🏝️ Cyprus: top 10 best resorts and attractions on Aphrodite Island 🇨🇾

The island of Cyprus is an ideal holiday destination. Its advantages are not limited to a pleasant climate and clean sea. It successfully combines well-maintained beaches, repeatedly marked with blue flags, ancient attractions and trendy bars. The best resorts are located on the Greek territory of the island. To see them, do not forget to apply for a visa to Cyprus.

Lima ssol

Limassol is located in the southern part of the island on the shores of Akrotiri Bay between the ancient cities of Kourion and Amathus. This is perhaps the most famous resort in Cyprus. Everyone will like it here. Young people will appreciate the bars and nightclubs, while older people will appreciate the health and spa centers. But most of all there are options for children: a huge water park, a zoo and an amusement park. And from the Limassol embankment there is an excellent view of both the sea and passing ships. It is very convenient to walk here: benches, cafes, fountains and art objects.

The beaches on this part of the coast are sandy, some of the sand is volcanic and has a gray tint. The most famous is Lady's Mile – the longest on the island, as it is located on a spit that extends 7 kilometers into the sea. You can find both places suitable for swimming, diving and snorkeling with excellent infrastructure , as well as secluded wild areas. For natural beauty, go to Dasudi – it is surrounded by greenery. A eucalyptus grove grows around the coastline, providing shade and a pleasant aroma. And the best discos are held on Governor's Beach. If you don’t like the proposed options, take a look at the best resorts in Greece.

Есть что посмотреть и тем, кто интересуется не только пляжным отдыхом. В Лимассоле открыт исторический музей, расположившийся, между прочим, в настоящем средневековом замке. Считается, что именно в его часовне 12 мая 1191 года обвенчались король Англии Ричард Львиное Сердце и принцесса Беренгария Наваррская. Взглянуть стоит и на городскую библиотеку, и на Монумент Мира и Толерантности. О других интересных достопримечательностях острова рассказываем здесь.

Раз в год перед Великим постом в городе проходит десятидневный карнавал, а в конце августа в парке устраивают Винный фестиваль. В районе Лимассола работает более 45 виноделен, а напиток из них, по утверждению местных, обладает целебной силой. 

И конечно, посетите Археологический парк, открытый на месте древнего города Куриона. Там сохранились древние мозаики, античный театр, построенный во 2 веке до н. э., руины частных домов и раннехристианской базилики. На месте еще одного античного поселения, Аматуса, раскопки проводят до сих пор. Археологи обнаружили акрополь, храм Афродиты, рынок, городскую стену, базилику и порт. 

Лучшие отели Кипра расположились в восточной части Лимассола прямо на берегу Средиземного моря. Например, именно здесь открыты пятизвездочные Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol (от $300 за сутки в двухместном номере) и Four Seasons Hotel (от $400 за ночь). Есть варианты и дешевле, но дальше от воды. Так, комната в Old Port Hotel или в Alinea Primo Historic Center обойдется в сумму от $150. А Metropole Hotel и вовсе потребует всего $65 за номер. 

Пафос

Именно Пафос, согласно греческой мифологии, родина богини любви Афродиты. В древние времена город был столицей острова, а сейчас здесь расположился самый дорогой и фешенебельный курорт Кипра. Его выбирают состоятельные люди. Атмосфера здесь тихая и спокойная, ночных дискотек не бывает. Но и для детей развлечений мало — только парк и аквариум, а вот игровых площадок и развлекательных программ для самых маленьких практически не найти. Зато их полно на лучших курортах Турции.

Отели преимущественно роскошные, пятизвездочные. В них прекрасный уровень сервиса и стильные номера. Например, цена за номер в Annabelle стартует с $330, а в Elysium — с $380. Есть варианты и дешевле: Veronica Hotel ($80) и Casa Mespilea ($100). А кровать в общей комнате на 4 человека в 777 Beach Guesthouse сдадут за $35. Во многих отелях отличные рестораны с изысканной кухней и самые современные СПА-центры. 

Paphos is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Many ancient architectural monuments have been preserved in the city. Some objects date back to 300 BC. e. The most famous of them is the ancient Greek necropolis called the Tombs of the Kings. There are also Byzantine churches: the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti (10th century), the Church of Agia Kyriaki (13th century), closely connected with the legend of the Apostle Paul. On the western part of the city harbor is Paphos Castle, which was founded by the Byzantines and then rebuilt by the Turks and Venetians.

Many places around Paphos are associated with Aphrodite. This is the Petra tou Romiou beach, where she emerged from the sea foam, and Aphrodite's Rock, the Temple of Aphrodite in the village of Kouklia, the Baths of Aphrodite and the Fountain of Love in Lachy.

The beaches in these places are very picturesque, but not very comfortable. The entrance to the sea is often rocky, and there are rocks around the shore. However, there is also a sandy shore with pebbles at the entrance to the water. The most popular is Coral Bay in the bay of the same name. Convenient for Latchi, Geroskipu (lots of greenery around), and Corallia. 

Larnaca

Larnaca is the most democratic resort in Cyprus. You can experience the local flavor for a very low price. At the same time, the infrastructure and service remain at a high level. This place is often chosen by families or older people, since it has convenient logistics: the airport is 20 minutes from the city center. And it is from here that it is easiest to go on excursions to other parts of the island.

Hotel prices in the city are quite attractive. A room in the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel for one night can be rented for $190. Joanna Court rooms are located on the first line, but do not have star status, the price per day is $120. The FlipFlop City Center Apartment can be rented for $70, and a room in the Carisa Holiday rooms or Joanna Court rooms for $40.

Standard entertainment for tourists in the city includes shopping centers, bars, nightclubs and souvenir shops. But the main thing is comfortable and safe beaches. Mostly sandy, with a gentle entry into the water, they are ideal for swimming with small children.

The most famous is Finikoudes. There is a picturesque embankment surrounded by palm trees, and all conditions for a comfortable stay are created. And you will find the most fashionable cafes and restaurants on Mackenzie Beach. You can be alone on Faros Beach on the Kiti Peninsula: 500 meters of fine beige sand surrounded by trees and lush greenery. 

Larnaca is also chosen by diving enthusiasts. There are several diving centers in the area where you can rent equipment or hire an instructor. Near the resort is the main underwater attraction of Cyprus – the ocean freight ferry Zenobia, which sank 40 years ago. People from all over the world come here to see the 178-meter-long ship with cargo trailers and equipment.

There are also interesting places in the city. Stroll through its narrow streets and admire the Orthodox Byzantine Church of St. Lazarus (9th century), visit the archaeological museum and visit Larnaca Castle, a medieval Ottoman fortress founded in the 14th century. If you are also interested in Italian sights, then take a closer look at Genoa.

Ayia Napa

This is the youngest and most modern resort in Cyprus, it is even called “the local Ibiza”. During the day it is quite quiet and calm here, but at night the music in the Club District is loud. Bars and discos are open until dawn.

However, if you come with children, don’t worry, there will be entertainment for them too: a water park, attractions, a dinosaur park and a dolphinarium. But there are few historical attractions within the settlement. The only thing worthy of attention is the ancient monastery of Ayia Napa, located in the very center.

The five-star Grecian Bay on the first line offers a room for $335 per night, and the Grecian Sands Hotel (4 stars) on the same line offers a room for $230. Further from the coast it is cheaper: a room in the Mon Repos Hotel can be rented for $150, and an apartment in the Christabelle Hotel Apartments for $80.

Ayia Napa is the best option for a beach holiday. The coast here has soft light sand, excellent infrastructure and a gentle entrance to the water. There is a place for both secluded relaxation on a sun lounger and active entertainment at sea. Surfing, wakeboarding, yachting – all this is available to tourists.

The most famous beach is Nissi Beach. And for beautiful views, head to Konnos Bay, located in a bay surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery. Makronissos is suitable for families with children – clear water, golden sand and low water level.

Protaras

Protaras is located just ten kilometers from Ayia Napa, but the atmosphere is completely different. There are no noisy clubs or night discos here, but it is easy to find picturesque views and cozy restaurants. By the way, this particular resort is considered a paradise for gourmets. The local cuisine will captivate anyone. And children will love the ocean aquarium or water park. 

The village is small, but there is something to see. The stone Church of Agios Ilias is built on top of a hill. Climb 300 steps to climb 100 meters and enjoy magnificent panoramic views. And just 7 kilometers from the settlement is the extreme southeastern point of the island – Cape Capo Greco.  

A room in Atlantica Sea Breeze on the first line can be rented for $240, a room in Grecian Park will cost from $170, and Atlantica Aqua Blue (4 stars) is offered for $130. You can rent a villa at Villa millie Cyprus for $100 per day, and Flisvos Beach Apartments for $80.

The most famous beach of Protaras is located in Fig Tree Bay. The gentle slope, clear water, fine golden-white sand and fig grove are perfect for families with children. And adults can go diving or spearfishing. Another very clean and affordable one is Sunrise. Wilder – Sirena Bay. This is an isolated bay with azure water and interesting rocks on the shore.