Cyprus stretches the season longer than almost any Mediterranean island: the sea is warm enough for swimming well into November, and the sandy bays around Ayia Napa and Protaras rank among the clearest waters in Europe. The island splits neatly into two holiday zones, the east with Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras, and the west around Paphos with its ancient harbour and UNESCO protected surroundings. The hotels below are sold as own arrival arrangements, so they suit travellers who book their own flight or combine Cyprus with a longer trip. Start with our Larnaca destination page for the wider picture, then pick from these six five star addresses.
Grecian Park, Protaras
Grecian Park is one of the most popular hotels on the eastern coast, set on a rise 200 metres above the sandy Konnos beach and only 1.5 km from the Cape Greco national park, whose sea caves and cliff walks are the best free excursion on the island. Protaras centre is 4 km away, Ayia Napa 10 km. The 239 modern rooms all come with a balcony, coffee and tea facilities and a minibar, and the hotel adds Italian and Japanese a la carte restaurants to the main one. Packages start from 228 euros for two people.
Golden Bay, Larnaca
Golden Bay sits directly on a sandy beach surrounded by palm trees, 10 km from the centre of Larnaca and a mere 15 km from the airport, which makes it the most convenient arrival on this list. The 193 rooms of 26 square metres all have balconies, and the hotel backs them up with four a la carte restaurants, a cocktail bar, a pub and a disco. It is the classic beach resort done properly, close enough to town for an evening out. Prices go from 222 euros for two people.
Coral Beach Hotel and Resort, Paphos
Coral Beach Hotel and Resort lies on the edge of the Akamas peninsula, a UNESCO protected wilderness of gorges and turtle beaches, 13 km from the centre of Paphos. The resort has its own pebble and rock beach 500 metres away and a private marina, plus gardens, eight restaurants and four bars across 421 rooms and studios of up to 45 square metres. Guests who want western Cyprus, boat trips and nature on the doorstep choose it without hesitation. Packages start from 250 euros for two people.
Amarande Hotel, Ayia Napa
Amarande is a newer luxury hotel reserved for guests older than 16, which tells you everything about the atmosphere: quiet pools, slow breakfasts, no animation programmes. It stands on the highest viewpoint in the calmest part of Ayia Napa, 250 metres from the sandy Maistrali beach and 1.3 km from the centre, 55 km from Larnaca airport. The 147 rooms include deluxe categories with inland, side sea or full sea views, bathrobes and smart TVs included. Prices start from 184 euros for two people.
Grecian Bay, Ayia Napa
Grecian Bay is the elegant older sister of Grecian Park, a comfortable hotel surrounded by greenery on its own private sandy beach, 1 km from the centre of Ayia Napa with its restaurants and shops, and with a bus stop right in front. The 277 rooms and 9 bungalows pair with a main restaurant, three a la carte options, a beach bar and live music in the evenings. Families and couples who want Ayia Napa's beaches without staying in the middle of the nightlife pick it. Packages go from 244 euros for two people.
The Annabelle Hotel, Paphos
The Annabelle is a Paphos institution, an elegant complex on the waterfront next to the old harbour, with a view of the medieval fort. The 218 rooms of 24 to 28 square metres all have balconies, and the hotel counts four restaurants and five bars, several of them on the beach and by the pools. From here you walk to the harbour tavernas and the archaeological park with its Roman mosaics. Packages start from 298 euros for two people.
East or west
Choose the east, Grecian Park, Golden Bay, Amarande or Grecian Bay, for the island's best sandy beaches and short transfers from Larnaca. Choose the west, Coral Beach or The Annabelle, for history, harbour evenings and the wild Akamas coast. Prices listed are starting prices for two people on an own arrival basis, and our team will gladly build the full arrangement around your dates.
