Cyprus with your family: practical guide

Going back in time by getting lost in the maze of alleys of Paphos. Capital of culture 2017, this village has more than one string to its bow. Its archaeological park, the Palace of Paphos (Kato Paphos) is an open-air museum. Between the elegant Doric pillars, the amazed visitors will get to check out on the extremely well-preserved mosaics, some of which date as far back as the 3rd century BC. The perfect place to revise its mythology with your family!

Brightening your day in the Kikos monastery. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Olympus, in the heart of lush nature, this architectural treasure is full of objects and icons enhanced by the brightness of the gold leaf. A mystical place, in the calmness of the Cypriot mountains, which is worthy of a day of the excursion. Good vibes guaranteed!

Storming the medieval castle of Limassol (Lemesos) wherein the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, is said to have lived. The collections retrace the island’s medieval past, with a great deal of cannon and armour, which will undoubtedly appeal to little amateurs. After the visit, the old port and its colourful market shall be open to you, enabling you to end the day smoothly.

Cross the famous « green line » and go to North Nicosia, where the delicious scents of the Orient float. Visitors are offered a completely different world: small streets lined with souks, the 16^th century Omeriye hammam, the flavour of baklava on the tip of your tongue and, to top it all off, the mosque with its proud minaret.

Taking a romantic getaway at Petra Tou Romiou, the beach where Aphrodite, goddess of love and patron saint of the island, was born. Its crystalline waters, strewn with rocks shaped by the waves, are delicious. One of them evokes to the Cypriots the feminine curves of the goddess. It is said that going around it three times on a full moon evening guarantees eternal love…

Feeling like you have entered a postcard in Ayia Napa. Sea caves and sumptuous cliffs flowing into a sea with green-blue reflections, constitute the main attraction of this former fishing village. The Lovers’ Bridge, a 6-meter-high natural arch, attracts romantic couples. One goes to Ayia Napa to enjoy its blue flag beaches, to stroll and be lulled by the festive atmosphere of this great Cypriot tourist attraction.

Letting yourself be startled by the quiet beauty of the Hala Sultan Tekké Mosque in Larnaca. Having a classic Ottoman style, it is covered with a dome that is worth looking at. Between cypresses and palm trees, this monument is also the holiest Muslim site in Cyprus. After strolling under its vaults and treading on its colourful carpets, head for its gardens. Being beautifully maintained, they reveal the shores of the nearby Salt Lake, where the elegant silhouette of pink flamingos stands out during winter.

Seeking a nice restaurant, with fresh and healthy products, as well as options for kids? At a stone’s throw from Limassol Castle, Ousia deploys its small terrace set between low stone walls. It is generous and flavoursome. Little Guest recommends you, the marinated chicken with local herbs and lemon, the roasted sun vegetables with tahin and the essential falafels (inclusively organic, please!) A specialty that must not be missed: halloumi, Cypriot goat cheese garnished with sesame seeds. A real treat! In addition, the restaurant reserves a flawless welcome to the gourmet families and attaches great importance to food intolerances and allergies. Itinerary

Does eating in an old Turkish caravanserai in northern Nicosia makes you dream? Set up in a typical architectural setting, the MekHan Cafe and Restaurant is simply a unique place. On the menu, the traditional mezze, cumin tzatzíki and tasty keftas with bulgur. A wide range of cocktails completes the gourmet offer. With the honey semolina cake, a melting and suave marvel, the sweet tooth will get to discover new flavours. During weekends, the old stones of the inner courtyard of this ancestral building resonate with the sound of the concerts that are organised there. A guaranteed thrilling ambiance, under the candle-light. Itinerary

The concept is simple: create a gustatory odyssey inspired by marine flavours. At Cape Aspro Restaurant, in the heart of the Columbia Beach Resort, Chef Ioannis Giakoumidis, boldly recreates the street food. The result? an inventive menu that offers high-end and unique culinary masterpieces. Eggplant ravioli with basil and pepper chutney crab cakes tend to get everyone’s approval. The little ones will enjoy the Pissouri salad which combines the freshness of cucumber and the characteristic taste of halloumi cheese. As a bonus, the open kitchen allows you to watch the Chef in action! Gourmets will be fascinated by the chef’s mastered gestures… For a dinner with the sea view that stretches as far as the eye can see, don’t forget to make your reservation. Itinerary

On the heights of Akamas, the access to Lara Beach is worth it. It is at the end of a long dirt road that crosses the scrubland, where this little gem of fine sand hides itself, away from the mass tourism. This place is admired for its calmness and its environment.

Harbor Beach is the longest beach in Ayia Napa, while also being the most family-friendly, thanks to its shallow waters. It presents possibilities of nautical activities and family excursions, has changing cabins, as well as showers. What then is stopping you from planning a day at sea?

Zapalo Beach, in the district of Limassol, presents an exceptional gradation of colours, ranging from the blue of the sea to the white of its limestone cliffs passing by the brown of the fine sand which adorns it. On the horizon, a few typical boats, give a picturesque tone to this sumptuous beach.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs classifies the whole island as « normal vigilance » while the Belgian Ministry recounts that « most of the visits to Cyprus are carried out without any particular difficulty »: there is therefore nothing to worry about. You just need to be well informed about the situation on site before setting off for it. However, due to the de facto partition and the illegal status of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC), the French Embassy cannot guarantee the enforcement of consular protection in the northern part of the island.

In addition, NEVER venture to cross the « buffer zone » outside the authorized crossing points. Armed sentries protect it and certain areas of the green line are minefields. In addition, it is imperative to respect the shooting bans in the vicinity of the protected Turkish military zones, which can be recognised by signs bearing the words « prohibited area », failure of which could lead to arrest.

More information on the official website of your country, as the one of the UK Government, for instance.

You can cross the « green line » at 9 specific points, some by car, others only on foot or by bicycle. There are two in the west (Limnitis / Yesilirmak; Astromeritis / Zodeia); three in Nicosia (Ayios Dometios / Metehan; Ledra Palace and Ledra / Lokmaci), the last two being reserved for pedestrians and cyclists; one in the northwest in the district of Nicosia (Apliki-Lefka) and three in the east (Pergamos / Pyla, Ayios Nicolaos / Strovilia and Derynia).

Please note: if you will be renting a rental car in Cyprus and travelling north, consider purchasing additional insurance on-site at the rental agency.

If you are travelling alone with your minor child, make sure you have the authorization to leave the territory, from the other parent. For more information.

Once again, it is very possible to lodge for a few days in the northern part of the island. Just keep in mind that the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus consider that staying in a hotel which belonged to Greek Cypriot owners before the Turkish intervention of 1974, or which is built on land whose ownership is disputed, can expose you to legal proceedings. Find out more before setting off for your choice hotel!