Cyprus is considered one of the best places for family vacations in Europe, and for good reason. It has a calm, clean sea; relatively small, safe towns; and a great love for children, whom the native Cypriots practically worship. This makes the island a great destination for parents who want to soak up the sun and swim in the sea without sacrificing any comfort, even with a very young child.
Which Cypriot city is best for a vacation with children?
When planning a family trip to Cyprus, it's important to pay special attention to the choice of resort. Limassol, Paphos, and Protaras are considered the most suitable cities for families with children in terms of resort infrastructure. They offer the perfect combination of entertainment, convenience, and pace of life. These locations have playgrounds, parks, and a wide selection of family-friendly hotels.
Paphos is ideal for those seeking a blend of convenient beaches and a vibrant entertainment scene. Protaras attracts those who love secluded, leisurely relaxation by the sea. Limassol offers urban comfort, a long promenade, many cafés, and access to cultural attractions. Each of these resorts allows you to comfortably organize a vacation with children of any age.
The best beaches to visit with children are
For young tourists, it is especially important that the beach is safe with a gradual slope into the water, clean sand, and calm waters. The availability of shade, sun loungers, showers, and nearby places to eat also plays a big role in the choice. There are plenty of such places in Cyprus, especially on the southeast coast, where the warm sea and well-kept coastal areas delight parents and children alike.
Below are the seven best beaches in Cyprus for families with children:
- Fig Tree Bay (Protaras): Shallow sand, crystal-clear water, easy access, and a shaded area make this beach a favorite.
- Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa): Despite its popularity among young people, the beach is quiet in the morning, making it ideal for children to swim.
- Makronissos Beach (Ayia Napa): A sheltered bay with white sand and no waves.
- Konnos Bay (between Ayia Napa and Protaras): A secluded spot with clear water and a beautiful coastline.
- Coral Bay (Paphos): Its convenient beach infrastructure and shallow waters make it an excellent choice for families.
- Dasoudi Beach (Limassol) is a city beach with eucalyptus trees and many cafés where you can spend the whole day.
- Governor's Beach (between Limassol and Larnaca) has alternating sandy and rocky areas, a shallow sea, and shade from the rocks. You can also camp here in a tent or motorhome at a well-equipped campsite.
In fact, Cyprus has many beaches suitable for children. Almost every city beach is equipped to meet the needs of the youngest visitors. Therefore, even outside of this list, it is easy to find a suitable place for a quiet family vacation.
Fun places for children in Cyprus
Amusement parks
One of the most famous is Parko Paliatso in Ayia Napa, where you can ride a Ferris wheel, play arcade games, and enjoy ice cream. The atmosphere is suitable for both young children and teenagers. In Protaras is the Star Leisure Mini Fun Park, a cozy place with mini carousels, bumper cars, and a children's café.
Oasis Luna Park, located on the Germasogeia waterfront in Limassol, is a small park with pretty good rides. In Larnaca, there is a small amusement park called Hobos Amusement Spot, located next to a café where children can play while their parents enjoy a leisurely lunch.
In Paphos, Pafos Luna Park is worth mentioning. There are many attractions, some designed for teenagers and adults and others for very young children. Set aside about half a day to visit this place.
Theme parks and amusement parks
Cyherbia Botanical Park, near the village of Avgorou, is where nature and family recreation come together at a leisurely pace. A hedge maze, quests, and themed events make it interesting for school-age children. Parents, especially mothers, will be interested in the local shop selling natural products and cosmetics.
Sculpture Park in Ayia Napa is a picturesque place for walks and taking photos. It's hard to imagine anyone not liking it here! The Cactus Park is also located nearby. You can visit it with your children for a change of pace.
Sparti Rope Park is suitable for schoolchildren who love extreme sports. Located in the Troodos Mountains, it is literally in the forest, and you can combine this trip with a walk through the picturesque Cypriot highlands.
Adventure Mountain Park, also located in the mountains, will appeal to those who want to spend an active weekend with their families. The park offers paintball, laser tag, rock climbing, archery, and orienteering. You can also camp there and sample Cypriot dishes at the local restaurant.
Zoos and farms
The largest zoos on the island are the Limassol Municipal Zoo and the Paphos Zoo. The latter is an impressive place to visit with children and includes a spacious area with dozens of bird and animal species. There is a parrot show almost every day, and children can feed some of the animals by hand.
Notable donkey farms include the well-known Golden Donkeys Farm in Skarina, between Limassol and Larnaca, and the Argonaftis Donkey Farm in Kelokedara, Paphos. The latter is less well-known because it is smaller and not easily accessible by road. However, tourists vacationing in Paphos can easily reach it by rental car.
Camel Park in Mazotos is a popular camel farm where you can ride camels and interact with llamas, ponies, kangaroos, donkeys, and other animals. You can even feed lemurs!
Water parks
There are four full-fledged water parks in Cyprus during the season, each offering an area for little ones and more serious slides for teenagers.
- Water World Waterpark (Ayia Napa) is the largest water park, featuring an antique theme, giant slides, a lazy river, and many cafés.
- Fasouri Watermania (Limassol): ideal for family vacations with green grounds, shallow pools, and areas with sun loungers.
- Aphrodite Waterpark (Paphos) is conveniently located near the city center and offers attractions for all ages and excellent service.
- Anastasia Aquamania Waterpark in Protaras is part of a hotel but open to the public. It is perfect for little ones who are just getting started with water fun.
Jungle Float in Protaras is a small floating water park that, despite its modest size, knows how to entertain kids. Open water games will appeal to children of all ages.
Other interesting places
The historical and natural sites in Cyprus will be of particular interest to teenagers ready for adventure. Below are five examples of places that will really appeal to teenagers:
- Ancient Kurion — an archaeological park with an ancient theater and mosaics in the Limassol area.
- Kolossi Castle — a medieval castle with towers and beautiful views.
- Tombs of Kings in Paphos — massive burial sites that preserve the atmosphere of the past.
- Aphrodite's Rock is a mythological site with a wild beach and breathtaking sunset views.
- Aphrodite Trail on the Akamas Peninsula is a walking route with sea views, rare plants, and all the charms of a walk through a nature reserve.
Cyprus has many more historical sites, natural beauties, and museums that are interesting to visit with the whole family. Even a simple walk through the old part of any city can turn into an adventure, especially if your child is curious and loves new experiences.
Excursions in Cyprus for Families with Children
An excursion is a great way to comfortably visit attractions far from cities and hotels. Routes for families are organized with the interests and endurance of children in mind. Half-day excursions are a good option for families with young children. Before booking, it is important to check with the guide to ensure that child car seats are available.
Another option is to visit authentic Cypriot villages and maybe even stay there for one or two nights. These excursions include an introduction to the island's culture, visits to farms, and visits to local museums. Additionally, taverns may offer tastings; adults are offered wine and appetizers, and children are offered homemade juices, pastries, and local sweets. These programs allow parents and children to have a memorable experience together without tiring each other out.
Jeep tours in the Troodos Mountains are suitable for families with older children. These routes include stops at waterfalls and visits to villages where traditional crafts are demonstrated. You can have lunch at a Cypriot tavern or have a picnic in a picturesque spot.
Excursions include boat trips. You can simply take a trip out to sea, with or without swimming, or go sea fishing. This will appeal not only to teenagers, but also to their parents.
Safety and health
Cyprus is one of the safest tourist destinations in Europe. It has a low crime rate, calm traffic, and a high level of social etiquette. Medical services are available in most cities and resorts, but it is important to check in advance which clinics accept your insurance. Lifeguards are on duty at beaches, and hotels have security and video surveillance systems.
Diapers, baby food, and other children's products can be purchased almost anywhere, but supermarkets are the most convenient place to find them. Remember that all shops in Cyprus close around 6 p.m. and large stores close at 8 p.m., so stock up on everything you need in advance. The same applies to pharmacies.
Note: tap water in Cyprus is not drinkable, so you will need to buy bottled water for your entire family. It is easier to buy it in packs.
Children under 12 cannot travel in a car without a child seat. Be sure to check this when renting a car or booking a taxi or excursion.
Choosing a hotel for staying with children
While chosing the hotel, pay attention to whether the price includes a children's menu, play area, babysitting services, and entertainment programs. Family rooms and proximity to the beach are ideal. Hotels with water slides and mini clubs for children are especially popular.
There are plenty of such hotels in Cyprus, and almost all of them are located on the coast. Another option is to rent accommodations independently, but then parents need to carefully research the infrastructure of the chosen location.
Cyprus is a great place for a family vacation. There are activities for children of all ages, from infants to older teenagers. The sea, nature, delicious food, and unusual sights will delight all family members and create unforgettable memories!
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