Multi-generational holidays are the ultimate family get together, and they’re becoming more and more popular every year.
So what’s the secret to successfully sharing precious downtime with the people you’re closest to and holding on to that love all holiday long?The right destination is more important than almost anything else in the multi-gen equation. You should aim for fuss-free travel, a good range of places to stay, broad-spectrum entertainment, great weather, and enough special interests to keep everyone happy, at least most of the time.
Which just about perfectly describes Cyprus, right down to its 3000 plus hours of sunshine a year; stunning Mediterranean coastline; classical history; awesome mountains and countryside; impeccable eco-credentials; healthy supply of waterparks and golf courses; lovely cities, and even a delightful wine country, paired with incredible regional cooking. The country’s modern villas are perfect for multi-gen holidays and much easier, less expensive and more fun for families than hotels.
Plus, the best villas give you plenty of space for together time, and personal space too. But will one of Europe’s sunniest countries work for your multi-generational family holiday? Have a look and decide for yourself.
As well as being sunny for over 3000 hours a year and having some of Europe’s loveliest beaches, Cyprus is amazingly easy to get to, and get about.
There are direct flights from the UK to Paphos and Larnaca, all year round, and resorts on the east or west coast, in the heart of the countryside or even up in the mountains, are all within a comfortable driving distance of either airport.
Flying time from the UK is just over four hours, and you can cover the entire coastline from end to end in under three, which makes Cyprus pretty close to ideal for a great start, and finish, to your multi-generational holiday.
From tiny, jewel-like coves to kilometres of golden sand, Cyprus doesn’t have a cut off point when it comes to fabulous beaches. There are a total of 49 Blue Flags scattered along the Med from Aya Napa to Coral Bay, and it’s unusual to find one beach that doesn’t give you a good reason to stay all day. Look for anything from fantastic fish restaurants and cool cafés to great water sports, cool little bars or fun kid’s clubs, and you won’t be disappointed.
Legend tells us that Aphrodite rose out of the sea at Petra tou Romiou beach just outside Paphos; and Fig Tree Bay in Protaras was recently voted one of the 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World by TripAdvisor.
The ancient port of Larnaca is a coastal gem that wears the past lightly and blends fun with fabulous museums, galleries, and astonishing archaeological wonders.
It’s also less than 40 minutes drive from Aya Napa’s lively resorts, so a great area to choose if you’ve teenagers in the multi-gen holiday mix.
Limassol is another lovely Mediterranean, the second largest city in the country and an excellent base for walking in the stunning Troodos Mountains and discovering why cyclists love Cyprus so much.
The wine villages of Krassochoria are all within easy reach of the city too, and you’ll find the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches on this stretch of coast.
Paphos to the west is a must for lovers of myth and legend. The UNESCO World Heritage old town is home to the magnificent Tomb of Kings, and part of the Aphrodite Cultural Route. Although you might find kids are a little more interested in the city’s bustling waterfront cafés and colourful harbour than classical monuments.
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