ongoing and will be for another 200 years at least, so fixed pathways have not been laid since they don’t know what is underneath it all as yet, but that’s OK. Sturdy shoes and for wheelchair users – an extra cushion, is needed. But you don’t have to see it all at once. Entry for the over 65’s and wheelchair users is free, but only €4 for everyone else. (2023 prices). It is the same at the museum up in the town which is also fully ramped and accessible. We went back to the various museums and sites several times to make the most of our time in Paphos, and vowed that we will return one day.
Hi Dawn
Thank you so much for your incredible comment! If you ever feel like starting a travel blog yourself, I’d be your biggest fan, that’s for sure.
I’m sure many of my readers will find your comment extremely helpful, so thank you so much for writing about your time in Paphos.