When introducing Cyprus it's hard not to fall into the well-worn travel writing clichés, but it really is a island of contrasts, where old meets new, where the mountains meet the sea, where east meets west and where you can ski and swim in the same day — at least at certain times of year. And when it comes to the best places to stay in Cyprus we really do have something for everyone! The island has a huge array of accommodation options, ranging from converted farmhouses in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains to luxurious beach resorts, where every suite has a private pool. We have some excellent family hotels to recommend too, as well as some honeymoon hotel havens, and some pads where you can book a great value beach break.
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As well as its beaches, Cyprus is probably best known for its ancient treasures: the Hellenistic mosaics of ancient Paphos, the huge Roman theatre at Kourion, the medieval castles at Colossi, Limassol and Larnaka, and the wonderful frescoed Byzantine churches of the Troodos. And we’ve found that the best places to stay on Cyprus to make the most of its cultural highlights can generally be found in the heart of the island’s Old Towns. So you might want to start by reading our break down of which parts Cyprus you might find the best places to stay in?
Where to Stay? Which Part of Cyprus?
- Nicosia, the capital, is the largest city in Cyprus and also happens to be its most beautiful. It is awash with gorgeous colonial architecture, surrounding numerous museums and art galleries, mosques and a brilliant variety of shops — from designer brands to independent craftsmen. It’s the ideal holiday destination for those looking to revel in the glory of the "real Cyprus”, and it's the world’s last divided capital: A UN buffer zone, ‘the Green Line’, divides the north and south of the island into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. But it is possible for EU citizens to cross the border at certain checkpoints, like the Leda Street crossing. Leda Street also happens to be one of the most popular shopping precincts in the city, full of traditional jewellers and fabric makers and is a shopaholics paradise! As well as modern history, Nicosia also has its fair share of fascinating ancient history, and you can walk along its 14th-century Venetian walls and walk beneath the great vaulted passage, while close by is a Roman aqueduct.
- Paphos is one of our favourite Cyprus resorts. Famed for its pristine beaches with their white sand and azure waters, and for its mountainous backdrop and long days of sunshine, but it’s more besides. Yes, there’s touristy Paphos, with its pubs and high street stores, waterparks and Blue-Flag beaches, but there’s also historical Paphos, one of the most archaeologically-rich areas of the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Ayia Napa is a lively resort on the golden southeastern coast of Cyprus. Once a humble fishing village, it is now the clubbing capital of the island, a popular resort town ideal for a trendy seaside getaway. Yes, in Ayia Napa you can dance until dawn and then keep going, but it also has a wonderful sculpture park, two excellent museums, a fantastic street art scene and a spectacular headland. It’s also a great spot for divers. The town itself is picturesque, full of boutique designer outfitters and charming little seaside tavernas while the buildings are awash with bright and cheery street murals.
- Limassol is the second largest city on Cyprus, and another attractive one, with a picturesque Old Town packed with historic buildings, and a sandy coastline, where you’ll find some of the most highly praised beaches on Cyprus. Limassol castle is where crusader king Richard Lionheart got married, there are numerous museums and several Roman sites, but also a slew of stylish bars and gourmet restaurants, plus some upmarket shopping opportunities. Our Gurus favour Limassol for romance and families.
- Larnaca was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Citium, and it has a fascinating story. But it’s also the third largest town on Cyprus, and is known for its long, golden beaches, cocktail bars and the opportunity to scuba dive amongst shipwrecks. There are Byzantine churches and castles, and a palm-lined promenade cluttered with restaurants and bars. As well as attracting divers, Larnaca is also popular with families.
- Our Gurus also like Kyrenia as a great family holiday destination in Cyprus. This town on the northern coast has all the great Cypriot features: a fantastic beach, a gorgeous harbour, an eclectic and interesting history, and some really great restaurants. It’s also the proud keeper of the world’s oldest shipwreck, which dates from the 3rd century BC. And, to contrast that you can expect to see some impressive superyachts in the harbour. The hills around the town are littered with churches and monasteries, which might be a hard sell to the kids, but some of them are incredible.
- Small though Cyprus is, it still has its pockets of wilderness: the rocky and barren Akamas peninsula, where sea-turtles lay eggs on deserted beaches; the Troodos mountain range, which rises to the 1,952m summit of Mount Olympus; and the thickly forested hills of Tillyria where wild boar and mouflon roam. If you do want to experience the wilder side of this stunning island, some of the best places to stay in Cyprus are truly remote. Some boast stunning views, whilst others are perfect for those who want to do a spot of birdwatching or amble round country paths checking out the local flora and fauna.
- Poli is a charming little resort town in the shadow of the Troodos Mountains on the northwest coast. There are plenty of gourmet restaurants and lively tavernas here, along with some really beautiful Blue Flag beaches. Poli is less touristy than Paphos or Limassol, but still has a colourful history and excellent museum. It’s also close to one of Cyprus’s most beautiful nature reserves, and, as part of the Khrysokou Bay area, it’s remarkably underdeveloped when compared to the rest of the island, and you can still see turtles nesting on the beaches.
- Pissouri is a small, picturesque village on the Cape Aspro Ridge, and another less touristy option. This is the sort of place where time appears to have stood still for many years, and the welcoming tavernas and pizzerias seem to have been in the same families, and served the same delicious specialities for generations. Pissouri has a beautiful Blue Flag beach, and as you drive down towards it the main road is flanked by vineyards. Then, if you turn around as you enter you’ll see the snowcapped peak of Mount Olympus. Pissouri is a great escape for families, couples, divers, and anyone who’s looking for a picturesque beach escape.
Don't forget that as well as attracting tourists in the peak summer months, this island is one of the top picks for those looking for some winter sunshine. So if you want to ensure your bed in one of the best places to stay in Cyrpus, get organised and book well ahead.
The Best Places to Stay on Cyprus
For a beach break
- Almyra is a chic, five star hotel on the coast in Paphos. It’s big, with 189 white-on-white rooms and suites, and the facilities to match its size: a choice of four restaurants, a cinema, tennis courts and coaching, a luxurious spa and gym, and a range of age specific kid’s clubs. They also run all sorts of watersports courses. What we really like Almyra for are the views from most of the rooms, but especially from the roof terraces. And we like the direct beach access.
- The Thalassa Hotel is a sophisticated feeling beachfront hotel just a short drive from Paphos. There are 58 rooms and suites, decorated with cream and ochre hues, and most have a private balcony with views of the resort-style pool and the ocean. The Thalassa Hotel has restrictions on children under 12, which might help with the feeling of sophistication.
- The Columbia Beach Resort is an elegant, low-rise resort on a beautiful bay. It has 95 rooms and suites, all generously proportioned, and tastefully decorated. As well as easy private beach access there’s also an enormous pool, great spa facilities and a super kid’s club, to go with the superb family suites. It’s romantic too, though.
For a complete escape
- Apokryfo is one of the best places to stay on Cyprus if you’re looking for an escape. We love it because it’s a gorgeous character property in a pretty, but sleepy, village. And we love its exceptional restaurant, serving traditional authentic dishes. The accommodation is arranged in a collection of seven rooms and suites, and two villas, both which can sleep up to eight, so it’s extremely flexible, and the decor is simple and elegant: think exposed brickwork and creamy furnishings. There’s also a pool and a spa.
- Head into the wonderfully unique, and peaceful Troodos Mountain region, and stay at the Casale Panayiotis, an elegant hotel with 28 rooms and suites, which are dotted all around this small village, all with stone walls, wooden beams, fireplaces and beautiful linens. Despite being tucked away in an idyllic, fairly sparsely populated spot, this unique hotel still has a central spa facility and excellent terrace restaurant. It’s very romantic too.
- You’ll find the Paradisos Hills Hotel is a stunning spot close to the Paphos Farhan Forest in the hills above Poli. The setting is tranquil, and the hotel itself is a two storey stone building with wooden shutters and beautiful views. It has just fifteen simple rooms, all of them with private balconies or terraces, and a pool and restaurant.
- The Amarakos Farmhouse is a small family-run guesthouse just up the road from the Paradisos Hotel, with a slightly higher elevation, but quite similar views. There are just seven rooms and suites, in a collection of stone buildings arranged around a charming courtyard, which doubles as the cafe/ restaurant come summer, serving home-cooked, locally sourced, traditional cuisine. The beach is only a few minutes drive away, but there’s a lovely hotel pool too. This is a good choice for families.
- The Vasilias Nikoklis Inn offers a much more remote escape: to a rustic-but-gorgeous, eight room inn in the Troodos Mountains. The exterior is covered in grape vines and bougainvillea, and there’s a charming gated courtyard and a pool. Inside the rooms may not have all the mod. cons., but they have plenty of charming antiques, original features and archaic farming paraphernalia. The location is ideal for walking, birdwatching and uncovering local treasures.
For all out luxury
- Large and luxurious, with a Tuscan-style appearance, Anassa is often spoken of as being one of the finest hotels in Cyprus. And our Gurus agree: we like its lush grounds with their cypress trees, perfect terraces, and one of the best infinity pools on the island; and its four superb restaurants, several with wonderful views. We’ve also enjoyed the award-winning Thalassa Spa, and the more or less private beach. The 177 rooms and suites are gorgeous too, with lots of white and lots of light.
- The Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel is a luxurious collection of elegant, spacious suites and villas on a beautiful stretch of private beach on the coast of Paphos. This is a stylish, adults-only spot with 84 rooms and suites, most with their own balcony, and some with their own pool as well. It’s romantic as well as luxurious, with a beautiful terrace restaurant, and the option to arrange private meals for two on the pier.
- For pared back, private beachside elegance consider Amara, on the very edge of Limassol. This is a contemporary five star hotel, with clean lines, pale colours and a Michelin-starred restaurant, among their collection of bars and restaurants. There are 207 rooms, suites and villas, and they really do have something for every configuration of visitors. We love it for the simple style and sunset views.
For a romantic stay
- If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to escape to with your partner, one of the best places to stay on Cyprus might be the the Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort. The resort is located in the hills above Poli, close to mineral springs that have attracted visitors since the 17th century, and still renowned for their rejuvenating properties. There are only 18 rooms and suites, arranged in stone bungalows around a large central pool. As well as the comprehensive spa and hammam there’s an excellent restaurant.
- The Gillham Vineyard Hotel is a beautiful, adults-only boutique-style hotel and winery just outside the charming village of Iglaz in Northern Cyprus. The accommodation is in beautiful, contemporary villas and suites, which have a traditional feel, with stone walls and beamed ceilings, but all the mod. cons., and wonderful vineyard views through floor to ceiling windows. There’s a pretty comprehensive spa, with a hammam, an outdoor barrel sauna, wine baths and a heated plunge pool, and a romantic bar and restaurant with an excellent cellar, of course.
The Best Beach Resorts on Cyprus
- Amathus Beach is a large beach resort right on the water in Limassol. This is the sort of place which has so much onsite that you don’t have to leave, including a private beach, tennis courts, a huge spa, a variety of kids clubs, all sorts of watersports facilities, a choice of pools, and bars and restaurants, and a wedding license. And you’re close to several interesting archaeological sites. The proportions are spacious, the views wonderful and some suites and villas come with their own private pools.
- The Four Seasons Cyprus is another large beach resort right on a private beach in Limassol. There are more storeys this time, but that means that almost all of the 304 rooms and suites have their own private balconies, and they’re all beautifully planted with flowers, to go with the wonderful botanical landscaping around the impressive pool, and terraces. This Four Seasons manages to be romantic and family friendly, with a great collection of kids clubs and facilities, and some rather glamorous gourmet restaurants and atmospheric beach bars. This is the sort of resort with a lot of activities on offer.
For Families
- Little Lodge is a two bedroom B&B set a few miles back from a beautiful stretch of coastline, in a little town between Limassol and Larnaca. You can see the beach from the pool terrace, and from the private terraces of each of the rooms. There’s no restaurant, but the rooms do have a shared kitchenette, and the owners offer breakfast. There are also plenty of excellent places to eat and drink in the village.
- The Leonidas Village Houses is a collection of five traditional suites, with stone walls and simple, rustic-chic furnishings, and incredible views into the Paphos Farhan Forest, over Goudi village and out to the sea at Poli. There’s a pool in the middle of the houses, and lovely gardens all around. And there’s plenty of space to play too.
For great value
- The Library Hotel is a small hotel in Kalavasos Village, a really charming, unspoilt spot between Limassol and Larnaca. There are only 11 rooms and suites, and it’s been converted from a 19th century village house. It’s hardly old but there’s an authentic feel which is added to by the traditional decor and the authentic Cypriot cuisine. And despite the house party feel the hotel has a small spa too.
- In the traditional part of pretty Paphos, the Kiniras Traditional Hotel and Restaurant is a charming restaurant with rooms just minutes from the beach, and from the best sights in Paphos. The restaurant specialises in traditional Cypriot cuisine, and the restaurant and hotel have been in the same family for the past 80-odd years. It’s simple with plenty of character.
Prefer an Apartment or Private Villa?
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.
Travel Information
- Larnaca Airport is the largest on Cyprus, with Paphos Airport being the alternative. From Larnaca Airport it’s only minutes into town, or, if you’re going to Limassol of Nicosia, there are regular day and night airport shuttle buses. There are also regular shuttle buses between the airports. The majority of cruise ships dock at Limassol, with a few options for Larnaca. There’s a fairly limited bus service between towns and cities, but each of the main centres has their own urban network.
- If you want to travel around the island at all we recommend hiring a car, and if you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
- Cyprus’s Mediterranean position should be a fairly good indicator of what sort of weather you can expect here: it’s largely sunny, with dry summers and fairly mild, wet winters, just like most of the Med.. Autumn and spring are short and fairly mild. If anything Cyprus, with its cloudless skies and 12 or 13 hours of sunshine a day in summer, might be too hot for you, though this is a popular time to visit. If you prefer milder weather come in spring, you’ll still have plenty of sunshine, and the island is beautiful in full bloom. Autumn, after the scorching summers, is a dry and cracked time.
Still not sure which to book?
