Cyprus for a family holiday?

Well I think a lot of Brits expect things to be just like home, and expect the food and the way of life to eb the same. i.e. the Cypriots are very laid back and have a very "avrio" (tomorrow) way of life, a lack of urgency which some people find irritating. The language/humour/outlook on life is very different. A lot of Brits love it, but there are some of the typical, "uuuurgh I don't like it, I don't understand, what is it, I want to go to the beach, I want to go to McD, we're allowed to do it in the uk.... etc....." I'd agree it's only a small percentage of the population that have this slightly ignorant view of johnny foreigner, but it's something to bear in mind. Sure Cyprus used to be a British stronghold/base, but remember you are on the cusp of the Middle East and in a very spiritual/religious/supersticious rich environment, although very modern in a western view, it is still very much a world apart from the streets of the UK.

Saying that, I can't really see it objectively as I've been immersed in that culture since I was a kid (I was christened over there too so have been brought up with all the fuss and bother that the Orthodox chruch brainwashes you with! :p). For me it's a wonderful place with wonderful people, sometimes the most stubborn people in the world, but proud and intelligent and philosophical people. Some say a little backward in some of the western attitudes/views of the world, but who are we to judge other countries on our values? It's not as if the West has got it that right is it! ;)

Having spent time in the proper Middle East (i.e. Arab and Muslim areas) that again is a world apart from even Cyprus, but I like that it's so different, I get sick of the blandness of being in the same place all the time. I guess I'm lucky coming from 3 culturally opposite nations (France, England and Cyprus) so I can mesh my backgrounds together and hopefully get the best from each one.

As for quiet time areas, I don't know, I seldom spend time in touristy areas and as such don't really know where to suggest other than places I go for day visits. Would you be keen on hiring a villa instead of hotel? There's always that option and it gives you a bit more independence.
 
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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The Cypriots like to eat out and do so a lot - if there are locals there it's likely to be good, though bear in mind the restaurants don't get busy till after 9pm as they eat late and go to bed late (they have siestas in the afternoon).

I like the east but I know it better than the west so I can't really comment. Protaras is a smaller less lively town so might be well suited, might worth looking into a villa instead you might be able to get away with it on your budget? Shopping for yourself and getting a little bbq would make for easy and cheap shopping.

There are a lot of vegetarian dishes out there so don't worry about there, there's more than enough food to keep everyone happy. Fish and lamb/pork are the staple part of the diets over there. Lots of fresh veggies and fruits too - all home grown, no pesticides, and when you bite into a tomato, or slice a lemon, or a melon you will be blown away as you can actually taste what they are supposed to taste like. They are picked when they are ripe, not early, most of this things you see in the shops were hanging on a tree less than 24hrs previously. The fish is caught almost on the same day. I eat so much fruit and veg and so much fish and lean meat that it really does a lot for my body composition - I won't get into the whole "nutrition spiel" but needless to say you eat well over there.
 
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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As I said I don't really know much about the west. The Mountain area is LOVELY, however the coastal area like Paphos and Limassol is tourist central and a bit over developed in my view, however there are small towns up and down the coast that detract from this what they are I couldn't tell you as I don't spend much time there!
 
Freefaller said:
Cyprus is a beautiful country, cultured, rich in ambience, magical and historical. The people are welcoming and friendly, cultured and intelligent. It's a Mediterranean lifestyle and a culture shock for a lot of Brits, but if you immerse yourself in their lives you get hooked, you really do. If you go there, I urge you to leave your "Britishness" behind and go there with an open mind. It is for me one of the best escapes I have to get away from it all. It's a little bit of paradise for me.
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This was out view as well, hate the Brits that just want a Little Britain, avoid them Like the Plague they Only want to Whine all the time so no lost to Us.
We live in the Centre of a tiny Village, in our restored old Stone house surrounded by our Greek only speaking Neighbours. Our Little bit of Heaven.

as its Orthodox Easter this weekend We'll be joining the rest of the Village at a Easter Party. having a big meal sat around the Church on Sunday.

I'm a Vegi and vegi food not a problem either, theres Plenty of dishes. Do to Lent Good cypriots do not eat meat at all the Week Before Easter so they know what it is. even when going out for a normal Meat Mese with Friends I never have a Problem as theres so much food in a mese that I can jsut eat the none Meat dishes still end up full.

eating out is Cheap if you stay away for the tourist places as freefaller say eat where the Local do.

as for where to stay there are agro tourist places that look good if you want see more of the local life rather than just a beach holiday. your never that far from the beach anyway
http://www.agrotourism.com.cy/
 
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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Gimpymoo said:
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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Its all Developed half the country looks like a building site tbh. Not been over the East much just the Odd trip to go snorkelling around Green bay. it looks less Developed from the motorway but that's not saying much.
a lot of the site on that agro tourist place are well within 20min by car of the beach. the one in Episkopi is 3min from our favourite beach but if you want to ask about any in particular I can give you a fairly accurate Guess.
 
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:D

Aye, hopefully be back in early Sept again, the Women want to go to Portugal, the boys want to go back to Cyprus.

North though this time I think :)
 
I'm going back again this October. We stay just outside Paphos normally. There is an excellent kebab shop in Yeroskipou which is between the airport and town centre called Ganavalos - their kebabs are heavenly! I'll stop for a few on the way to the house :)

We're going to cross the green line as well this year as my parents want to see their old village. They used to live there but moved here before the invasion.
 
I don't want to get into how it all started as there's plenty of unbiased information out there, the Greeks weren't 100% squeaky clean, but mind you they are still very much the victims.
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I'd disagree but then you are part Greek Cypriot :D It pretty much all started with Greek terrorist groups. Those from mainland Greece and Turkey pretty much wrecked things for a largely peaceful Cypriot community.
 
I don't think anyone's emphasised enough just how hot it can get. Imagine the fiery pits of hell, based on the Sun, and your nearing the temperature in the shade in Cyprus mid-June/July.

I've got a vivid memory of passing out on a bus when I was a kid it was so swelteringly hot. I suggest you pack your suitcases full of ice, so by the time you get to your hotel you can have a luke-warm bath.

Other than that, the people are really (really, really) nice - there's a bar owner out there who was one of the most genuine friendliest guy I've ever met. Some really swish hotels out there too if you can find a deal :)

HOT HOT
 
The heat in the summer is just ridiculous. As I said in a previous post the temperature still tops 30 degrees in October. The sea has cooled down a lot by then though.
If you do during the summer then make sure that you don't end up renting a car with leather seats otherwise your bum will end up looking like a piece of pasta.
 
Gimpymoo said:
Not to sound rude, but the west is not like a Benidorm is it? I really do not want that type of Holiday.
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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.
 
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.
 
Lopéz said:
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.
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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.
 
Furton said:
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.
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I need to know this also, will keep you posted on how I go.
 
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