Take the Family holiday rating
| Capital City | Nicosia |
|---|---|
| Flying Time | 4.50 hours  |
| Carbon Footprint | 2.80 tonnes CO2 |
| Timezone | GMT +2 |
| Local Currency | Euro |
Because if it was good enough for Aphrodite, chances are you and your family will fall in love with it too. Yes it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Med (the Southern Greek side is a little more developed than its northern Turkish neighbour) but it can be more than just a beach holiday. There’s history (Cyprus was the Spaghetti Junction of Crusader times), beautiful scenery, great walks – amazing food – all the Greek classics (humous, taramasalata, kebabs etc) and more olives than you can shake a cocktail stick at. Cyprus also boasts a great mix of family friendly accommodation – from luxury that’s fit for the Gods to plate-smashing economy. Crime is very low, cars drive on the left and it's a great place to consider for spring and autumn sun. Note, finally, that some resorts are highly developed and a few others have yet to earn a reputation for being family friendly.
Since Cyprus is in the Southern Med you can visit much earlier or later in the year and enjoy reasonably guaranteed decent weather. Think carefully about your schedule while on holiday if you are travelling with young children during the heat of summer - it can get very hot.
Cyprus has two international airports - Larnaca (South East) and Paphos in the South West of the island. Both are served by scheduled and charter airlines from numerous British airports and flights take about four and a half hours, with Cyprus two hours ahead. British Airways fly regularly to both Larnaca and Paphos, as do many other airlines such as, Cyprus Airlines, Thomsonfly and Monarch. Check flight deals with Expedia. Once there you can either easily rent a car (and drive it on the left) or your holiday may include a transfer to the hotel or resort. Check deals from our car hire page.
Cyprus is an extremely popular holiday destination, in particular for Brits and Germans. In some areas along the coast you'll find a high concentration of hotels and fast food. Avoid Limassol and the South, with the exception perhaps of the Le Meridien hotel, if you prefer fewer crowds. Paphos and the West is also developed, but not quite to the same extent. Highly regarded Paphos properties, albeit on the more expensive side, include the Anassa, the Almyra Hotel. or the palatial Elysium. Many more luxury holidays can be found from partners Thomson at both Paphos and Larnaca. Alternatively you can avoid crowds at Coral Beach Hotel and Resort, bordering the Akamas National Park. Self catering options include our fabulous family friendly villas with pools from partners Meon Villas, some with panoramic sea views, including, Villa Demetra, Amalthia Villas, and Villa Eliza. Browse villas in Cyprus from James Villas or take a look at our selection of luxury villas from partners Villas Select.
Nothing.
Or everything.
Cyprus is perfect whether you’ve got hyperactive kids who want to be in the pool all day with their new-found mates from the hotel kids club.
Or book-ish types who want to explore the island’s history.
Or indeed both.
So you can sit by the pool with the Da Vinci code or find out where some of the story happened.
Plus nowadays as North and South start to mix, you can nip over the border and discover the delights of the Turkish side – well worth a visit – see our guide to North Cyprus
.
A trip to Nicosia is a must – still a divided city but fascinating nevertheless.
Latchi boat trips - 2 trips leave the harbour at 10am, both with opportunities to swim by in the sea by remote beaches or bays with caves.
Go diving - There are Padi dive centres at Latchi and Paphos. (Paphos dives are usually to wrecks whereas in Latchi there is a reef.)
Akamas National Park - There are several suggested walks, the most popular being The Aphrodite trail and the The Adonis trail. These are approx 7.5km in length and take around 3 hours, but shorter ones area also possible.
The Baths of Aphrodite - According to legend these baths are where Aphrodite took her beauty baths in a pool of a natural grotto shaded by a fig tree. In ancient times people believed that visiting the baths and bathing in their waters would aid their fertility. The Fontana Amorosa ( Fountain of Love) is also nearby.
The ancient town of Paphos is a Unesco World Heritage Site. You'll find really well preserved 12th century Byzantine frescoes and a lovely harbour. The Paphos bird park is well worth a visit, with owl and parrot shows, snack bar, face-painting and a children's farm with goats, rabbits, chickens and donkeys etc. There is even a resident crocodile!
Aphrodite Waterpark - Nestling amidst 3500sqm of landscaped grounds, a sea-fronted waterpark near Paphos.
If you are set to explore the island, a good start is to hire a car, (find the best deal from our car hire page ). We suggest you plump for an off-road(ish) variety, as some roads in the north are a bit rugged.
Choose between Greek classics and McDonalds. Or just about anything in between.
Barbecues are very popular in Cyprus. Souvla is mainly pieces of skewered Lamb or Chicken, grilled on charcoal grill and are most delicious, or try the Shiftalies; (small barbequed sausages). Meze is is certainly one of the most famous Cypriot delicacies and consists of a variety of small portions of different foods served all together or coming along at intervals, usually in huge amounts. It could take quite a long time, and that is kind of the point...you can relax and watch the world go by, so don't expect to eat and run. Yemista is another must try dish. These are basically stuffed vegetables of all kinds and can be served hot or cold. The most famous being stuffed vine leaves, known as Koupepia.
Don't miss the fish straight from the med to your plate! There are lots of delicious fish dishes to discover, grilled or fried, salty or sour, spicy or plain. In lots of restaurants there will be no menu, so the waiter will tell you the catch of the day and how it will be prepared.
You can pick up accommodation inclusive package deals to Cyprus for less than £200 or you can spend well over a grand per adult. Because there is so much holiday accommodation you should be able to secure great deals if you are able to travel outside the school holidays.
Cyprus
by Vesna Maric
Complete, practical country guide for independent travellers. Dedicated chapter to activities on the island.
by Brendan O'Malley and Ian Craig
Veteran journalists reveal 'absolute dynamite' secrets about Cyprus' North and South divide.
PV-HOLIDAYS COMPETITION - Win a week in a Pierre & Vacances Family Holiday Resort in France or Spain! Click here to enter
Booking.com
Good facilities and peaceful location with lovely pool area. More
* based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a one bedroom apartment self catering for 7 nights
Ideal for families and just 5 minutes from the beach. More
* All inclusive, flying in October.
A large village-style complex with plenty of family activities, Kids' Club and All Inclusive option More
* from £1616 for 7 nights for 4 people sharing a 1-bed apartment, including flights and transfers
An exclusive resort in a quiet spot, with endless organised activities and sports for all the family More
* from £2844 per family of 4 for 7 nights, including breakfast, flights and transfers. Regional departures available.
Full-service grand family resort in an outstanding beachfront location with spa More
* per person, for 7 nights on a B&B basis including flights and return private airport transfers.
A contemporary seaside resort with a key focus on children, views of the bay More
* for 2 adults and 2 children, for 7 nights in a garden view room, including breakfast, flights, and transfers.
A modern spacious and elegant 5* hotel with magnificent gardens, panoramic views and a secluded sandy beach. More
* from £1860 per family of 4 for 7 nights, including breakfast, flights and transfers
A 5* hotel in an idyllic location on the Akamas National Park with hotel run children’s club and children’s pool. More
* from £1492 per family of 4 for 7 nights, including breakfast, flights and transfers
Luxurious family hotel with great facilities and activities for all. More
* from £525 per adult in low season, to £1188 per adult in high season, and from £146 per child in low season
A relaxing location providing a selection of energetic activities More
* per person for 7 nights.
5 star hotel overlooking a beautiful beach, a selection of water sports and a yacht for guests. More
* Based on 7 nights, 2 adults and 2 sharing 2 connecting studio suites, including breakfast, transfers and return flighs from London
