Choosing The Best Area To Stay In Cyprus for 2026

A natural stepping stone between Europe and Asia, Cyprus has long been a holiday hotspot for jetsetters from both continents. Nested in the calm waters of the Mediterranean, hemmed in by Türkiye to the north, Egypt to the south and Israel, Jordan and Lebanon to the west, Cyprus is the definition of a cultural crossroads.

Over the course of its history, the Med’s third largest island has been occupied by Assyrians, Egyptians, the Greeks, Romans and the Ottoman Empire. After a spell under British control, Cyprus finally gained independence in 1960. Just 14 years later, a Turkish invasion saw Cyprus was split in two. A country of two halves, it remains today.

The vast majority of the swathes of visitors who arrive on its shores aren’t overly interested in Cypriot history. They’re here for sun, sea and sand. And those, Cyprus has in abundance. Choosing the best area to stay in Cyprus will likely depend on what’s driving you to The Island of Aphrodite.

The Best Area to Stay in Cyprus for Sun, Sea & Sand

Paphos

Once Cyprus’ ancient capital, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and a European Capital of Culture, the largest city in Eastern Cyprus is the ideal seaside escape. If you’re looking for a mixture of culture and relaxation, Paphos is the best area to stay in Cyprus for you.

A real bonus of choosing Paphos as the best area to stay in Cyprus is its accessibility. Paphos Airport (PFO), one of Cyprus’ two main international gateways, is just a half-hour bus ride from the city. Year-round flights are available from London and some British regional airports. During summer, dozens of additional flights connect Paphos with cities across Europe and the Middle East.

Its beaches aside (Atlantida, Alykes, Venus and St Georges are the best), Paphos is a must for history lovers. UNESCO-listed necropolis The Tomb of The Kings is oft-considered the most important archaeological site in the country.

As the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, Paphos has to be the best area to stay in Cyprus for a romantic getaway. On top of that, it’s a great base for exploring Cyprus’ natural beauty. Take a glass bottom boat cruise, head up into to Troodos Mountains and pay a visit to Aphrodite’s lagoon.

Where to Stay in Paphos

There are two sides to Paphos. Kato Paphos, the lower city, is the tourist hub and the place to stay if you’re searching for a relaxing seaside break. The upper city, Ktima, is the best area to stay for authentic Cypriot culture.

Kato Paphos has more hotels than you can shake a stick at. Adults only M-Boutique is perfect for romantic escapes, but for the ultimate luxury you need look no further than Almyra. For something a little more wallet-friendly, Paphos Gardens Resort and Apartments are our top picks.

Hotels in Ktima are a little more thin on the ground, but their quality more than compensates for the lack of choice. Kentrikon 1924 Boutique Hotel comes with an excellent complimentary breakfast. If you want to be close to The Tomb of The Kings, Kefalos Beach and Kissos Hotel are the best options.

Travel tip: Check out our handy comparison to help you pick between Paphos and Larnaca.

Larnaca

Centered on its coastal promenade, the Finikoudes, after a few minutes in Larnaca, you’ll see why this coastal city is one of the most visited cities in Cyprus. Just like Paphos, Larnaca offers a good balance of relaxed coastal vibes and intriguing archaeological finds. Better still, if you judge a country on its food, Larnaca’s diverse restaurant scene cement it as the best area to stay in Cyprus.

Home to Larnaca International Airport (LCA), the busiest on the island, it’s very well connected with year-round flights to every corner of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. What’s more, fast and frequent intercity buses link Larnaca with Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia.

When you’re not relaxing on Finikoudes or Spyros Beach, pay a visit to Kition. Dating back to the 13th century BC, it was inhabited by the Mycenaeans and Phoenicians. Larnaca Archaeological Museum is also well worth a stop.

Naturally, one of the must-do activities in Larnaca is taking a sunset cruise on the Med. Don’t miss the chance to explore further afield too, though. Take a day trip to Famagusta, learn about Cypriot traditions on a donkey safari and take a tour of some of Cyprus’ best vineyards. If you choose Larnaca as the best area to stay in Cyprus over Paphos, be sure to take a day trip along the coast to visit.

Where to Stay in Larnaca

For the ultimate Larnaca experience, you’ll want to choose a hotel near the Finikoudes. Sun Hall Hotel has some of the best sea views. A little further from the center, at the southern end of the promenade, LIV Mackenzie Beach Suites and The Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel are great for relaxation. If a sea view isn’t the be-all-and-end-all, White 11 and Operetta House are great Old Town options.

Ayia Napa

If you’re looking to overindulge in Cypriot nightlife, Ayia Napa might just be the best area to stay in Cyprus for you. But be warned, if peace and quiet are on your agenda, you may want to look elsewhere.

Well connected by bus to Larnaca and Nicosia, with a couple of excellent beaches, Ayia Napa provides a good balance of value and convenience. Given its popularity, there are plenty of things to do. Whether you fancy joining a classic Napa boat party, cruising the Blue Lagoon in search of turtles or taking a tour to the ghost town of Varosha, you needn’t look far.

This once relaxed fishing village was built around the a 16th century Venetian monastery which, believe it or not, is still active today. With the advent of package holidays during the second half of the 20th century, Ayia Napa, a little like Benidorm, became a household name. With it came the saying “what happens in Napa”.

Club 18-30 brought young British revellers in their droves. Cheap beer, fishbowl cocktails and sexual health clinics were the order of the day. But all good things must come to an end, as Club 18-30 did in 2018.

Ayia Napa is still the best area to stay in Cyprus if you want to party the night away. Particularly during the summer months when you’ll find the bars populated by a lively, younger crowd. But things have calmed down since its heyday; Napa has tried hard to shed its slightly tacky image and positioned itself as something of a middle ground.

Where to Stay in Ayia Napa

In an attempt to attract families and couples over teenage revellers, a host of new hotels have cropped up in recent years. For a more premium Ayia Napa experience, and there’s some words I never thought belonged in the same sentence, you’ll want to stay a short walk from “the Strip”.

Napa Prince and Chrysomare Beach Resort are ideal for romantic getaways. For family holidays, Nelia Beach and Faros Hotels are our top picks. If you’re determined to have the authentic Club 18-30 experience, Anthea Hotel Apartments and Nelia Gardens won’t disappoint.

The Best Area to Stay in Cyprus for History & Culture

Nicosia

Like the country itself, the Cypriot capital is a city divided. The illegitimate border between the Republic of Cyprus and the unrecognized (by all except Türkiye), Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus runs right through the city center.

Unlike Paphos and Larnaca, Nicosia avoids big crowds of tourists. Sure, most people come to Cyprus for the beach, but I’ve always thought Nicosia is the best area to stay in Cyprus. It’s packed with museums, there’s great shopping and fantastic restaurants and most importantly of all, fewer tourists means a far more local experience. And if you do want to soak up some rays, Larnaca is only a half-hour drive away.

Fill your days with a walking tour of the cobbled streets, uncover history at the Cyprus Museum and learn about a divided nation at the Museum of the National Struggle. Best of all, walk across the border to a country which doesn’t exist.

Where to Stay in Nicosia

Despite being the capital city, Nicosia is relatively walkable and wherever you choose to stay, you won’t have far to go to the main sights. The area around Eleftheria Square and Shacolas Tower is my top recommendation.

Centrum Hotel, on the northern side of Eleftheria, is perfectly located for exploring Nicosia’s top museums. For a touch of luxury, check out elegant Gate Twenty Two Boutique Hotel. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Delphi Hotel is the place for you. The location is second to none and the rooms, whilst basic, are clean and many come with balconies.

Limassol

Cyprus’ most underrated city by a country mile, most travelers pass by on the motorway between Larnaca and Pahpos without giving Limassol a second thought. Those who do spend any time in the country’s largest city generally only do so to catch a ferry to Athens.

The truth is, Limassol is fascinating. Coastal, but by no means a beach resort, it’s packed full of old town charm. Endearingly characterful, Limassol is an undiscovered gem. And in my book, that makes it a worthy contender for the best area to stay in Cyprus.

Dive into Limassol’s café culture, explore the medieval castle and pay a visit to the Folk Art Museum. When the sun sets, head down to the marina for dinner at Michelin-starred Tartufo orGreek favorite Delta.

Travel tip: The names Limassol and Lemesos are used interchangeably. Lemesos is technically correct, as this is the Greek name for the city. However, Limassol, the Turkish name, is more commonly used, especially by visitors.

Where to Stay in Limassol

Although Limassol is the largest city in Cyprus, the city center is pretty compact. Staying near the Old Port and Ayia Napa Cathedral will put you close to all the best restaurants and museums.

The Old Port Hotel is our top pick. If you prefer to be in the heart of the Old Town, Alinea Primo Historic Center is a great choice. Its sister property, Alinea Diono Historic Center is equally good. For excellent value, take a look at the rustic, quirky Metropole Hotel.

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