A guide to resorts in Cyprus

Tucked between the Med and the Middle East, Cyprus scores highly for sun, sea and sand holidays. The coastline gets a big tick for its Blue Flag beaches, and it’s got a strong rep for its culture, history and nightlife. Plus, it’s all under five hours from home. Picking where to stay can be a struggle as there are lots of strong contenders, so here’s a guide to the resorts in Cyprus’ Larnaca and Paphos areas.

Larnaca area

Alaminos

More traditional than its touristy neighbours, this village is made up of stone buildings, courtyards and olive groves that are seriously good for the ‘gram. You might want to keep this one to yourself, though, as Alaminos is home to Secret Paradise beach. This sandy spot’s got a big cliff on one end and a harbour on the other, and the shallow water’s just right for a dip.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa = Cyprus’ party capital. Mega clubs, foam parties, themed bars – whatever nightlife floats your boat, you’ll find it here. But it’s not all neon lights and 5am finishes, as this town’s got also got a side that’s worth seeing when the sun comes up. Take your pick from one of 14 Blue Flag beaches, stroll down cobbled streets, and sit outside a taverna next to the yacht-lined harbour.

Nissi Beach

It might be right next to Ayia Napa, but Nissi Beach is a family-friendly pick through and through. The super shallow waters are perfect for little ones to paddle in, and the resort’s four and five-star hotels are built right next to the beach’s white sand. And if you wanted to sneak some culture into your holiday, WaterWorld – a Greek-themed water park – is nearby. From a Trojan Horse splash zone to slides that wind between classical statues, nothing says fun like ancient history.

Protaras

This one’s all about beaches – six to be precise. Fig Tree Bay’s the star of the show with its seriously blue water, and laidback Green and Sirena Bays also deserve a call-out. You can also take a boat trip from here to Cape Greco National Park. Grab your snorkel to check out the hidden sea caves from the water, or head onto dry land to walk through the pretty pine forest.

Paphos area

Aphrodite Hills

Sitting above Aphrodite’s Rock, this exclusive spot’s definitely boujie enough for a goddess. It’s perfectly placed on the hillside, so it’s got a secluded feel, and you’re in for some unreal ocean scenery. Live your best life in a high-end hotel, soak up the sunshine from the 18-hole golf course and treat yourself to a dreamy spa sesh at The Retreat. And you can easily get back down to earth – we mean, beach – from here, too.

Chlorakas

This pick delivers on the wholesome vibes. The old town’s a classic Cypriot village with rust-coloured churches and authentic restaurants, and then there’s the modern beachfront lined with bars. This part of the coast’s got loads of character, too, with little stretches of sand broken up by rocky coves and patches of greenery. And you’re only up the road from Paphos, so there’s plenty to explore in the area.

Coral Bay

You might have guessed it from the name, but this resort’s pretty easy on the eye. It’s got a big diving scene thanks to its window-clear water and loads of wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for the local turtles. The beach itself is covered in golden sand, and the seafront’s lined by cafés, bars and restaurants. The holiday vibes really ramp up here in the evenings, so go for a sunset stroll or people-watch with a cocktail.

Limassol

All eyes are on Limassol’s lovely marina. It’s filled with fishing boats and yachts, you can watch the world go by from a waterfront restaurant, and it all looks extra nice when it’s lit up at night. The town is also a must-visit for vino lovers, as it hosts the country’s wine festival every year. Prefer history? You’ll find not one, but two castles here – one in the centre, and the other out towards the countryside.

Paphos

Everyone loves Paphos, and we can’t blame them. Between its top-tier beach, centuries-old sites and buzzy nightlife, it’s got a bit of everything. The hilly old town’s dotted with little shops where you can buy handmade jewellery and mosaics, and the newer bit’s where everything kicks off in the evenings. Must-do things are a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, and a trip to the UNESCO-protected Tomb of the Kings – a 4th-century burial site that was reserved for VIPs only.