Kinga Boros 
Hello, dear reader, and welcome to Cyprus, the country where I lived for almost 5 years! I was based in Larnaca and have traveled all over the island, and now I’m thrilled to share my insights to help you plan your trip here!
Larnaca is the best place to stay for first-timers, as it’s near the main airport, has great beaches, and plenty of attractions! But stay tuned, as I’ve prepared 5 other best areas and compared ALL the hotels in all of them so you can just pick your favorite and book! I’m really eager to make this trip-planning easy breezy for you, which is why I’ve also sorted them by price.
Oh, and about booking. Do it fast! Hotels across Cyprus can get booked months in advance, so better grab those deals early on!
If you are in a hurry
Here are the best places to stay in Cyprus, with hotels from luxury to budget. They all have top-rated service and location!
Contents
This map will help you visualize the 6 best areas to stay in Cyprus:
- Larnaca: for first-timers
- Protaras: for luxury
- Ayia Napa: for the nightlife
- NICOSIA: for history
- Limassol: for an active vacation
- Paphos: for families
1. Larnaca – best place to stay in Cyprus for first-timers
Larnaca is a beautiful coastal city in the Southeast of Cyprus, and it’s where you’re most likely to land, since this is where the main international airport is located. It’s also the city I called home for almost 5 years! I lived both in villages around it and inside the city, and absolutely loved how convenient everything here was.
Wherever you’re situated, you’ll be just a short walk from the beach, the restaurants, shops, cafés, hotels, and the beautiful promenade.
I love the chilled atmosphere, which makes this coastal town ideal for families and couples. But don’t get me wrong – there’s tons to do here! I even wrote a separate article on the 13 best things to do in Larnaca!
Some highlights include the Finikoudes Beach (map), which is the most popular beach in the area. My personal favorite is the McKenzie Beach further south (great for water sports like windsurfing!) because you can see the planes landing while you swim! Plus, it’s less crowded, and you can get sunbeds for as little as €2.50! I love that they built a beautiful promenade that now connects Finikoudes and McKenzie, you can literally walk for 4 km (2.4 miles) by the sea between beaches!
Another one of my favorite spots in the city is the main square, St. Lazarus, adorned by St. Lazarus Church (map). You’ll find nice restaurants around with the most romantic views of the church. I also recommend the Hala Sultan Tekke (a mosque and a former sufi lodge) just by the Larnaca Salt Lake. By the way, this place (map) near the mosque is great for flamingo-watching!
Beautiful nature, beaches, easy access to restaurants serving fresh seafood, walkable city, and plenty of hotels definitely make Larnaka my favorite place to recommend for first-time tourists!
NOTE: If you plan to visit other places in Cyprus, it’s best to rent a car since the public transport can get a bit hectic. Still, you can catch a bus to most towns in the region from the City Center in Larnaca. And if you do rent a car, remember that they drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, just like in the U.K.!
Radisson Blu Hotel is one of the best hotels in Cyprus. This 5-star hotel offers a large swimming pool, a great fitness center, and a fabulous breakfast. You can enjoy a panoramic city and beach view from your room, and the top attractions such as Hala Sultan Tekke, Larnaca Salt Lake, and the town center are nearby. It’s the perfect hotel for couples to enjoy their stay in Cyprus!
Other accommodation options in Larnaca
This boutique hotel has a nice pool, a bar, and clean rooms; the beach is just a short walk away
Situated just by the beach, this budget hotel offers rooms with a kitchen and free Wi-Fi, with main attractions nearby
Romantic Airbnb with Mediterranean sea view and modern amenities, walking distance from the beach
Things to do in Larnaca
- Enjoy a sunset cruise with a glass of wine
- Explore the 12th century Larnaka Medieval Fort (map)
- Take a half-day tour to Cape Greko
- Head to Larnaca Salt Lake to enjoy nature and watch flamingos
- See the mosque by the sea, Hala Sultan Tekke
- Rent a boat in Larnaca Marina (map)
- Go wine tasting in the mountains
2. Protaras – where to stay in Cyprus for luxury + best beaches
Located on the far Southeastern end of the island, Protaras city is 54 km (33 miles) away from Larnaca and just 10 km from Ayia Napa, another super popular summer destination. And there are plenty of reasons why this is one of the best places to stay in Cyprus.
The locals always told me that Protaras is a destination for the rich, and indeed, when we went there, we could see lots of private villas by the beach.
Protaras also has the nicest white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, like the Fig Tree Bay beach (map)! You can literally see your feet while in the water! The water isn’t too deep, so it’s super family-friendly, although you can also find adult-only beaches. In fact, I’d say Protaras has the perfect beaches for all types of guests!
After a fulfilling day at the beach, it is time to have a nice dinner. Protaras offers an amazing food scene with numerous international restaurants as well as local Greek tavernas (traditional restaurants, like Vangelis Tavern (map)). Does it sound like your place? I’m ready to jump on a plane right now!
You’ll also find some beautiful churches here, like this one inside of a cave (map) as well as the stunning Profitis Ilias church (map) overlooking the sea.
Grecian Park is one of the best luxury hotels in Cyprus. This 5-star hotel offers a large swimming pool, an excellent breakfast, a fitness center, and a private beach. Family-friendly facilities such as a kids’ club and pool are available, too, and the town center is a short drive away.
Other accommodation options in Protaras
All-inclusive resort with an amazing water park, swimming pool, and a great breakfast
Clean and cozy apartments adjacent to the Protaras Beach, with free parking and restaurants nearby
Family-friendly, budget Airbnb with 2 spacious rooms and a kitchen; the beach and town center are a short walk away
Things to do in Protaras
- Enjoy beach time at Fig Tree Bay Beach and swim in crystal-clear water
- Hop on a cruise with wine and BBQ lunch
- Explore the Cyclops Cave
- Take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove
- Catch the Magic Dancing Waters Live Show (map)
- Sunbathe on a catamaran
- Visit the Ayii Anargyri Chapel
3. Ayia Napa – where to stay in Cyprus for nightlife
Ayia Napa is a city located on the Southeast coast of Cyprus, some 40 minutes drive to Larnaca Airport. It would be right to say that Ayia Napa is the party capital of the island and where you will find the most vibrant nightlife in Cyprus!
In Ayia Napa, you will find party-friendly resorts, DJ performances on the beaches, lively bars, and great restaurants. Start your day energizing yourself by chilling at the beautiful sandy beaches along the coastline, then stay for the beach parties at night!
Ayia Napa is one of the best nightlife destinations in European islands, competing only with Ibiza (Spain) and Zakynthos (Greece)!
But there’s much more to partying in this beautiful town! You can rent a Quad bike (this is a reliable agency for it), which is a popular way of discovering the island or visit the small fishing town Potamos Liopetriou. Of course, Nissi Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Cyprus, is the center of the action for seaside and water activities in Ayia Napa, including snorkeling and scuba diving!
My favorite places to visit nearby are the sea caves (map) and Cape Greco (or Cavo Greco, as locals call it). I’ve been here a few times, both on land and on water as we took a boat trip (this is a GREAT tour that encompasses all of my favorite places here!). Cape Greco is a stunning place to see, definitely a must! Many locals go there to take their wedding pictures, and sunsets are just jaw-dropping!
From beautiful nature to water parks to luna parks to sculpture parks to eclectic dining scenes and beautiful streets, Ayia Napa truly has something to offer for everyone!
NassiBlu is a dreamy 5-star resort with the most stunning garden, décor, and views! The rooms are elegant, the staff is super considerate, and the meals in the restaurant are world-class! The perfect place to spoil yourself during your stay in Ayia Napa!
Other accommodation options in Ayia Napa
An adult-only hotel with an infinity pool and mesmerizing views; it features 3 restaurants
Great place with free parking, clean and modern rooms, and an on-site restaurant serving Greek food
Airbnb with a very nice private terrace and hot tub; you can easily access the City Center and beaches on foot
Things to do in Ayia Napa
- Visit sandy Nissi Beach and Sandy Bay to enjoy a DJ performance
- Tour the Famagusta ghost town
- Explore the local sea caves on a cruise
- Embark on a Troodos Classic Jeep Safari
- Visit the Monastery of Ayia Napa (map)
- Enjoy the local nightlife
- Have fun at Parko Paliatso Luna Park and Waterworld
4. Nicosia – where to stay in Cyprus for history
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus and the only town on my list that isn’t located on the coast. This city is filled with history on every corner, and it’s the perfect place to start exploring Cyprus for history lovers.
The capital is located in the middle of the island, and it’s 48 km (30 miles) away from Larnaca. Nicosia is actually the only city in the world to be divided between 2 countries – Cyprus and Turkey! You’ll find the buffer zone (known as the green line) that splits this divided capital and the island in 2.
In Nicosia, you can visit historic museums such as the Cyprus Museum, the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, or the Byzantine Museum.
If you walk along the streets of Nicosia, you will feel the authentic vibe of Turkish and Greek cultures mixing. Pretty cool if you ask me! Just bring your passport if you plan to cross on the Turkish side!
An interesting place nearby with a rich history is Varosha (map) in Northern Cyprus, which is called the ghost town. The story behind this is that after the green line was determined to mark the border between Southern and Northern Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot left the town of Varosha and it remained empty after that. However, in The Turkish Cypriot area, you can still find restaurants and shops. I definitely recommend you try Turkish foods and buy souvenirs of your time in Northern Cyprus.
Do note that the absence of sea nearby makes Nicosia almost unbearable for sightseeing in July and August, so I definitely only recommend staying here outside of the summer season! A day trip to Nicosia is fine if you really want to visit in the summer!
This 5-star hotel is situated in the center of all the action in Nicosia, near the attractions and important government buildings. Impeccable service and breakfast, clean and modern rooms, and an on-site gym and spa make this the best luxury hotel in Nicosia and beyond!
Other accommodation options in Nicosia
I love the bright room design with random artwork, nice views, and a Greek restaurant
Urban Habitat Executive Suites
The best budget place for couples or single travelers, serves breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and has a central location
A short-stay Airbnb with 2 bedrooms, well-equipped, near the City Center, fits up to 4 guests
Things to do in Nicosia
- Learn about local history in the Cyprus Museum
- Explore the Selimiye Camii and the adjacent Buyuk Han bazaar (map)
- See the Varosha ghost town on a tour
- Walk around Nicosia’s old town
- Climb the Shacolas Observatory (map)
- Go on a full-day tour of the stunning Five Finger Mountains
5. Limassol – where to stay in Cyprus for a mix of everything
Located on the South coast of the island 67 km (41 miles) from Larnaca, Limassol is the second biggest city in Cyprus and where you will find a bit of everything you need for an active vacation! It has an urban city vibe, ancient history, nice beaches, and a fantastic central location for exploring the rest of the island, making it the best destination to stay in Cyprus without a car!
Thanks to the Limassol Marina, this area boasts nice beaches, all kinds of hotels, traditional restaurants and bars. Limassol is a very popular town to stay in Cyprus both for locals and tourists. It is the same distance to Larnaca and Paphos airports, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
Limassol is home to the biggest “Old Town” on the island. The main attractions you should see here are the Cyprus Medieval Museum (Limassol Castle), the archaeological sites of Ancient Kourion & Kolossi Castle, the Municipal Garden, and the Watermania water park for kids.
Apart from historic sites, you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches in Limassol, devour delicious Greek foods in the restaurants by the sea, check out numerous shops and spend some time in the vibrant bars. Plus, if you want a perfect location for a luxury romantic getaway, you can stay in Amathus Bay, just 10km away from Limassol!
In Limassol, you will find many nice hotels, from luxury to budget. Being a very popular holiday destination though, I highly recommend you to make a booking in advance for the hotels if you don’t want to lose your favorite place. Here are the best places to stay that I picked for you in this city.
The Royal Apollonia is one of the best luxury hotels in Limassol. This beach hotel offers 3 swimming pools, spacious rooms with views of the Troodos mountains or sea, a kids’ play area, and a great Mediterranean restaurant. The archaeological park and town center are just a short drive away.
Other accommodation options in Limassol
This lovely 4-star hotel has beachfront location, the best rooftop pool, and a hot spring bath
This all-inclusive hotel offers a nice swimming pool, private parking, and rooms with pool views
A nice centrally-located place to stay in Limassol with a beautiful kitchen and spacious rooms
Things to do in Limassol
- Stroll on the scenic Molos Limassol Promenade (map)
- Take a private tour of the city with a local
- Go on a cheesemaking day trip in the Troodos mountains
- See Limassol Castle and Cyprus Medieval Museum, which is inside
- Pet cats at Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats
- Visit Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum and Limassol Archaeological Museum
6. Paphos – where to stay in Cyprus for families
Now, Paphos may be the last area I recommend, but it’s certainly not the least beautiful or noteworthy! It’s just that Paphos is the only place from the list I haven’t visited, but it’s still a fabulous resort with plenty of things to do!
Paphos is a city located on the West coast of Cyprus, 133 km (82 miles) from Larnaca, and it’s so popular that it even has its own airport!
The city of Paphos is split into Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos), which is the main tourist hotspot, and Pano Paphos (Upper Paphos), which is the residential part. Kato Paphos is basically an old city that is like an open-air museum, with plenty of boutiques, restaurants, and ancient attractions.
In the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, you will find archaeological sites like the House of Dionysus, and the UNESCO World Heritage site – Tombs of the Kings (a major necropolis).
Nearby is also the famous Aphrodite’s Rock (map), the assumed birthplace of the Greek goddess of beauty!
I particularly recommend Paphos for families thanks to the kid friendly attractions in the area, like the Aphrodite Water Park and Pafos Zoo.
In Paphos, of course, you will also be able to find nice beaches, great local restaurants, and bars. The nearby Coral Bay is where you can find some of the most beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear water, and it’s less than a 30-minute drive North from Paphos!
I also figured out the best family-friendly hotels for you, so all you have to do is pick your favorite one and start the countdown for your holiday! These hotels are the best ones in Paphos City and they tend to fill up fast, so make your booking in advance!
Elysium is one of the best luxury resorts in Paphos. This gorgeous beach resort features 3 swimming pools, a great spa, a fitness center, private parking, and beautiful rooms with Mediterranean Sea and mountain views. Kids’ indoor and outdoor playgrounds are available, too, making this a top resort to stay in Cyprus for families.
Other accommodation options in Paphos
Family-friendly hotel in Paphos which offers self-contained apartments with 4 swimming pools and a fitness center
This budget hotel offers rooms with a kitchen, free parking, Wi-Fi, and family-friendly rooms
Family-friendly Airbnb located by the beach, with fully furnished rooms and a great balcony
Things to do in Paphos
- Head to Aphrodite’s Rock
- Take the ultimate tour of Cyprus
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Tombs of the Kings
- See the Edro III Shipwreck (map)
- Join a Blue Lagoon boat tour
- Discover authentic Cypriot traditions at Tala Village on the Akamas Peninsula
- Have fun with kids at Aphrodite Water Park
| 👑 Luxury price: | €250 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €80 |
| 📍 Best area: | Limassol |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Radisson Blu |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Josephine Boutique Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Lakis Court |
BONUS 1: Transport in Cyprus – how to get there and how to get around
Every island destination puts a question mark on traveler’s minds. I know you are also curious if it is easy enough to get to Cyprus and how the transportation is on the island. Here, I will share everything that you need to know about transportation to and across Cyprus.
How to get to Cyprus
Cyprus is a well-connected island, and you can reach it by air (most convenient), or by sea.
By Air
Cyprus has 2 airports, the Larnaca International Airport located on the Southeast of the island, and Paphos International Airport on the Southwest of Cyprus. The distance between the two airports is 120 km (75 miles). Before planning your trip, check which airport is closer to your hotel in order to avoid long rides.
There are frequent direct flights from many European countries to both airports and some tour operators offer all-inclusive packages as well. Flight ticket prices vary depending on the seasons so keep in mind that the high season in Cyprus is between May and late September, while the low season is between October and late March (except for the Christmas period). You can catch very good deals on flights as well by buying the ticket months in advance.
By Boat
You can also reach Cyprus by sea. There are some cruises from Europe which stop at Limassol Port as well as regular ferries if you are already traveling in Greece. There are 3 connections from the Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete, and from the port of Piraeus (Athens).
You can check the timetables and routes on the Greek Ferries website. A passenger ferry service is also available between Cyprus and Israel (temporarily suspended), Lebanon, and Egypt. Plus, there are also ferries from Turkey to Northern Cyprus all year round. So wherever you are coming from, you can probably take a boat for part of your journey! How cool!
NOTE: If you enter Cyprus from the Turkish part, the Greek authorities may not let you enter the Greek side, which is where all the most popular resorts and towns are. However, you can go on day tours from the Greek side to Turkish Cyprus without issues. Just make sure you bring your passport!
How to get around on the island
Now that you’ve gotten here, it’s time to start exploring! Here are the best ways to get around Cyprus
By car and motorcycle
Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around in Cyprus. Depending on the season, car rental prices are not very expensive and you can easily pick up a car straight from the airport. If you are an adventurer, you will like to hear that motorcycles and quad bikes are also common on the island and can be rented for around €20 per day.
Parking is free in most of the villages but in the cities, car parks are usually around €0.50 to €3 for half a day, and on-street parking is from €0.80 to €2 during office hours. Parking is free on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays!
By taxi
Taxis are relatively inexpensive and a safe option in Cyprus. You can call a taxi from your hotel, find one on the street in major cities or order a ride on the CABCY app. There are 3 kinds of taxis in Cyprus; urban taxis, which operate inside the cities, interurban (or a shared taxi service), and rural taxis, which operate in the villages.
Rural taxis do not have a meter, so you will need to agree on the price in advance. On the contrary, urban taxis have to have a meter, but the rate changes depending on the time of day. If you take a taxi between 6.01 AM – 8.30 PM, you will be charged a day tariff of €0.73 per km with an initial charge of €3.42. In all other hours, you will be charged the night rate of €0.85 per km with a €4.36 initial charge.
By bus
Public buses are available in the major cities and the fares are sold as a single journey €1.50, daily ticket €5, daily intercity €15, weekly ticket €20, and monthly ticket €40. Rural buses to Troodos Mountains are available, too, but are less reliable and frequent, so if you are trying to reach a more remote location, it’s best to hire a car.
BONUS 2: 2 day trips from Paphos you can enjoy in Cyprus
I already talked about the best hotels and areas to stay in Cyprus. However, there are so many more places to discover here and that’s why I had to let you know about the most interesting day trips you can take from Paphos: Akamas Peninsula and Omodos.
Although these day trips are great to take from Paphos, as the island isn’t too big, they are all easily accessible from any of the areas I already mentioned in this post. I highly recommend you rent a car to visit these locations as public transportation is not available. This way you can also enjoy the scenic road!
1. Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula National Park (map) is located on the West coast of Cyprus and a 1,5 hours drive from Paphos Airport. It is a very picturesque peninsula that offers breathtaking views and has incredible wildlife diversity, including 168 kinds of birds and 20 different reptiles!
In Akamas Peninsula, there are so many things to discover. For beach lovers, two amazing beaches in this peninsula are Blue Lagoon and Lara Beach. They both have amazing crystal clear water and offer great landscapes.
Another famous activity to do in Akamas Peninsula is to go hiking. There are 3 main hiking trails which are the Adonis Trail, the Aphrodite Trail, and the Smilies Trail. All of them offer stunning views and you can check Cyprus’s tourism site for the length of the tails and to find trail maps.
If you take the Aphrodite trail, you will reach another famous landmark, the Bath of Aphrodite, which is a natural pool and according to mythology, the waters in the Bath of Aphrodite still have a special rejuvenating effect. So why not give it a chance? Visiting Akamas Peninsula is one of the best day trip options in Cyprus!
2. Omodos Village
Situated a 45 mins drive north-east of Paphos, Omodos is the most popular village in Cyprus for its wines, local products, agrotourism, and photogenic streets. On the main street of Omodos Village, many taverns and shops sell local products which make the best souvenirs.
Have a wander and enjoy nice local food, buy some wine and local crafts, and at the end of the street, you will see Holy Cross Monastery. It is a very significant monastery for the village, and every September they organize a religious event that lasts three days. If you’re here during that time, look out for the villagers selling their products in the beautiful square in front of the monastery. If you stay nearby in Cyprus, it is a good idea to pay a visit to this adorable village.
FAQs about where to stay in Cyprus
🏖️ What’s the best area to stay in Cyprus?
Limassol city is the best place to stay in Cyprus for first-timers as it offers nice beaches, a great selection of hotels, and historic sites as well. Paphos is a great area for families and Ayia Napa is good for the nightlife.
🏝️ Which is better, Paphos or Larnaca?
Paphos and Larnaca both offer nice beaches. Paphos is more convenient for families and Larnaca offers historic sites as well as beautiful beaches. Some of the best beach resorts here are Queens Bay Hotel in Paphos and The Royal Apollonia in Larnaca.
👫 Where is best to stay in Cyprus for couples?
Larnaca is the best place to stay in Cyprus for couples with its chilled beaches. Radisson Blu Hotel and Josephine Boutique Hotel are the best resorts in Cyprus.
☀️ What is the best month to go to Cyprus?
The best time to go to Cyprus is between May and June as the weather is the finest, not too hot or cold.
🇬🇧 Is English widely spoken in Cyprus?
As Cyprus was formerly under British rule, English is widely spoken in most of the cities in Cyprus.
🤔 Which side of Cyprus is better?
It depends what you’re after. The Northern part has a Turkish Cypriot majority, it’s beautiful and cheap, but less developed. The Southern part is Greek Cypriot, more cosmopolitan and expensive, and offers more attractions.
💶 Which side of Cyprus is cheaper?
North Cyprus is cheaper. The currency there is Turkish Lira, and the prices are around 30% more affordable there. However, there are far fewer attractions in the Northern part.
👨👩👧👦 Which areas are best for family holidays in Cyprus?
Protaras and Limassol are great for active holidays, while Paphos and Ayia Napa have plenty of family-friendly hotels and apartments.
👙 Where are the best beaches in Cyprus?
Ayia Napa and Protaras in the southeast are known for their incredible beaches and crystal clear waters! The Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa) and Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) beaches are the most popular ones around!
Conclusion
Here we came to the end of this island journey. I hope this blog post helped you understand where to stay in Cyprus, and that you already found your ideal hotel!
In the end, I would like to remind you that it’s super important to book in advance as Cyprus is a very popular destination in Europe! This will help you to get better deals on hotels and guarantee to stay in your favorite hotel!
If you want extra ideas for where to stay, these are my 2 favorite hotels on the island:
- Parklane – A top resort in Limassol with all the luxuries you need for a spoiled stay
- Rise Street Art Hotel – One of the most unique hotels in Larnaca, entirely decorated in murals
I am curious to know about your holiday in Cyprus, so don’t forget to leave a comment below if you have any other suggestions or questions! I’ll be happy to leave a reply!
Enjoy your time in Cyprus,
Kinga
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
