Cyprus villa holidays

Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 18th June 2008
Author: Susan Roscoe (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.

As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has plenty to offer all kinds of holidaymakers.

The northern coast of Cyprus is under Turkish control and the southern part is Greek. Although the northern part is slowly becoming more open to tourists, the majority of holiday makers head to the south coast and the popular areas of Paphos and Larnaca where there are great beaches, plenty of villas and huge numbers of hotels.

Kayte Williams
(Holidays Expert): James Villas - James Villas have 146 modern villas in Cyprus. With 24yrs experience, they're one of the most well-established villa tour operators in the UK.

Cosmos - Cosmos have a great selection of villas with pools in Cyprus starting from just £149 per week. Save an extra 10% when you book online.
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Aiya Napa villa holidays

Starting out as a small fishing village, over the last few years Ayia Napa has become an alternative resort to Ibiza attracting clubbers looking to party the night away whilst spending their days sunbathing on the beach. There are hundreds of bars and clubs and some of the island's beaches can be found here. If you're looking for a relaxing villa holiday, then this is not the place for you.

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Limassol villa holidays

Below the Troodos Mountains lies the lively holiday resort of Limassol, a favourite with tourists due to its variety of bars and clubs. If you're looking for peace and quiet and want to enjoy a relaxing villa holiday, then this probably isn't the place for you - unless you head into the mountains! Boasting some of the islands best beaches, this is an alternative resort to Ayia Napa if you're looking to party!

Larnaca villa holidays

Larnaca is a busy town packed with hotels, villas and holiday complexes. The beaches aren't the best in Cyprus, but it's a great place for exploring the rest of the island, including Limassol and the Troodos Mountains. The main tourist attraction in this town is the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke, which draws pilgrims from across the Moslem world.

Paphos villa holidays

Paphos is most famous for Aphrodite, the goddess of love, walking in from the sea to found a thousand love cults across the Hellenic world. Nowadays, Paphos is a town set on the old harbour with modern hotels and villas and many ancient buildings. The harbour area is bursting with lively bars, restaurants and discos packed with tourists, but just outside the town you can wander around the market, museums and some impressive Roman mosaics.

Just along the coast is Coral Bay, home of many luxury hotels and villas. Its crystal clear waters, soft white sands and plethora of water sports makes it a hub for tourists.

Protaras villa holidays

Protaras is a firm favourite with British families and is an ideal destination for those seeking a more active villa holiday.The beaches are great, the crystal clear sea laps gently into quiet coves and by day you'll find plenty in the way of water sports if you tire of soaking up the sun. Head into the bustling town at night to enjoy a wealth of entertainment options including bars, clubs, restaurants and live music.

The Troodos Mountains

These mountains form the island's backbone and a day here is a great alternative to a day sunbathing on the beach. They're a great place for hiking and walking, and during the winter you can ski on the slopes of Mount Olympus. Forests and tiny churches are tucked away and nearby you will find the island's capital city of Nicosia.

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of options as well as some that are more specialist. Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book. It couldn't be easier!