Cyprus is popular among travelers all over the world. But there are many resorts there, how to determine the best one? Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras or Ayia Napa: what to choose to make your vacation a success? Let's try to look at the two most popular resorts - Paphos and Ayia Napa - from different angles. Despite numerous positive reviews about both places, they are still different from each other. And if you learn more about them, it will help you plan your vacation wisely.
Location and climate
The city of Paphos is located in the western part of the Republic of Cyprus, and Ayia Napa is in the eastern. This leaves its mark on the local weather. On average, the air temperature in Ayia Napa is slightly higher than in the Paphos area. However, if you arrive in the middle of summer, you are unlikely to feel this difference. Temperatures above +30°C in the shade (even hotter in the sun!) are not very comfortable for walking around the city or excursions. On such days, it’s nice to spend time on a sun lounger by the sea or sit under an umbrella in a cafe. And both Ayia Napa and Paphos are suitable for this!
The same can be said about the ratio of sunny and cloudy days. Their number differs so slightly at both resorts that there is no need to talk about a significant difference in the weather. In most cases, you will spend your entire vacation under the bright sun! During the season (and in Cyprus it begins in spring and ends in mid-autumn), there is little precipitation. Both Paphos and Ayia Napa will delight tourists with cloudless days.
Attractions
Paphos or Ayia Napa: what to choose if you are planning not only a beach holiday, but also an excursion program? All resorts in Cyprus have interesting sights, especially many ancient monuments. Archaeological excavations are still ongoing in some regions. The island of Cyprus has a rich history, which will be interesting for any tourist to get to know.There are much fewer archaeological sites in Ayia Napa than in the Paphos area, but they are also present. Take, for example, the Makronisos tombs, located next to the beach of the same name. Excavations are still underway there, but tourists can visit these ancient tombs.
In Paphos, you can make a whole list of interesting antiquities:
- Church of Panagia Christopolitissa,
- Archaeological Park,
- Paphos Castle,
- Catacombs of Saint Solomonia.
And these are just archaeological sites! And there are also museums and temples, visited daily by hundreds of tourists. So in terms of the excursion program, Paphos wins over Ayia Napa.
Entertainment and beaches
If you want non-stop fun, then between Paphos and Ayia Napa, choose the latter resort. This does not mean that there are no nightclubs and discos in Paphos, but there are clearly more of them in Ayia Napa. It’s not for nothing that this resort is considered a youth holiday destination.
If we consider other entertainment, there is plenty of it at both resorts. Both Ayia Napa and Paphos have water and amusement parks. There are also beautiful places where you can admire the natural landscapes: bays, cliffs, wild beaches.
In terms of hotel comfort, these two resorts can easily compete. There are inexpensive hotels, and there are luxury hotel complexes. Paphos is traditionally considered a more expensive resort, but this mainly applies to high-end hotels. Prices in restaurants, tour agencies and shops in Paphos and Ayia Napa are quite comparable. 
All beaches in Cyprus are municipal. They have good infrastructure, equipped with rescue stations, many are marked with the Blue Flag. One has only to note that in Ayia Napa most of the beaches are sandy, while in Paphos they are pebble. And for many tourists this becomes an important selection criterion. Some vacationers find sandy beaches more comfortable. And in this parameter, Paphos is slightly inferior to Ayia Napa.
Where should we go?
You can't go wrong if you fly to any resort in Cyprus! Limassol or Ayia Napa, Protaras or Paphos - all of them will not leave tourists indifferent. Of course, each resort is unique in terms of its attractions or picturesque bays. But at each of them you will find: sun and sea, high-level service and interesting excursions, hospitable locals and famous Cypriot cuisine. Choose the hotel you like and start planning your vacation in Cyprus!
If your vacation is in the fall, and you dream of sunbathing and swimming in the sea, choose a holiday in Cyprus! September and the first half of October are not as hot as July and August, but still very warm: up to + 32 in the air and about + 25 in the sea. There are water parks and attractions, you can ride catamarans, yachts, kite surfing, snorkeling and diving. The velvet season is also wonderful because prices on the island are reduced.
In September, stunningly sweet light pomegranates, figs, autumn strawberries, and new wine appear. And during this wonderful time, you can comfortably travel around the island and visit any sights - including open-air ones, mountains, national parks, archaeological complexes...
We will tell you more about autumn at different resorts in Cyprus below. And who can’t wait anymore, prices start from 23,800 rubles/person, for 7 nights with breakfast. A pro-visa is issued quickly, online and free of charge.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa– the youth capital of Cyprus on the southeast coast, with a huge number of bars and nightclubs. In September and October the parties are not so wild, but the music is still loud and you can have a lot of fun. Other attractions at the resort include Europe's largest themed aquapark Waterworld Waterpark in the style of ancient Greece and amusement park Parko Paliatso.
Which beaches in Ayia Napa are worth visiting?
Do not miss Sea Caves Cavo Greco– “Sea Caves” beach, with a complex of bizarre caves, grottoes, arches and labyrinths of natural origin. There is amazingly clear sea water in all shades of blue. Once upon a time, pirates hid their treasures here.
Love Bridge Beach, or "Lover's Bridge"– one of the most romantic places in all of Cyprus. There is an arched bridge stretching from a rocky plateau into the turquoise-emerald sea. If you go down from the “sea” edge of the bridge to its base, you can swim or dive nearby.
Beautiful white and gold beach Agia Thekla named after St. Thekla - there is a blue and white church nearby. The lagoon here is very shallow and ideal for children. Beautiful beach Makronissos with white sand is located on the outskirts of Ayia Napa, on a cape in the shape of a mermaid's tail. There is the clearest water, a diving center, and nearby there is an ancient cave complex that is more than two thousand years old.
Relaxing in Ayia Napa, you can’t miss the famous sandy Nissi Beach with a relaxed atmosphere and the neighboring Nissi Bay with DJs and foam parties that are awarded Blue Flags.
What excursions should I go on?
From Ayia Napa it is closest to Cavo Greco National Park. On the cape of the same name you can admire incredible sunsets. The unique open-air sculpture museum is worth a visit. Also from here start trips to the Troodos Mountains through the Shrines of Cyprus, including the Kykkos Monastery, where the lifetime face of the Virgin Mary by the brush of the Apostle Luke is kept. An excursion to the Troodos Mountains can also take place in the most picturesque places - mountain peaks, waterfalls, relict forests, old villages. Don't miss the opportunity to travel to northern Cyprus and see the fortresses and castles from the Byzantine period, rebuilt in the Middle Ages.
- EURONAPA HOTEL 3*
- CORFU HOTEL 3*
- NISSIANA HOTEL & BUNGALOWS 3*
- MARGADINA 3*
- NAPA PLAZA 4* (adults only)
- PANTHEA 4* (works on “All inclusive”)
- ATLANTICA AENEAS RESORT & SPA 5*
Pathos
Respectable and measured Pathos in the southwest of the island located at the foot of the Troodos Mountains. History and mythology are closely intertwined in this ancient city of Cyprus. In 51 BC. The famous orator Cicero lived here. Within the city there is an open-air archaeological museum with temples, a Forum, and magnificent floor mosaics included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
IN Paphos picturesque pebble and sandy beaches, enchanting sunsets. In the surrounding area there is a place where, according to legend, the goddess of love Aphrodite was born. There are also many entertainment venues here. Visit the water park, zoo, Ayiou Antoniou street with clubs, discos, English pubs.
Which Paphos beaches are worth visiting?
Aphrodite Beach(Petra tou Romiou) is the most beautiful and romantic natural attraction of Cyprus. According to legend, in 1200 BC. in this place, the goddess of beauty, love and eternal spring, Aphrodite Cypris, came ashore. Swimming here, according to the same legend, promotes rejuvenation and finding love. Frequent guests of Aphrodite Beach are newlyweds from various countries, photographers and artists.
The golden beach of Coral Bay in a cozy bay between the Maa-Paleokastro peninsula and the cape, 12 km from the city center, has been awarded the Blue Flag. This is the most visited beach on the west coast of the island, popular with families with children of all ages. The sand here is exceptionally fine and soft, light yellow in color. The seabed is shallow, with a comfortable entrance, and the water temperature is several degrees higher than on other Paphos beaches. There are many taverns, shops and a developed entertainment infrastructure.
What excursions should I go on?
Not far from the city of Paphos is the Akamas National Park, with an area of 230 square kilometers. Endemic plant species grow in the reserve, foxes, wild goats, and Cypriot owls are found. On cool autumn days you can visit the Baths of Aphrodite, walk along the Aphrodite Path, and swim in the Blue Lagoon. Rare green turtles lay their eggs on the protected Lara Beach, protected since 1989. 5 km from the beach is the Akamas Gorge - for lovers of hiking.
The village of Geriskopou in the vicinity of Paphos is a place of pilgrimage for those with a sweet tooth. The villagers are experts in making Turkish delight.
- HELIOS BAY APTS (Cat. A) 3*
- ROMAN HOTEL 3*
- KISSOS 3*
- QUEENS BAY HOTEL 3*
- Venus Beach Hotel 5*
- AKTI BEACH VILLAGE RESORT 4*
In addition, the distance between Paphos and Ayia Napa is 200 km, so if you do not want to explore the island of Aphrodite in full, there is no point in racking up the kilometers. I will try to help those who have doubts or those who are going to Cyprus for the first time with their choice.
Paphos or Ayia Napa
If very briefly, then
- Paphos is a rich excursion life, history and a little sea
- Ayia Napa – 90% beach holiday and travel along the coast and very few excursions
All you have to do is choose what you want most, so as not to waste extra money and time on empty trips. Below I will dwell in more detail on Paphos, Ayia Napa and their surroundings. On their pros and cons. In order not to upset those who want both, I will say that with any choice you can dose the sea and excursions yourself in any proportion. I'll just give guidelines. 
Pathos, pros and cons
About the disadvantages of Paphos
Paphos has its own airport, but it does not serve many international destinations. Therefore, most flights land in Larnaca, and from there it is much further to Paphos than to Limassol or Ayia Napa. The solution to the problem is to rent a car.
Paphos has far fewer good beaches compared to Ayia Napa. The most famous and coolest is the beach Coral Bay, but it is located quite far from the Paphos embankment. If you want to live near a beautiful beach, book accommodation near Coral Bay
. 
The second option to live near a decent beach suitable for swimming is to choose hotels on the coast east of Paphos, to the left of the embankment when looking at the sea. There are good, but quite expensive options there.
The beaches are mostly rocky; near expensive hotels on the shore there are artificial small bays with dark brown and golden sand. 
Pros of Paphos
There is a promenade and plenty of sea-view establishments where you can spend an evening. And this is the main difference from Ayia Napa, which is essentially a tourist village with hotels and apartments.
In the very Paphos many more attractions than in Ayia Napa and this is his strong point. There is something to do during non-beach time.
And in Paphos and in Ayia Napa there is a long walking path along the sea. There is approximate parity here, although Paphos is better suited for walking and more lively - good opportunities for cycling.
IN Ayia Napa There are plenty of city restaurants, but Paphos and the surrounding area will be cooler in this regard. And if you are vacationing in Ayia Napa, then you can have a good and inexpensive lunch with a sea view in Larnaca or Zygi village near Larnaca.
Both a plus and a minus at the same time Ayia Napa can be considered a vibrant nightlife which peaks in July-August. If you are a party animal, you definitely need to come here! 
Let's sum it up: Paphos vs Ayia Napa
If you are going to Cyprus for good beaches, nightlife with one, maximum two excursions, Ayia Napa is for you. If you are a party animal and a clubber, Ayia Napa is for you. Ayia Napa is a place about the sea and beaches, bars and clubs! Ayia Napa is for the young at heart and lovers of beach activities and boat trips. If you prefer a family vacation with beach priority, but are not ready to overpay, Protaras is for you. It is very close to Ayia Napa, which can be reached for a couple of euros by bus. Protaras has a long, well-equipped and beautiful promenade along the sea, which stretches all the way to Cape Greco, a dozen good cozy beaches, the long city Sunrise Beach and the iconic Fig Tree Bay.
If you love active recreation and despise beach chairs and sea activities, if your priority is active recreation - cycling, ATV rides and wild nature with minimal time at sea - you should go to Paphos or Polis. If you want to immerse yourself in local life and color, visit wineries and see ancient history to understand Cyprus more, you’re in Pathos or Policy.
At the same time, Paphos also has several beautiful beaches, so you won’t be deprived of the sea. And you can spend beautiful evenings on the embankment in one of the restaurants with your beloved.
If you want to take a ride to Troodos mountains, see ancient monasteries and villages - choose Paphos, it’s closer and more convenient to get to from here and you can do it in one day.
Is it possible to combine all this in one vacation? It’s easy, just do a minimum of planning week in Paphos and surroundings and the second week or at least Spend 3-4 days in Ayia Napa. Then you will put a bold and beautiful end to your vacation, remember and love Cyprus, and just like us, you will come every year. Use Larnaca only for transit and transfer from/to the airport; there is nothing to do there for more than half a day.
Is there some more Limassol, but this is something between the two locations described above; I would not recommend it to those who decided to try a holiday in Cyprus for the first time. The main advantage of Limassol is its equidistance from almost all places in Cyprus; it is perfect for traveling around the island if you live in one place. 
Why is it important to rent a car in Cyprus?
I still think that traveling around Cyprus by public transport is masochistic, and frequent use of taxis is quite difficult financially.
Moreover, a car in Cyprus is not a luxury, but an affordable means of transportation, from 8 Euros in the low season and from 15 Euros in the high season, there are options without a deposit and always a meager advance payment.
We find such correct wheels on the website MyRentacar– the main players in the local car rental market are gathered here under one roof. Tested - ideal for a traveler, use it, recommend it. 
It's time to pack your bags, because the long-awaited vacation that you plan to spend in one of the cities is just around the corner. If you find it difficult to make a decision and give preference to Limassol or Ayia Napa, read this article, which may help you make the right choice.
Location and climate Recreation and entertainmentThe holiday season in Ayia Napa is full of carnivals and festivals that attract both locals and tourists. Green Monday is considered the most spectacular; carnival held on the eve of Maslenitsa; Easter celebrations, the day of the Epiphany. If noisy events tire you, then the city of Ayia Napa can offer entertainment that will certainly please you. Visit the city, which is famous for its theatrical shows with dolphins. Children will also be delighted to visit. And beach lovers in the city of Ayia Napa will be pleased with the cozy beaches with clean sand, where they can relax from the bustle of the city and get a little tan.
The cultural life of Limassol is very interesting, which is represented by such annual events as a wine festival and a drama festival, which many foreigners dream of visiting.
After visiting the historical buildings and museums of the city, you can go to the Limassol water park, which is located in the central part of the city and is called “Wet`n Wild”. It is famous for its numerous slides, which you will definitely want to conquer. As for the beaches, they are covered with sand, which has a slightly unusual gray tint. This is due to its high silicon content and volcanic origin. Staying on such beaches, according to cosmetologists, is very beneficial for all skin types.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Young people love Ayia Napa because of its vibrant nightlife, many bars and discos that are open until the morning. There are thousands of entertainment establishments of this type here, so there should be no difficulty in choosing. Ayia Napa also has many hotels of various classes of service, each of which has its own restaurant. In addition, on the streets of the city you can easily find a cute restaurant, a cozy tavern, which offer both traditional dishes and your favorite dishes from world cuisines.
Limassol's nightlife is in full swing, and nightlife lovers will be pleased with the wide selection of establishments in which to while away the night. The city is famous for its excellent street restaurants and taverns, where you can have a delicious lunch and taste vintage Cypriot wines.
TransportTransport links in Ayia Napa are very developed, but visiting the city center is prohibited by car, which is possible here, so the local population and tourists travel by bicycle or on foot.
The best beaches and resorts in Cyprus or where it’s good in Cyprus, only the very best places for a beach holiday in Cyprus.
Holidays in Cyprus– these are primarily beaches and most tourists come for this. The remaining attractions only highlight the beach holiday and diversify it.
Beaches of Cyprus- this is not the simplest story, not all beaches on the island are equally useful, you can buy a tour and end up in such a cesspool that you will have nothing to remember except the black heels of your neighbors.
Beaches of Northern Cyprus I won’t touch on it, that’s a different story. In the meantime, only about the best and deservedly popular beaches of Cyprus. There will be no pretense or smooth expressions, you are going for maximum pleasure, so this article contains only the best - the beach cream of Cyprus, if you want.
On Cyprus five main tourist beach locations. This is , and . I will tell you in detail about the best beaches in each direction in the relevant sections of the site, but for now we will select the top five beaches in Cyprus.
The best beaches are in Protaras And Ayia Napa. These two towns are located nearby and are resort villages, almost entirely consisting of hotels and apartments.
Resorts of Cyprus - Protaras
Protaras is aimed at family beach holidays; the beaches are the strong point of this village. All beaches are connected by a long walking path along the sea with gazebos and cafes. There are more than two dozen excellent sandy beaches in Protaras, but these three beaches are considered the best.
Sunrise Beach aka Flamingo Beach
Cypriot names often have a second and even a third name, so do not be surprised if different sources contain different names for the same place.
Flamingo Beach– the longest in Protaras, about a kilometer long. Gentle entry into the water, sand both on the beach and near the shore - no special slippers are needed. The beach is ideal for families with children - it is shallow near the shore and the water warms up well. Adults and children are attracted to active recreation - catamarans, banana boats, water scooters, pleasure boats and paragliding. Along the beach there is a lively tourist promenade with cafes, bars and restaurants. There are a lot of people in high season, but there is enough space for everyone. Sun beds and umbrellas are paid - 2.5 euros per unit. There is free parking both along the embankment and nearby streets.
The beach faces east hence the name Sunrise Beach. Like all beaches in Cyprus, Flamingo Beach is very clean even during peak season, you can rest assured for yourself and your children. The photo was taken before the start of the beach season, in the evening there is shade on the beach. The best time is early in the morning and from 16:00 to sunset.
Protaras. Sunrise Beach
Fig Tree Beach
It was named so because of the abundance of fig trees growing right on the beach; now there are not so many of them left compared to what it was before. A beautiful semi-oval and high rocky shore, fine light yellow sand and emerald water. It is rightfully considered the most beautiful beach in Cyprus. The entrance to the water is gentle, like almost everywhere else in Cyprus.
Fig Tree Beach ( Fig Tree Beach) located next to Flamingo Beach, but more intimate and much smaller than Flamingo. You can easily change the location and walk along the embankment.
About the rest of the beautiful ones beaches of Protaras I’ll tell you in the Cyprus guides section dedicated to this resort.
Konnos Beach
This is already the outskirts Protaras, or rather, the beach is located at a distance from the village on the edge. But it is so beautiful and cozy that in the high season the folk trail to it is not overgrown. You can get there by car, ATV or scooter, which can be rented on site in Protaras, and the car immediately upon arrival at Larnaca airport.
Sand is brought to this beach every season, but this in no way detracts from its merits. KonnosBeach equidistant from the main party Ayia Napa And Protaras and is surrounded by picturesque rocks covered with greenery. There is all the necessary infrastructure - changing cabins, access road - Konnos Road, free parking, a cafe with a sea view - I recommend it, toilets and sunbeds and umbrellas, just like everywhere else in Cyprus.
The entry into the water is smooth, the bottom is fine white sand, there are several picturesque huge stones in the water - the best place to take a photo of yourself. The water is even more emerald than in the center Protaras because of the color of the sand and natural purity.
Konnos Beach, Protaras
Resorts of Cyprus - Ayia Napa
Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach, the most beautiful beach on the entire island, the real pride of Cyprus. White sand, oval shape and a sand spit along which in the spring you can walk without taking off your shoes to a small island from which a panorama of the beach and coastline opens.
A gentle entrance into the water and a rich azure color are far from being the main thing on Nissi Beach. The main thing is an eternal party throughout the entire season, which opens in Cyprus on April 1 and ends on October 31.
Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
On the first line of the beach there are luxurious 4*-5* hotels with corresponding prices, which are sold out several months before the start of the season. To the street clubs in Ayia Napa It's quite a long walk, about 30 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car.
Budget holidays near Nissi Beach possible if you rent an apartment across the road from the beach.
Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
Sandy Bay (Vathia Gonia)
It is far from Nissi Beach either in size or in terms of party scene, but it is an intimate and very nice beach. Nearby is a beautiful and comfortable 3* hotel Anonymus. An oval bay with virtually no waves makes this place ideal for those who like silence but want the party to be nearby. Nissi Beach is a 10-minute walk along the walking path along the sea.
Resorts of Cyprus - Paphos
Paphos is quite far from Protaras and Ayia Napa, in the southwest of Cyprus. There is a beautiful pomenad for several kilometers along the sea and benches overlooking the sunset. The resort is more suitable for retirees and those who love a calm, measured or active holiday. Paphos is a paradise for lovers of a healthy lifestyle and bars and seafood restaurants.
Coral Bay Beach
Coral Bay — the best beach in Paphos. It is located outside the city, but can be reached by car in just 10 minutes or by taxi. There are a couple of 4* hotels nearby. Gray-yellow fine sand is pleasant to the touch, there are a few picturesque stones near the water and a gentle entrance. There is a cafe overlooking the sea, parking and changing cabins, a toilet.
Coral Bay Beach, Paphos
Near Coral Bay Beach There are sea caves to which excursions by sea are organized; you can also look at them from land. Next to the caves in the neighboring bay there is a half-sunken ship.
Coral Bay Beach, Paphos
IN Paphos there are several other good beaches, but I will talk about them in an article dedicated to Paphos, read in the section Guides to Cyprus - Paphos.
Larnaca And Limassol Unfortunately, they cannot boast of good beaches, no matter how much they are praised by specialized travel sites, especially those who sell tours to Cyprus. There is something to see there and it’s good in its own way, but the best beaches for relaxation are not their trump card, for sure.
Individual and group transfer in Cyprus
Cyprus- a top summer destination and taxi drivers at the airport often raise prices for their services. In addition, most of them do not have child car seats. It is not installed because it takes up the seat of an adult passenger. Because of this, tourists with children have to run around the airport looking for a free car with a child car seat.
Both problems can be solved very simply. Transfer, both individual and group, is possible. There you can also choose the option with a child seat. You won’t have to overpay taxi drivers and there will be no problems with the safety of children.
Everything happens very simply. Afterwards, you will be met by a driver with a sign with your name written on it. Immediately after leaving the arrivals hall, you get into the car and drive to your hotel.
How to find an inexpensive hotel or apartment in Cyprus
I use the trusted Booking.com and aggregator site RoomGuru (HotelsCombined). Choice of accommodation, even for such a small island as Cyprus, on these resources is huge, but I recommend booking in advance - the best options are sold out a couple of months before the high season (July-August).
How to rent a car inexpensively in Cyprus
We rent a car on the Myrentacar website, which brings together most local rental companies. The prices are good, 24/7 Russian-speaking support, I have used them 6 times in three years. There are no complaints, the conditions are stated transparently, so you can always find an acceptable option.
