Cyprus is a paradise for families with children: endless sandy beaches, a variety of entertainment, a unique climate, friendly attitude of the local population, a high level of safety, a variety of fresh fruits at almost any time of the year.
Cypriots adore children; they are allowed literally everything on the island. In any cafe, a child will be patted on the head and will almost always be offered some kind of additional bonus (free tea or juice, fruit or sweets).
Holidays with children in Cyprus
Almost all 4-5 star hotels offer a varied entertainment program for children: daily cooking, drawing, dancing classes, evening children's discos, and a special children's menu. A particularly interesting entertainment program is offered to children in hotels and Le Meridien 5* (Limassol) and Elisium 5 * (Pathos). The cost of the animated children's program is included in the hotel price.
If you are worried about the nutrition of your children, then in Cyprus there is nothing to worry about: in almost any restaurant in the tourist area you will be offered several options for the usual salads (Olivier salad, vinaigrette and others - about 3-5 euros per child’s portion) and soups (chicken broth, borscht , solyanka, mushroom soup - 5 euros per child's portion).
Supermarkets and small kiosks offer a large selection of baby food products, and in Russian grocery stores you can buy all types of breakfast cereals, usual cereals and sweets.
The most popular entertainment for children in Cyprus are visits to water parks and zoos, amusement parks and various excursions. And, of course, daily water treatments in the pool or at sea.
Holidays with children in Paphos
Among the most interesting places to visit with children are the water park and the zoo. Pafoz Zoo is the largest zoo in Cyprus, of course, it is much smaller than its capital Russian and European counterparts, but Cyprus itself is not the largest island.
No less interesting will be a trip to the Aphrodite Waterpark. The best entertainment for children in Cyprus is located here: many attractions, cafes and small restaurants. All attractions are under constant supervision of lifeguards, so visiting the water park will be safe.
The water park in Paphos is open daily from May to October. The ticket costs about 30 euros for adults and about 16 euros for children under 11 years old. There are attractions here not only for adults and older children, but also for very young guests, for whom there is a special children's section with a mini-volcano, water umbrellas and shallow pools with warm water. By the way, children under 3 years old come to the water park for free.
Holidays with children in Limassol
Limassol, like other cities of Cyprus, has significant opportunities for organizing children's recreation. The zoo here is smaller, but it is also worth a visit. On summer days, you can stroll here among the shady alleys and admire the local fauna. There are also spacious enclosures for a variety of birds, small playful monkeys, and you can also see hippos and crocodiles and other interesting animals.
A visit to the Fasouri Waterworld water park will bring joy to both children and adults. Here you can ride down high slides, bungee jump, stand in the rain from a waterfall, leisurely ride along a quiet river on huge cheesecakes, enjoy “ sea waves", which are launched every hour in the pool and gather many fans of this type of entertainment.
The water park opens its doors in May and closes at the end of October for the winter season. During the summer months, the water park can be visited daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The ticket price for an adult is 28 euros, for a child under 11 years old – 16 euros. You can get to the water park from Limassol by shuttle bus (cost 3 euros one way) or by taxi (cost from the tourist area of Limassol - about 20 euros).
The Galactika amusement park is interesting. This is the largest indoor play center for children in Limassol. There are slot machines, a labyrinth, bowling alley, and cafe here. There are also outdoor attractions, but they are quite few.
Holidays with children in Ayia Napa and Protaras
These resorts are best suited for families with children. Sandy beaches with shallow waters, plenty of water activities for children, excellent entertainment programs in hotels. That is why many families with children come here every year.
Both resorts (5 km from Protaras to Ayia Napa) offer children a rich entertainment program.
Similar programs are organized in Limassol and Paphos. If you are unable to transport your child to school, you will be offered a transfer from the hotel and back (the cost of the transfer is paid additionally). The cost of such training is about 150 euros per week + insurance of 20 euros and the cost of textbooks (about 100 euros). Programs for teaching children English in Cyprus last from 1 to 3 weeks.
Summer camps for children in Cyprus
An interesting option for children's recreation are summer camps in Cyprus. In the summer, schools offer entertaining short-term sports camp programs (morning hours until 13:00).
At this time, children compete in sports games, visit the beach, go on various excursions, go to bowling alleys or amusement parks, go to zoos, and engage in various crafts. The cost of staying in a sports and entertainment camp is 100-120 euros per week + transfer from the hotel.
A number of operators in Limassol and Paphos also offer long-term programs under the supervision of experienced teachers and carers. In this case, children live in a hotel or apartment, and their entertainment program is organized under the watchful supervision of group leaders and program curators.
The cost of such a vacation is 500-600 euros per week, depending on the type of accommodation and the proposed stay program.
Cyprus and children are...
Concluding our review on, I must say that the island is traditionally one of the most popular places for summer holidays.
As noted above, Cyprus has the cleanest beaches, a very high level of safety is provided for tourists, and the excellent climate helps improve immunity in both children and adults. Therefore, if you are still choosing a place for a summer holiday, be sure to add Cyprus to your list of the most preferred options for holidays with children.
Cyprus is a heavenly place to relax with children: a short flight, Russian is spoken everywhere, hotels have everything that children need, from strollers to chairs in cafes, Russian-speaking pediatricians and pharmacists, mandatory child seats on a rented car.
First of all, there is an abundance of sandy beaches, water and land activities, healing air for asthmatic children in Troodos, and affectionate Cypriots who adore children. And also - exciting and tireless family excursions.
On holiday in Limassol
We are often asked where is the best place for children in Cyprus.
We can recommend the resort of Limassol, which is really convenient for families with children. It is here that there are children's camps (both day and overnight), which suits parents and teenagers quite well. The children have a lot of fun during the day and return to their parents in the evening. Adults relax, and children “have a blast” among their peers.
The city has an excellent Luna amusement park. In the spring - in May - a colorful and cheerful flower festival is held, and in the winter everyone is invited to the fabulous Christmas village.
Limassol has wonderful sandy beaches. Some on the forums write that the sand is somehow gray, not realizing that it is pure, and the grayish tint is due to the admixture of sterile ash from ancient volcanoes.
Zoo in Limassol a little smaller than in Paphos, but on hot days it’s wonderful to walk along the cool shady paths, admiring exotic birds, playful monkeys, being scared by fat hippos and toothy crocodiles. It's easy to come here on your own.
Amusement park Galactica Entertainment Limassol- the largest indoor play complex. Here, families play bowling, race cars on slot machines, wander through the maze, and relax, eating sweets and fruits, in cafes.
Ice under the sun of Cyprus
Where to go if you suddenly feel homesick for winter in the heat? It’s worth going to the coldest place in Cyprus and melting the ice there. In the My Mall Limassol there is a real ice skating rink, Onice, where you can enjoy the coolness and winter games next to the hot sand of the coast. Skates will suit even the smallest ones. There are convenient places in tiers all around where parents can watch their children cutting through the ice on the hot island of Cyprus in the midday heat.
The city is located between two air harbors, and travel to any place - a hotel or an excursion attraction - will take no longer than 45 minutes.
Ayia Napa and Protaras
At these resorts you will find a golden sandy coast with shallow waters where you can play around with your child to your heart's content. For teenagers - a lot of entertainment and games on the water, excellent programs for walks on the sea for children of any age, wonderful water park. Therefore, many families come here with their children.
Protaras Aquarium
The huge area of the Protaras Oceanarium houses an aquarium with turtles, clownfish, a bunch of different fish and scary catfish, and a wonderful bird garden where monkeys live next to the birds, a crocodile terrarium and even a pavilion with penguins.
Colored fountains
Where to go in the evening in Cyprus if you have a child with you is not a question. The show of colored fountains in Protaras begins just after sunset. During the magical performance, guests are either enchanted by beautiful music or frightened by waterfalls made of fire or violent volcanic eruptions. Children, as a rule, simply go numb from such impressions against the backdrop of the southern velvet night sky.
Dolphins in Ayia Napa
Having played enough in the Ayia Napa water park, for complete happiness you need to visit the dolphinarium with your child and enjoy the performance of affectionate and playful dolphins in a fun one and a half hour show.
Over the seas, over the waves
If children like adventure, you can take a trip on a pirate ship, leaving in the morning from the beach of Protaras. A walk along the coast takes about 3 hours, during which time you can enjoy the beautiful views, swim in charming sea coves, have a snack and quench your thirst right on a pirate ship. The programs are very extensive and varied.
Paphos and Larnaca
The great advantage of Cyprus is its many wonderful beaches, ancient fortresses and monuments.
There is no need to worry about food if you are with a child - everywhere in the cafe there is food familiar to children (salads, vinaigrettes, mushroom and chicken soups, borscht).
Paphos Zoo - Pafos Zoo
A large and beautiful animal park is a green home for a variety of animals, exotic birds and poisonous reptiles from all over the world. Children and adults enthusiastically enjoy the show of parrots and fabulous owls, which amaze with their intelligence, cunning and funny tricks. On the territory there are quiet lakes, small rivers and waterfalls, cozy paths winding between the dwellings of predators and reptiles in an atmosphere of chirping, growling, gurgling and riotous colors. There is so much to see and marvel at here.
If children adore tigers and lions, lemurs and peacocks, this is a place of attraction that should not be bypassed. In addition to them, here you can see crocodiles, kangaroos, huge turtles, kind elephants and long-necked giraffes, which you can feed with rolls and apples. The bats are awe-inspiring, very large and black as night. Fluffy rabbits live in cozy small enclosures, with which children willingly play.
A bus runs from hotels in Cyprus to the zoo, picking up everyone at special stops (the fare is included in the ticket). How much it costs to visit Pafos Zoo in 2016 can be found on their official website pafoszoo.com.
If children are very active, it is worth going to Lucky Star amusement park(Larnaca, Aradippou area) and have a great time with the whole family. This is one of the largest parks in Cyprus and here you can choose an attraction for every taste for any age - rides, cars, carousels, games, go-kart racing, cafes.
In Paphos there is a Kid’s Kingdom play center for children from two years old.
Where do camels live in Cyprus?
As a family entertainment in Cyprus, you can consider Camel park near Mazotos in Larnaca. It is here that it is very cool to “race” on a camel.
The youngest guests are given a pony ride. A fun activity for everyone is feeding the animals, for which special food is sold right in the park.
You can see deer, ostriches, goats and donkeys and climb on a large children's playground equipped with slides, swings and carousels, trampolines and an entire autodrome. In the summer, a swimming pool opens, cooling you in the heat, and you can always have a snack under the spreading trees in the shade.
All excursions in Cyprus are accessible and convenient, no matter where you are staying. In general, it is easy to get to many beautiful places here by car, and not just by excursion bus.
Galloping on donkeys
These wonderful nature excursions are conducted from Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos. The path to the Animal Park (fun farm) in the village of Achna stretches through the picturesque “red” villages of the coast. Children of any age will be happy to feed cheerful donkeys, good-natured horses, kids and sheep, tinker with rabbits and squirrels, run after important peacocks and fat geese. They will see the fearsome bulls of Cyprus, snakes and turtles and many birds. Taking pictures with snakes is completely safe, but it is “terribly” interesting for a child.
How to get to the ancient Church of St. George, the traveler will ask. Very easy - on donkeys. After all, donkeys are the most reliable and cutest form of transport, which children really like. They “ride” on horseback through orchards and meadows, olive and citrus groves. And after the walk, everyone will be fed a delicious dinner - barbecue, freshly baked bread with fruit. Parents will be given strong Zivania or sweet Shushuko wine to drink, and children will be given juices to the accompaniment of live music and ancient Greek dances. This unique adventure is simply not to be missed. At the end of the Greek Celebration of Life, each child receives a "Donkey Driver" certificate.
Another Donkey Farm, Golden Donkeys, where a thousand-year-old olive tree with a diameter of 8 meters grows, is located in Cyprus in the village of Skarinou between Limassol and Larnaca. A luxurious garden with magical aromas of myrtle, pomegranate, lemon trees, peaches and cherries, figs and medlar, lilac lavender and royal levant has grown around the farm. Children here are interested in horseback riding, delicious food and communication with animals, while adults enjoy miraculous creams based on donkey milk.
Cyprus water parks
Don’t know where to relax actively and interestingly?
The Waterworld water park is located near Ayia Napa, and Fasouri Watermania is located near Limassol. A trip here will delight the whole family. There are wide swimming pools on the territory, where waves of different shapes and heights are created, from which children run away squealing or, conversely, jump on them.
The park in Ayia Napa is dedicated to the myths of Ancient Greece, and every fountain, cave, and statue seems to have come here from two thousand years ago.
At Fasouri Watermania you should definitely go down the water slides and bungee jump, although this pleasure is more suitable for teenagers, and for little ones (under 3 years old - free) there is a shallow pool with water umbrellas and a volcano. Everyone will enjoy an exciting journey along a quiet river on thick inflatable cheesecakes, climbing steep bridges, mysterious grottoes and caves, splashing under fast waterfalls.
The joys of Northern Cyprus
Living Dinosaur Park (Nicosia)
Just recently, Jurassic Park opened in Nicosia. Dinosaurs really all grow and move like real ones. For the kids there is a lot of excitement and squealing. Many children's entertainment in the park also involves roaring, scary "Saurus". Everyone is interested in traveling into the past of the Earth and going 100 million years ago.
Children's entertainment center Kido Farm (Nicosia)
A wonderful place with a bunch of slides, attractions, electric cars, carousels and lots of all sorts of “interesting things”. A bar-restaurant has been set up for parents so that they can relax calmly while keeping an eye on their frolicking offspring.
Beaches of Northern Cyprus
Most of the beaches in Northern Cyprus are sandy, with opportunities for boating, canoeing, scooter racing, skiing and wave jumping on the familiar banana boats. Here, on the northern coast, parents can go windsurfing and diving. And for little ones there are many beaches with warm shallow waters and various playgrounds - Camelot, Acapulco, Deniz-Kisi, Escape Beach.
Alagadi private turtle beach (Kyrenia)
Everyone loves this free turtle beach. In summer, sea turtles rush here to lay their eggs. During such an important period, special signs are installed on the beach. This is a protected place, because it was this place that green turtles with large heads chose for family happiness. It is interesting here, but there are no cafes or sun loungers so as not to disturb the reptiles. Therefore, it is very hot in the sun, and it is better to bring small children in the evening.
But during the magical time from June to August, you can run after tiny turtles hatching from eggs. Volunteers make sure that they are not “eaten” by active tourists, helping the nimble newborns safely get to the sea water.
Paintball and safari
Not only the older and younger men in the family will appreciate this exciting military sports game. Northern Cyprus's first paintball center is in the village of Lapta (in the west of Kyrenia), and for teenagers of any gender it is a great place to burn off excess energy. At the exit from the village there is an ATV Safari center. You can book individual tours, one-day or half-day excursions with younger teenagers, who will be taught everything. This is active entertainment for the whole family, bright and dynamic.
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On Monday, the Cyprus State Fisheries Committee confirmed the presence of five species of marine mammals off the coast of the island: one species of whale and four species of dolphin. This is evidenced by data from a study that was completed in May of this year.
The dolphin observations were carried out in three phases (August 2016, October 2016 and May 2017) using special equipment to acoustically and visually track the animals over a distance of 50 miles west and south of Cyprus.
The purpose of the study was to collect information about the geographical distribution, habits of dolphins and critical zones in which presence may pose a threat.
The project also included visual monitoring and recording of mid-frequency sounds in specific areas, as well as the use of high-frequency sounds to detect whale species beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris).
So far, the presence of this species in the waters around Cyprus has not been confirmed, since acoustic data have not yet been analyzed. The Fisheries Department expects this to be done by the end of August, at which time the data will be published.
At the moment, some results of visual observations have become known.
The presence of five cetacean species was visually confirmed. The largest of them is the sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus). Adult males of this whale species reach an average length of 16 meters. They are found all over the world, but their presence in Cyprus has only now been officially confirmed, although some people have noticed their sea before.
The first dolphin species noted in the study is - Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), named after the characteristic blue and white stripes on the flanks.
Also spotted off the coast of Cyprus Gray dolphin (Grampus griseus), which is also called Risso's dolphin in honor of Antoine Risso, who described this species of mammal in detail.
Both species of dolphins described above usually live in deep waters away from the coast, however, according to recent research, striped dolphins sometimes approach the shore.
The most common species of dolphin in Cyprus is Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates). It is found both in coastal waters in small groups and in deep waters in large schools. This species has been monitored for the longest time. Over the years, groups of 5-10 individuals have been found in coastal waters.
Another type is - Common-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), which received its name because of the peculiar appearance of teeth with a rough surface. This species of dolphin was first spotted near Lady’s Mile beach in Limassol.
The research project involved 10 people, consisting of staff from the fisheries departments of the government, the UK and Greece. This is the first time that a government department of Cyprus is participating in such a project.
The project was financed 75% by the European Marine and Fisheries Foundation, and 25% by national funds.
At any seaside resort you will always be offered several options for water excursions. I must say that this is a great opportunity not only to fully breathe in the healing air, but also to enjoy the beauty of the coast from the water, visit places that are difficult to reach on foot, and sometimes swim in the open sea.
Boat trips are also practiced quite widely. A fairly large selection of trips is offered by the Dolphin Boat safari company. They have great travel options for families with children. And if not everyone decides to go to sea with very young children, then for school-age children such trips are very interesting and educational.
Daytime boat trips are good because they are carried out on fast motor boats and boats of various capacities. The routes chosen are the most interesting and popular on the coast.
You can sail to the island with the breeze, seeing dolphins and large sea turtles along the way - a lot of impressions are guaranteed for the child. Along the way, you will explore rocky caves and grottoes, and look into those corners that cannot be reached from the shore.
It’s a special pleasure to sail on a boat with a transparent bottom. Children will peer into the depths with delight, trying to find turtles and sea fish there. Why, children - adults are also keen on this activity.
During the walk, guests are offered soft and alcoholic drinks, fruits; the boat is equipped with life jackets for those who cannot swim; everyone is given masks and snorkels for diving. There will be enough time not only to view the landscapes, but also to swim in the open sea and explore the underwater world.
The excursion is optimal for teenagers, because everything that happens will be new and educational for them. But three hours in the heat is not a small thing, so stock up on sunscreen and hats in advance. The excursion is accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide, so you will also learn a lot of interesting and educational information.
The company offers the following types of excursions:
- Dolphin Boat Safari- an optimal walk for children from 10.00 to 13.00, which runs along the east coast towards the ghost town of Famagusta. The vessel's capacity is up to 35 people. Along the way, you visit many interesting places; the trip plan includes time for swimming and diving; if you’re lucky, you can see turtles and dolphins.
- Turtle Safari- also an excellent choice for a family trip. The journey takes place on a glass-bottom boat that can accommodate up to 25 people. The chances of seeing marine life during such a trip increase. The trip lasts from 11.00 to 13.30.
- Sunset Trip- watching the sunset on the open sea. There are also discounts for children, but mostly young people or romantic couples choose the excursion. Therefore, there will be nothing special for children to do there. In addition, champagne is included in the price of the excursion.
- Deep Sea Fishing and Sport Fishing- two types of fishing. The first is at depth, the second is closer to the shore. Gear is provided. You can go with your child if you really want to. But the price for a baby is lower only if he does not fish. Otherwise, pay as for an adult.
- Private trips They take any route you want and are designed for groups of up to 10 people. In this case, prices are valid hourly.
Dolphins in Cyprus
On Monday, the Cyprus State Fisheries Committee confirmed the presence of five species of marine mammals off the coast of the island: one species of whale and four species of dolphin. This is evidenced by data from a study that was completed in May of this year.
The dolphin observations were carried out in three phases (August 2016, October 2016 and May 2017) using special equipment to acoustically and visually track the animals over a distance of 50 miles west and south of Cyprus.
The purpose of the study was to collect information about the geographical distribution, habits of dolphins and critical zones in which presence may pose a threat.
The project also included visual monitoring and recording of medium-frequency sounds in certain areas, as well as the use of high-frequency sounds to detect the beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris).
So far, the presence of this species in the waters around Cyprus has not been confirmed, since acoustic data have not yet been analyzed. The Fisheries Department expects this to be done by the end of August, at which time the data will be published.
At the moment, some results of visual observations have become known.
The presence of five cetacean species was visually confirmed. The largest of them is the sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus). Adult males of this whale species reach an average length of 16 meters. They are found all over the world, but their presence in Cyprus has only now been officially confirmed, although some people have noticed their sea before.
The first dolphin species noted in the study was the Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), named for the distinctive blue and white stripes on its flanks.
Also spotted off the coast of Cyprus was the Gray Dolphin (Grampus Griseus), which is also called Risso's dolphin in honor of Antoine Risso, who described this species of mammal in detail.
Both species of dolphins described above usually live in deep waters away from the coast, however, according to recent research, striped dolphins sometimes approach the shore.
The most common species of dolphin in Cyprus is the Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncates). It is found both in coastal waters in small groups and in deep waters in large schools. This species has been observed for the longest time. Over the years, groups of 5-10 individuals have been found in coastal waters.
Another species is the Large-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), which received its name because of the peculiar appearance of its teeth, which have a rough surface. This species of dolphin was first spotted near Lady’s Mile beach in Limassol.
The research project involved 10 people, consisting of staff from the fisheries departments of the government, the UK and Greece. This is the first time that a government department of Cyprus is participating in such a project.
The project was financed 75% by the European Marine and Fisheries Foundation, and 25% by national funds.