Cyprus with your family: practical guide

• State: Republic of Cyprus in the south, Turkish Republic of Cyprus in the north. The latter is not internationally recognized. It is neither part of the Republic of Cyprus nor of the European Union.
• Capital: Nicosia (Lefkosia).
• Political system: Parliamentary Republic in the south (Republic of Cyprus)
• Languages: Greek, Turkish.
• Currency: Euro

If you’re looking for a family holiday destination in Europe that offers sunshine, beautiful beaches, fascinating history and rich culture, look no further than Cyprus. This Mediterranean island is a true gem of the Eastern Mediterranean and a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. With activities for all ages, historic sites and charming traditional villages, Cyprus is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with your family. In this article, we’ll explore the best things to do with the family in Cyprus for a memorable holiday. Whether you decide to stay at a lodge, a holiday club or an all-inclusive resort, the possibilities for total discovery are endless!

Found on the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is the gem of the Levantine Basin. Located off the coast of Lebanon and Turkey, it is today the easternmost part of Europe. With white villages clinging to the mountains, medieval castles that are home to many legends, green cypress forests, intimist coves and sea caves, fields of olive trees dotted with poppies … Cyprus showcases landscapes shaped by the Mediterranean Sea, mapped out by the sun and by the Hellenic, Roman, Persian and Turkish civilizations, who successively made it their residence. An amazing blend which gives it a completely unique colour.

Being coveted since the dawn of time, this Island of Love has had a turbulent contemporary history. Since 1974, Cyprus is composed of two separate entities: the north of the island is occupied by the Turkish authorities while the south constitutes the Republic of Cyprus. In the centre, Nicosia, the two-faced capital, marks the border between these two opposite parts. Cut in half by the « green line », this city is called the Berlin of the Mediterranean.

At the heart of the island, Mount Olympus unveils its 2000-meter altitude and serves as a highlight. Its slopes, on which you can ski during winter, are covered with pine forests and cedar groves during summer. It’s a hiking spot that necessitates that you include your hiking shoes in your luggage.

Open to the sea, Cyprus is also a paradise for beach lovers. It boasts 648 km of creeks, golden cliffs and magnificent beaches bordered by unspoilt vegetation. Pebble or fine sand beaches, there is something for everyone!

Mezze is the emblem of Cypriot cuisine, tasty, convivial and colourful. Hummus, tzatzíki and stuffed vine leaves accompany these flock of small dishes. Seafood, as you might have expected, also has a special place in the hearts and taste buds of Cypriots. The octopus in red wine or the grilled swordfish represent the flagship of the gastronomic culture. The sweet flavours are not to be outdone. Often inspired by the nearby Orient, baklavas, Turkish delights and shoushoukos will please sweet little mouths. The shoushoukos, being made up of almonds wrapped in a caramel made from grape juice and rose water… offer an alliance of flavours as atypical as they are delicious.

With its 340 days of sunshine per year and its 648km of coastline, Cyprus is the queen of swimming destinations. Scoop: the sea is so good here that you can get soaked in it until November! Here is our selection of favourite beaches.

We told you earlier that the island of Aphrodite is divided in 2 parts. Part of the island is occupied by the Turkish army north of the demarcation line, known as the « Green Line ». The part is still under the surveillance of a UN buffer force but has been partially open and can be crossed since 2003. Note that only the Republic of Cyprus, which controls the southern part, is recognized by the international community and is part of the ‘European Union. As a national of the European Union member-state, this does not prevent you from accessing the northern part, upon presentation of a valid identity document. It is also possible to walk around there, or to even spend a few days there. Simply put, you must be well informed and take some precautions beforehand. Little Guest will assist you on this aspect.