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Are you looking at where to stay in Cyprus? From Paphos to Limassol, these are the best places to stay in Cyprus for an amazing holiday!
Cyprus is one of those countries that has a little something for everyone. Beautiful beaches to laze on, stunning landscapes and mountains to explore, a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It really does tick all the boxes, and it’s a place I absolutely love visiting.
However, when it comes to where to stay in Cyprus, things can get a little confusing. Cyprus is a country split into two – Northern Cyprus, officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and the Republic of Cyprus (which is southern Cyprus).
North Cyprus is Turkish, whereas southern Cyprus is Greek. And even though the country is divided by belief, there is such a strong sense of traditional family values on both sides. Basically, you’ll be greeted with warm Cypriot hospitality wherever you go on the island.
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Where to go in Cyprus
The three most popular places that people stay in Cyprus are Ayia Napa, Larnaca and Paphos, all in the south of the island. This is where you’ll find the best sun-soaked stretches of sand. Also, if you like water sports, then you’ll love it here. From scuba diving to kite surfing, there are so many activities to choose from.
Alternatively, if you’re more of a culture vulture, then the island is steeped in ancient history and riches. Sites like the Tomb of the Kings near Paphos date back to the 4th century BC. From Roman ruins to ancient amphitheaters, Cyprus has a surprising amount of history and can even rival places like Italy.
As I said, this little jewel of the Mediterranean really does have something for everyone. And if you’re looking at where to stay in Cyprus, then this is the blog post for you. From Paphos to Limassol, in this post you’ll find the best areas to stay in Cyprus for an amazing holiday.
Also, I’ll add in some of the best Cyprus accommodation options for every budget (including some gorgeous villas). I really want you to find somewhere perfect for your needs so you can rest, relax and discover all this country has to offer.
Where is the best place to stay in Cyprus?
Obviously this all depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for! I think everyone considers Cyprus to be all like Ayia Napa and very party party, but it really isn’t.
There are so many fantastic places to choose from, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday too. Here is a very quick overview of the different areas in Cyprus, then I go into a lot more detail below.
- Limassol – I would say this is the overall best place to stay in Cyprus
- Larnaca – Most romantic place to stay in Cyprus for couples
- Paphos – Best place to stay in Cyprus for families
- Nicosia – The capital of the country and the coolest place to stay in Cyprus
- Ayia Napa – Best place in Cyprus for nightlife
Where to stay in Limassol
Limassol has been growing in popularity over the years that offers a little something for everyone. It has cool local nightlife, a never-ending coast with some gorgeous beaches, and it’s very near to the Troodos Mountains too. This is where you’ll want to go if you love hiking.
While you’re here, I’d really recommend visiting the historical Kourion amphitheatre in Episkopi and Limassol’s Castle. Being a bit of a history buff, I love the amphitheatre, and the views from the castle are just stunning. Also, the Old Town is packed with historic buildings too.
Even though this is a place for everyone, I’d say this is slightly catered towards couples and families. If you’re an 18-to-30-something party goer, I’m not too sure this is the area for you!
Limassol accommodation:
Budget – The Palms Hotel Apartments
Mid-range – Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Luxury – Amara – Sea Your Only View
Where to stay in Larnaca
Larnaca is another port city in southern Cyprus that’s well worth visiting. Because the main airport is in Larnaca, a lot of people pass through here to other parts of the island with car rental Larnaca, taxi or public transport. However, I think it’s a really good place for couples on a short break.
Nearby is the Larnaca Salt Lake which is amazing. It just reflects the landscape perfectly (just check out the photos from here). Also, you might even see flamingos if you visiting during the winter months.
Then there are the golden beaches, cocktail bars, Byzantine churches and castles, and a palm-line promenade packed with restaurants. Also, if you love scuba diving, then this place is known for its shipwrecks along the coast. This is without a doubt the best diving in Cyprus.
Larnaca accommodation:
Budget – Les Palmiers Beach Boutique Hotel
Mid-range – Lebay Beach Hotel
Luxury – Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca
Where to stay in Paphos
Paphos has explored in popularity ever since it was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2017. This once quiet and sleepy town now has some incredible hotels and resorts to stay at – the Amavi is the perfect example of that.
One of the most popular places to visit in Paphos is the Tomb of the Kings. This is an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 4th century. The tombs are littered with fascinating mosaics and buildings that blend into the landscape. I know it’s such a cliché, but walking around here is like stepping back in time.
Another really popular place nearby is the Blue Lagoon. This is a sandy sheltered lagoon that has the brightest blue water that the Mediterranean is so famous for. The Blue Lagoon is a very popular day trip, so I’d recommend jumping on a boat and enjoy a day on the water.
Paphos accommodation:
Budget – Helios Bay Hotel and Suites
Mid-range – Villa Maria
Luxury – Amavi – Made For Two Hotels
Where to stay in Nicosia
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and often overlooked because of that. However, this is the cultural heartbeat of the country.
Nicosia is the last divided capital in the world with half the city belonging to the Republic of Cyprus, and the other half being Turkish. If you want to learn more about the history of Cyprus, then this is the place to do it. There are some great museums and art galleries here too.
It may sound strange, but one of the top places to see in Nicosia is Ledra Street. Even though this a popular shopping district with designer shops and restaurants, it’s also where you can cross the border check points into Turkey and south of the country.
As I said, Nicosia is an amazing example of seeing how a divided country and live together in one city. It’s beautiful too!
Nicosia accommodation:
Budget – Sky Roof Hotel
Mid-range – MAP Boutique Hotel
Luxury – Merit Lefkosa Hotel & Casino
Where to stay in Ayia Napa
I think everyone knows that Ayia Napa has some of the best nightlife in the world. This is the place where you can play hard and party harder. Because of that, most tourists here are aged 18-35. It is particularly popular with young British tourists. That means if you’re here with your family or partner, you might want to stay somewhere else in Cyprus!
Saying that, Ayia Napa has some gorgeous beaches that you can laze on during the day. A bit like with most places on the coast in Cyprus, it is excellent for water sports like jet skiing and paragliding.
The town itself is picturesque, full of boutique designer outfitters and charming little seaside tavernas.
However, if you’re looking for the best place in Cyprus for nightlife, then this is it. ‘The Strip’ as its known has more bars than you’ll ever be able to visit in one holiday, each one offering its own deal to get punters in. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun, but it definitely caters towards a certain type of holidaymaker!
Ayia Napa accommodation:
Budget – Kaos Hotel Apartments
Mid-range – Napa Mermaid Hotel & Suites
Luxury – NissiBlu Beach Resort
Hopefully you’ve found the perfect place to stay in Cyprus! If you have any questions at all, let me know in the comments below and I’ll get back to you!
Looking for a little more inspiration? Then check out my guides to Athens, Andros, Lanzarote and San Sebastian.
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