Cyprus with kids: what really works for families

Cyprus is one of those islands that seems made for children. Distances are short, the sea is calm in plenty of coves and there’s lots to do when they’ve had enough of sand. For British families there are a few bonuses. The flights are short-haul from regional airports, you won’t need adaptors and you drive on the familiar side of the road. Here’s the area I’d pick, the beaches and parks the sources I’ve read recommend, what children pay on transport and what to avoid. For the wider picture, see things to do in Cyprus.

Which area?

For young children, the east coast. Visit Famagusta, the Ayia Napa and Protaras tourism site I use only as backup, describes a coast of soft sand and clear, shallow water, with small coves where it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids, and many have lifeguards, toilets and snack bars. I’d stay in Protaras, which is quieter, and pop down to Ayia Napa for the parks. Beach by beach, see Protaras beaches.

If your children are older and into history, Paphos makes a better base. The archaeological park has an electric buggy, adapted routes and an app with audio and video, and the mosaics full of myths hold their attention more than you’d expect. Limassol, with the Molos promenade and town beaches, sits in between.

Beaches recommended for families

Around Ayia Napa, the regional site singles out Makronissos, Nissi first thing in the morning, the beach on the east side of the marina, Landa, Ammos tou Kambouri and Ayia Thekla, over in Sotira. In Protaras, Vrysi, Fig Tree Bay, Konnos, Pernera, Ayia Triada, Malama and Green Bay. On organised beaches there are age-appropriate activities, such as pedalos and water-skiing, in supervised areas. To choose, see beaches in Cyprus.

One tip that matters, also from the regional site. In summer, use playgrounds and promenades early in the morning or in the evening. The WMO gives average highs above 33°C in Larnaca in July and August, and with children, midday is for the shade.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Protaras before prices climb.

Parks, museums and other ideas

The east coast has plenty. The same site lists the botanical park and maze at Avgorou, a bee theme park at Dasaki Achnas, donkey rides by Achna lake, two funfairs in Ayia Napa, a water park, virtual reality games, bowling in Paralimni and, in Protaras, a dancing-water show and an aquarium. On the hottest days, the water parks in Cyprus are the fallback.

Of the museums, children love the Thalassa museum in Ayia Napa, with boats, sea creatures and even bones of the island’s pygmy hippos. The open-air sculpture park is perfect at sunset, and the Cape Greco environmental centre has three small aquariums. In October, Ayia Napa’s medieval festival fills the town with princesses and jugglers.

Getting around with children

On Nicosia and Larnaca buses, under-6s travel free and 6 to 18-year-olds pay half with a personalised card. In Limassol, EMEL carries under-6s free and halves the fare from 6 to 12, while Pafos Buses carries children free up to 5 and half price up to 12. The Kapnos airport shuttle charges €5 for ages 2 to 12, according to the Cyprus By Bus portal. If you hire a car, book child seats when you reserve, as they’re compulsory according to the European Commission.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Protaras and choose by the reviews.

The airport with children

Both Hermes airports put unisex changing facilities in all their toilet areas, and some of them double as quiet nursing rooms with power points. Larnaca also sells a paid fast track for families with young children, the Express Lane, bookable online until the day before or from the machines by check-in. For the pushchair, tell your airline when you check in, as each handles it its own way.

What I’d avoid

August at midday, long drives round the Troodos bends with children who get carsick, and bars. Under the rules, under-17s can’t go into clubs, pubs or bars without their parents. For somewhere to stay, kids’ clubs, crèches and waterparks hotel by hotel are in family hotels in Cyprus.

One last thing that’s easy to forget. Your GHIC covers medically necessary state healthcare for the whole family, but gov.uk is clear it isn’t a substitute for travel insurance, and with children I’d never travel without both. Pack their EHIC or GHIC cards alongside the passports.

A car frees you from timetables: search car hire in Protaras on DiscoverCars and compare companies.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Protaras before prices climb.