Paphos and Limassol are two coastal towns with excellent beaches and tourist infrastructure. However, they have very different atmospheres. Which would be the best place for a young couple to go on holiday? Let's look at the pros and cons of each.
Limassol is a vibrant city that never sleeps.
Situated in the centre of the south coast of the island, Limassol is the largest and most populous city in Cyprus, with a young, dynamic energy. It is not only a coastal city but also the economic centre of the island. Life never seems to stop here. Even at night, the main streets are lively and crowded. Limassol has many trendy bars, excellent restaurants with a variety of cuisines, glamorous boutiques with the world's leading brands and nightclubs.
If you are attracted by the buzz of nightlife and the lure of the lights of the big city, if you like regular outings where you can 'see others and show yourself', then Limassol is definitely a good choice for you.
Great tourist areas of Limassol
A modern promenade, 'Molos', stretches along the city's coastline, combining pedestrian and cycle paths, parks with palm trees, children's and sports areas, and recreational areas. Skilful landscaping creates the feeling of a natural oasis in the heart of the city. Modern sculptures make the public space even more attractive. With a total length of about 2 km, the promenade ends at the port of Limassol. It is a great option to rent accommodation for your holiday.
Limassol Marina is a modern, fashionable area that combines a marina with yachts, a pier and upmarket mixed-use developments with premium residential properties, trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques.
On the other side of the promenade is the Old Town, with its picturesque narrow streets, old houses and traditional Cypriot-style warehouses. A stroll through this area reveals many interesting places - private galleries, small shops, craft workshops, colourful bars and restaurants. Authentic hotels can also be found here.
The Dassoudi and Agios Tikhonas areas are also worth a visit, with a large Russian-speaking population and some of the best 5-star hotels in town.
Beaches
Dasoudi beach is in the heart of Limassol, close to the seafront and within walking distance of shops, cafes and restaurants. Lady's Mile beach, near Akrotiri, is perfect for swimming and romantic walks for two away from the hustle and bustle, followed by a cocktail at one of the beach bars.
One of the most picturesque beaches is Gouvernor's Beach, with white stone formations, crystal clear water and many small secluded coves. About half an hour's drive from Limassol is another beautiful beach in Pissouri Bay, near the village of the same name, with azure waters, fine pebbles, enchanting sea views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Surroundings
The area around Limassol is full of picturesque villages and wineries. Of particular note is the village of Omodos, which sits at an altitude of 810 metres above sea level. The village is famous not only for its wineries but also for its traditional bakery, which produces bread and pastries to a unique recipe using chickpea sourdough. There is also an ancient church of the Holy Cross, where the most important relic is kept - part of the ropes from Golgotha with which the Saviour was bound.
Wine growing areas
Thanks to its mild climate, Limassol is the main wine-growing area of Cyprus. Its surroundings are full of green, picturesque valleys that are at a suitable altitude above sea level. This creates a special microclimate that is ideal for wine growing. Some of the most famous wine villages are Arsos, Kyperounda, Vasa Koilaniou, Lofou and Omodos. Here you will find both traditional and small boutique wineries that use modern technology and trends to create truly exclusive wines that have won international awards. Don't miss the unique local varieties such as Marateftico, Xinisteri and the famous sweet wine, Commandaria.
What to do in the city?
You can start the day with a walk or jog along the Molos promenade and then continue the day exploring the old town. In the evening you can visit Saripolou Square in the old town. It's a popular place to meet and hang out, with lots of trendy bars. Alternatively, you can take a romantic mini boat cruise to watch the sunset while enjoying a drink or dinner.
For wine lovers, you can take an organised or self-guided tasting tour of the surrounding villages and wineries. If you are interested in history and want to get to know the Limassol area better, visit ancient Kourion - the ruins of an ancient city and amphitheatre dating back to the 11th-12th century BC.
The best hotels for young couples in Limassol
- Amara Hotel (on the map) is a modern 5-star hotel with a romantic and luxurious atmosphere. Every room has a stunning panoramic view of the sea. The hotel has an infinity pool, spa, private beach and rooftop restaurants with exclusive signature cuisine from top Michelin-starred chefs.
- The Royal Apollonia (on the map) is a 5-star beachfront hotel in the heart of Limassol city centre. It combines an atmosphere of modern luxury and privacy with stylish interiors. The hotel has a large outdoor pool with an adults-only bar, a spa and a delicious breakfast.
- NYX Hotel Limassol by Leonardo Hotels (on map) is a trendy, modern hotel in the heart of the old town, within walking distance of the city beach, shops and attractions. The hotel features creative interior design. The rooftop pool and bar offer stunning sea views. There are also two restaurants: Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, and two bars serving signature cocktails. The ground floor bar features a lounge with retro 80s video games.
- Alasia Boutique Hotel (on the map) - Designed by renowned architect Sotiris Psaros, this 4-star hotel is the epitome of modern chic and elegance. The owners' love of horses and polo is reflected in the conceptual interiors, where every detail has a special meaning. The atmosphere of this adults-only hotel is peaceful, intimate and charming, perfect for a romantic getaway. Those who appreciate style, individuality and high quality personal service will love it.
Advantages and disadvantages of a holiday in Limassol
Advantages:
- A vibrant nightlife and cultural scene
- Large modern city with excellent infrastructure
- Atmosphere of luxury and style
- Central location (Limassol lies between Paphos and Larnaca)
- Great choice of leisure activities and shopping
Disadvantages:
- Faster and more dynamic pace of life than other coastal cities
- Sometimes lacks a relaxed atmosphere as Limassol is not only a resort but also the business centre of the island.
- Higher prices compared to other Cypriot cities.
Paphos - unspoilt nature and an oasis of tranquillity
Until recently, Paphos was thought to be best suited for retirees and families with children, but this stereotype is slowly being dispelled. Today, Paphos is a compact yet modern town, with enchanting natural surroundings and a well-developed infrastructure. If your aim is to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, to recharge your batteries, to enjoy the beauty of nature, to spend more time alone with yourself and your significant other, then Paphos is perfect for your holiday and can be an ideal place for a romantic getaway. Paphos is also surrounded by myths and legends associated with Aphrodite.
Great areas of Paphos for tourists
Although not as large as Limassol, Paphos has a more intimate atmosphere and a unique flavour. The city itself is divided into two parts - Pano and Kato Paphos. Pano Paphos is the coastal part, with a seafront lined with well-restored British-era warehouses turned into trendy cafes and restaurants. Here you can enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes, modern fusion cuisine and creative cocktails overlooking the sea.
It is also home to the famous medieval fortress of Luisignan. Continuing on, just past the fortress, is a 3.6km walking trail with stunning views of the sea. Most of it runs along the beach of Faros. Kato Paphos is an old and picturesque part of the town with narrow streets, cafes and shops and colourful houses that look like toys with their pastel 'candy' colours.
Beaches
The most central and easily accessible are Alykes Beach and Faros Beach, which combine unspoilt beauty with a central location. A little further afield is the popular Coral Bay beach and St George's beach near the ancient church of St George. Near the village of Kouklia, on the road from Limassol to Paphos, is one of the most famous and romantic symbols of the island - the Stone of Aphrodite (Petra to Romiou) and the beach of the same name.
Nature
The nature of Paphos is truly unique and mesmerising in its beauty: seascapes of endless bright blue water, unique sunsets, dazzling white sand covered with unusual local plants and shrubs.
The Akamas Peninsula National Park, a unique reserve and one of the most picturesque places on the island, deserves special attention. Here is Lara Bay, where you can find rare species of sea turtles such as the loggerhead or caretta, as well as green turtles that come ashore to lay their clutches.
The reserve includes the Avakas Gorge, with its sheer limestone cliffs whose gentle curves resemble sculptures created by nature itself over millions of years, and a 3-kilometre hiking trail. The difficulty of this route varies according to the weather and time of year. From the Akamas Nature Reserve, you can reach Latchi by boat or jeep, where you will find the Blue Lagoon, famous for its crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and diving.
Not far from Polis Chrysokous, one of the most picturesque and longest paths of Aphrodite and Adonis leads to the Bath of Aphrodite, a freshwater grotto hidden among lush vegetation. According to legend, this is where the mythical Aphrodite used to bathe.
Around the area
Not far from Paphos, at 1,250 metres above sea level, the charming and well-kept village of Tala is one of the most prestigious and popular places for expats to live. Luxury villas can be found in the surrounding area and the village centre consists of narrow streets with old traditional-style houses. A five-minute drive from the village is the ancient monastery of St Neophyte, whose cave church features unique frescoes - a UNESCO property. Next to the monastery is the St Anthony's Forest Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. If you hire a car, be sure to visit the most remote settlements in this part of the island - Polis Chrysokous, Pyrgos and the exceptionally beautiful village of Ayia Marina.
What to do in town?
You can walk along the coast on the new Coastal Walk and watch the sunrise or sunset on a wild beach with large boulders that resemble an alien landscape. It's also worth visiting the sea caves in Peyia and walking to the ghost ship Edro lll, which was shipwrecked here in 2011.
Nature lovers can take a boat trip to the Akamas and the Blue Lagoon and explore the many nature trails, such as the Aphrodite Trail or the Adonis Trail.
And for those with an active lifestyle, Paphos is the ideal place for all kinds of water sports, from water skiing, scuba diving, water rowing, windsurfing and parasailing to sailing. For those interested in history, the Paphos Archaeological Park has well-preserved Roman mosaics, an ancient Roman amphitheatre and tombs of kings dating back to the 4th century BC. For those interested in mythology and the cult of Aphrodite, near the village of Kouklia are the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite from the 12th century BC and a museum of ancient artefacts.
The best hotels for young couples in Limassol
- Constantinou Bros Asymina Suits (on map) - The concept of this 5-star hotel is exclusively for adults (+16). The hotel has a private beach and spa, two swimming pools, suites with private pool and spacious veranda.
- Almyra Hotel (on map) - Modern and stylish, this 5-star hotel has a private beach and spacious rooms with sea views. Located in the heart of Paphos, the hotel is perfect for those who appreciate fashion, style, individuality and want to be at the centre of it all. The hotel has five freshwater swimming pools, two of which are for adults only, and its own designer clothing and accessories boutique.
- Elysium Hotel (on map) - This luxurious 5-star hotel exudes an atmosphere of elegance and serenity. The interior is reminiscent of a modern palace. Outside, there are gardens, multi-level swimming pools and even a small amphitheatre and sandy cove. The hotel has a spa and five restaurants serving Cypriot, Mediterranean, Italian and Asian cuisine.
- Annabelle Hotel (on the map) is a modern and elegant hotel with green gardens, a spa, a poolside bar with signature cocktails and signature restaurants. The hotel is suitable for both young couples without children and families with children.
Advantages and disadvantages of a holiday in Paphos
Advantages:
- Unique scenery with unspoilt beaches and nature reserves
- Safe and picturesque beaches
- Relaxed and peaceful atmosphere
- Convenient and compact town without the hustle and bustle
- Many historical sites
- Plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and sports
Disadvantages
- Less intense nightlife and cultural life
- Remoteness from other cities such as Larnaca and Ayia Napa.
Each of these towns has its own unique charm and can create unforgettable holiday memories and a romantic atmosphere. But in order to match expectations with reality, it is important to decide on the purpose of your trip. If you are looking for more peace and privacy and want to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, enchanting seascapes and harmony with each other and with nature, then Paphos is definitely the right choice. If, on the other hand, you prefer the energy of the big city, Limassol will give you new, bright emotions and impressions.
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