Don’t believe everything you hear about Cyprus. The party town of Ayia Napa is just a small part of what this Mediterranean island has to offer. Certainly, if you’re a party animal under thirty, Ayia Napa might be perfect for you, but for the rest of us who’ve been there and done that, what else is on offer? In this article I will guide you through a brief overview of the other cities and areas in South Cyprus and you will see that for couples or families there are many options available.
Paphos
Paphos, a UNESCO world heritage site, is located on the east coast of Cyprus and you can be sure that it would be an adventurous clubber from Ayia Napa who would make it to this seaside destination. Now Paphos, a bustling tourist hub, is divided into two districts, the old residential town of Pano Paphos and the newer beachside resort area called Kato Paphos. It is here that you will find the elegant hotels, as well as the charming harbor and medieval fort. It is here on the coast that you will also find one of Cyprus’s favorite beaches, Coral Bay, where a variety of water sports are the order of the day.
Limassol
Limassol is a step in history and is the main commercial port of Cyprus. It’s not so much a chosen holiday destination in and of itself, but certainly a vibrant travel hub and your vacation is sure to be enriched by a little time here. Known for celebrating many festivals, this is a destination worth visiting if you find it at the right time. Essentially, this is the main bustling city in South Cyprus and an interesting place to visit if you want to meet the locals. And for the true traveler, you can board a ship here to other destinations like the other Greek islands, Egypt, or Turkey.
larnaca
Larnaca is the oldest city in Cyprus and possibly your first port of call, as the international airport is the most popular with tourists. Although founded 6,000 years ago, Larnaca is very much a modern city these days, so it’s certainly not a sleepy tourist destination. This is a good place to come for the miles of sandy beaches and many seafood restaurants on offer. As Larnaca is in the center of southern Cyprus, it is a great destination to explore the rest of the southern coast.
Nicosia
Of course, no guide to the cities and towns of Cyprus would be complete without mentioning the capital, Nicosia. This fascinating city is, of course, divided down the middle thanks to the division of Cyprus between the Greeks and the Turks. This is home to the Archbishopric and the Presidential Palace, as well as many other historical sites of interest, such as the Byzantine Museum and the Faneromeni Church. EU citizens can now cross the borders within the city from the Greek side to the Turkish side (and vice versa) via the Ledra street crossing.
So just like Ibiza, there is more to this island than just clubbing. Families, couples, and travelers will find something of interest here and that’s before we even start talking about the food, culture, and smaller tourist sights. With many low cost airlines flying to Cyprus, this is a very affordable and enjoyable holiday destination.
