Cyprus for a family holiday?

Me and the g/f went to Protaras 3 years ago, stayed in a nice small hotel on the beach front, struggling to remember its' name as it was allocation on arrival.

Beaches are lovely, clean, seemed a very nice place - we didnt get out and about a lot, as we really were skint at the time so could afford the holiday and not a lot more.

I'll see if I can dig up some of the beach pics when I get home.

Oh... and haggle with the Taxi drivers. We got one of them from his initial offer of £5 to the aquariam a few miles down the road, to £2. Almost as cheap as the bus fare!
 
Gimpymoo said:
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.
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It's not a cheap place to fly to - charter flights will be expensive (when I worked at Thomson we used to sell a lot of flight only for Cyprus) and scheduled not cheap either.
I have always been impressed with Cyprus Airways but again, in peak season it won't be cheap.

I don't know if you are allowed to arrive by air in the North and then stay in the South - I'm almost certain this used to be a no-no until quite recently at least but best check for yourself incase I'm wrong.
 
Lopéz said:
It's not a cheap place to fly to - charter flights will be expensive (when I worked at Thomson we used to sell a lot of flight only for Cyprus) and scheduled not cheap either.
I have always been impressed with Cyprus Airways but again, in peak season it won't be cheap.

I don't know if you are allowed to arrive by air in the North and then stay in the South - I'm almost certain this used to be a no-no until quite recently at least but best check for yourself incase I'm wrong.
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I don't know is its allowed either but I do know that most Brits with Houses in the north fly into the south and then travel becoause its cheaper that way.

your right flying here is not cheap. we found out very early on that you can often get a package trip for very nearly the same price a flights only ( H/B 3/4 star hotel for £25 more than the flights price )
this is still true

For us it mean that there is no reason for us to put up Friends and family when they come to visit (for a cheap holiday) as they can do it just as cheap in a hotel and nobody gets on anybody's nerves
 
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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FirebarUK said:
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.
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You're quite right of course, I don't think Cyprus will ever get to how it was, though there are signs of the "old" Cyprus as I mentioned at hte borders between the older generations... I just hope the young generation can be open minded and try nand get back to the old days... I doubt it'll happen I'm afraid, too much time has passed and the defenses are up.
 
Been to Cyprus 9 times now.

A mix between Ayia Napa/Protoras and the Hilton in Nicosia.

Protoras is probably the best place to go for a beach holiday, amazingly clear water. Lovely sandy beaches which are clean - expecially Fig Tree Bay beach.

Do it.
 
I lived in Cyprus from Aug '03 until Apr '05, and have lived here (again) since Jul '07.
Lovely place, but not without its issues....most of which won't affect a 2 week visitor!
Beware! Its very expensive. 1GBP has equalled 1EUR of late!!
Definately hire a car. Visit the Arkamas Penninsula, Girne/Kyrenia, Platres (Troodos) & Mt. Olympus, Omodos.
Avoid Lemesos, Pafos, Agia Napa.
 
Lopéz said:
What an incredible ballache that would be too - especially with 1 child and 1 infant. It takes long enough to get to Cyprus on a direct flight, never mind via Turkey.
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Only 6.5 hours there and 7 back, granted with Children it could be a pain, but for anyone else it does save money and gives you the change to stay the night in Istanbul if you wanted to.
 
Gimpymoo said:
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?
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I did love it myself but found the beaches were a bit like an old fire bucket, more ciggie butts than sand. Also much of it was a building site when I was there in 2001, the day after the planes hit the towers. Was slightly concerned about flying that day!

Also the toilets are a little unsettling. No loo roll down the pan, but in a little bin. They tended to all smell pretty foul.

The sea water was wonderful though, so clear and little fishes swimming about near the breakers. It was really really calm when I was there and the water was very warm.
 
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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.
 
Sorry, can't answer the question as I've had transfers whilst out there...

Jammy git by the way... Cyprus is gorgeous. Some of the beaches are amazing.

Not practical or a suggestion for you by any means, but me and my girlfriend hired one of these for half the holiday;

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Managed Nissi Beach > Larnaca on two occasions :p Had some funny looks on the motorway (120km/h + ) :o

They were really good for the coastal roads with a nice breeze, especially upwards of the Protaras area.
 
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Gimpymoo said:
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.
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Sounds about right and nearly cheaper than we paid for half the distance.
Protaras is about 40-60mins away from Larnaca Air Port. a lot of People pay the Premium of getting a Hire car from day one to avoid the taxi cost.
a Mate of mine did this and then took 3 hours to complete a 40 minute journey to his hotel though.

if you've not got transfers then think about a Hire car or see if you can sort out a cheaper deal with your family run hotel.
 
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