Cyprus with Kids
Ancient history, beautiful beaches, and Mediterranean sunshine just four hours away
Cyprus offers British families a winning combination: reliable Mediterranean sunshine, beautiful beaches, fascinating ancient history, and the familiar comfort of a country with deep British connections. With English widely spoken, driving on the left, and a warm welcome for children, Cyprus feels both exotic and reassuringly easy to navigate. At just four hours from the UK, it is close enough for a week yet far enough to feel like a proper escape.
Best Time to Visit
Cyprus enjoys one of the longest summer seasons in Europe, making it viable for beach holidays from April through November. The island receives over 300 days of sunshine annually.
- April to June - Ideal for families. Warm but not too hot (22-30C), sea warming up, wildflowers blooming, prices reasonable
- July to August - Peak season. Very hot (35C+), sea at warmest (25-27C), crowded beaches, highest prices. Plan activities around the heat
- September to October - Excellent choice. Warm sea, pleasant temperatures, quieter beaches, harvest season for grapes
- Easter - Popular time to visit. Greek Orthodox Easter is a major celebration with festivities children enjoy
Beat the Heat
July and August temperatures regularly exceed 35C. If visiting in peak summer, plan outdoor activities for early morning and late afternoon, with pool time during the hottest hours (12-4pm).
Cyprus has the warmest sea temperatures in the Mediterranean, reaching 27C in August. Even in October, the sea remains comfortable at around 24C.
Where to Stay
Cyprus has two main tourist areas: Paphos in the west and the Ayia Napa/Protaras area in the east. Both suit families but offer different experiences.
- Protaras - Best choice for families with young children. Calm, shallow beaches, purpose-built family resorts, quieter atmosphere than Ayia Napa
- Paphos - UNESCO-listed old town, excellent archaeological sites, good beaches. Better for families wanting culture alongside beach time
- Ayia Napa - Famous for nightlife but also has excellent beaches. Family-friendly in parts but check hotel location carefully
- Coral Bay (near Paphos) - Lovely beach with family resorts. Good balance of accessibility and relaxed atmosphere
- Limassol - Cyprus second city with good beaches and family attractions. More urban feel but excellent facilities
- Larnaca - Gateway airport location with decent beaches. Good value option often overlooked by tourists
Best for Families
For first-time family visitors, Protaras offers the most stress-free experience with its gentle beaches and family-focused resorts. Paphos suits families wanting more variety.
East (Protaras/Ayia Napa)
Pros
- Best sandy beaches
- Warmest sea temperatures
- Purpose-built family resorts
- Water parks nearby
Cons
- Less cultural interest
- More touristy
- Ayia Napa nightlife (avoid certain areas)
Best for:
West (Paphos)
Pros
- UNESCO archaeological sites
- More authentic Cypriot feel
- Akamas Peninsula nature
- Better for older children
Cons
- Beaches slightly less impressive
- More spread out
- Car more necessary
Best for:
Getting Around
Cyprus drives on the left (like the UK) and most signs are in English, making hiring a car straightforward for British families.
- Car hire - Highly recommended for exploring beyond your resort. Roads are good and distances manageable. Child car seats available but book in advance
- Buses - Intercity buses connect main towns. Air-conditioned and affordable. Local buses serve resort areas
- Taxis - Metered in cities, agree price for longer journeys. Available at airports and tourist areas
- Airport transfers - Pre-bookable shared or private transfers from Paphos and Larnaca airports to all resorts
- Resort transport - Many resort areas have tourist trains and small buses connecting beaches and attractions
Divided Island
Cyprus is divided, with the north under Turkish Cypriot control. Crossing is possible with valid ID but rental cars are typically not insured for the north. Day trips across the border are interesting for older children.
Best Family Beaches
Cyprus boasts 57 Blue Flag beaches, many of which are ideal for families with calm, clean water and good facilities.
- Fig Tree Bay, Protaras - Consistently ranked among Europe's best beaches. Crystal-clear shallow water, golden sand, all facilities. Extremely popular so arrive early
- Konnos Bay, Protaras - Sheltered cove with calm water. Snorkelling opportunities for older children. Less crowded than Fig Tree Bay
- Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa - Famous white sand beach. Can be party-focused in summer but excellent facilities and shallow water
- Coral Bay, Paphos - Wide sandy beach with gentle slope. Excellent for young children. Good restaurants and facilities
- Latchi, Akamas Peninsula - Quieter beach near nature reserve. Good for families escaping resort crowds. Boat trips to Blue Lagoon depart from here
- Governor's Beach, Limassol - Dramatic white cliffs and dark sand. Different scenery and usually quieter than main resort beaches
The east coast of Cyprus generally has calmer seas than the west, making Protaras and Ayia Napa beaches better suited to young children and nervous swimmers.
Beat the Crowds
Popular beaches like Fig Tree Bay fill up by 10am in peak season. Either arrive early or visit late afternoon when day-trippers leave.
Top Family Activities
Beyond beaches, Cyprus offers excellent attractions and activities that bring ancient history to life and entertain children of all ages.
- WaterWorld, Ayia Napa - Ancient Greece-themed water park with 35 attractions. Consistently rated one of Europe's best. Allow full day
- Paphos Archaeological Park - Roman mosaics that captivate children with mythological stories. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Audio guides available
- Tombs of the Kings, Paphos - Explore underground tombs carved from rock. Children love the adventure of descending into ancient burial chambers
- Fasouri Watermania, Limassol - Alternative water park to WaterWorld. Smaller but less crowded. Good for younger children
- Donkey sanctuary, near Limassol - Meet rescued donkeys. Free entry (donations welcome). Children can interact with the animals
- Aphrodite's Rock - Legendary birthplace of the goddess. Swim around the rock for eternal youth (according to legend). Pebbly beach
- Boat trips - Glass-bottom boats, pirate ships, and trips to Blue Lagoon. Most depart from Ayia Napa and Latchi
History for Kids
Make ancient history engaging by telling children the myths beforehand. Stories of Theseus, Aphrodite, and the Minotaur bring the Paphos mosaics to life.
Ancient Sites Made Fun
Cyprus has 10,000 years of history and numerous archaeological sites. With the right approach, these can be highlights rather than bore-fests for children.
- Paphos Mosaics - Tell the stories of the images before visiting. Theseus and the Minotaur, Dionysus the wine god. Children spot characters in the intricate floor designs
- Tombs of the Kings - Underground exploration appeals to children. Bring torches for extra drama. Early morning visits when it is cool
- Kourion - Spectacular Greco-Roman site with theatre overlooking the sea. Children can stand on the ancient stage. Occasional summer performances
- Choirokoitia - Neolithic settlement with reconstructed round houses. Hands-on history that helps children visualise ancient life
- Kolossi Castle - Medieval crusader castle near Limassol. Small enough for children to explore without fatigue. Climb the tower for views
Site Timing
Visit archaeological sites early morning (opening time) or late afternoon. Midday sun is brutal and there is little shade at most outdoor sites. Bring water and sun hats.
Eating Out with Kids
Cypriot cuisine is essentially Greek food with Middle Eastern influences. Familiar Mediterranean flavours make it generally child-friendly, and Cypriots are extremely welcoming to young diners.
- Kid-friendly dishes - Souvlaki (meat kebabs), halloumi cheese (grilled or fried), chips, moussaka, chicken dishes, pasta
- Meze - Multiple small dishes perfect for sharing. Children can try many things without committing to full portions. Order half portions for kids
- Halloumi - Cyprus's famous cheese is a hit with children, especially when fried or grilled
- Drinks - Fresh orange juice excellent. Ayran (salty yoghurt drink) is an acquired taste but very refreshing
- Sweet treats - Loukoumades (honey puffs), baklava, ice cream widely available
Cypriot restaurants welcome children warmly and will happily accommodate requests. Do not be shy about asking for plain grilled meat or fish for fussy eaters.
Portion Sizes
Portions in Cyprus are generous. A meze for four will easily feed a family of five. One main course can often be shared between two children.
Practical Tips
- Flight time - Approximately 4-4.5 hours from UK. Paphos airport serves western resorts, Larnaca serves the east
- Currency - Euro. Cards widely accepted everywhere
- Language - Greek officially but English is almost universal due to British colonial history. Road signs in English
- Driving - Left-hand side like the UK. International driving permit not required for UK licence holders
- Sun protection - Cypriot sun is intense. Factor 50 essential, reapply frequently, cover up during midday hours
- Pushchairs - Resort areas are generally accessible. Ancient sites and villages have uneven ground
- Healthcare - High standards. GHIC card accepted for emergency treatment. English-speaking doctors widely available
- Pharmacies - Well-stocked, English-speaking staff. Green cross sign
- Tap water - Safe but taste varies. Bottled water is cheap and preferred by most visitors
Planning what to pack? Generate a personalised packing list for your Cyprus family holiday.
Build My Packing ListBudget Guide
Cyprus sits in the mid-range for Mediterranean destinations. It is slightly more expensive than Turkey or the Canary Islands but offers excellent value overall.
- Flights - 100-300 GBP per person return. Book early for summer holidays. Multiple UK airports serve both Cypriot airports
- Accommodation - 70-140 GBP per night for good family apartments, 120-250 GBP for hotel family rooms. All-inclusive adds 80-120 GBP per day
- Meals out - 50-80 GBP per day for family of four. Tavernas away from the tourist strip offer better value
- Car hire - 25-45 GBP per day including insurance. Petrol slightly cheaper than UK
- WaterWorld - 38-43 EUR per adult, 24-29 EUR per child depending on season. Family tickets available
- Archaeological sites - 4-8 EUR per adult. Children under 18 often free or heavily discounted
Local Tips
Family tavernas away from main tourist strips offer much better value and often better food. Ask your accommodation host for recommendations.
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