Cyprus is an almost perfect holiday for families. Small enough to get around easily but densely packed with history, myth, legend and the fascinating influences of the many cultures who’ve called this lovely place home at one time or another.
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Cyprus – Family holiday guide
It’s where Aphrodite was born (supposedly) has its own Mount Olympus and the city museums have collections which wouldn’t look out of place in Paris or Rome. Younger kids just love the beaches, the warm, friendly welcome-anywhere atmosphere and the general fuss that’s made of them everywhere. Teenagers get easily swept up in the rugged landscape whether its walking behind waterfalls, climbing craggy peaks, delving deep into caves or cycling for hours along the gorgeous and seemingly never-ending coast. Hot and dry in summer, warm and pleasant in winter, Cyprus is about the only European that can really guarantee December sunshine, so any time is a good time to go.
Why go on holiday in Cyprus
- Historic quarter
Low cost flights from London to Larnaka or Paphos all year round. Flying time 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Temperatures between 25 and 30˚C from June to September. December temperatures of 20˚C.
Archaeologically Cyprus dates back 10,000 years.
The country was first settled by Mycenaean Greeks in the 2nd century BC and has strong legacies of Phoenician, Assyrian, Egyptian, Roman, Venetian, Ottoman and British
Cyprus has three World Heritage sites: Choirokoitia, the Painted Churches in the Troodos Regionand Paphos.
The largest and most visited national park is Troodos, covering over 9000 hectares and including the beautiful Troodos Mountains.
One of Europe’s top destinations for walking and cycling, Cyprus is covered in well-marked, safe routes and most of them are helpfully themed for visitors.
Where to go
Cyprus welcomes over 2 million visitors every year and places to stay cover all family budgets from luxurious resorts with spas, golf courses and kids’ clubs to holiday villages, cosy self-catering apartments, charming traditional country houses and spacious family villas. The south coast from Larnaka to Paphos is best for beaches and family accommodation, within easy reach of the rest of the island and close to both main airports.
Paphos
Home to World Heritage Katos Paphos, charming little villages, ancient towns, the lovely Akamas National Park and many iconic beaches, the Paphos region is Cyprus’ most historic area and an ideal holiday base. The main resort town of Polis Chysochous is bright and modern, lively for kids and good for family hotels and self-catering apartments.
- Visit Petra tou Romiou where, according to legend, Aphrodite was born – the beach is spectacular.
- Paphos Forest is one of the island’s best places for shady, summer afternoon walks – climb a bit and kids might catch a glimpse of curly horned Mouflon.
- Kouklia, Aphrodite’s Sanctuary, is also in the Paphos region.
- Don’t miss: Katos Paphos Archaeological Park, Loutra Hammam, the Tombs of Kings, the Aphrodite Cultural Route, the Steni Museum of Cultural Life and Blue Flag Vrysoudia Beach.
Larnaka
Larnaka is Cyprus’ ancient port. A mix of mesmerising historic drama and energetic holiday atmosphere, it’s one of the very few Mediterranean cities to combine both so easily and still manage to charm. In and around Larnaka is a great area for family accommodation and the lively day and night activity works particularly well for older kids and teenagers.
- The extravagant Phinikoudes prom links old and new Larnaka without a breath and brings together everything from great restaurants and city beaches to live music, street theatre and cute cafés.
- Fall in love with Larnaka’s original neighbourhoods but don’t miss the quaint villages round and about, they’re famous for traditional art and crafts.
- Don’t miss: Larnaka Medieval Museum, the Folklore Museum, Piale Pasha sea walk, Larnaka Bay water sports and Agios Lazaros.
Limassol
The second largest city in Cyprus and the country’s main port, Limassol is also the family holiday capital, home to great resort hotels and land of blue flag beaches. The city’s coast stretches for 15km and the glamorous marina is at the heart of a strip of shops, restaurants and cafés.
- Top area for Krassochoria – mountain wine villages.
- The sunniest southern slopes of the Troodos range are in this region.
- Don’t miss: Akrotiri Salt Lake, ancient Amathus and Kourion, walking in the Troodos Mountains and Germasogeia Dam.
Ayia Napa
About 40km south east of Limassol, Ayia Napa is known as the country’s party area and
deserves the reputation. With over 40 gorgeous beaches, waterparks, theme parks
and more than its fair share of extreme water sports, it’s a fun place to visit with kids but not the most family-friendly area to stay.
What to do
- Cyprus Land, Limassol
A medieval theme park, short on white-knuckle rides and slides but good for jousting, sword fighting and enthusiastic re-enactors.
- Paphos Zoo
Cute babies galore are a speciality here. Recent new additions to this beautifully landscaped zoon include tigers and giraffes.
- Camel Park, Larnaka
Camel rides round this huge park are the highlight for kids but they can see everything from wallabies to turtles too.
- Agios Lazaros Byzantine Museum, Lanarka
One of the loveliest churches in Cyprus, the museum’s collection contains the country’s finest examples of Byzantine art and artefacts.
- Parko Paliatso, Ayia Napa
From giant rollercoasters and human sling shots to colourful carousels and amazing trampolines, this is one of the biggest and best parks in Cyprus.
- Adventure Mountain Park, Kyperoonda
Making even more adventure out of the stunning Troodos Mountains this park has everything from summer paintball and climbing to ice skating and traverse in winter.
- Aoroti Beach, Limassol
One of the best Limassol family beaches for water sports.
- Water World, Ayia Napa
Huge, ocean front waterpark and a day or more of fantastic splashing about for kids.
- Fasouri Waterpark, Limassol
Cute slides and chutes for younger kids, plenty of extreme thrills for teenagers and lots and lots of interesting non-water play too.
- Cape Greko National Park, Ayia Napa
Forests, beaches, dozens of trails and wildly beautiful natural wonders to explore in this glorious national park close to Ayia Napa – good for sea caves.
Educational value for kids
- Over 10,000 years of history has left traces all over Cyprus, even a day on the beach is an education for kids.
- The country is covered in museums from small, specialist galleries to grand national collections.
- Six well marked culture trails cover every little piece of the past, follow them on foot, by bike or take the car.
- Cyprus is known for its distinctive cooking style, let kids eat local.
- Visit towns and villages to see the country’s stellar work protecting traditional heritage and ways of life.
- The villages round Larnaka are famous for art and craft workshops and kids are always welcome.
- The foothills of the Troodos Mountains aren’t difficult to tackle, even for younger children and there’s a high chance of spotting wildlife here.
Getting around with kids in Cyprus
Cycle and walk as much as you can in Cyprus, nothing is more rewarding, especially with kids. Cities and towns are compact and pleasant to get about on foot. But a car is an essential if you want to explore the interior, travel to different beaches and see all the monuments and major attractions easily.
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