I took my children on a trip to Cyprus, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience for all of us. Cyprus is a great destination for a family. It is rich history, friendly people, good food, and beautiful weather. If you’re considering a trip there with kids, I’d love to share our experience to give you an idea of what to expect!
Cyprus with Kids
A few words about Cyprus; Cyprus is a fascinating country located in the Eastern Mediterranean. While it is often associated with Greece due to its cultural and linguistic similarities, Cyprus is an independent nation with its own government and rich history.
The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and the culture is heavily influenced by Greek traditions, cuisine, and customs. This connection stems from the island’s historical ties to Greece, dating back to ancient times when Cyprus was part of the Hellenistic world.
Despite being a sovereign nation, Cyprus maintains strong cultural and social ties with Greece. Many Cypriots travel to Greece for education, business, and leisure, and the two countries share a close bond in many aspects of daily life.
Paphos; A Walk Through History
My family landed on a cloudy day at Paphos Airport, the smaller of the two main airports in Cyprus (the bigger one is in Larnaca). From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed. The people in Cyprus are really friendly, and this made our trip even better.
Paphos is famous for its Aphrodite’s Rock (featured photo above this post). But there is more to see and do. Cyprus is full of history, it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its ancient architecture, mosaics, and ancient religious importance.
The Paphos Castle
Just at the edge of the harbor, past the string of waterfront restaurants, we found the golden tower of Paphos Castle. The main part of the castle is a big square tower with an enclosed courtyard in the middle. In the lower part of the castle, there are also prison cells from the Ottoman Rule. Kids love these stories.
The Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings
One of our most impressive monuments was the Tombs of the Kings. An extremely interesting structure to visit with kids. It is not a burial of Kings, in fact, it was for high-ranking officials and aristocracy. The mysterious labyrinths and the impressive rocks are very attractive to my children.
For a guided organized tour to the Tombs of the Kings with the family, I recommend this tour: Paphos half-day city tour with Tomb of the Kings. That tour included most of the highlights of Paphos with transport and you can skip the ticket lines.
The Nea Paphos Archaeological Park
The Paphos Archaeological Park was one of the highlights of the many archaeological sites that we visited in Cyprus. The kids were amazed by the ancient mosaics and ruins, and it felt like walking through a history book.
House of Dionysos
Don’t miss the House of Dionysus for some of the best mosaics. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus, and a Unesco World Heritage site. A well-preserved Roman villa dating back to the 2nd century AD, it shows you the lifestyle and artistic tastes of wealthy Romans in Cyprus during that era.
Even though my kids might not have understood everything, they loved exploring the old structures and imagining how people lived in ancient times in Cyprus.
Apart from the historical sites, Paphos is a great place to walk around. We took relaxing strolls along the coastal promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and beautiful views. The harbor area is also lively, with restaurants and cafés where you can sit and enjoy a meal while watching the boats.
If you want to explore the archaeological park of Paphos with a licensed tour guide, I recommend this 3,5 hours private walking tour: Paphos Private Walking Tour. You will see the most important monuments from Paphos while walking and listening to stories.
Paphos Archaeological Museum
If your kids aren’t thrilled about another ancient history outing, the Paphos Archaeological Museum might be a pleasant surprise. It’s not overly large, so you can easily explore it in about half an hour, which is perfect for short attention spans. Plus, it’s free to enter!
The family beaches of Paphos
We visited in the wintertime so we have not spent time on the beaches. But if you are going to Cyprus with kids in the summer, you will find plenty of golden sand in and around the city, where kids can build sandcastles and splash around under the warm Mediterranean sun.
Coral Bay, Alykes and Vrysoudia are all family-friendly beaches. Latchi Beach is more relaxed and quiet and towards the northern coast.
Paphos Sea Caves
Your kids will also like the Blue Lagoon and the Paphos Sea Caves. These are located stretched north along the coast from Paphos Town. The stunning sea caves are one of western Cyprus’s defining features, formed over thousands of years by the Mediterranean Sea.
Spot the shipwreck
The Edro III was a cargo ship that ran aground off the coast of Paphos in 2011 during a storm. It’s been stuck there ever since. You can find it near the Sea Caves, just northwest of Paphos. It’s quite close to the shore, which makes it easy to see. It is a must-visit in Cyprus with kids!
Is it safe to visit? Yes, you can view the shipwreck from the shore. However, it’s not safe to go on board as it’s old and unstable. Shipwrecks always have a bit of mystery and intrigue and kids especially will love this one. I did not find a tour only to the shipwreck, but it is part of several tours in Paphos:
- Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide: This tour combines a scenic bus ride along the Akamas Peninsula with a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. Along the way, you’ll also see the Edro III shipwreck.
- Paphos: Land Rover Jeep Safari Coastal Tour and Blue Lagoon: This full-day safari takes you off-road to explore the Akamas Peninsula, including a stop at the shipwreck. You’ll also have the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon and visit other attractions like Turtle Beach and the Baths of Aphrodite.
- From Paphos: Coral Bay and Adonis Baths Guided Buggy Tour: This tour can be fun for families with teenagers. It offers a different perspective of the shipwreck, as you’ll see it from the sea on a buggy safari. You’ll also visit other interesting spots like Coral Bay, the Adonis Baths waterfalls (not suitable for young children), and the Lara Turtle Conservation Station.
The Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station
If you’re planning a trip to Paphos with young children, I highly recommend visiting the Lara Turtle Conservation Station. It’s a fun and educational experience that will help them learn about the importance of protecting wildlife.
Here are some tips for visiting with children:
- Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is when the turtles are most active.
- Bring a picnic lunch or snacks. There are picnic tables and benches on the beach.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring plenty of water.
- Teach your children about the importance of protecting turtles.
- Be respectful of the turtles and their habitat.
Here are some additional things to know about the Lara Turtle Conservation Station:
- It’s located on the Akamas Peninsula, about 40 minutes drive from Paphos.
- It’s open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The station offers educational programs and tours.
Aphrodite’s Rock
The famous Aphrodite’s Rock is part of the best-known myths attached to Cyprus: it’s the birthplace of Aphrodite. You can still visit the spot today at Aphrodite’s Rock. Its real name is Petra tou Romiou; according to legend it was thrown into the sea by a hero and only later did the goddess of love and beauty emerge from the waves nearby.
You can drive to the beach yourself or visit the Rock of Aphrodite as part of an organized tour. I like this one: From Paphos: Guided tour of Limassol with Rock of Aphrodite.
The Paphos Zoo
I’m not a fan of the zoo, but the kids were looking much forward to visit. They had a lovely time while I had a coffee. The Paphos Zoo is situated in the heart of banana plantations and hosts more than 1,200 creatures, including giraffes, monkeys, tigers, and reptiles.
If you are exploring Cyprus with kids, you may want to visit the Zoo with a group. In that case, I recommend this tour that combines the Zoo with a visit to the Blue Lagoon.
The temple of Apollo Hylates
A visit to Cyprus with kids cannot be without the temple of Apollo Hylates.
One hour away from Paphos, we visited the temple of Apollo Hylates on a beautiful sunny day. The sanctuary is located about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) west of the ancient town of Kourion along the road that leads to Pafos. It was one of the main religious centers of ancient Cyprus, where Apollo was worshiped as the god of the woodlands.
If you want to visit the Temple of Apollo in an organized way, you can choose from several tours. I recommend this 3,5 hour long small group tour: Cyprus tours Aphrodite Rocks, Kolosi Castel, Apollo Temple.
Lemesos (Limassol) with the family
We also visited Lemesos (Limassol). It has a different vibe from Paphos—more modern and lively but still by the sea. We didn’t stay for too long, but we enjoyed walking around and exploring the most important buildings, such as this example of the British colonial architecture in the Old Town.
The marina area and the promenade are really nice, with a lot of places to eat and relax.
Other attractions in Limassol include the main square in the old town which is furnished with restaurants and the cathedral which has a beautiful Baroque façade.
The Kolosi Castle
We also explored the Kolosi Castle, which was built by the Byzantines around 1000 AD. We saw many cute cats and beautiful gardens too.
The Kourion
Another impressive place is Kourion, an ancient City state built by the participants of the Trojan war in the 10th century b.c . You will see unique mosaics and the ancient amphitheater (above), still being kept in a working condition and able to accommodate around 3500 visitors.
Museums in Lemesos
For more archaeology, families can visit the Limassol Archaeological Museum. This museum has interesting exhibits from ancient Cyprus. It’s not too big, so it won’t overwhelm kids. There is also the Cyprus Historic and Classic Motor Museum. This museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts of all ages. It features a collection of classic and vintage cars from around the world. The Paradox Museum is a museum of illusions located in the marina area. A fun museum suitable for young and old children.
Beaches in Lemesos
In the summertime, these are the best beaches for families:
Dasoudi Beach: This beach has calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and building sandcastles. There’s also a playground nearby, which is always a plus! Governor’s Beach: Known for its unique rock formations and calm waters, this beach is a fun place to explore.
Outdoor adventures in Lemesos
Limassol National Forest Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the city. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature. Adventure Mountain Park are for kids who are looking for thrills, this park has zip lines, climbing walls, and other exciting activities.
Explore Larnaca with Kids
We also spent time in Larnaca, a vibrant city on the southeast coast of Cyprus. While we didn’t explore it as much as we wanted to, we got a feel for the city. Larnaca has a bigger airport and is an important city in Cyprus, but for us, it was more of a shortstop.
Larnaca is a vibrant city on the southeast coast of Cyprus, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As it is one of the oldest cities in the world, there are many historical sites to visit such as the ruins of Kition, the Larnaca Medieval Castle, and the Church of Saint Lazarus.
To fully immerse yourself in Larnaca and to make the most out of your day, I would recommend booking a guided tour. I recommend this tour: Larnaca: a private guide to explore the Top-Sightseeings
This tour includes the exploration of the most important historical buildings in Larnaca District Roman – Cusaders – the Oriental centuries Mosque Sultan Hala Tekke, St.Lazarus Chruch, Crusader Castle, ancient Aquaduct, the famous Saltlakes and Flamingos.
Museums of Larnaca
Delve deeper into Larnaca’s past at the Larnaca Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts from various periods, or the Larnaca Museum of Natural History, where you can learn about the island’s flora and fauna.
Larnaca Beaches
Larnaca boasts several stunning beaches, including the popular Finikoudes Beach with its palm-lined promenade, the tranquil Mackenzie Beach known for its shallow waters, and the secluded Governor’s Beach with its unique rock formations.
Larnaca Salt Lake
This natural wonder is a haven for migratory birds, including flamingos, especially during the winter months. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the serene landscape.
Fun Differences – Driving on the Other Side!
One thing that really impressed my kids was the fact that people drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, unlike in Greece! It was something completely new for them, and they found it very exciting.
The People, the Weather, and the Food
One of the best parts of our trip to Cyprus with kids was how friendly the people were. Everywhere we went, we met warm and welcoming locals who were happy to help and chat with us.
The weather was beautiful—just right for walking and exploring without feeling too hot or too cold. It made our days even more enjoyable.
And, of course, the food! Cypriot cuisine features a blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors, making it a culinary delight for visitors. We had some great meals in Cyprus. The flavors are similar to Greek food for me but with their own unique touches. The kids especially loved the fresh bread, halloumi cheese, and souvlaki.
Where to stay in Cyprus with Kids | The 5 Best Family Hotels
We handpicked the 5 best 5-star family-friendly hotels for your stay in Cyprus with kids. These hotels offer family rooms and suites as well as entertainment for kids.
Olympic Lagoon Resorts, Paphos
Offers a variety of pools, including a kids’ pool with slides, a lazy river, and even water slides for adults. There’s also a playground and a kids’ club. Click here for more information and booking
King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort
This hotel has a large outdoor pool complex with a water park, slides, a kids’ pool, and a baby pool. There’s also a playground and a kids’ club. Click here for more information and booking
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol
This hotel offers a large outdoor pool complex with a separate children’s pool. There’s also a playground and a kids’ club. Click here for more information and booking
Four Seasons Hotel
This hotel has a large outdoor pool complex with a separate children’s pool. There’s also a playground and a kids’ club. The hotel also has an amazing private beach. Click here for more information and booking
Coral Beach Hotel & Resort
This hotel has a large outdoor pool complex with a separate children’s pool. There’s also a playground and a kids’ club. Click here for more information and booking
Our trip to Cyprus with kids was a great mix of history, walks by the sea, good food, and friendly people. It’s a family-friendly destination where you can enjoy both the past and the present. If you’re thinking about visiting with kids, I highly recommend it—you’ll have a wonderful time.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions on the best things to do in Paphos with kids are my own
Images courtesy PixaBay, Visit Cyprus, all other images copyright Family Experiences Blog
