Hoping to spend a week in Cyprus this August. Are there any areas that should not be missed while there? Also, the accommodations look so Americanized (big beach resorts). Can anyone recommend anything/where more authentic/romantic/intimate?

Thanks very much!!!

I've been to Paphos and it was very nice. I don't think anything there is Americanized, as very few Americans visit Cyprus. I can't help you with accomodations, as I was on a cruise ship. I hope someone else can.

When I use the word 'Americanized', I'm using it loosly. I would refer to the huge all-inclusives in Cuba as Americanized and yet there are virtually no Americans. I guess we just aren't looking to go all the way there to stay at a place we might find 2 hrs away. Did u enjoy your cruise? How long was it and where did it go?

Thanks!

OK, I see what you mean. Using that definition, I would not say that Paphos is Americanized, and I would return to Paphos in a heartbeat.

The cruise began and ended in Athens, and other stops included: Santorini, Rhodes, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Cairo, and Mykonos.

I enjoyed my cruise very much, but that cruise line is no longer afloat, so to speak. It was with Royal Olympic which is now defunct. We weren't supposed to stop in Cyprus, but a strange set of circumstances led us there. Instead of Cyprus, the ship was supposed to make a stop in Israel. But about 2 months before we sailed, some fighting escalated in Israel so they took us to Cyprus instead. I learned of this diversion about a month before the trip and I was so disappointed to miss Israel that I almost cancelled the trip. But at my traveling companion's insistence, the trip went on. I knew nothing about Cyprus and didn't expect much, and I must say it was an incredible surprise. When the cruise was winding down, most people said Cyprus was their favorite stop.

The horrible touristy areas of Cyprus are all grouped round the east end, near Ayia Napa.

There is big scale tourism round Limassol and Larnaca and, to a lesser extent, pahos too.

The west end of the island is the lease developed, although it's developing more and more every year.

YOu might want, particularly given it's August will be roasting, to look at the mountain resorts of Troodos and Platres, which attract less attention because they're not on the beach.

There is also a very well supported scheme now vested in the Laona Foundation, which helped/helps small rural communities to develop their own sustainable tourism. You can see the fruits of this is high quality small scale ventures. I think all the accommodation is self catering (whatever you do, you'll need a car)

http://www.conservation.org.cy/laona/laona.htm

Lastly, there have been a number of "Inns" developed in the last few years, and if you must have a hotel type lodging, these might suit you better. Vasilias Nikoklis Inn; Loxandra Inn; Amarakos Inn, to name but a few. Sunvil, a UK travel company, would be worth checking out.

Thanks so much for both of your opinions. It's very appreciated!

We stayed in Larnaca & shared a
group taxi* to Nicosia which is on the
Turkish side of the country.

Since the island is not that big we
hired a cab* to take us to Limasol
which is touristy but you won't see Americans.

From Limasol, you might want to take a 2-day low-cost cruise to Israel & Egypt via LouisCruiseLines.
(not to be confused w/liners plying
the USA market but sufficient for
touring needs).
*Inexpensive for both

Hallo, I'm new here!
I am also planning a trip to Cyprus ( in October) and want to stay in less touristy places. There is a scheme called "Agrotourism" which the (Greek Cypriot) government encourages, where older properties are renovated and let out as self-catering accommodation. Some of them look good and they are less expensive too. I am advised that the foothills of the Troodos mountains are a good place, with wine villages. They should also be a bit cooler-- it will be pretty hot in August.

Great advice here. Can anyone recommend a rental apartment or agency in Paphos?

I always hate people who do this, so please excuse me

I CAN'T recommend a rental agenct or apartment in Paphos.

I have stayed 3 times at the Helios Bay Apartments about 6 miles along the coast. Not old, not authentic, but they worked for me.

I'm sorry that you hate me, but thanks for your information.

I hope that was a joke

I meant people who don't answer the qestion. ie. ME!