Cyprus Holidays

Ahhh, Cyprus holidays... Home to sizzling sun, top-notch beaches, swanky resorts and delicious eats everywhere you turn.

Highlights of your Holidays to Cyprus 2026

• Beaches and mountains in one day - Go from sunbathing on golden sands to hiking through pine forests in the Troodos Mountains, all before dinner. Cyprus packs a lot into a small island.

• Food that'll ruin you for home - Meze platters that never end, freshly made halloumi straight from the dairy to the grill, souvlaki on every corner, and loukoumades dripping in honey for afters. Loosen the belt.

• Same plugs, same side of the road - Cyprus uses UK and Ireland three-pin sockets and drives on the left. One less thing to worry about, one less adapter to pack, one more reason to enjoy your visit.

• 5,000 years of wine - Cyprus has been producing wine longer than almost anywhere on earth. Commandaria, made in the Troodos foothills, is one of the oldest named wines in the world and still tastes gorgeous.

• History you can actually touch - UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings, Aphrodite's Rock, painted Byzantine churches, and a divided capital city you can walk across in five minutes. Not your average beach holiday.

🎉 Good to know for your Cyprus Holidays

• ☀️ Weather - Summers run 30-35°C from June to September with virtually no rain. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) sit at a comfortable 20-27°C, still warm enough for swimming. Even winter rarely drops below 14°C on the coast. Over 300 days of sunshine a year.

• 💶 Money - A sit-down lunch runs €12-€18, a beer is €3-€5, a coffee is €2-€3 and a meze for two will set you back €30-€40. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• 🏛️ Fun Fact - Cyprus is the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. You can visit the exact rock (Petra tou Romiou) where she supposedly emerged from the sea, and the plug sockets are the same three-pin type used in the UK and Ireland, so you won't need an adapter.

💬 Local lingo 💬

Want to impress the locals? Or maybe just ask for more wine? Here are the essentials:

• Kalimera, kah-lee-MEH-rah, Good morning

• Efharisto, ef-hah-ree-STOH (Ευχαριστώ), Thank you

• Parakalo, pah-rah-kah-LOH (Παρακαλώ), Please / You're welcome

• Yamas, YAH-mas (Γειά μας), Cheers (as in raising a glass)

• Pou einai i paralia?, poo EE-neh ee pah-rah-LEE-ah, Where's the beach?

🏝️ Where to Stay on your Cyprus holidays

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Protaras - if you want the ultimate stress-free family base, Protaras is the winner. It was built with families in mind - think wide, pram-friendly pavements and a huge concentration of all-inclusive resorts with massive waterparks. Fig Tree Bay offers some of the safest, shallowest water in the Med, and the local "Magic Dancing Waters" show is a guaranteed hit with the kids.

• 💑 For Couples: Paphos - for a mix of romance and upscale vibes, Paphos is the definitive choice. It’s home to the island's best boutique "Adults Only" hotels and a stunning sunset-facing harbour. You can spend your days exploring UNESCO ancient ruins or the Blue Lagoon, then finish with a candlelit dinner at a waterfront taverna. It feels sophisticated without the "big city" rush of Limassol.

• 🎉 For Groups: Ayia Napa - Ayia Napa remains the undisputed heavyweight for group holidays. Between the legendary Nissi Beach daytime parties and the high-energy "Strip" at night, there’s nowhere better for a squad getaway. It’s also surprisingly good value for groups; you’ll find plenty of hotels that cater specifically to larger bookings, often within stumbling distance of the best bars and kebab spots.

What are the best beaches in Cyprus?

Beaches and Cyprus holidays go hand-in-hand... it's just science. Holiday science, that is. We know no other kind. From the most stunning little bays where it's nothing but soft sand and the swoosh of the ocean, to lively party spots with all the daiquiri-fuelled dancing you could wish for, here are some of the best beaches in Cyprus to check out during your stay:

• Nissi Beach - the go-to beach in Ayia Napa, with soft sands, shallow waters, a bunch of watersports, and a delicious little beach café. Just be sure to get in early if this place tickles your pickle, because the sunbeds fill up fast. We warned you.

• Fig Tree Bay - a family fave in Protaras, with calm waters perfect for a cheeky swim or snorkel, paragliding and kayaking opportunities, and a rocky viewpoint for the best sunset views

• Coral Bay - a popular swim spot with sunbeds and parasols to rent, lifeguards on duty, a café for drinks and snacks, and handy facilities like showers and loos

• Mackenzie Beach - a wide strip of beach right near Larnaca Airport (great for all you plane-spotters), with shallow water ideal for the kids, tons of beachfront restaurants, and a breezy promenade lined with shops

• Konnos Bay - decked out with the softest, lightest sands, clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling, watersports, and a kiosk café (with the best views, might we add), plus handy facilities like changing rooms and public loos

• Lara Bay - an absolute stunner of a beach - a bit off-the-beaten-track, known for its turtle conservation efforts and lush scenery

All Inclusive Holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus is superb for all-inclusive breaks - a compact island where everything's within easy reach, average summer temps of 32°C (don't forget the sun cream), crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and some of the friendliest locals in the Med. And when you book an All Inclusive Cyprus holiday, you know everything is included, your food (as much as you want) your drinks (as many as you want) and all the snacks and ice cream you could dream of. The only remaining question is what kind of place you want to stay at?

All-singing, all-dancing resort? We got it. Quieter corner for some peace and quiet? Check. Whatever your needs, Cyprus has some fantastic all-inclusive hotels that are sure to catch your eye. There really is something for everyone just check out our all inclusive section at the bottom of the hotels list below.

Top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Cyprus

Sure, the beaches are the main event of any holibobs, but there are some proper top hotels in Cyprus to take your trip from standard to swanky in a jiffy. Whether you're after a luxury retreat, a comfy and cosy cheap holiday, a big ol' family-friendly resort, or even just a last-minute break anywhere you can get - there's something for everyone around here. Our advice? Give these a go:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Olympic Lagoon Resort Ayia Napa - A 5-star all-inclusive with seven themed pools (including a lazy river and waterslides), a kids' club with NVQ-qualified staff, a teens zone and seven restaurants with a dine-around concept. Has a dedicated adults-only section too, so parents can escape for an evening. Near Landa and Nissi beaches in Ayia Napa.

• Corallia Beach - A solid family pick in Coral Bay with an outdoor pool, kids' section, games centre, tennis courts and a buffet restaurant. Walking distance to the beach with calm, shallow water. Good value for the Paphos area.

• Atlantica Sungarden Beach - Halfway between Ayia Napa's nightlife and the sandy beaches, with two pools, a health club and a choice of restaurants. Works for families who want easy access to both the beach and the town without being in the thick of the party scene.

💑 Couples

• Azia Resort and Spa - A 5-star in Paphos with an award-winning spa, adults-only pool with hydro-massage jets, six restaurants (including an adults-only tree deck restaurant) and seafront sunset views. Ranked #1 in its area on TripAdvisor.

• Grecian Park Hotel - A 5-star perched on the edge of Cape Greco National Park near Protaras with stunning sea views, a Japanese restaurant, Italian restaurant and spa. Five minutes from both Ayia Napa and Protaras but feels a world away.

• Cavo Maris Beach - A beachside hotel near Protaras with roomy suites, sea views, a pool and a relaxed atmosphere. A good mid-range couples' pick away from the party resorts.

🎉 Groups

• Pavlo Napa Hotel - A family-run all-inclusive right on the beachfront in Ayia Napa with a pool, bar and walking distance to the strip. Informal atmosphere and a central location that makes it a good base for groups who want the beach by day and the clubs by night.

• Atlantica Sungarden Beach - Also works well for groups. Two pools, a health club with gym and steam room, and positioned between Ayia Napa's nightlife and the beaches. Close enough to walk to the strip.

✨ Luxury

• Azia Resort and Spa - Also a top luxury pick. The spa is award-winning, the tree deck restaurant is a unique dining experience, and the seafront setting in Paphos gives you proper five-star Mediterranean atmosphere. Three pools including an adults-only infinity option.

• Grecian Bay Hotel - A 5-star on what's often called the most beautiful sandy beach in Cyprus, with Mediterranean Sea views, multiple restaurants and a 10-minute walk from Ayia Napa village. Bungalows and suites available.

💰 Value

• Avlida - A pool that winds through the whole resort, a beach 10 minutes' walk away, a lounge bar with live music and a kids' club. Good value in the Paphos area without compromising on facilities.

🍹 All-Inclusive in Cyprus

Cyprus has a properly strong all-inclusive scene, especially around Ayia Napa and Paphos where the big resort hotels go well beyond basic buffets into dine-around concepts with multiple a la carte restaurants.

• Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos, luxury all-inclusive with six restaurants including Seven Orchids (Far Eastern, created by a Michelin-starred chef) and an adults-only Italian. Room mini-fridge restocked daily, branded drinks at the bars, and dedicated adults-only areas alongside full family facilities.

• Cali Resort and Spa by Louis Hotels, premium all-inclusive in Coral Bay with Fiki Japanese Fusion, a Mediterranean main restaurant with show-cooking stations, and a 47-metre outdoor pool. Under ten minutes on foot to Coral Bay beach. Sleek, modern and properly stylish.

• Adams Beach Hotel, five-star on Nissi Avenue in Ayia Napa with multiple pools, waterslides, kids' club, spa and direct beach access. All-inclusive packages available covering the full range of restaurants and bars. The go-to family all-inclusive in Ayia Napa.

👉 See all Cyprus hotels | All-inclusive Cyprus holidays

🗺️ Cyprus Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for Families

•  WaterWorld near Ayia Napa is an Ancient Greece-themed waterpark with slides, a wave pool and a lazy river. One of the biggest in Europe and a guaranteed full day out that kids of all ages love.

• Lara Bay on the western coast is a protected turtle nesting beach - quieter and more natural than the resort beaches. A brilliant day trip for families who want something different from the pool.

• The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with underground tombs carved into solid rock. Kids find it genuinely exciting to explore and it's free to enter.

• The Protaras strip is lined with ice cream shops, family restaurants and mini golf spots. Fig Tree Bay is right there for afternoon swimming and the whole area feels safe and walkable.

💑 Things to do for Couples

• Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) near Pissouri is the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love. Visit at sunset for properly dramatic photos and a romantic atmosphere.

• The Troodos Mountains are home to Cyprus's wine country - book a vineyard tour from Limassol and taste Commandaria, one of the oldest named wines in the world, still produced using methods dating back over 800 years.

• Emira Pottery in Larnaca lets you do a hands-on pottery session together - the Ghost moment, but in the Cypriot sunshine. You get to keep what you make.

• Meze is the ultimate couples' dining experience in Cyprus - a seemingly never-ending procession of small dishes from halloumi and hummus through to grilled meats, fresh fish and loukoumades (Cypriot honey doughnuts). Order one to share and settle in for a long evening at a harbour-front taverna.

🎉 Things to do for Groups

• Ayia Napa's nightlife runs from May through October with clubs open until dawn. CarWash Disco for cheesy throwback nights, Senior Frog's for wild party vibes, and CherryBay for open-air dancing. The strip is walkable and drinks are reasonable.

• Nissi Beach is the daytime HQ for groups - turquoise water, watersports, foam parties and beach bars with DJs. Get there early for sunbeds.

• Boat parties run from Ayia Napa harbour with DJs, drinks and swimming stops at sea caves and Blue Lagoon. The Black Pearl Pirate Ship is properly good fun.

• Pissouri Beach is a Blue Flag beach with watersports including sailing, scuba diving and jet skis. A good group day out if you want something more active than lying on the sand.

✈️ Things to do on last minute holidays to Cyprus

Cyprus is a year-round fan-fave with a high volume of flights and resorts, making it a reliable choice for a spontaneous escape - don't say we don't treat ya. We work with a wide range of partners, so we can often surface late-availability spots that offer top-tier value for money.

• Dual-Airport Flexibility - Cyprus has two main gateways - Larnaca and Paphos. If one is showing limited flight availability for your dates, checking the other can often open up a whole new set of hotel and transfer options, keeping your last-minute plans firmly on the rails (puts UK rail to shame).

• The All-Inclusive Advantage - for a spontaneous trip, All-Inclusive is often the most cost-effective way to lock in your holiday budget. By bundling your meals and drinks into the package, you're saving extra pennies for the beach day budget.

• Extended Summer Sun - Cyprus enjoys one of the longest holiday seasons in the Mediterranean. If you’re booking a late-season break in October or early November, you can often secure premium beachfront resorts that have more availability than during the mid-summer rush, and the best part? The weather stays toasty.

🌍 Where can you stay in Cyprus?

• Protaras is the top family base on the island. Fig Tree Bay has calm, shallow water perfect for little ones, there are laid-back restaurants along the strip and it's close enough to Ayia Napa for a day trip without being in the middle of the party scene. Loads of all-inclusive options here too.

• Coral Bay is the other great family pick. Quiet and calm with crystal-clear water, a gorgeous sandy beach and easy access to Paphos for sightseeing and restaurants. A properly relaxed pace.

• Paphos is the romantic pick. Ancient ruins, upscale restaurants, Aphrodite's Rock and some of Cyprus's best boutique hotels. The harbour area is gorgeous for evening strolls and the western coast gets the best sunsets on the island.

• Limassol suits couples who like a bit of city buzz. A lively marina, wine bars, great restaurants and a long beachfront promenade. More sophisticated than the eastern resorts and a good base for wine tours in the Troodos foothills.

• Ayia Napa is the obvious group pick. Legendary nightlife with clubs, beach bars and boat parties running from May through October. Nissi Beach during the day, the strip at night. Cyprus's answer to Ibiza.

• Nissi Beach specifically is where the daytime action is - turquoise shallows, watersports and beach parties that roll from afternoon into evening. Most of the group-friendly hotels are within walking distance.

More Destinations

• Greece - Over 200 islands to pick from, each with its own character. Rhodes for medieval old towns and all-day sunshine, Crete for mountains and gorges, Kos for family-friendly beaches, Santorini for the caldera views, Corfu for green hills and Venetian architecture.

• Turkey - Similar climate to Cyprus with longer beaches and seriously good value. Antalya is the big all-inclusive hub, Bodrum is the boujee pick, and Dalaman covers the Turquoise Coast.

• Malta - A tiny island with a massive personality. Limestone cities, Blue Lagoon boat trips, 7,000 years of history, and English is an official language so zero language barrier.

• Croatia - Walled cities, island-hopping vibes, Game of Thrones filming locations, and some of the cleanest water in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik is the headline, but Split and the islands are just as good.

• Egypt - If you want guaranteed year-round heat and world-class diving, Sharm El Sheikh delivers. The Red Sea coral is something else entirely.