Where to Stay in Cyprus for Sea Views and Mediterranean Magic

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Sunset view from balcony at the Radisson Beach Resort, a budget-friendly place to stay in Cyprus
Mediterranean sunsets feel expensive even at budget-friendly resorts in Cyprus. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Luxury resorts and boutique hotels line the sun-kissed shores in Cyprus, from Ayia Napa in the east to Paphos in the west. Its balmy Mediterranean climate is the primary draw for the four million tourists who visit annually, primarily from Europe. Even in mid-winter, sea temperatures are approximately 16 degrees Celsius, about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you grew up swimming in the Atlantic off of Cape Cod like me, that doesn’t sound too cold at all. Here’s a look at five top resorts in Cyprus with highlights and location information designed to help first-time visitors.

The writer was hosted.

Cyprus Beach Resorts: What First Timers Need to Know

Large breakfast buffet set-up at the Amara resort near Limassol, Cyprus.
Whatever your morning dining pleasure, you’ll find it at the Amara buffet. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

I stayed in five different coastal resorts during my November 2025 visit. The following observations are based on my experiences and may be helpful to keep in mind if you’re considering a beach holiday on the Mediterranean’s third-largest island (Italy’s Sicily and Sardinia are #1 and #2).

Cyprus Resort Info

Outdoor pool, sunbeds and restaurant at Almyra luxury resort in Paphos, Cyprus.
#1 on my list of reasons to return to Cyprus is the Almyra spa with two pools, sun beds and a restaurant. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf
  • Cyprus is renowned for super clean beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. This Mediterranean island nation, about the size of Connecticut, has 64 Blue Flag beaches – an international recognition awarded to locations meeting stringent environmental, educational and accessibility standards.
  • Breakfast buffets are included in the nightly room rate. These buffets are not throwaway add-ons with stale cereals and a pour-your-own waffle maker. Picture multiple food stations, gorgeous fresh fruit and cook-to-order chefs. Family-friendly properties featured adorable mini buffets decorated for children.
  • Minimal décor, max comfort. I was surprised by the simple, almost spartan decor, in most of the hotel rooms. But don’t equate spare with bare. The rooms featured ample amenities including complimentary bottled water, in-room coffee/tea stations and plush robes for lounging. And all of the beds scored high marks for delivering plush sinkability without sacrificing firmness.
  • Many resorts close in winter. If you’re considering an off-season trip to see winter attractions like the Christmas Villages, your first-choice resort might not be open. Several of the resorts I visited were prepping for the seasonal shutdown from mid-November to mid-March.
  • Choose USD when pricing the resort, not the euro, the Cypriot currency. With current conversion rates, the USD price will be higher. To provide a feel for pricing, I checked one-night USD rates (including taxes and fees) for March 27, 2026, on Expedia. Entry-level rooms at Amara are $455; the Radisson is $190.


Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

Amara (Limassol)

Morning view of the Amara resort outdoor swimming pool near Limassol, Cyprus.
I felt like I had Amara all to myself at sunrise. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Amara is a 5-star luxury property you’ll have a hard time leaving. The main building, constructed in 2019, looks much bigger than it is because all of the 207 rooms face the sea. The massive bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, large shower rooms and Balmain toiletries.

Branded restaurants on the property include Beefbar, Nobu’s Matsuhisa and Ristorante Locatelli from Michelin-star chef Giorgio Locatelli. The 32,000-square-foot resort spa was constructed around an ancient stone wall and well discovered during excavation. I think you need several stays to discover all of the “wow” moments at this property.

King room at Amara, a luxury resort stay in Cyprus
Sliding doors close off the bathroom soaking tub from the bedroom. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Highlights:

  • Full-service resort with Mediterranean Sea beach with sun beds
  • Nightly rate includes breakfast at a massive buffet
  • Large resort pool; indoor pool and sauna in the spa

Best for:

  • Luxury lovers who appreciate fine dining at internationally renowned restaurants
  • Travelers arriving in Limassol by boat interested in spending a few days on land at a top-tier property

What’s Nearby:

  • Vibrant Limassol, the second largest city in Cyprus with a modern harbor and historic Old Town
  • Agritourism sites in the mountains including wineries, a rose distillation factory and a traditional Cypriot sweets kitchen

SheBuysTravel Tip: The 10 am temperatures for the indoor pool, outdoor pool and sea are thoughtfully posted in several locations to help you decide where to dip.

Almyra (Paphos)

Evening view of the Almyra outdoor swimming pool, a resort in Paphos, Cyprus
Surrounded by columns and sunbeds, the Almyra gives off palatial vibes. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

A Marriott Design Hotel, Almyra has a prime location on the seaside promenade in Paphos. It’s walkable to boutiques, cafes, restaurants and historic attractions.

Consider the full board option at this resort. Guests have access to the on-property restaurants at Almyra, the restaurants at its sister property, Annabelle, and the Antasia Beach Club.

My deep regret is not having time to check out the 80-minute Fire and Ice body reset at the onsite spa. Next time.

SheBuysTravel Tip: One of our favorite things to do when taking a beach vacation is to hire a photographer for family photos. This is a special gift and souvenir that we cherish. We use Flytographer to book a local photographer located in the area that we’re traveling to. Use this link and you will get $25 off your photo session.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Almyra’s seafront taverna, Ouzeri, features live music and traditional Cypriot cuisine under flowering pergolas for a romantic night under the stars.

Almyra king room with large black and white painting and two navy lounge chairs in Paphos, Cyprus
The artwork and navy loungers provide a sophisticated touch to rooms at Almyra. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Highlights:

  • 187-room full-service seaview resort
  • Marriott Bonvoy members can earn/use points
  • Nightly rate includes breakfast (half board and full board options available)
  • Large resort pool; indoor and outdoor pools at the resort spa

Best for:

  • Families who need connecting rooms or suite space. Kids dine free packages are often available.
  • Cultural and culinary experience seekers – add-on tours are available to complete your Cyprus vacation

What’s Nearby:

  • Paphos Castle, a historic medieval fort and prison and the current site of an annual opera festival
  • Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient mosaics

Nissi Beach Resort (Ayia Napa)

Thatched umbrellas and sun beds fill Nissi Beach in Cyprus, location of the Nissi Beach Resort.
Nissi Beach is named for the land mass off the coast – “nissi” means “island” in Greek. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

My sweetest Cypriot lemonade? Probably the one handed to me at check-in at the Nissi Beach Resort. After a long travel day, the not-too-tart sip helped me power through looming jet lag.

The waterfront property is located in Ayia Napa, 35 minutes from the Larnaca International Airport. Minimalist room décor doesn’t compete with the sea, pool and garden views. Nissi Beach is a full-service resort with a kids’ club, tennis courts and multiple dining options, bars and lounges.

Coastal minimal interior of Nissi Beach hotel room in Cyprus
Coastal Scandinavian is the design term that best describes the rooms at Nissi Beach. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Highlights:

  • 270 rooms, including bungalows
  • Nightly rate includes breakfast (half and full board options available)
  • On-site spa
  • Up to 7 dining options, depending on the season

Best for:

  • Families seeking a full-service resort with a large beach and multiple pools including a kiddie splash pad
  • Night owls who want to lounge away the day and then party at the walkable restaurants, bars and clubs on Nissi Avenue

What’s Nearby:

  • Boat tours to MUSAN, the underwater sculpture park, leave from the Ayai Napa harbor
  • Traditional Greek music and dance performances make for lively meze meals at the Old Village Tavern on Nissi Avenue

SheBuysTravel Tip: The underwater sculpture park is not to be missed. Bring a waterproof case for your phone or a disposable camera to snap pics.

At Herbal Boutique Hotel (Protaras)

Pool view from the massive balcony at At Herbal Hotel in Cyprus
Pool or breakfast buffet? It was hard to decide when I woke up and saw this view. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Seaside suite balconies are big enough to fit a huge round lounge bed at the At Herbal Boutique Hotel. Be sure to include a nap in your activity schedule at this wellness-focused boutique property in Protaras.

Tucked away on a residential street, the hotel is a quick walk from a wide walking trail that leads to a large beach at Fig Tree Bay.

King bedroom At Herbal Boutique Hotel in Protaras, Cyprus.
The gold room dividers lend a touch of retro glam to rooms at the At Herbal Boutique Hotel. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Highlights:

  • 120-room boutique hotel
  • Nightly rate includes breakfast (half board option available)
  • Outdoor pool; indoor pool, sauna and hammam
  • On-site spa with multi-day detox packages

Best for:

  • Wellness enthusiasts seeking an exotic island destination
  • Cultural tourists looking for a Famagusta-area base to explore eastern Cyprus

What’s Nearby:

  • Learn about the endemic flora and fauna at the Environmental Information and Education Centre
  • Catch the sunset in Cape Greco National Forest

SheBuysTravel Tip: Even if you don’t have time for a massage, you can get a spa experience by cycling through the sauna, hammam and indoor pool. And there’s a cold water bucket in the shower for a wake-up moment.

Radisson Beach Resort (Larnaca)

Minimal king bedroom at Radisson beach resort in Laranaca, Cyprus, with blue wing chair near balcony door.
Leave the curtains open to wake up with the sun at the Radisson. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf

Located 25 minutes from Larnaca International Airport, the Radisson Beach Resort is a great option if you’re flying in late or have an early morning departure. Built in 2022, the property has that new-hotel feel.

Two low-slung garden wings frame the large pool. I stayed in the resort’s high-rise building in a seafront balcony room that was sparsely decorated but comfortable. Customizable mini-bar packages are available if you enjoy snacking during your stay.

Note: There was no robe in my closet, but one was quickly delivered after I called housekeeping.

Highlights:

  • 202-room full-service resort with a small spa
  • Radisson Rewards members can earn/use points
  • Nightly rate includes breakfast (half board and full board options available)
  • Outdoor pool; indoor heated pool

Best for:

  • Sports groups seeking a stay and train holiday. Several adult running clubs were on-site at the Radisson during my visit. They loaded up on buffet carbs before dashing off to run along the Larnaca seaside trail.
  • Budget travelers booking hotel + flight packages. I met a couple from Liverpool who boasted about the great deal they got on an 8-day British Airways package that included round-trip flights and a stay at the Radisson.

What’s Nearby:

  • Prime location near the Larnaca International Airport
  • Explore the lively palm tree-lined Foinikoudes Promenade, by day and night

SheBuysTravel Tip: There’s a well-stocked mini supermarket, ATM and post box across the street. I got cash, souvenirs and mailed a postcard to my nephews in one quick stop.

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Cathy Bennett Kopf serves as the Daily Editor of SheBuysTravel, reporting to Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards. She began travel writing after serving as the unofficial (and unpaid) vacation coordinator for hundreds of family and friend trips. She launched her blog, The Open Suitcase, in 2012 and joined the SBT (formerly TravelingMom) team in 2016. A lifelong resident of New York, Cathy currently resides in the scenic Hudson River Valley. She’s a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, the International Travel Writers Alliance and TravMedia.
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