Cyprus
For such a small country (the Republic of Cyprus, excluding the Turkish-occupied North, covers just 14,400 square kilometres) Cyprus packs a big punch. It’s the birthplace of some of the great travel-writing clichés of all time, but they’re hard to avoid: it really is a country of contrasts, where old meets new, where the mountains meet the sea, where east meets west and where you can ski and swim in the same day (at least at certain times of year). Resort areas range from the somewhat brash Agia Napa and Protaras near the eastern tip of the island to the slightly more sophisticated Paphos in the west. Two major coastal cities, Limassol and Larnaca, were the island’s original tourism hubs, with large but bland resort hotels on either side. Small though Cyprus is, it still has its pockets of wilderness: the rocky and barren Akamas peninsula, where sea-turtles lay eggs on deserted beaches; the Troodos mountain range (rising to the 1,952m summit of Mount Olympus); and the thickly forested hills of Tillyria where wild boar and mouflon roam. Activities range from year-round golf and tennis to winter sports on the Troodos slopes, scuba diving off the northwest coast, winsurfing and sailing.
For culture vultures there are some world-class ancient and medieval relics – notably, the Hellenistic mosaics of ancient Paphos; the huge Roman theatre at Kourion; the medieval castles at Colossi, Limassol and Larnaka; the wonderful frescoed Byzantine churches of the Troodos; and the outstanding Cyprus Museum with archaeological finds spanning several millennia. Nicosia, the capital, is only an hour or so from the main beach resorts. It is sadly bereft of hotels of charm, but its walled medieval centre has bags of character. Although split in two by the no-man’s-land of the 1974 ceasefire line, it is possible to cross (via a city centre checkpoint) into the Turkish zone for a look at its medieval buildings and shabby but colourful markets. Cyprus is a true year-round destination, but for guaranteed sunshine go between May and November – it can be cool, wet and windy between January and March.
The best hotels in Cyprus
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Anassa
Cyprus
One of the island’s finest hotels, with glorious Tuscan-style grounds, fabulous rooms, top spa, excellent restaurant and superb views from lovely terraces. Village harbour a short walk away, and activities include hiking and scuba diving.
177 rooms from $343Spa - Thalassa spa.Restaurant - Recommended.Garden - Attractive outside space.Kids Club - Fully staffed. -
Amathus Beach Limassol
P.O Box 50513, Cyprus
Luxury hotel chain flagship with large grounds, top-notch facilities and service, close to archeological sites. Huge rooms, great views, lovely pools, private beach and excellent restaurants.
239 rooms from $240Kids Club - Fully staffed.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Outstanding locationBarefoot Luxury - For total relaxation.Recommended by - Travel Intelligence -
Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort
Cyprus
Attractive natural spa resort of stone buildings, with outdoor and indoor pools, mineral springs, a range of treatments and two first-rate restaurant. Beaches 20 minutes drive away.
18 rooms from $183SpaSecluded setting - For escaping.Views - Great views from hotelOutstanding location -
Amarakos Farmhouse
Nicosia, Cyprus
Family run small guesthouse with courtyard restaurant-bar, home-cooked, mostly organic food from the family farm, and a pool. Great walking, birdwatching, and beach nearby. Would suit families.
3 rooms from $183Birdwatching - Good birding near the hotel.Secluded setting - For escaping.Outstanding locationGreat walks - Good for walkers. -
Club InterContinental at Aphrodite Hills
Cyprus
Hotel-within-a-hotel at a low-rise, luxury resort with an intimate, village feel and great golf. Kids clubs and teens clubs with gym, nine tennis courts, riding, and a private beach club.
220 rooms from $170Large HotelKids Club - Fully staffed.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Views - Great views from hotelRecommended by - Travel Intelligence -
So Nice Boutique Suites
Cyprus
Exceptionally stylish, colourful boutique hotel of bungalow suites, with lovely lawn and pools and a gourmet Japanese restaurant. Well located on Nissi Bay.
from $118Romantic - Good for couples.Views - Great views from hotelSights nearby - Well located for major sights.On the beach - In front of the hotel. -
Livadhiotis City Hotel
Cyprus
Smartly designed but no frills family-run hotel in the heart of Larnaca’s old quarter, close to the waterfront. Ideal for stopovers when flying in or out, as just minutes from the airport.
58 rooms from $111Lively - Hip and happening.Views - Great views from hotelSights nearby - Well located for major sights.On the beach - In front of the hotel. -
Paradisos Hills Hotel
Cyprus
Excellent small family-run hotel with a tranquil setting and views of wooded hills, in a quiet pocket of Cyprus. Riding and walking nearby, a good pool for relaxing, or beaches a drive away.
15 rooms from $107Views - Great views from hotelCooking classes - Check for timings.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Great walks - Good for walkers. -
Kiniras Traditional Hotel & Restaurant
Cyprus
A traditional building in upper Paphos - the more authentic part of town -makes an attractive hotel with plenty of character. Beaches and entertainment just minutes away.
18 rooms from $105Restaurant - Serves traditional and authentic Cypriot cuisineOwner managed - Been in the same family for the last 80 yearsFull of character -
Library Hotel
Cyprus
An historic building in a traditional village has been transformed into a charming small hotel, off the beaten track. House party feel, with small spa and good food.
11 roomsExclusive offer - Weekend Getaway PackageSpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor
