Which resort in Cyprus is right for you?

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

Cyprus is one of those destinations with it all: epic scenery, myriad beaches (including over 50 Blue Flag-certified), bountiful historic sites, traditional villages and great food. Not to mention one of the world's most idyllic climates and a never-ending choice of things to see and do.

Which resort in Cyprus is right for you?
Which resort in Cyprus is right for you? © Olezzo - Fotolia.com

Handily this island nation also offers resorts as diverse and appealing as its famous traditional mezze feasts, with one to suit all tastes.

It's also one of the most accessible holiday destinations, with the likes of TUI offering great deals* to resorts across the island in both the Larnaca region in the east of the country and the Paphos region in the west.

Larnaca region

In the Larnaca region* there is the firm family favourite of Protaras, where clean sands and shallow waters allow both kids and parents to properly relax.

A resort strip is on hand too with all the restaurants, cafés and bars you could need, including cosy tavernas, so it's popular with couples too.

Just a little further along this scenic sun drenched coast is a resort that needs no introduction to partygoers. Ayia Napa* is a clubbers' paradise with its lively bars and superb clubs, which attract partygoers from all around the globe as well as the world's best DJs.

What surprised me on my first visit was the chocolate box pretty old town and the choice of quality beaches that Ayia Napa also boasts.

Neighbouring Nissi Beach* is a fun all rounder with its acclaimed waterpark and one of the island's best beaches, which curls its Blue Flag sands towards Ayia Napa in a duo of horseshoe bays and a much photographed islet.

It is a bit more laidback than its sibling and it's a great place to try your hand at a variety of watersports. Fans of beach volleyball can use the free public nets.

The whole coast around Protaras, Ayia Napa and Nissi Beach is awash with beaches and remote coves so there is plenty of opportunity to get away from it all too, especially in Cape Greco National Park.

Paphos region

Moving southwest we come to the Paphos region*, where the epic beaches, dramatic scenery and attractive resorts continue. For city slickers Limassol* is the big draw.

Cyprus' liveliest city buzzes with an atmospheric old core, which is home to superb historic sites, restaurants and shops, plus a sweeping seven mile beach that always has enough space for everyone.

Limassol is ideal for city lovers who enjoy time on the beach too.The Amathus Bay* area on the eastern fringes of the city is perfect for couples looking for a quieter break, but who still want to be close to the bright lights.

If it's sheer, secluded luxury you are after you will find it on the other side of Limassol at Aphrodite Hills*. This is one of the classiest hotel resorts not just in Cyprus, but in the whole of the Mediterranean.

This oasis reclines just back from where the goddess Aphrodite was said to have risen from the waves. We're talking sumptuous accommodation, an award-winning spa, multiple pools, on site mountain bike trails, and an 18-hole golf course sculpted by Cabell B. Robinson.

The crystal clear waters of Ayia Napa, Cyprus
The crystal clear waters of Ayia Napa, Cyprus © Vladimir Sazonov - Fotolia.com

The best-known resort in the west is Paphos itself, a large resort that caters for everybody. This is a personal favourite that I've enjoyed visiting on numerous trips.

I've savoured romantic getaways with my wife, where mezze feasts on the waterfront and swathes of historic sites - The Tombs of the Kings and the UNESCO listed mosaics at the Paphos Archaeological Park - were highlights.

The kids also loved the sandy beaches and family friendly restaurants. Everyone enjoys hanging out down by the old harbour relaxing with the hulk of Kolossi Castle gazing back as the sun sets.

Just west along the coast through the banana plantations and vineyards is Coral Bay, named after the large horseshoe-shaped cove, which boasts Blue Flag credentials.

The resort itself is an ideal place to get away from it all, but if you really want to leave the world behind pop off on a day trip into the Akamas Peninsula where Lara offers a totally unspoilt beach, bar that is for the odd nesting turtle.

West Cyprus

Push over the hills on to the northwestern coast and the relaxed seaside resort villages of Polis and Latchi offer an authentic slice of island life, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants on hand still to back up the Blue Flag winning beaches.

There is a wee old town to ramble around in Polis and Porto Latchi, a picturesque harbour laden with brightly painted fishing boats where you can enjoy a glorious feast in one of the waterfront tavernas. The mezzes are massive and the waiters brilliant with kids - both my daughters love it here.

Moving further north on the west coast we arrive in quaint villages and beaches that were once largely the preserve of hippies looking for total escape. Argaka and Pomos still retain that relaxed vibe and are ideal for couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and families seeking something a little different in a spectacular corner of the country.

Look out for green turtles on the beach at Argaka and make sure to enjoy a delicious meal by the harbour in sleepy Pomos. Both resorts are great basis for hiking in the Akamas Peninsula National Park.

I said that Cyprus offers holidaymakers impressive diversity and that is really on show with Miliou*. This low-key wildcard lies north of Paphos and south of Polis, but feels another world away from both.

Join the villagers - there are just over 50 - amongst the pine trees and lemon groves, enjoying a glass of the wine conjured up from the surrounding vineyards as you gaze up towards the mighty Troodos Mountains.

The beach is only a 15-minute walk away. In Cyprus world-class beaches, cosy tavernas, fun watersports and lashings of epic history are never far away no matter which resort you choose.

Have you found your perfect resort? Check out the latest deals on breaks to Cyprus with TUI, which departs from airports across the UK.

Remember, you can also find out more about the weather in Cyprus, and see when we think is the best time to go for fabulous resort-worthy weather.

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Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish travel writer, author and broadcaster. He has visited over 100 countries and regularly writes about Scotland and the Canary Islands. As well as frequently contributing to Weather2Travel.com, Robin writes for publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and Wanderlust, and has authored more than 30 guidebooks.

Article updated on Tuesday 1st September 2020 in: Beach Compare Europe Summer TUI

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