Paphos or Ayia Napa, what to choose, where is better? Cyprus. What to choose Limassol or Ayia Napa - the pros and cons of both? Cyprus pathos ayia napa where is better

In addition, the distance between Paphos and Ayia Napa is 200 km, so if there is no goal to explore the island of Aphrodite completely, you should not wind up kilometers. I will try to help those who have doubts or who are going to Cyprus for the first time with a choice.

Paphos or Ayia Napa

Very briefly, then

• Paphos is a rich sightseeing life, history and a bit of the sea
• Ayia Napa - 90% beach holiday and a trip along the coast and very few excursions

You just have to choose what you want more, so as not to spend extra money and time on empty transfers. Below I will dwell in more detail on Paphos, Ayia Napa and their environs. On their pros and cons. In order not to upset those who want both, I will say that with any choice, you can dose the sea and excursions yourself in any proportion. I'm just giving directions.

Paphos, pros and cons

About the cons of Paphos

Paphos has its own airport, but it does not serve many international destinations. Therefore, most flights arrive in Larnaca, and from there it is much further to Paphos than to Limassol or Ayia Napa. The solution to the problem is to rent a car.

There are far fewer good beaches in Paphos compared to Ayia Napa. The most famous and cool is the beach coral bay, but it is quite far from the Paphos waterfront. If you want to live near a beautiful beach, book accommodation near Coral Bay .

The second option to live near a decent beach suitable for swimming is to choose hotels on the coast east of Paphos, to the left of the embankment, if you look at the sea. There are good, but quite expensive options out there.

Most of the beaches are rocky, near expensive hotels on the shore there are artificial small bays with dark brown and golden sand.

Pros of Paphos

It has a promenade and is full of establishments overlooking the sea where you can spend the evening. And this is the main difference from Ayia Napa, which is essentially a tourist village with hotels and apartments.

In the very Paphos many more attractions than Ayia Napa and this is his forte. There is something to do in non-beach time.

And in Paphos and in Ayia Napa there is a long walking trail along the sea. There is about parity, although Paphos is more walkable and more lively - good opportunities for cycling.

AT Ayia Napa full of city restaurants, but all the same, Paphos and the surrounding area will be more abrupt in this regard. And if you are relaxing in Ayia Napa, then you can have a good and inexpensive lunch with a sea view in Larnaca or the village of Zygi near Larnaca.

Plus and minus at the same time Ayia Napa can be considered a vibrant nightlife, the peak of which is reached in July-August. If you are a party-goer, you definitely need to come here!

Summing up: Paphos vs Ayia Napa

If you are going to Cyprus for good beaches, nightlife with one, maximum two excursions - you are in Ayia Napa. If you are a party-goer and clubber, you are in Ayia Napa. Ayia Napa - a place about the sea and beaches, bars and clubs! Ayia Napa is for the young at heart and lovers of beach activities and boat trips. If you prefer a family vacation with a beach priority, while not ready to overpay - you are in Protaras. It is very close to Ayia Napa which can be reached for a couple of euros by bus. Protaras has a long, well-equipped and beautiful promenade along the sea, which stretches all the way to Cape Greco, a dozen good cozy beaches, a long urban Sunrise Beach and the iconic Fig Tree Bay.

If you love outdoor activities and despise beach chairs and sea activities, if your priority is outdoor activities - cycling, quad biking and wildlife with minimal time at sea - you are in Paphos or Polis. If you want to immerse yourself in local life and color, walk around wineries and see ancient history in order to understand Cyprus better, you Pathos or Policy.

At the same time, Paphos also has several beautiful beaches, so you will not be deprived of the sea. And evenings can be beautifully spent on the waterfront in one of the restaurants with your beloved.

If you want to ride in Troodos mountains, to see the ancient monasteries and villages - choose Paphos, it is closer and more convenient to get from here and you can meet it in one day.

Is it possible to combine all this in one vacation? Easy, for this plan a minimum a week in Paphos and surroundings and the second week or at least Spend 3-4 days in Ayia Napa. Then you will put a fat and beautiful point on your vacation, you will remember and love Cyprus and you will come every year just like we do. Use Larnaca only for transit and transfer from / to the airport, there is nothing to do there for more than half a day.

Is there some more Limassol, but this is a cross between the two locations described above, I would not recommend it to those who first decided to try a vacation in Cyprus. The main advantage of Limassol is its equidistance from almost all places in Cyprus, it is perfect for traveling around the island if you live in one place.

Why is it important to rent a car in Cyprus

I still think that traveling around Cyprus by public transport is masochistic, and frequent use of a taxi is quite hard financially.

Moreover, a car in Cyprus is not a luxury, but a democratic means of transportation, from 8 Euros in the low season and from 15 Euros in the high season, there are options without a deposit and always a meager prepayment.

Such correct wheels we find on the site Myrentacar- here, under one roof, the main players of the local car rental market are gathered. Checked - ideal for a traveler, use it, I recommend it.

Greetings, dear travelers! Today we have an interesting topic on the agenda, , what to choose? Immediately I warn you that the article is about everything! Be sure to read to the end. In the course of reading there will be many photos of beaches and landscapes. Still, the sea in Cyprus is the most important thing. 🙂

On the pages of the Internet in our time a lot of information, but, alas, 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, I think, guess what I mean.
CONTENT:

Therefore, without unnecessary water, I will try to describe and tell you in all colors what, where, and how, to convey my experience and knowledge to you. It will take some of your time, but I am sure you will be satisfied.

About location

Both resort towns are located on the island of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean Sea.

• Paphos is located in the southwestern part, Ayia Napa is 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 throughout the island is Mediterranean. If I may say so, smooth, without sudden changes in temperature and pressure, which is ideal for the health of people of all age groups, in particular children, weather-dependent people, hypertensive patients. Ayia Napa or Paphos from the point of view of the weather are identical. The same applies to water temperature.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that in Ayia Napa, as a rule, both air and 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, in early May or late September, you can feel the difference a little. August in Cyprus is the hottest month of the year!


I had to face the opinion that in Paphos the climate is somewhat milder. Probably affected by the proximity of mountain ranges. But to be honest, I didn’t feel the difference, since the climate on the whole island is already very mild!

Beaches, sea

In a matter of choice, Ayia Napa or Paphoswhere is better, be sure to note that in Ayia Napa the beaches are sandy, with fine light sand, and in Paphos the beaches are mainly pebbly and rocky, there are also sandy ones, but the sand there is already grayish-brown. Only your preferences play a role here. 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 of its manifestations. And my mother, planning a trip to Cyprus, just chose Paphos, she, on the contrary, is delighted with stones and pebbles, dad did not resist, it doesn’t matter to him, sand or pebbles. How many people, so many opinions. Do not forget that in Paphos you can pick up a hotel near the sandy beach, only there are few such places.

All beaches in Cyprus are municipal, you can visit absolutely any one that you like best. In the high season, there are various marine activities on large beaches - catamarans, bananas, etc.


Paphos or Ayia Napa, what to choose for families with children? The entrance to the sea is gentle everywhere, the beaches are ideally suited for swimming with children. My advice is, choose your favorite, if you are in harmony and happy, the child will feel a good mood and be happy.

The sea on the entire coast of Cyprus is very clean!

Entertainment, night life

Traditionally, Ayia Napa is the center of nightlife in Cyprus with a developed infrastructure. You can walk here until dawn, you will find something to do. Young people are advised to go here. Paphos is really associated with a more calm and measured pastime.


Ayia Napa has a lot of entertainment - a water park, an amusement park (there both children will like it and adults will find something to do. There are a couple of attractions for lovers of the most thrilling sensations), sea excursions. Paphos also has a water park.

Nature, Attraction

Miscellaneous (shopping, prices)

If you are thinking about shopping, then it is generally better to go to Limassol. 🙂 Ayia Napa or Paphoswhere is cheaper? As for the prices, what kind of information is not available on the Internet! Who writes that it is more expensive in Paphos, others - that in Ayia Napa and vice versa, reading all this is just a waste of time. At prices, both resorts are identical, as the most popular and promoted throughout Cyprus. I will say this, where exactly it is cheaper, so it is in the northern part of Cyprus - Kyrenia. The word "cheaper" is somehow not at all about Paphos and Ayia Napa. Where there are a lot of people, there are high prices.


For comparison: a bottle of plain non-carbonated water, 0.5 l, in a store on the main street in Ayia Napa, where there are a lot of cafe-restaurants, a constantly huge flow of tourists from all over, costs, for example, 1 or even 1.5 euros. It is worth turning inland, walking 5-10 minutes, the same water will cost 2 times cheaper. That's all mathematics. You are not surprised that Coca-Cola on Red Square in Moscow is many times more expensive than somewhere in a store outside, say, the 3rd ring. 🙂

By the way, I almost forgot to say that, all other things being equal, the prices for tours to Paphos are somewhat cheaper than to Ayia Napa. I compared more than one option! I also have an informative story!

I also have a comparison for 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.

The best beaches and resorts in Cyprus or where it is good in Cyprus, only the very best places for a beach holiday in Cyprus.

Holidays in Cyprus- these are primarily beaches and most tourists go for this. The rest of the sights only set off the beach holiday and diversify it.

Cyprus beaches- this is not the easiest story, not all the beaches of the island are equally good, you can buy a tour and get into such a cesspool that there will be nothing to remember except for the black heels of your neighbors.

The beaches of Northern Cyprus I won't touch it, that's another story. In the meantime, only about the best and deservedly popular beaches of Cyprus. There will be no exaggeration and smooth expressions, you are going for maximum pleasure, so in this article only the best - the beach cream of Cyprus, if you want.

On the Cyprus five major tourist beach locations. This is , and . I will tell you in detail about the best beaches of each direction in the relevant sections of the site, but for now we will choose the top five beaches in Cyprus.

The best beaches are in Protaras and Ayia Napa. These two places are located nearby and are resort villages, almost entirely consisting of hotels and apartments.

Cyprus resorts - Protaras

Protaras is focused on family beach holidays, it is the beaches that are the strength of this village. All beaches are connected by a long footpath along the sea with pavilions 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. A gentle entrance to the water, sand both on the beach and near the shore - no special slippers are needed. The beach is imprisoned 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, water scooters, pleasure boats and paragliding. Along the beach there is a busy tourist promenade with cafes, bars and restaurants. In the high season there are a lot of people, but there is enough space for everyone. Sunbeds and umbrellas are paid - 2.5 euros per unit. There is free parking, both along the promenade and nearby streets.

The beach faces east, hence the name Sunrise Beach. Like all beaches in Cyprus, Flamingo Beach is very clean even in the peak season, you can be calm for yourself and your children. The photo was taken before the beginning of the beach season, in the evening - there is a shadow on the beach. The best time is early in the morning and from 16:00 to sunset.

Protaras. Sunrise Beach

Fig Tree Beach

So named because of the abundance of fig (fig) trees growing right on the beach, now there are not so many of them left compared to what it used to be. 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 as almost everywhere 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 beaches of Protaras I will tell you in the section of the guide to Cyprus dedicated to this resort.

Konnos Beach

It's already on the outskirts Protaras, more precisely, 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 does not overgrow to it. You can get there by car, quad bike or scooter, which can be rented on the spot in Protaras, and the car immediately upon arrival at Larnaca airport.

Sand is brought to this beach every season, but this does not detract 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 overlooking the sea - I recommend, toilets and umbrellas, as elsewhere 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 for 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

Cyprus resorts - Ayia Napa

Nissi Beach

Nissi Beach, the most beautiful beach of the entire island, the real pride of Cyprus. White sand, oval shape and a sandy spit, which in the spring you can walk without taking off your shoes to a small island from which you can see the panorama of the beach and coastline.

A gentle entry into the water and a juicy azure color are far from being the main thing on Nissi Beach. The main thing is the eternal party throughout the 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 the corresponding price list, which are sold out a few months before the start of the season. Up the street Ayia Napa clubs walk quite far, about 30 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car.

Budget stay near Nissi Beach possible if you rent an apartment across the street from the beach.

Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa

Sandy Bay

Far from Nissi Beach, neither in size nor in partying, but a chamber and very nice beach. Near the beautiful and comfortable 3 * hotel Anonymous. The oval bay with almost no waves makes this place ideal for those who like silence but for the party to be nearby. Nissi Beach is a 10-minute walk along a hiking trail along the sea.

Resorts of Cyprus - Paphos

Paphos is located 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 likely for pensioners and those who like a calm, measured or active holiday. Paphos is a paradise for both healthy lifestyle lovers and seafood bars and restaurants.

Coral Bay Beach

coral bay — the best beach in Paphos. It is located outside the city, but you can get there by car in just 10 minutes or by taxi. There are a couple of 4* hotels nearby. Gray-yellow fine sand pleasant to the touch, there are some 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 they organize excursions by sea, you can also look at them from land. Near the caves in a nearby bay is a half-sunk ship.

Coral Bay Beach, Paphos

AT Paphos there are some more good beaches, but I will talk about them in an article dedicated to Paphos, read in the Guides to Cyprus - Paphos section.

Larnaca and Limassol Unfortunately, they cannot boast of good beaches, no matter how they praise their specialized tourist sites, especially those who sell tours to Cyprus. There is something to see and it’s good in its own way, but the best beaches for relaxing are not their trump card, for sure.

Individual and group transfer in Cyprus

Cyprus- the top summer destination and often taxi drivers at the airport raise prices for their services. In addition, most of them do not have child car seats. It is not installed because it takes the place of an adult passenger. Because of this, tourists with children have to run around the airport in search of a free car with a child car seat.

Both problems are very easy to solve. Transfer, both individual and group is possible. There you can also choose the option with a child seat. You will not have to overpay taxi drivers and there will be no problems with the safety of children.

Everything happens very simply. After, you will be met by a driver with a sign on which your name will be written. 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) . The 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 diverge a couple of months before the high season (July-August).

How to rent a car cheaply in Cyprus

We rent a car on the Myrentacar website, which brings together most of the local car rental companies. The prices are good, round-the-clock Russian-speaking support, I have used them 6 times in three years. There are no complaints, the conditions are written transparently, so you can always find an acceptable option.

It's time to pack your bags, because the long-awaited vacation that you plan to spend in one of them 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.

The holiday season in Ayia Napa is generous with carnivals and festivities that attract both locals and tourists. The most spectacular are Green Monday; carnival held on the eve of Maslenitsa; Easter celebrations, Day of the Light. If noisy events are tiring for you, then the city of Ayia Napa has entertainment that you are sure to enjoy. Visit, which is famous for theatrical shows with the participation of 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 you 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 festivals as the wine festival and the festival of dramatic art, which many foreigners dream of visiting.

After going around 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 the high silicon content and volcanic origin. Staying on such beaches, according to cosmetologists, is very useful for all skin types.

Young people love Ayia Napa because of the rich nightlife, many bars, discos that work until the morning. There are thousands of entertainment establishments of this type, so there should be no difficulty in choosing. Ayia Napa also has many hotels of various classes of service, each of which is equipped with 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 favorite dishes from the cuisines of the world.

The nightlife of Limassol is in full swing, and its lovers will be pleased with the rich choice of establishments where you can pass the night. The city is famous for its excellent street restaurants and taverns, where you can have a delicious lunch and taste the collectible Cypriot wines.

Transport links in Ayia Napa are very developed, but it is forbidden to visit the city center by car, which is possible here, so the local population and tourists travel by bicycle or on foot.

If your vacation is in autumn, and you dream of sunbathing and swimming in the sea, choose a holiday in Cyprus! September and the first half of October are not as hot as July and August, but still very warm: up to + 32 in the air and about + 25 in the sea. There are water parks and attractions, you can ride catamarans, yachts, go kite surfing, snorkeling and diving. The velvet season is also beautiful because prices on the island are declining.

In September, amazingly sweet light pomegranates, figs, autumn strawberries, and young wine appear. And in this wonderful time, you can comfortably travel around the island and visit any sights - including open-air, mountains, national parks, archaeological sites ...

We will tell you more about autumn at different resorts in Cyprus below. And who can't wait, prices - from 23,800 rubles / person, for 7 nights with breakfast. A pro-visa is issued quickly, online and free of charge.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa- the youth capital of Cyprus on the southeast coast, with a huge number of bars and nightclubs. In September and October, the parties are not so wild, but the music is still booming, and you can have fun from the heart. Among other attractions of the resort is the largest themed aquapark Waterworld Waterpark in the style of ancient Greece and amusement park Parko Paliatso.

Which beaches of Ayia Napa are worth visiting?

Do not miss Sea Caves Cavo Greco- Beach "Sea Caves", with a complex of bizarre caves, grottoes, arches and labyrinths of natural origin. Here is surprisingly clear sea water of all shades of blue. Pirates used to hide their treasures here.

Love Bridge beach, or "Bridge of lovers"- one of the most romantic places in all of Cyprus. Here is an arched bridge stretching from a rocky plateau into the turquoise-emerald sea. If you go down from the “sea” edge of the bridge to its base, you can swim or go diving nearby.

Beautiful white and gold beach Agia Thekla named so in honor of St. Thekla - there is a blue and white church nearby. The lagoon here is very shallow and ideal for children. beautiful beach Makronissos with white sand is located on the outskirts of Ayia Napa, on a cape in the shape of a mermaid's tail. Here is the most transparent water, a diving center, and nearby is an ancient cave complex, which is more than two thousand years old.

Resting in Ayia Napa, you can not miss the famous sandy beach Nissi Beach with a relaxed atmosphere and the neighboring Nissi Bay with DJs and foam parties that have been awarded Blue Flags.

What excursions to go on?

From Ayia Napa, the closest to the National Park of Cavo Greco. On the cape of the same name you can admire incredible sunsets. It is worth visiting the unique open-air sculpture museum. From here, trips to the Troodos Mountains to the Shrines of Cyprus, including the monastery of Kykkos, where the lifetime face of the Virgin Mary by the Apostle Luke is kept, start. An excursion to the Troodos mountains can also take place in the most picturesque places - mountain peaks, waterfalls, relict forests, old villages. Do not miss the opportunity to travel to northern Cyprus and see the fortresses and castles of the Byzantine period, rebuilt in the Middle Ages.

• EURONAPA HOTEL 3*
• CORFU HOTEL 3*
• NISSIANA HOTEL & BUNGALOWS 3*
• MARGADINA 3*
• NAPA PLAZA 4* (adults only)
• PANTHEA 4* (powered by All Inclusive)
• ATLANTICA AENEAS RESORT & SPA 5*

Pathos

Respectable and measured Pathos in the southwest of the island is located at the foot of the Troodos mountains. History and mythology are closely intertwined in this ancient city of Cyprus. In 51 BC. the famous orator Cicero lived here. Within the city there is an open-air archaeological museum with temples, the Forum, as well as magnificent floor mosaics, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

AT Paphos picturesque pebbly and sandy beaches, charming sunsets. In the vicinity there is a place where, according to legend, the goddess of love Aphrodite was born. There are also many entertainment venues. Visit the water park, zoo, Ayiou Antoniou street with clubs, discos, English pubs.

Which Paphos beaches are worth visiting?

Aphrodite beach(Petra tou Romiou) is the most beautiful and romantic natural attraction in Cyprus. According to legend, in 1200 BC. in this place, the goddess of beauty, love and eternal spring, Aphrodite Cyprida, came ashore. Bathing here, according to the same legend, promotes rejuvenation and gaining love. Frequent guests of Aphrodite Beach are newlyweds from different countries, photographers and artists.

The golden beach of Coral Bay in a cozy bay between the Maa-Paleokastro peninsula and the cape, 12 km from the city center, was awarded the Blue Flag. This is the most visited beach on the island's west coast and is popular with families with children of all ages. The sand here is exceptionally fine and soft, light yellow in color. The seabed is shallow, with a comfortable entrance, and the water temperature is several degrees higher than on other Paphos beaches. There are many taverns, shops and a developed entertainment infrastructure.

What excursions to go on?

Not far from the city of Paphos is the Akamas National Park, with an area of ​​230 square kilometers. Endemic plant species grow in the reserve, foxes, wild goats, Cypriot owls are found. On cool autumn days, you can visit the Baths of Aphrodite, walk along the Aphrodite Trail, swim in the Blue Lagoon. On the protected Lara Beach, protected since 1989, rare green turtles lay their eggs. Akamas gorge is located 5 km from the beach - for lovers of hiking.

The village of Geriskopou in the vicinity of Paphos is a place of pilgrimage for those with a sweet tooth. The villagers are masters in the preparation of Turkish Delight.

• HELIOS BAY APTS (Cat. A) 3*
• ROMAN HOTEL 3*
• KISSOS 3*
• QUEENS BAY HOTEL 3*
• Venus Beach Hotel 5*
• ACTI BEACH VILLAGE RESORT 4*