
Cyprus is a rather large island, the third largest in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia, so it is important to choose where to stay according to the type of holiday you want to take and the sights you are interested in.
Some resorts are perfect for those who dream of a relaxing beach holiday, others allow you to combine afternoons at the beach with cultural visits, and still others suit young people who spend their holidays mainly at night.
Many tourists choose the cities of Pafos and Larnaka as their holiday base because they have an international airport linked by low-cost flights. They are both great choices, but don’t feel obliged to book your hotel in either of them; there are other great destinations, and perhaps one of them will suit your dream holiday.
Our mini-guide to the best towns and beach resorts to sleep in Cyprus will help you choose where to look for your hotel, b&b or flat.
Legendary birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, Pafos is now the main town along the south-east coast of Cyprus. It is the ideal destination for those who want to combine sea and culture: in the area you will find enchanting beaches, important archaeological sites and a host of other historical attractions.
The hotel offer in the area is very good, with solutions for all budgets ranging from luxury beachfront resorts to small family-run guesthouses.
The town centre is developed around the harbour, and this is the best area to stay in Pafos. It is full of amenities, bars, restaurants, places to spend the evening and things to see, plus it is convenient to the town’s beaches.
If you only prefer sea and culture, head south of the centre for luxury hotels and north for budget hotels.
Larnaka owes its fame to the magnificent seafront promenade known as Finikoude: a long succession of bars perfect for a coffee as soon as you wake up as well as a couple of after-dinner drinks. Most of the hotels are concentrated in this area; the inner zone alternates between modern and more popular neighbourhoods and is generally snubbed by tourists.
Easy to reach thanks to its international airport, Larnaka offers a wide choice of hotels, is an excellent base for exploring the island and is suitable for different types of holidays. For these reasons, it is the recommended location for those seeking comfort and services.
The best area to stay in Cyprus for those who are young and love nightlife is Ayia Napa, along the south-east coast of the Greek side.
It was once a quiet, sun-kissed year-round village whose only attraction was the area’s long, sandy beaches. In the 1990s, this Cinderella of tourism turned into a nightlife capital and today attracts droves of tourists from all over Europe with its clubs and parties.
If you don’t like clubbing and hustle and bustle, don’t dismiss Ayia Napa out of hand. You can enjoy its enchanting beaches without the hordes of young people on the prowl for drinks and spicy encounters by moving to the much quieter neighbouring Protaras.
Situated along the south coast of Cyprus, Limassol was until a few years ago a decadent city with drab buildings, whereas today it is the most important business centre on the island.
Despite recent modernisation, the old town still retains its charm and is still a quaint maze of narrow streets around a castle of Byzantine origin.
It is a popular destination for tourists from various European nations, who appreciate its mix of modern and old, its lively typical restaurants and the more than 20 km of coastline stretching from the centre. It is a suitable destination for those travelling with children due to the good amount of facilities and the presence of family-friendly attractions in the area.
Also in Limassol, the best area to look for accommodation is around the harbour.
Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, yet it is not one of the favourite places for tourists to stay. The reason is very simple: it is not located along the coast.
It is, however, an interesting city for its cultural vibrancy, the splendid colonial or Byzantine-era buildings and the surprising number of lounge bars and modern cafés. It is also, unfortunately, a peculiar capital: divided in two, as Berlin once was.
Nicosia is recommended for those who love city life and who want to fill their holiday programme with things to do and see. Another good reason to sleep in Nicosia is that accommodation prices are generally lower than in more touristy locations.
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