Larnaca
In terms of recreation, Cyprus seems too expensive for you? Then pay attention to Larnaca – one of the most inexpensive resorts with clean beaches and warm sea. There is almost no entertainment infrastructure here, but the resort is ideal for a relaxing holiday with children.
Beaches
The beaches of Larnaca are mostly sandy, with fine gray sand, in some places supplemented with pebbles. The best of them is Phinikoudes, with a gentle slope, calm water and developed infrastructure. Has a Blue Flag.
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Away from the city, near the fishing village of Psarolimano, there is Kastella beach, ideal for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The beach is small but well equipped, also has a Blue Flag.
Dasaki Pylas Beach is located in the green area of the resort, ideal for families with children.
Attractions
Among the sights worth visiting are the Church of St. Lazarus, the Temple of Panagia Angelokristi (according to legend, it was erected by angels), the Church of Agios Antonios and the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque (it is considered one of the three most important shrines of Islam after Mecca and Medina).
In addition, the chapel of Agia Faneromeni and the salt lake, where pink flamingos winter from November to March, are worth attention.
Shopping
Most of Larnaca’s shops are concentrated on Zenonos Kitieos and Ermou Street – there are jewelry stores, boutiques and other branded shopping centers. But it is better to buy souvenir unique goods in narrow and quiet streets, or at the Sunday market on Ermou street.
By the way, an interesting souvenir from Larnaca will be olive oil, which is produced right around the resort.
Pathos
Paphos is an ancient city with a large number of elite restaurants and hotels. There is no special entertainment infrastructure, but rich people pay for secluded places and beautiful nature – in general, for a relaxing holiday.
Beaches
The beaches of Paphos, by all accounts, are not as good as in other resorts, but they still boast cleanliness and a fairly developed infrastructure. Of these, Timi Beach and Rikkos Beach are distinguished, as well as many places for a “wild” holiday away from civilization.
Attractions
There are a lot of beautiful sights in Paphos. The most popular include:
- Archaeological park with ancient architectural structures and mosaics of the 2nd-5th centuries;
- Tombs of the Kings, the most atmospheric place in the park, attracting the attention of fewer tourists;
- the beach of Petra tou Romiou, the birthplace of Aphrodite, which contains the Stone of Aphrodite;
- Medieval fort;
- Paphos Aphrodite Water Park.
There are other ancient sights in Paphos that are sure to interest lovers of history and ancient architecture.
Shopping
In the very center of Paphos, there are three shopping streets with shops, both luxury and budget. You should also pay attention to the boutiques on the embankment next to Lidas Street, and to the shops near the city aquarium “Freedom” and “Orphanides” – they sell excellent leather clothes and handmade souvenirs.
According to many tourists, the best shopping is provided by the Kings Avenue Mall and CityShop, as well as something like the Debenhams outlet.
Traditional goods can be purchased at the city market – the best place to buy souvenirs and works of local artisans, as well as fruits, vegetables, spices and seafood.
Protaras
Where to relax in Cyprus inexpensively? You can choose Protaras – a budget resort town with wide beaches and inexpensive apartments. The rest here is calm, but in just 15 minutes you can get to Ayia Napa with its vibrant nightlife.
Beaches
The beaches of Protaras are considered among the best in Cyprus along with the beaches of Ayia Napa. Fig Tree Beach is considered the best, but now the service there is getting worse, and prices are higher, while there are a lot of people on the beach.
Tourists like Luma Beach in an artificial bay with a calm sea. Also worth noting is Flamingo Beach (the main beach of Protaras), Green Bay and Konnos Bay.
Attractions
There are not so many cultural buildings and architectural sights in Protaras. Among them are:
- Agios Elias Church – the main architectural landmark of the city;
- Historical Museum;
- Valley of windmills;
- Chapel of the Holy Mother of God.
Tourists also like to visit such entertainment places as:
- Ocean Aquarium Park;
- Aquapark Hotel Anastasia
- A show of dancing fountains combined with a fire and laser show.
Shopping
There are not many opportunities for shopping here, mainly shops are concentrated on the streets of Akefalou Preotara and Leoforos Kappari. There are no large shopping centers in the city, but there is a Lidl supermarket and numerous tourist shops. Prices for European products are very high here.
Troodos
Here’s what you should know about Cyprus – holidays here can be not only lazy on the beach, but also active. Troodos is an amazing nature reserve where you can go skiing in winter and enjoy nature and architectural sights in summer.
Skiing
Troodos is a modern ski resort with nine pistes of varying difficulty and four drag lifts. Five tracks are located on the northern slope of Mount Olympus, and four more on the south. The resort has hotels, equipment rentals and ski schools.
The season here starts in December and goes until the very end of March. At the same time, in March you will be able to go to the coast for swimming in the sea, combining such different types of recreation.
Attractions
The main attraction of Troodos is the small villages and monasteries located around it, extremely picturesque and interesting from an architectural point of view. Also, many tourists like hiking trails passing by the beautiful natural attractions of this mountainous area.
Shopping
You can buy something in Troodos in the same villages and monasteries. These are mainly products of local craftsmen, which are nice to bring home as a souvenir.