Best Places to Stay in Cyprus
Updated: Jan 31
Cyprus offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. But how to choose the place that is the most suitable for you? Where to stay in Cyprus to enjoy your vacation?
In this post, you will find high-level descriptions of the main travel destinations in Cyprus. I hope it will help you to understand, what are the best places to stay in Cyprus for you, depending on what you want to get from your vacation.
Agia Napa - Nightlife & Beautiful Beaches
If you like to go out, have fun and spend most of the time on your sunbed, in other words, looking for a lively beach destination - Agia Napa might be the best option for you. It's a town located on the southeastern coast of Cyprus and is well-known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and nightlife.
If you stay in Agia Napa, you can satisfy your aesthetic appetites as well - the sea is beautiful, and the promenade is more than suitable for relaxing walks by the sea. Also, check out a relatively new addition to Agia Napa attractions - Agia Napa Marina - that you will probably like if you are into modern architecture and like observing the yachts.
Protaras
Protaras is a popular beach resort town located just a few kilometres from Agia Napa. It is famous for its amazing beaches, crystal-clear water, and relaxing atmosphere. It's quieter than Agia Napa and more family-oriented. If you are into parties and going out, Agia Napa would be a better choice for you. If you want to have quality time with your family or partner, enjoy beautiful beaches and explore the natural beauty of the island, then Protaras is for you.
Check out Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay - the most famous beaches in Protaras, which are known for their clear blue waters and picturesque passages. If you like nature, then explore Cape Greco National Forest Park, where you can enjoy the scenic coastal cliffs and sea caves.
Larnaca - for relaxing seaside holidays
Larnaca is a coastal city with a relaxing vibe and a beautiful promenade. It's a great place to explore the local culture and enjoy the seaside. If you want to have a chance to experience the local lifestyle and minimise the number of tourists around, then Larnaca is your choice.
Nice sea (not so beautiful as in Agia Napa or Protaras though), plenty of options for lunches and dinners, opportunities for going out and enjoying the cocktails on the beach, combining all these activities with exploring Saint Lazarus church, Old Town and rendering half day visits to historical and not touristic Nicosia or beautiful seashores of Protaras and Agia Napa. What else do you need for your perfect vacation?
Limassol - Fancy Lifestyle
Limassol is a dynamic city with a mix of modernity and history. It's famous for its long coastal strip, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions.
Limassol Promenade (Molos) is a rather long promenade, lined with palm trees and offering nice views of the Mediterranean Sea. Once you reach the end of the Promenade, you will face Limassol Marina, where you can see luxury yachts and dine at fancy restaurants.
Do not forget to check out the Old Town of the city, to enjoy the charming streets, and discover traditional Cypriot architecture, vintage shops, cafes and restaurants.
Also, the central location allows travelling to Paphos, visiting Troodos and some tourist spots such as Aphrodite Rocks and Castle Kolossi - staying in Limassol might be a good idea.
Paphos - Nature & History
Paphos is located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, and it's known for its historical sites and vibrant atmosphere.
If you want to get the maximum from nature and ancient history, then you might probably want to stay in Paphos: in the city itself, there are notable historical spots, such as the Tomb of Kings and Archaeological Site.
Nice green areas (to the extent it's possible in the Mediterranean), banana plantations here and there, rather beautiful sea landscapes, a huge Akamas Natural Forest Park (45 km from Paphos) to explore for hiking lovers,
Nicosia - Authentic Lifestyle
Nicosia - the last divided capital in Europe, the least touristic place, that will give you everything but the sea: historical attractions, green parks where you can escape from the heat and have a break from city life, high-quality authentic cafes and restaurants, including places where you can enjoy the best coffee and beer in Europe. No sea though - everything but the sea.
The closest sea resort is Larnaca - around 45 km from the centre of Nicosia, so in 45 minutes you can easily reach the seaside.
For more information about Nicosia, check out my other post, fully dedicated to the best things to do in Nicosia.
Troodos - Cool Yourself
If you are getting bored of the idea to spend your vacations by the sea and prefer to spend time in a forest and mountains, then you might like the Troodos - a beautiful mountain range located in the centre of Cyprus. In Troodos, you can escape from the heat, enjoy stunning views, check out the numerous hiking paths and discover more tranquil and traditional parts of Cypris.
In Troodos you can visit picturesque villages, such as Kakopetria, Omodos and Platres; visit the Kykkos Monastery, one of the most famous and wealthiest monasteries in Cyprus, explore some local wineries and see the Caledonia and the Milomeris Waterfalls.
Overall, Cyprus is an amazing place, where everyone can find the destinations that suit them most: from dynamic Agia Napa and stunning sea views in Protaras to quite traditional villages of Troodos and authentic Nicosia, where you can breathe the history. If you are wondering, when is it better for you to visit Cyprus - check out some info here.