Vacation in Cyprus
First, I would highly recommend everyone to have a holiday in Cyprus. The value for money is rather advantageous. The island has stunning views, it is safe, with good hospitality, weather and breathtaking landscapes.
I have travelled from London to Larnaca airport. Here goes my first piece of advice. For some reason, the Google Maps transport suggestion does not work in Cyprus, instead of taking a taxi for 50 euros you can go to your destination using the Kapnos airport shuttle for 9 euros. It goes straight to Ayia Napa, where the famous beaches are located.
The second piece of advice is about where to stay. Ayia Napa is a city full of stay options such as resorts, hotels and flats. We stayed in a hotel spa called AmethystNapa, three stars, five minutes from Landa Beach for 60 euros per night. I did not regret staying there because there are nice restaurants, shops and beaches 5 minutes from the hotel, more than one.
Next time I would stay closer to Ayia Napa centre because it is where everything happens, the boat trips part from there, great pubs, nightclubs and very good transportation links as well.
Don’t worry about the language, everybody speaks English there, it won’t be a problem for you. The weather is good from May to October. We had our vacation in Cyprus at the end of September, it was perfect, good weather and not overpopulated.
We have reached a topic that is my biggest lesson about Cyprus, the transport. In the beginning, I was reluctant about taking the bus. The reason for that is because in Brazil I always have very awful experiences with buses.
It took me three days until I agreed with my husband to take a bus to go to a different beach. I regret it so much because the public transportation link (OSEA) in Ayia Napa is awesome. Very clean bus with air conditioning, a nice playlist, it costs 1.50 euros until 9 pm and 2.50 until 4 am. There are buses every 30 minutes and the journey is quick.
You still have loads of local taxis options, the only ride app allowed in Cyprus is Bolt. You can also rent a car but I would recommend you to rent a quad bike for 50 euros per day and go wherever you want. You can rent one of those using your id.
The places you cannot miss in Ayia napa are:
- Konnos Beach
- Nissi Beach
- Landa Beach
- Protaras
- Ghost town
- City centre — night time
Remember to get your snorkel to go with you because all the beaches in Ayia Napa are crystal clear and suitable for snorkelling. Especially Konnos Beach where you can see fishes, calamari, shoals, crabs and others.
You can separate a day on your vacation to have a boat trip around the Blue Lagoon, Sea Caves and Konnos Bay. There are a lot of options, just go to Ayia Napa Harbour around 9 am and choose whatever one fits your mood. There are Sunset VIP cruise, five hours trips, open bar and saxophonist performance for 80 euros per person. We have chosen a 4 hours boat tour, lunch included, 2 swimming stops, 40 minutes each. The trip costs 20 euros per person.
Last, but not least, let’s talk about food. My favourite bit. The Cypriot cuisine has English and Greek inspirations. In Ayia Napa, there are nice restaurants where you can find all cuisines, a menu including 3 courses, starter, main and dessert costs around 20 euros.
Give a try to the Cypriot cuisine ordering a Moukassa, Stifado(my fav) and the most delicious cheesecake I ever have. Nice wines and local drinks can make your vacation even better. I would recommend you to go to the Garden’s Restaurant and Costas Tavern. If you are going there on your birthday, let them know to receive a little treat.
That’s everything I can remember guys, let me know if you have any questions, I’ll be more than happy to help.
