Villa holidays in Cyprus

Paphos in the west of the island is the point around which most villas in Cyprus are located.

The resort areas around Coral Bay (including St George) and Aphrodite Hills offer a huge choice, from simple cottages through to luxury villas, many with superb sea views.  These areas are packed with amenities such as shops, restaurants, beach bars and water sports schools, and are also a great base for excursions into the Troodos Mountains.

Another option is Pissouri Bay to the east of Paphos, which is popular with tourists thanks to its great beach. You can access this area via Paphos Airport (PFO) on direct flights from the UK.

Further east still, you will find the Protaras area that is closer to Larnaca Airport (LCA) and offers easy access to the bars and nightlife of Ayia Napa.

If you want something a little quieter and more traditional, meanwhile, then you can head to resorts such as Polis and Latchi on the western coast. 

The best way to get around when on a villa holiday in Cyprus is to rent a car. It will make everything easier and give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

A lot of Cyprus villas are inland, so having a car is imperative if you want to spend days at the beach. Pick up a hire car on arrival at either Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) airport and keep it for the duration of your trip. Many villa holidays to the island will include it as part of the price; however we recommend you check standalone prices as well using our car hire comparison service to find the best deal.

If you do opt for a villa without a car, then ensure you can reach shops and restaurants on foot, and pre-book an airport transfer to cut costs. A bus network serves much of the coastline, so you can take the bus or a taxi for longer journeys during your stay.

Cyprus offers a range of ways to fill your day or evening, whether you want nightlife, outdoor adventures or something altogether more laid back.

Shopping – the major resorts all have shopping centres where you can find holiday essentials as well as supermarkets for food.  Larger towns such as Larnaca also offer designer names and high street stores, while you can sometimes get a great deal on handicrafts such as lace, pottery and leather goods by heading to a local market.

Water sports – the water sports on offer in Cyprus range from banana boats to windsurfing and even diving: there are some great diving and snorkelling sites along the south coast. Those who enjoy sailing can also rent boats to take out to sea, while there are plenty of water parks with slides and flumes for old and young visitors.

Culture – even though it has a reputation as a beach holiday island, there are many cultural sites to visit on Cyprus. Explore the Tombs of the Kings in Larnaca, see the spectacular mosaics in Paphos or take a trip into the stunning Troodos Mountains and visit the Kykkos Monastery, which is packed with antiquities and religious artefacts. Alternatively, head into North Cyprus and visit Nicosia, which was ravaged by war in the 1970s and is now slowly coming back to life as a trading centre.

Entertainment – As in any holiday destination, the entertainment in Cyprus is as non-stop or as on-and-off as you like. Clubbers head to the big resorts such as Ayia Napa, while those looking for a more authentic experience seek out tavernas offering freshly cooked local ingredients and wines alongside Bouzouki music and dancing.