Limassol Protaras or Ayia Napa. Cyprus. What to choose Limassol or Ayia Napa - the pros and cons of both? Resorts of Cyprus - Paphos
It's time to pack your bags, because the long-awaited vacation that you plan to spend in one of the cities is just around the corner. If you find it difficult to make a decision and give preference to Limassol or Ayia Napa, read this article, which may help you make the right choice.
Location and climate Recreation and entertainmentThe holiday season in Ayia Napa is full of carnivals and festivals that attract both locals and tourists. Green Monday is considered the most spectacular; carnival held on the eve of Maslenitsa; Easter celebrations, the day of the Epiphany. If noisy events tire you, then the city of Ayia Napa can offer entertainment that will certainly please you. Visit the city, which is famous for its theatrical shows with dolphins. Children will also be delighted to visit. And beach lovers in the city of Ayia Napa will be pleased with the cozy beaches with clean sand, where they can relax from the bustle of the city and get a little tan.
The cultural life of Limassol is very interesting, which is represented by such annual events as a wine festival and a drama festival, which many foreigners dream of visiting.
After touring the historical buildings and museums of the city, you can go to the Limassol water park, which is located in the central part of the city and is called “Wet`n Wild”. It is famous for its numerous slides, which you will definitely want to conquer. As for the beaches, they are covered with sand, which has a slightly unusual gray tint. This is due to its high silicon content and volcanic origin. Staying on such beaches, according to cosmetologists, is very beneficial for all skin types.
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Young people love Ayia Napa because of its vibrant nightlife, many bars and discos that are open until the morning. There are thousands of entertainment establishments of this type here, so there should be no difficulty in choosing. Ayia Napa also has many hotels of various classes of service, each of which has its own restaurant. In addition, on the streets of the city you can easily find a cute restaurant, a cozy tavern, which offer both traditional dishes and your favorite dishes from world cuisines.
Limassol's nightlife is in full swing, and nightlife lovers will be pleased with the wide selection of establishments in which to while away the night. The city is famous for its excellent street restaurants and taverns, where you can have a delicious lunch and taste vintage Cypriot wines.
TransportTransport links in Ayia Napa are very developed, but visiting the city center is prohibited by car, which is possible here, so the local population and tourists travel by bicycle or on foot.
Guys, help! My friend and I are going to Cyprus for the first time. Until I went to the forum I was sure that I wanted to go to Ayia Napa. We chose Ayia Napa because we want entertainment too (we were in Spain in Loret de Mae - we liked it), but then I read that the Tour to Ayia Napa has the disadvantage that you won’t see Cyprus, it’s worse with excursions. And I really want to see Cyprus... What about excursions from Ayia Napa? Or should I still choose Limassol? And another question, there is a desire to rent a car and see the sights on your own, but how difficult is the traffic in Cyprus? How narrow are the roads? We are both blondes ;-)
1) Excursions from Ayia Napa are good. These are good everywhere - see the size of the island. It is almost five times smaller than Moscow. region
2) If you want to take a car, take it. Rights are desirable. Driving on the left, steering wheel on the right.
3) The roads are wide asphalt. The signs are convenient and clearly visible. In English and Greek.
4) Greeks love blondes.
How to compare a city and a town? Do you live in Moscow or St. Petersburg? When are you planning to go to Cyprus, in season? Some young people live there according to a schedule: getting up at lunch - a beach full of hanging out with their peers - a nightclub. And so the entire vacation period - everyone has the right to their own type of vacation, no questions asked. Are you going to this mode? Do you like to go shopping on vacation to get in the mood?
Hello Lawyer. Thanks for the answer. I’m also a lawyer, by the way :-) I live in Krasnoyarsk. We are flying to Cyprus on June 9th. From rest I want: the sea; beach; see Cyprus: monuments and historical sites; and in the evenings - cafes; nightclubs - yes, but definitely not every day. On vacation, I like to rent a car myself, because you can see a lot of things and not depend on anyone (I myself have traveled a lot by car in Spain and the Canary Islands), although if the traffic is very difficult, then it’s hard for me. In the Canary Islands, for example, there were very narrow roads to the mountains and I felt very uneasy. Group excursions are not excluded. I really like to go shopping for mood :-) and buy something too, but sometimes on a good vacation it’s a pity to waste time on this.
Quote: Cypriots are NOT Greeks
Calypso, judge for yourself
Napa is a village with a good sea, nightlife and lack of shopping. For a lazy holiday. But, if you take a car, you can easily see the island and get to the necessary shops
Lim, this is a city. As a metropolitan resident in the past, it would be wonderful for me to go on vacation from city to city. Although this is what attracts many people to Lima. There are also discos there, the beaches are worse, but again, you need to know the places)))
Hello Callipso. You see, on vacation I am NOT interested in youth discos and beaches filled with teenagers. On vacation I prefer to live without any plan, so my vacation spot should have a theater and a cinema, good sports clubs, restaurants with local flavor, places for quiet walks and large shopping centers. All this is in Limassol and all this is accessible on foot and by city bus, well, it will be very lazy - I’ll take a taxi. There is no similar presence of all kinds of different things in one place, as in Limassol, in Cyprus.
Lawyer, thanks for the answer! I understand :-) Fortunately (or unfortunately :-)) I, too, have not been interested in youth discos for a long time... If I went alone, I would choose Limassol based on your recommendations, but now I’m going with a friend who is younger than me and In this regard, there is also a need for a budget option. If you like Cyprus, which I really hope you will, then next time you will definitely go to Limassol. Thank you.
Well, Limassol really is a city, and not of any particular beauty, frankly, but it’s convenient for moving around without a car, by bus, there are shops if you need them, although it’s much better in Nicosia, the promenade is gorgeous, you can easily walk along it at any time of the day and not the feeling of a crowd, in general, even in the season, it didn’t seem to me that the beaches were all just so crowded with people, only in the center, and in the Amathus area there were somehow no crowds, by the way, there are clubs and bars in the tourist zone, all crowded with young people in the summer, so and Limassol is quite youthful for those who need it. Who said that Napa is so much cheaper than Limassol? Maybe in Lima there is simply less choice of inexpensive hotels, especially of a good standard; the lack of them is felt very acutely.
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As for the car, rent and don't hesitate. The roads are smooth and wide. Yes, driving on the left takes some getting used to, but it's not a problem. They drive in Cyprus very carefully and politely. Rental cars have numbers that differ in color from regular cars, so they are immediately visible and some mistakes are forgiven :-)
We lived in Ayia Napa, in the morning we got into the car and drove along the coast, choosing nice beaches and coves. We especially liked Governor's Beach, it has black sand and white rocks - very unusual and beautiful. It’s easy to get to both Paphos and Nicosia (if you’re shopping, then it’s probably better to do it in the capital :-))
All excursions are available from Ayia Napa, if you like group tours.
Limassol is a big city
and in Ayia Napa I got up in the morning, 5 minutes and already on the beach
Based on my impressions, I will say that I really liked Ayia Napa for its intimacy and walking distance to everything. By the way, the party place where the nightlife is in full swing is in the very center of the village, but it’s kind of hidden in a low place, the noise doesn’t disturb those around at all.
Quote: Driving in Cyprus is ugly and dangerous. BUT seeing red numbers, they get scared
Py Sy just for your information.... licenses are issued without re-registration until the age of 70... personally, I know several blind-blind people, after a stroke, after bypass surgery - driving HURRAY!!!
Greetings, dear travelers! Today we have an interesting topic on the agenda, , what to choose? I warn you right away that this article is about everything! Be sure to read to the end. As you read, there will be many photos of beaches and landscapes. Still, the sea in Cyprus is the most important thing. 🙂
There is a lot of information on the Internet these days, but, alas, it is not always useful. You have to spend more than one hour, and sometimes more than one day, to get to the bottom of the truth and finally understand for yourself, which is better Paphos or Ayia Napa. Many people, I think, can guess what I mean.
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Therefore, without unnecessary water, I will try to describe and tell you in all colors what, where, and how, to convey to you my experience and knowledge. It will take some of your time, but I'm sure you will be satisfied.
About the location
Both resort towns are located on the island of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Paphos is located in the southwestern part, Ayia Napa in the southeastern part.
- The distance between them is about 180 km.
- Each city has its own international airport.
- Paphos is much closer to the largest mountain range on the island - Troodos.
- In Paphos you can see very beautiful sunsets, but in Ayia Napa you can hardly see the sunset.
Climate, weather, water temperature
The climate on the entire island is Mediterranean. If I may say so, it is smooth, without sudden changes in temperature and pressure, which is ideal for the health of people of all age groups, in particular children, weather-sensitive people, and hypertensive patients. Ayia Napa or Paphos from a weather point of view they are identical. The same applies to water temperature.
Still, it is worth noting that in Ayia Napa, as a rule, both the air and the water are a couple of degrees warmer. If on hot summer days, from June to August, this is not particularly important, then if you go swimming, for example, at the beginning of May or at the end of September, you can feel the difference a little. August in Cyprus is the hottest month of the year! 
I have come across the opinion that the climate in Paphos is somewhat milder. The proximity of mountain ranges probably has an effect. But to be honest, I didn’t feel the difference, since the climate on the entire island is already very mild!
Beaches, sea
In the matter of choice, Ayia Napa or Paphoswhere is better, be sure to keep in mind that in Ayia Napa the beaches are sandy, with fine light sand, and in Paphos the beaches are mainly pebble and rocky, there are also sandy ones, but the sand there is already grayish-brown. The only thing that matters here is your preference. For example, we chose Ayia Napa as our main holiday destination only because of the beaches, since my husband does not really like pebbles in any form. And my mother, planning a trip to Cyprus, just chose Paphos, on the contrary, she was delighted with the stones and pebbles, my dad did not resist, it doesn’t matter to him whether it’s sand or pebbles. How many people, so many opinions. Don’t forget, in Paphos you can find a hotel near a sandy beach, but there are only a few such places.
All beaches in Cyprus are municipal, you can visit absolutely any one you like best. During the high season, large beaches offer various sea activities - catamarans, banana boats, etc. 
Paphos or Ayia Napa, what to choose for a holiday with children? The entrance to the sea is flat everywhere, the beaches are ideally adapted for swimming with children. My advice is to choose what you like, if you are in harmony and happy, the child will feel a good mood and will be happy.
The sea along the entire coast of Cyprus is very clean!
Entertainment, night life
Traditionally, Ayia Napa is the center of nightlife in Cyprus with developed infrastructure. You can walk here until dawn, you will find something to do. Young people are advised to go here. Pathos is truly associated with a calmer and more measured pastime. 
There is a lot of entertainment in Ayia Napa - a water park, an amusement park (children will love it, and adults will find something to do. There are a couple of attractions for those who like the most thrilling sensations), sea excursions. Paphos also has a water park.
Nature, attractions
Miscellaneous (shopping, prices)
If you are thinking about shopping, then it is generally better to go to Limassol. 🙂 Ayia Napa or Paphoswhere is it cheaper?? Regarding prices, there is so much information on the Internet! Some people write that it is more expensive in Paphos, others that it is more expensive in Ayia Napa and vice versa, reading all this is just a waste of time. In terms of prices, both resorts are identical, since they are the most popular and promoted throughout Cyprus. I will say this, where it is definitely cheaper is in the northern part of Cyprus - Kyrenia. The word “cheaper” somehow does not mean Paphos and Ayia Napa at all. Where there are a lot of people, prices are high. 
For comparison: a bottle of simple still water, 0.5 liters, in a store on the main street in Ayia Napa, where there are a lot of cafes and restaurants, and a constant huge flow of tourists from all over, costs, for example, 1, or even 1.5 euros. If you turn deeper into the island and walk for 5-10 minutes, the same water will cost 2 times less. That's all mathematics. It’s not surprising to you that Coca-Cola on Red Square in Moscow costs several times more than somewhere in a store outside, say, the 3rd ring. 🙂
By the way, I almost forgot to say that, other things being equal, prices for trips to Paphos are somewhat cheaper than to Ayia Napa. I compared more than one option! I also have an educational story!
I also have a comparison of 2 more popular resorts in Cyprus -
I hope my review helped you decide Ayia Napa or Paphos, what to choose, what's better for you.
Cyprus is popular among travelers all over the world. But there are many resorts there, how to determine the best one? Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras or Ayia Napa: what to choose to make your vacation a success? Let's try to look at the two most popular resorts - Paphos and Ayia Napa - from different angles. Despite numerous positive reviews about both places, they are still different from each other. And if you learn more about them, it will help you plan your vacation wisely.
Location and climate
The city of Paphos is located in the western part of the Republic of Cyprus, and Ayia Napa is in the eastern. This leaves its mark on the local weather. On average, the air temperature in Ayia Napa is slightly higher than in the Paphos area. However, if you arrive in the middle of summer, you are unlikely to feel this difference. Temperatures above +30°C in the shade (even hotter in the sun!) are not very comfortable for walking around the city or excursions. On such days, it’s nice to spend time on a sun lounger by the sea or sit under an umbrella in a cafe. And both Ayia Napa and Paphos are suitable for this!
The same can be said about the ratio of sunny and cloudy days. Their number differs so slightly at both resorts that there is no need to talk about a significant difference in the weather. In most cases, you will spend your entire vacation under the bright sun! During the season (and in Cyprus it begins in spring and ends in mid-autumn), there is little precipitation. Both Paphos and Ayia Napa will delight tourists with cloudless days.
Attractions
Paphos or Ayia Napa: what to choose if you are planning not only a beach holiday, but also an excursion program? All resorts in Cyprus have interesting sights, especially many ancient monuments. Archaeological excavations are still ongoing in some regions. The island of Cyprus has a rich history, which will be interesting for any tourist to get to know.There are much fewer archaeological sites in Ayia Napa than in the Paphos area, but they are also present. Take, for example, the Makronisos tombs, located next to the beach of the same name. Excavations are still underway there, but tourists can visit these ancient tombs.
In Paphos, you can make a whole list of interesting antiquities:
- Church of Panagia Christopolitissa,
- Archaeological Park,
- Paphos Castle,
- Catacombs of Saint Solomonia.
And these are just archaeological sites! And there are also museums and temples, visited daily by hundreds of tourists. So, in terms of the excursion program, Paphos wins over Ayia Napa.
Entertainment and beaches
If you want non-stop fun, then between Paphos and Ayia Napa, choose the latter resort. This does not mean that there are no nightclubs and discos in Paphos, but there are clearly more of them in Ayia Napa. It’s not for nothing that this resort is considered a youth holiday destination.
If we consider other entertainment, there is plenty of it at both resorts. Both Ayia Napa and Paphos have water and amusement parks. There are also beautiful places where you can admire the natural landscapes: bays, cliffs, wild beaches.
In terms of hotel comfort, these two resorts can easily compete. There are inexpensive hotels, and there are luxury hotel complexes. Paphos is traditionally considered a more expensive resort, but this mainly applies to high-end hotels. Prices in restaurants, tour agencies and shops in Paphos and Ayia Napa are quite comparable. 
All beaches in Cyprus are municipal. They have good infrastructure, equipped with rescue stations, many are marked with the Blue Flag. One has only to note that in Ayia Napa most of the beaches are sandy, while in Paphos they are pebble. And for many tourists this becomes an important selection criterion. Some vacationers find sandy beaches more comfortable. And in this parameter, Paphos is slightly inferior to Ayia Napa.
Where should we go?
You can't go wrong if you fly to any resort in Cyprus! Limassol or Ayia Napa, Protaras or Paphos - all of them will not leave tourists indifferent. Of course, each resort is unique in terms of its attractions or picturesque bays. But at each of them you will find: sun and sea, high-level service and interesting excursions, hospitable locals and famous Cypriot cuisine. Choose the hotel you like and start planning your vacation in Cyprus!
The best beaches and resorts in Cyprus or where it’s good in Cyprus, only the very best places for a beach holiday in Cyprus.
Holidays in Cyprus– these are primarily beaches and most tourists come for this. The remaining attractions only highlight the beach holiday and diversify it.
Beaches of Cyprus- this is not the simplest story, not all beaches on the island are equally useful, you can buy a tour and end up in such a cesspool that you will have nothing to remember except the black heels of your neighbors.
Beaches of Northern Cyprus I won’t touch on it, that’s a different story. In the meantime, only about the best and deservedly popular beaches of Cyprus. There will be no pretense or smooth expressions, you are going for maximum pleasure, so this article contains only the best - the beach cream of Cyprus, if you want.
On Cyprus five main tourist beach locations. This is , and . I will tell you in detail about the best beaches in each direction in the relevant sections of the site, but for now we will select the top five beaches in Cyprus.
The best beaches are in Protaras And Ayia Napa. These two towns are located nearby and are resort villages, almost entirely consisting of hotels and apartments.
Resorts of Cyprus - Protaras
Protaras is aimed at family beach holidays; the beaches are the strong point of this village. All beaches are connected by a long walking path along the sea with gazebos and cafes. There are more than two dozen excellent sandy beaches in Protaras, but these three beaches are considered the best.
Sunrise Beach aka Flamingo Beach
Cypriot names often have a second and even a third name, so do not be surprised if different sources contain different names for the same place.
Flamingo Beach– the longest in Protaras, about a kilometer long. Gentle entry into the water, sand both on the beach and near the shore - no special slippers are needed. The beach is ideal for families with children - it is shallow near the shore and the water warms up well. Adults and children are attracted by active recreation - catamarans, banana boats, water scooters, pleasure boats and paragliding. Along the beach there is a lively tourist promenade with cafes, bars and restaurants. There are a lot of people in high season, but there is enough space for everyone. Sun beds and umbrellas are paid - 2.5 euros per unit. There is free parking both along the embankment and nearby streets.
The beach faces east hence the name Sunrise Beach. Like all beaches in Cyprus, Flamingo Beach is very clean even during peak season, you can rest assured for yourself and your children. The photo was taken before the start of the beach season, in the evening there is shade on the beach. The best time is early in the morning and from 16:00 to sunset.
Protaras. Sunrise Beach
Fig Tree Beach
It was named so because of the abundance of fig trees growing right on the beach; now there are not so many of them left compared to what it was before. A beautiful semi-oval and high rocky shore, fine light yellow sand and emerald water. It is rightfully considered the most beautiful beach in Cyprus. The entrance to the water is gentle, like almost everywhere else in Cyprus.
Fig Tree Beach ( Fig Tree Beach) located next to Flamingo Beach, but more intimate and much smaller than Flamingo. You can easily change the location and walk along the embankment.
About the rest of the beautiful ones beaches of Protaras I’ll tell you in the Cyprus guides section dedicated to this resort.
Konnos Beach
This is already the outskirts Protaras, or rather, the beach is located at a distance from the village on the edge. But it is so beautiful and cozy that in the high season the folk trail to it is not overgrown. You can get there by car, ATV or scooter, which can be rented on site in Protaras, and the car immediately upon arrival at Larnaca airport.
Sand is brought to this beach every season, but this in no way detracts from its merits. KonnosBeach equidistant from the main party Ayia Napa And Protaras and is surrounded by picturesque rocks covered with greenery. There is all the necessary infrastructure - changing cabins, access road - Konnos Road, free parking, a cafe with a sea view - I recommend it, toilets and sunbeds and umbrellas, just like everywhere else in Cyprus.
The entry into the water is smooth, the bottom is fine white sand, there are several picturesque huge stones in the water - the best place to take a photo of yourself. The water is even more emerald than in the center Protaras because of the color of the sand and natural purity.
Konnos Beach, Protaras
Resorts of Cyprus - Ayia Napa
Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach, the most beautiful beach on the entire island, the real pride of Cyprus. White sand, oval shape and a sand spit along which in the spring you can walk without taking off your shoes to a small island from which a panorama of the beach and coastline opens.
A gentle entrance to the water and a rich azure color are far from being the main thing on Nissi Beach. The main thing is an eternal party throughout the entire season, which opens in Cyprus on April 1 and ends on October 31.
Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
On the first line of the beach there are luxurious 4*-5* hotels with corresponding prices, which are sold out several months before the start of the season. To the street clubs in Ayia Napa It's quite a long walk, about 30 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car.
Budget holidays near Nissi Beach possible if you rent an apartment across the road from the beach.
Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
Sandy Bay (Vathia Gonia)
It’s far from Nissi Beach in terms of size or party scene, but it’s an intimate and very nice beach. Nearby is a beautiful and comfortable 3* hotel Anonymus. An oval bay with virtually no waves makes this place ideal for those who like silence but want the party to be nearby. Nissi Beach is a 10-minute walk along the walking path along the sea.
Resorts of Cyprus - Paphos
Paphos is quite far from Protaras and Ayia Napa, in the southwest of Cyprus. There is a beautiful pomenade for several kilometers along the sea and benches overlooking the sunset. The resort is more suitable for retirees and those who love a calm, measured or active holiday. Paphos is a paradise for lovers of a healthy lifestyle and bars and seafood restaurants.
Coral Bay Beach
Coral Bay — the best beach in Paphos. It is located outside the city, but can be reached by car in just 10 minutes or by taxi. There are a couple of 4* hotels nearby. Gray-yellow fine sand is pleasant to the touch, there are a few picturesque stones near the water and a gentle entrance. There is a cafe overlooking the sea, parking and changing cabins, a toilet.
Coral Bay Beach, Paphos
Near Coral Bay Beach There are sea caves to which excursions by sea are organized; you can also look at them from land. Next to the caves in the neighboring bay there is a half-sunken ship.
Coral Bay Beach, Paphos
IN Paphos there are several other good beaches, but I will talk about them in an article dedicated to Paphos, read in the section Guides to Cyprus - Paphos.
Larnaca And Limassol Unfortunately, they cannot boast of good beaches, no matter how much they are praised by specialized travel sites, especially those who sell tours to Cyprus. There is something to see there and it is good in its own way, but the best beaches for relaxation are not their trump card, for sure.
Individual and group transfer in Cyprus
Cyprus– a top summer destination and taxi drivers at the airport often raise prices for their services. In addition, most of them do not have child car seats. It is not installed because it takes up the seat of an adult passenger. Because of this, tourists with children have to run around the airport looking for a free car with a child car seat.
Both problems can be solved very simply. Transfer, both individual and group, is possible. There you can also choose the option with a child seat. You won’t have to overpay taxi drivers and there will be no problems with the safety of children.
Everything happens very simply. Afterwards, you will be met by a driver with a sign with your name written on it. Immediately after leaving the arrivals hall, you get into the car and drive to your hotel.
How to find an inexpensive hotel or apartment in Cyprus
I use the trusted Booking.com and aggregator site RoomGuru (HotelsCombined). Choice of accommodation, even for such a small island as Cyprus, on these resources is huge, but I recommend booking in advance - the best options are sold out a couple of months before the high season (July-August).
How to rent a car inexpensively in Cyprus
We rent a car on the Myrentacar website, which brings together most local rental companies. The prices are good, 24/7 Russian-speaking support, I have used them 6 times in three years. There are no complaints, the conditions are stated transparently, so you can always find an acceptable option.