Favorite cities/towns in Cyprus?
 

Our family is going on a two week family vacation in Cyprus over the Christmas holidays. We have a one week villa rental near Paphos the last week but are flying into Larnarca for the first week. Any cities or towns that you have enjoyed from Larnaca over to Paphos that you would spend a night or two for sightseeing?

Cypus isn't really that big an island to warrant staying anywhere in between. Larnaca to Paphos is only about an hour and a half on the motorway.

However, at this time of the year I would recommend a trip up the Troodos mountains and a stop at Platres. It's a nice village worth seeing. Less than an hour from Larnaca is Limassol, nice hotels and restaurants and if you wanted to use somewhere as a staging post between Larnaca and Paphos, it would be here.

The other choice for a day out is Nicosia, the divided city, although I believe that you can now cross the border for a look at the Turkish side of the island.

Whilst in Paphos, have a trip up to Polis and the Akamas peninsula, great scenery and a nice town.

Ayia Napa and Protaras are east of Larnaca and they would be too far to travel from Paphos in a day. Although Ayia Napa is party central, I am not sure how busy it is in winter, so might be a good time to sightsee in this area or to chill in one of the many 5 star hotels in the area, 1 or 2 nights would be enough probably. As far as sightseeing is concerned, I can only think of the small monastery right in the centre of Ayia Napa and Cape Greco (google some images, you may be able to take a boat trip to see the caves). I am also unsure if the Red Bus Cyprus company run day trips to Famagusta during the winter, if so this would be a really interesting excursion.

Go along the west coast north of Paphos - it is a delight, Not far from Paphos is St Georges Beach where there is a lovely Taverna that overlooks the bay - bliss.... but of course it may not be open this time of year. Good luck.

Dutyfree: how was the Cyprus trip?

Just got back two days ago and absolutely loved Cyprus at this time of the year!We spent two weeks there flying into Larnarca on British Airways. We spent a few days in Larnaca along with seeing the Cape Greco,Ayia Napa and Nicosia as day trips. We then went over to Limassol for three days doing day trips to the Troodo mountains and wine country out of there.

Our last week was at the fabulous Blue Coral Bay villas which words cannot describe as the views were amazing and the villa itself was amazing!There are only three villas on a secluded beach between Paphos and Coral Bay so we had our privacy but could be in those towns within minutes.Yianni, the owner had everything we would ever need at this villa including a very thoughtful Christmas tree and Cyprus Christmas cookies from a bakery!

While at the villa we did day trips up to Polis,Paphos and even rented a boat for two hours to see Cyprus from the water.
We enjoyed the wine,food and people of Cyprus-reasonably priced and very hospitable.

The one thing that was kinda funny was once we started talking to people they would comment immediately saying "you aren't English are you? Where are you from?" When we said we were from Chicago/USA they constantly asked why did we come as they get very few Americans there.They were very intrigued to know our reasons which I always stated that we love history,Greek/Mediterranean food and wine and the ocean!

For those contemplating going to Nicosia, the capital I would highly recommend it. It is the only divided European city that is still being run and overlooked by UN troops.It reminded me alot of going to Berlin in the 70's with the checkpoints and the differences in the two portions of the city.We had a nice lunch over there,did some sightseeing and bought some great deals on my favorite Turkish scarves!!!
Thank you all for your help on this trip-it was wonderful!

In winter is better to stay in Larnaca or Limassol (most hotels and restaurants in Ayia Napa & Protaras are closed for winter) and within 50 Km you can go and see all attractions in that part of the island like: St. Lazarus Church, Angeloktisti Church, Chirokitia, Lefkara villages, Kourion & Kollosi and many more....

I am still pleased that we stayed at all three cities for a different feel of Cyprus!