August 2014, April 2015.
We spent our vacation in Cyprus 2 years in a row.
I must say, the location of the complex is quite far from the beach. It takes about a half of hour of walk to reach the beach, but we planned to see the island and rented a car, so, the distance to the beach was not very important for us. The apartment was bigger than standard hotel room for the same price, there were 2 bedrooms and the children had their own room. The nearest beach was near Finikoudes Promenade or Palm alley. The sand on the beach was gray, just like the earth. Two sunbeds and umbrella costs 5-7 euros, but it is optional, the entrance to the beach was free. There was quite shallow log into the sea, good for children. For those who like to swim in the depths there was quite long distance before the buoys.
The second time we were in Protaras in the hotel “Odessa”. Standard room size was enough for three person, two children and one adult. We mention that it’s important to have separate beds for 3 person and extra bed was already in the room, when we arrived. In general hotel was nice, clean and comfortable. Every evening the animators organized karaoke or artists came to perform. We have meal 2 times a day in the hotel, breakfast and dinner. The hotel located near municipal beach with yellow sand and gently sloping entrance. The sea, at the end of April, was quite cold, 18 degrees C. The children prefer swimming pool instead.
Larnaca.
Strolling along Palm alley, you can go to Larnaca Ford or Larnaca Castle. It is a small historical museum, one hour is enough to look around. Sightseeing the fort, we almost missed the Museum of antiques, which is located in the inner rooms of the fort. So, enter all open doors during visiting. Tickets cost is 2.5 euros. Children are free of charge.
On the same alley, amusement park works for children in the evening.
Shortly before leaving Larnaca we discovered children playground with big cage for birds. That was called “mini-zoo”. It’s located next to the “American Academy”.
Limassol.
Waterpark “Fasouri Watermania”.
It’s a good water park for children of all ages. Probably, it makes no sence to describe the attractions. You can read on the official website. Everything were perfect for kids, adults were bothered a bit 🙂 . Our favorite attraction was called “Probowl” (I would call it a funnel). We loved the playground “Interactive Centre” a bit more than at other waterparks.
Zoo.
This is a small zoo, but sometimes you can see unusual animals there, for ex. Patagonian Mara, that I have not seen before. Two hours for a visit will be enough. The zoo is located in the municipal which is located close to the beach. So it is possible to combine at one visit a walk in the park and a beach holiday.
Nicosia.
We decided to spend one day exploring the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia.
In fact, we were able to see one museum, take a walk in the park, which is located next to the museum, and have a lunch.
Municipal garden is very beautiful. There are many of southern trees, giant cactuses, and many flowers. The monument of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was set there.
Cyprus Museum. The museum is quite big and interesting. We spent there for about two hours, but those who are really interested in the history of Cyprus may walk inside much longer.
Ayia Napa.
Themed park WaterWorld.
Attractions in AyiaNapa WaterWorld are very similar to the attractions in Limassol Fasouri Watermania. There is just a bit different design. And, how it seems to me, there are a little more slides for children up to 115 centimeters.
Luna Park Paliatso.
This is a small amusement park for children of all ages. The entrance to the park is free. The tokens can be bought at the cashier desk for rides. The best attraction that we liked was “Wild Mouse”.
Protaras.
Ocean Aquarium.
We took the bus 101 from Ayia-Napa to Paralimni to get the aquarium. In the aquarium there are a lot of fishes and marine animals. Also there is a garden, where, in addition to beautiful plants, you can see an aviary with crocodiles, penguins and cells with parrots.
