Hotels in Paphos

From beach fun to discovering the rich local culture, Larnaca holidays have it all. Situated on the south-eastern edge of Cyprus, the coastline around the city boasts some of the country’s best beaches and diving sites, perfect if you’re a bit of a water baby! There are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep little ones happy, too.

And there are lots of archaeological sites to explore if you love a bit of history. When it comes to food, you’ll find a cosmopolitan choice of restaurants, cafés and bars catering to every taste, from sampling the delicious local wines and Cypriot cuisine, to enjoying fish and chips or pizza.

Things to do

From exploring the antique shops of the old town to hitting the water on a banana boat, there’s something for everyone on your Larnaca holiday. The soft golden sands and shallow waters of Nissi Beach are a short bus ride away, putting you within easy reach of one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

The thrilling complex of slides and pools at Water World, Cyprus’ largest water park, are at nearby Ayia Napa, and are a must-visit for families.

Fancy something more laid back? Simply stay and enjoy a leisurely lunch along Larnaca’s bustling palm-lined seafront promenade. In the evening enjoy your meal like a local at a quiet taverna, or head to the bright lights of nearby party-capital Ayia Napa to dance the night away.

History and culture

Being the oldest city in Cyprus, it’s no surprise that Larnaca has so much history to explore. The historical centre offers visitors a whole host of museums and ancient sites to visit, such as the famous Saint Lazarus Church and Larnaca Fort. And what’s more, the size of the city means that you can easily make your way around the most popular hotspots by foot.

Night life and dining

Larnaca’s modern city was built on top of the ruins of the ancient city of Kition. In its place, you will now find a huge selection of bars, restaurants and cafés where you can indulge in all the local food and drink. You’ll find plenty of places along the seafront promenade where you can take a seat and watch the world go buy whilst enjoying a drink or two. Or, if you prefer things a little more fast paced, there is a good selection of clubs and discos too.

Choice of beaches

Larnaca has a wealth of sandy beaches stretching along its coastline. Two of the most famous beaches in the Larnaca area are McKenzie Beach and also Phinikoudes Beach, boasting blue flag status. Phinikoudes is situated just north of the city and is lined with countless palm trees. It’s the main tourist area of Larnaca and is surrounded by a huge choice of shops, bars and restaurants. Venture further afield and you’ll find no less than 14 blue flag beaches in the Ayia Napa area.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Ayia Napa | Limassol | Nissi Bay | Paphos | Protaras

The family-friendly, fun-packed Nissi Bay has the best white sand beach in the area leading down into a beautifully clear turquoise sea. Unsurprisingly, this makes it very popular with beach lovers and families, but this resort on the edge of Ayia Napa on the south coast of Cyprus still has a laid-back, relaxed vibe, rather than the usual crowded chaos!

The party town of Ayia Napa is within walking distance, perfect if you want to dip into and out of its vibrant nightlife on your Nissi Bay holiday. There are also plenty of activities for the kids nearby, from go-karting and mini-golf to the multitude of slides and pools at Water World, Cyprus’ biggest waterpark.

Things to do

The soft white sand of Nissi beach is the perfect place to play games or hire a sun lounger to relax. The vibrant blue sea beyond will tempt you in for a refreshing dip or to try out one of the many water sports on offer, from jet skiing to banana boat rides. This is also a great place to explore under the water, scuba diving on the famous MS Zenobia wreck.

Away from the water’s edge there’s also lots to keep everyone entertained on holidays in Nissi Bay. From sampling delicious local or international cuisine in the cafés and restaurants of Nissi Avenue or in neighbouring Ayia Napa, to the exhilarating thrills of the waterpark, there’s plenty to see and do on a holiday to Nissi.

Diving and snorkelling

The beaches of Nissi bay are some of the best in the Mediterranean and like all good beaches, there are a number of great spots for diving and snorkelling along the coastline. One in particular, the Zenobia Shipwreck in Larnaca is a popular diving spot and has been ever since the large cruise vessel first sank in 1980. As it rests in shallow waters it’s easily accessible to divers and is rated as one of the best shipwrecks to explore in the world.

Fantastic boat trips

The long beaches of Nissi Bay have a number of excursions to suit all groups of people whether you’re into diving, water sports, fishing, or even just relaxing on a catamaran cruise. Perhaps the most exciting boat trip you can take is to hop on board the yellow submarine in Ayia Napa for an underwater adventure in the Mediterranean Sea. The day begins with a dive down to the ocean floor and finishes with a visit to the crystal blue waters of a stunning sea cave. The glass bottom of the submarine offers the opportunity for some amazing views of the marine life.

Festivals and nightlife

Nissi Bay is near to the legendary nightlife of Ayia Napa town but the resort itself features a great combination of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops along its main street. Why not join in the celebrations at the Ayia Napa Festival in September and Children’s Festival in June? While July plays host to both the Paralimni and Larnaca Summer Festivals.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Ayia Napa | Larnarca | Limassol | Paphos | Protaras

Protaras is a purpose-built, family-friendly resort located on Cyprus’ south east coast. Located near one of the island’s best beaches, Fig Tree Bay, you’ll find soft, golden sand that’s ideal for beach games or relaxing in the sun. There’s also a wide choice of water sports available if you’re feeling active, as well as a water park and aquarium to keep the kids occupied. 

As you’d expect from a modern resort, there are plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and cafés serving up a range of local and international cuisine. Whether you’re heading out for a meal or looking for an exciting activity, this laid-back coast is easy on the wallet with tons of budget fun to be had for those looking for those looking for cheap holidays. If you’re planning a trip with friends and looking for something even wilder, your trip wouldn’t be complete without hitting the party town Ayia Napa, which is just around the headland.

Things to do

Picture-perfect Blue Flag beaches, like Fig Tree Bay, draw beach lovers in droves to this corner of Cyprus. Picture-perfect Blue Flag beaches, like Fig Tree Bay, draw in sun worshippers and water sports lovers in droves. For an exciting day trip, you can sail out to the nearby Cape Greco, a protected nature park, and spend the day exploring its natural beauty via its hiking trails.

Back on (almost)-dry land, you’ll find Water World, considered by many to be the island’s best waterpark. It’s just a short 15-minute bus trip from the town and always a big hit with kids of all ages.

Feeling brave? On Protaras holidays you can get up close and personal with crocodiles, penguins, and exotic fish at the Ocean Aquarium. If you prefer your nature even wilder, there’s a network of trails for cyclists and walkers taking in dramatic views and unspoiled terrain.

A shopping trip is another must during your time in Cyprus. You’ll find a good selection of items on sale here, all with that special local touch. But if you’re thinking of buying anything, the area is known for its hand-made lace and leather handbags. Cheaper than back home, it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself. 

In between all that retail therapy you’re bound to work up an appetite, and thankfully there’s a good selection of restaurants in Protaras which are ideal for a pit-stop. Alongside famous fast food chains such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut, you’ll find a long list of places specialising in traditional Cypriot cuisine. It doesn’t get much more authentic than Kafkaros Tavern, whose fish and meat mezzes are testament to its excellent TripAdvisor reviews. 

Visit beautiful Fig Tree Bay Beach

No visit to Protaras is complete without a visit to Fig Tree Bay, which is the most popular beach in the area. The sparkling turquoise waters are ideal for kids to splash about in and perfect if you’d like a paddle too. If you’re feeling adventurous why don’t you have a go at some water sports? From parasailing to banana boats and jet skiing, Fig Tree Bay is a thrill seeker’s paradise. You can also try the fun new activity of Flyboarding, where you can experience sea views while defying gravity.

Challenge yourself at the Escape Rooms

Visit the Escape Rooms in Protaras where you have an hour to see if you can solve all the puzzles in time. This great experience gives you three exciting rooms to choose from, including the Prison Room, The Zombie Lab and The Cold War Bunker. Follow the clues to find your way out – it’s amazing fun for the whole family.

Experience the culture of Cyprus

Nicknamed ‘the island of the Saints’, Cyprus is filled with churches and monasteries, many of which are found locally to Protaras. One of the National Forest Parks of Cyprus is located on the outskirts of the resort which is a perfect alternative to a day at the beach. There’s no shortage of scenery to enjoy in Protaras and its educational side is great for kids and adults alike.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Ayia Napa | Larnarca | Limassol | Nissi Bay | Paphos