Cyprus for a family holiday?

Soldato
Joined
31 May 2005
Posts
15,640
Location
Nottingham
Anyone been on holiday here before?

Am looking for a nice bucket and spade holiday, mainly for the kids and my wife and mum.

From what I have seen, it appears to fit the bill:

Nice beaches
Lots of history with plenty to see
Some resorts seem very family orientated

Soo, to anyone who has been, is it worth me going?
 
Thanks for the replies all.

Sounds promising soo far.

Would prefer somewhere "quiet" with a bit more hussle and bussle nearby if you need it although as it is a family holiday, do not want it too crazy but dont want a morgue if any of that makes sense and is not too contradictory.

A good beach within walking distance is essential.

We would be going in even June or July so maybe a little warm for the little ones but with plenty of sunblock and water and keeping them out the midday sun, im sure they'll be fine.

Wouldnt mind trying some watersports at some point, not a biggie if that is a bus ride away.

Is car hire considered worthwhile? Some places you goto, you are sometimes advised to avoid it for one reason or another.
 
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Uvarvu, is the development really that bad? I know its hypocritical as a tourist to say you dont like the effects of tourism but that does put me off a little?

Also, I was all set for Paphos but now, Mrs Moo has said she has heard good things about Protaras too, so back to square one then - LOL.

Could someone with local knowledge please give me a quick rundown of Paphos and Protaras for me please.

Will be happy with a small friendly, family run hotel near a nice beach with the locals to be honest. I dont really want to be in "Tourist Central" but realise thats the way it is in europe nowadays.
 
Interesting post Freefaller, in what way is it a culture shock for some of the Brits, are you refering to the more narrow minded brits?

They never mention any of that in the brochures though ;)

I was all set to goto Cyprus but everywhere I look, all I can seem to find are mammoth hotels next to the coast in areas which appeat to have nothing else around them, as in it all seems like home from home, if that makes any sense or am I misreading it all?

Where would be recommended for a quiet time, with a great beach and turquoise waters?
 
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There are 3 adults, 1 child and one infant going on the holiday and our budget is only about £2000 which I know is not a lot.

The reason I want to goto Cyrpus is because of its location and the reasons you mention above, soo many cultures coliding. Yep, we could goto the Canary islands but that just seems soo "Safe" - LOL

Also, with the current lousy exchange rate, eating locally I assume would be expensive so unfortunately we require at least half board at the hotel, I say unfortunately as I hate eating at hotels, would much rather eat locally.

Saying that, I would imagine that if we could get off the "Tourist Track" there are "local" eateries for much more reasonable prices its just a case of finding them.

Also, I think I know the answer to this but Mrs Moo is a Vegi, I assume they are well catered for?

Am off to look again for places to go, will be posting back soon.

Thanks for your input so far :)

I keep reading about Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, nice beaches apparently, any idea about the area?

Also, is the East really that bad? Seems to have the nicer beaches but obviously I keep reading it is waaay over developed.
 
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Ineteresting that you say the East is better than the west.

Not to sound rude, but the west is not like a Benidorm is it? I really do not want that type of Holiday.

That is however the view I had of the west :(

Just checked some Villas, I love the idea but is coming in at about £2500 which is a shame. The flights to Cyprus seem quiet pricey at the moment, hence the preference of a package holiday. Then you have car hire on top.
 
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Is the east any less developed.

Sorry to harang you with the questions :(

Feel free to politely tell me to **** off.

The countryside would be awesome but we have 2 young kids and it is their first time abroad and would want to take them on a beach holiday. It is a shame though that you cant go on a beach holiday yet still hang with the locals :(
 
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Don't worry, I've not been anywhere in Cyprus that is *anything* like Benidorm! Ayia Napa obviously is a largely drinking/clubbing resort these days, Paphos is touristy but certainly nothing like Benidorm :D

In Benidorm's defence, it does have a spotless and superb beach.

Green Bay and Fig Tree Bay are on the edge of Protaras and have excellent swimming/snorkelling and beaches. Be warned it gets incredibly hot in July and August.

Thanks for that :)

We are trying to plan our holiday independently to Protaras. Have found a great, family run hotel. Just need flights, any tips? The main operators seem pricey.
 
I've been looking for flights over to Cyprus for my mum to visit some family, however since she's a teacher so can only go during school holidays. the next on is 23th May to 30th May.

Apart from the expensive direct routes from Manchester, are there any 1 stop routes that are cheaper? Cheapest I've found currently is Turkish Air which is around £300 and flies to the north.

I need to know this also, will keep you posted on how I go.
 
Well, I am off to Protaras, well, the place I am staying at is on the edge of Protaras apparently, half way between Protaras and Ayia Napa so half way inbetween 2 of the best beaches on the island so I hear?

In the end, booked it seperately without using a travel agent, paid for the flights on a credit card incase the airline goes bust.

I liked the island but the accomodation which the tour operators provide at a reasonable cost are not the type of places I want to stay for a week and often, the food is naff so I thought "stuff 'em" will do it myself. Someone advised me of a small family run hotel, did some reasearch on it and it looked amazing so a few emails later and sorted, they seemed really helpfull and I feel will be more attentive to their patrons than anywhere the package tour operators would pack us off to and overall it seems to be more "Traditional", only has 12 staff working there so is a small friendly place but that is what I prefer on holiday.

The place isnt all inclusive so that should keep some of the bums out the place who only go on holiday to drink as much local beverages as possible.

Monarch Airlines were by far the cheapest taking into account all the taxes and other charges you pay nowadays.

Came in at just over £1k for return flights to Lanarca for 3 adults, 1 child and 1 infant which I think is reasonable. They were flying from Luton. If you could depart from one airport then arrive at another when coming home then even more savings can be made.

I heartedly suggest anyone tries http://www.skyscanner.net/

Helped me loads.

Many thanks to all who have helped with my questions. I cant wait to visit this beautiful island in July.

Will definitely be hiring a car to go into the Villages/Mountains.

Anyone know how much car hire is? Ive heard it is cheapish? Been offered £150 for the week from the airline.
 
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Can some of the regulars to this thread please advise of a rough cost of a taxi from Larnaca to Protaras please?

Have been quoted €64 for a large car for the 5 of us and luggage.
 
Well, the holiday which started this thread is happening tomorrow - woop

Wondering if any of the resident OcUK Cypriuts could give me a few phrases to help me out when over there:

Yes
No
Please
Thank You
May I have....

Anything else which maybe usefull. Many thanks.
 
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