Cyprus hols: home to sizzling sun, top-notch beaches, boujee resorts and delish eats everywhere you turn.

Highlights

• Epic mountain ranges and dreamy beaches - Where else can you go from sunbathing on the beach to hiking in the mountains all in one day? Ultimate adventure flex.

• Delish food that'll have you drooling all the way home - Meze platters, grilled halloumi, and so much more... get ready to loosen that belt!

• Year-round sizzling temps (hello, 30°C)

• An absolute dreamland for both divers and sunbathers

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Cyprus You Didn’t Know (But Will Love)

• Love HQ – Cyprus is the official birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. So, if you’re feeling extra mushy, blame it on the air.

• Wine-ing Since the Beginning – Cyprus has been producing wine for over 5,000 years. So, when you order a glass of vino, you're literally sipping on history.

• Divided Capital – Nicosia is the world’s only divided capital city - Greek Cypriots on one side, Turkish Cypriots on the other. It’s like a real-life episode of Neighbours.

💬 Local lingo 💬

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

• “Kalimera!” – Good morning! 

• “Efcharisto” – Thank you!

• “Pou einai i paralia?” – Where's the beach?

• “Ena potiri krasi, parakalo” – One glass of wine, please. Trust us, you'll use this one a lot.

• "Boró na ého mía Fanta Lemon kai líga Lays, parakaló?"- That should get you your Fanta Lemon and some Lays crisps with a smile!

🚗 Getting Around Cyprus

🚌 Buses

The bus system in Cyprus is like your budget BFF. It’s super affordable and gets you to all the must-see spots, from buzzing cities to chill beach towns. Plus, they come with air-con - perfect for not melting into a puddle on those hot days.

🚖 Taxis

When you need to skip the bus queue, taxis are your trusty steed. Just make sure to agree on the fare before hopping in - no one likes a surprise bill after a night of cocktails!

🚗 Car Hire

Want full freedom? Hiring a car is where it's at. From hidden coves to mountain villages, renting a car means you’ll discover all the secret spots (and get the best sunset views).

🏨 Where to Stay in Cyprus

• Ayia Napa – The OG party paradise, Ayia Napa's sizzling nightlife, mahoosive beaches, and buzzing clubs make it the top-tier choice for groups chasing endless fun and sun-soaked antics.

• Protaras – Home to proper good beaches (Fig Tree Bay, anyone?), chilled-out bars, and family-friendly vibes. It's a topper for families and couples after some laid-back beachside bliss.

• Paphos – Swanky hotels, ancient history, and boujee dining? Paphos has it all sorted. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, romantic escapes, or anyone fancying a bit of luxe with their sunlounger.

• Limassol – Lively with a side of sophistication. Think whopper beaches, classy wine bars, and a marina that’s perfect for people-watching. Ideal for couples, city lovers, and trendy folks.

• Larnaca – This laid-back charmer blends city conveniences with easy-going vibes. Beaches, restaurants, and history galore - ideal if you want a bit of everything without the faff.

• Coral Bay – Quiet and calm meets crystal-clear waters. It’s a 10/10 spot for families, couples, and anyone hankering for peaceful days lounging by the sea.

• Nissi Beach – Famous for its turquoise waters and sizzling sands, it's a youthful hotspot perfect for sunbathers, swimmers, and anyone chasing that Instagram-perfect scene.

• Troodos Mountains – Fancy something a bit different? Head inland for fresh air, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers who fancy swapping swimmers for hiking boots.

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 gorg 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 for Ayia Napa holidays, with soft sands, shallow waters, a bunch of watersports, and a delish 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 perf 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 beaut scenery

Cyprus Holidays 2025 - Where to stay

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:

• Azia Resort and Spa- a 5-star hotel decked out with modern, boho-style rooms, a bunch of dining options (including an adults-only tree deck restaurant where you can literally eat amongst the trees), and an award-winning spa for the perfect pamper

• Atlantica Sungarden Beach - tucked away between the hustle and bustle of Ayia Napa's nightlife and the gorg sandy beaches, this hotel has a choice of restaurants to pick from, 2 pools to dunk into and a swanky Health Club with a gym, sauna and steam room

• Cavo Maris Beach - a bangin' beachside hotel with roomy suites, a pool fit for the whole fam, a handy snack bar and activities and shows for all ages

• Corallia Beach - decked out with everything you need for a top-notch holiday to Cyprus, this place has comfy rooms, an outdoor pool with a section for the kiddos, a games centre, tennis courts, and a buffet restaurant serving (pretty much) everything under the sun

• Avlida - there's a pool winding right through this resort, along with a beach just a 10-minute walk away, a cosy lounge bar for cocktails and live music, and a kids' club to keep the youngsters entertained

Cyprus holidays 2025 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Cyprus for families

Long story short, family holibobs to Cyprus are a win for everyone. Hotels are like kiddo wonderlands, kitted out with mini clubs, splash pools and whopping waterslides that'll keep 'em quiet for hours. Well, that's a lie. They'll probably be screaming the whole time. But at least they'll be entertained, right? And that leaves you with some time to enjoy adult activities (not those kind) - like slurping cocktails, tucking into your holiday read and - let's be honest - just enjoying some sunbathing time to yourself. Beyond the hotel, though, there's loads to keep the fam occupied in Cyprus. It's packed with UNESCO sites, meaning you can take the kids on a history trip that promises more fun vibes than yawn vibes, and bag yourself some souvenirs while you're out there. Paphos Old Town is a great stop for an afternoon too, with plenty of shops to explore.

❤️ Things to do in Cyprus for couples

Date night, but make it spicy? Cyprus definitely understood the assignment. Why not swing by Emira Pottery in Larnaca so you can re-enact *that* scene from Ghost? You know the one. Don't lie. It's also crammed with pots, vases and ceramics so you can grab a keepsake while you're there. For equally mushy vibes, there's always Aphrodite's Rock. It's just a quick stroll from Pissouri Village, and it's linked to the Greek Goddess of Love, so...can't get much more romantic than that, can you?! If all that's a bit too lovey-dovey for you, though, then you can always opt for a chilled beach day at Lara Beach. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this place is known for its turtle-spotting opportunities, so grab a towel, sit back and watch those adorable little things crawl through the sand. Legend says it's one of the best beaches in Cyprus.

🥳 Things to do in Cyprus for groups

Whether you're living it up with your squad or just rallying all the extended fam for one big trip away, Cyprus holidays are where it's at. If you're diving into a clubbing spree, then you've got beach clubs, glitzy bars and good ol' pubs in Limassol. Just a heads up, though, locals don't typically get the party started until 2AM(!!!), so you might need to bring your A-game (and some caffeine). For those all-important group activities, be sure to check out Pissouri Beach. It's got a Blue Flag for starters, along with every watersport under the sun - from sailing to scuba diving.

🍽️ Things to do in Cyprus for foodies

Get your taste buds ready - Cyprus is a foodie heaven! From endless meze platters to grilled halloumi, you’ll be munching on the island’s finest flavours in no time. Seafood lovers, head to Limassol for the freshest catches, and don’t forget to try loukoumades - Cyprus’ answer to doughnuts. You’ll be back for seconds (or thirds, we don’t judge).