Cyprus Resorts
Sun, sea, sand, culture, history – it's a bit of a cliche, but Cyprus really does have it all. And we at Thomas Cook can offer you all of that and more on a Cyprus holiday. If you'd rather do things your own way we've also got lots of cheap flights to Cyprus and cheap Cyprus accommodation so that you can build your own break. But first things first – you need to decide where you're going. Here's our guide to the top Cyprus resorts to help you do just that.
Paphos
Set on the west coast of Cyprus, Paphos is a popular choice for holidaymakers probably because it offers the best of both worlds. Beach lovers have a nice sandy beach to while away the hours on and an impressive choice of accommodation from self catering right up to all inclusive hotels. Plus, with around 300 days of sunshine a year, even the winters in Paphos are mild (though maybe a little bit nippy for sunbathing). In the evening there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from and entertainment can be as low-key or fast-paced as you like.
Paphos - History and Culture
As the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, Paphos abounds in history. Jutting out at the end of the quaint fishing harbour is a Byzantine castle – as soon as you arrive it’s easy to see why they wanted to protect this town from invasion. In fact Paphos is deemed so historically important that the whole town is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Don’t miss the intriguing Tomb of the Kings, a necropolis dating back to the 4th century. Other highlights include the ruined Temple of Aphrodite, the archaeological museum and the stunning mosaics at Nea Paphos.
Coral Bay
Just north of Paphos, Coral Bay has one of the best beaches in Cyprus, so naturally watersports fans and beach lovers alike flock to its shores. As its name would suggest it’s surrounded by rugged headland, creating a sheltered environment that is ideal for a family holiday. The nightlife here is also more laidback than Paphos, though a short taxi ride would take you to the heart of the action.
Aphrodite Hills
If you prefer to be surrounded by nature and not crowds, Aphrodite Hills offers a tranquil escape. Set up in the hills some 24 km from Paphos, with a golf course and spa, this up-and-coming Cyprus resort has already been spotted by big names such as Intercontinental hotels, so you can expect a touch of luxury.
Pissouri
A little bit south of Paphos is Pissouri, home to the popular Columbia Beach Resort Cyprus. Even if you don't choose to stay at the Columbia, this hillside village is one of the most attractive places to visit in the whole of Cyprus, with stunning panoramic views of the coast. You might even get to sample some of the local wine grown in the vineyards surrounding this lovely Cyprus resort.
Limassol
As the second largest town in Cyprus, Limassol isn't short of things to do. Set next to the Troodos Mountains, it offers a Cyprus holiday with beach and nature rolled into one. The town has plenty of good value shops, bars and restaurants, not to mention popular Grand Resort Cyprus hotel, set in the exclusive Amathus district on the outskirts of town. Nearby you'll find the awe-inspiring ruins of the ancient Cypriot Kingdom of Amathus. Overlooking the sea, the amphitheatre must have had one of the best views in the ancient world! But if you’d rather do nothing at all and just relax, Limassol's beach is safe & good for swimming.
Larnaca
As the main Cyprus airport, Larnaca is more often a landing point rather than a holiday resort in its own right. However, if you dismiss it for that reason you could well be missing out, as there are around 8 miles of sandy beaches around the bay and plenty of watersports on offer. While it does have its large hotels, you’ll also find smaller properties with a local feel.
Ayia Napa
Immortalised in a clubbing anthem, Ayia Napa is undisputedly the party capital of Cyprus. However, it may surprise you to discover that over recent years it is developing into a popular Cyprus family holiday resort. No doubt its Blue Flag sandy beach has something to do with it and teenagers will definitely appreciate the activities on offer. But perhaps the main reason is that holidays in Ayia Napa are great value for money and can be surprisingly cheap. The nightlife is still buzzing, though perhaps a little less so than it once did, so if you’re looking for a cheap Cyprus holiday with a bit of action, Ayia Napa is a good choice.
Nissi Bay
Although a separate town to Ayia Napa, these days Nissi Bay is more of suburb, though it is noticeably more relaxed, peaceful and retains more of the traditional fishing village feel than its more famous neighbour. Families and couples who enjoy the quieter life tend to choose this Cyprus resort over Ayia Napa and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. And if you decide to have a night on the town, you’ll be close enough to do it without breaking the bank.
Protaras
Only a few miles north of Ayia Napa, Protaras is a world away in terms of feel. This is much more your typical relaxing beach resort, although it does get busy in peak season. That said, it's not short of nightlife – it's just a bit more low-key. And what Protaras lacks in history and typical Cypriot culture, it makes up for in practicality and convenience, with a number of hotels offering options from self catering to all inclusive.
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