If you are not quite ready for summer to end and are looking for a warm-climate island getaway in October, Cyprus is a great choice. Read on to find out 5 things to do in Cyprus (with kids).
Things to do in Cyprus (with kids):
1- SWIM
Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea with miles and miles of shoreline. Be sure to swim in the sea to cool down from the heat. It was 31 Celsius when we were there in early October.
Ayia Napa in the east has gorgeous sandy beaches including the famous Nissi Beach.
If you are staying in Limassol, be sure to head to Kourion beach with excellent views of the surrounding cliffs.
The northwest is claimed to have some great beaches too such as Asprokremmos Beach in Polis Bay.
2- EAT
Meze is something you must try when in Cyprus. Your choice of vegetarian, meat or seafood. You sit down and they will bring you one course after another.
We dined at this gorgeous restaurant called Forsos Tavern amidst the olive trees just outside Limassol. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Be sure to book in advance!
We went for the meat meze and were served with such delicious salad (a peppery leaf) to start, followed by ravioli, halloumi cheese, mushrooms and lots and lots of meat. YUMS!
Walking around the capital city Nicosia, we saw some cute little places offering meze and a cozy looking café.
We had a scenic lunch by the seaside at Agios Georgios Alamanou Fish Tavern. The seafood meze with prawns and mussels was divine. Don’t get the octopus there – it was NOT good.
3 – EXPLORE
The charming little scenic villages that dot the mountains in the island’s interior is definitely worth exploring.
We visited two picturesque mountain villages called Omodos and Lofou.
I preferred Lofou as it felt like we were taken back in time. With only 100 permanent residents and two restaurants (both looked amazing), be sure to call in advance to book if you want some good food.
It was fun to walk around and get lost amidst the cream coloured buildings and pomegranate lined cobbled streets.
We ate at Katoi Restaurant during our visit to Omodos. I highly recommend the grilled octopus! After lunch, we walked around and paid a visit to the monastery.
Just a short drive from Omodos is the tallest waterfalls in Cyprus – the Mellomeri Waterfalls. Be ready for a short walk down some stairs to get there from the car park. A pair of newly weds were getting their wedding photography shots while we were there.
The very cold water was a welcome break from the heat. Don’t expect too much though. It is a very small area with barely any space to sit down and unpack your bags. We were quite disappointed by the waterfall.
Known for its jeweled Virgin Mary icon, I really wanted to visit the beautiful looking Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos mountains. Alas it was another hour of driving from the waterfalls, which meant 2 hours drive back from Limassol. With 3 kids, we decided we would skip it.
If you are a Greek mythology buff, be sure to visit Mount Olympus, the iconic mountain which is home of the gods.
4- LEARN
The archaeological remain of Kourion is the country’s most impressive site. Built in the 2nd century BC, the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre is now used for open-air musical and theatrical performances.
Featuring ruins of tombs, villas and Roman mosaics, and for only 4.50 Euros entrance fee, this is a place for any history buff.
The Tomb of the Kings in the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is another place to mark on your list.
5- DRIVE
It would be a shame to visit Cyprus and not drive along its coastlines.
Head further west towards Pafos and be sure to stop at Petra Tou Romiou, better known as Aphrodite’s Rock. In Greek mythology, this large rock formation jutting out of the sea is the birthplace of the Goddess of Love.
If heading east, Cape Greco National Forest Park has many beautiful iconic spots along the coastline.
Just outside the airport, you can visit the Larnaca Salt Lake and the beautiful Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.
.
.
.
Bonus TIPS:
We were based in Limassol for a week and despite actively exploring the island, we had a lot of relaxing time and swum in the pools of our apartment every day.
The kids loved the Oasis Luna Park in Limassol which is open from 6pm to midnight every day.
When we were too tired to have a proper meal out, a drive thru at McDonald’s did the trick. We also checked out the giant shopping mall in Limassol called My Mall.
Don’t forget to bring your passport with you and get insurance for your car if you would like to explore the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus including the capital Nicosia, Kyrenia in the north and Famagusta in the east.
If you are looking for some beach time with lots of facilities (pool, restaurant, shower, bathroom), there are many beach clubs along the coast. We spent time at the Columbia Beach club in Limassol one afternoon.
Have you been to Cyprus? Any other things to do in Cyprus that you would recommend?
Check out the video of our trip below.
