Cyprus is a beautiful Mediterranean island that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The island has plenty of activities and attractions that cater to all ages, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday.

What to Do in Cyprus with Children

In no particular order, these are some of my favorite things to do in Cyprus with kids!

Beach Activities to Enjoy with the Kids in Cyprus

Cyprus is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, offering various activities for families with kids. Here are some of the best beach activities to enjoy with your little ones in Cyprus:

Swimming and Snorkeling

The crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Kids can explore the underwater world and discover colorful fish and marine life.

Some of the best beaches to visit with kids in Cyprus are Nissi Beach, Governor’s Beach, Coral Bay, Fig Tree Bay, and McKenzie Beach.

If you’re looking for organized snorkeling activities, all the family can take part in this Guided Agia Napa Sea Caves Snorkeling Day Trip, while this other activity departing from Paphos, offers you and your kids to discover the best of Akamas and the Blue Lagoon with a very affordable fee.

Sandcastle Building

Building sandcastles is a classic beach activity that never gets old… and all the family can take part in it!

Kids can let their imagination run wild and create their own sandcastle masterpieces. 

Water Sports

Older kids can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. These activities are sure to provide an adrenaline rush and create lasting memories.

Older kids can also try and learn the basics of scuba diving with an introductory diving lesson like this one.

Beach Games

Beach games like frisbee, beach volleyball, and football are a great way to keep kids active and entertained for hours.

This way, and especially when playing team sports, kids can also make new friends and it’ll be easier to socialize with other families on the beach.

Picnics

Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Kids can play in the sand and surf while parents can soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Cultural Activities to Do in Cyprus with Kids

Cyprus is known for offering rich cultural experiences that are a combination of the East and the West.

So, it is a fantastic destination for families who seek unique cultural activities. Let’s see some of the best cultural activities you can enjoy with kids:

Visit the Cyprus Museum

The Cyprus Museum (or Cyprus Archaeological Museum) is the oldest and largest archaeological museum in Cyprus. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine era.

Kids can learn about the island’s rich history and culture through interactive exhibits and guided tours.

Explore the Old Town of Nicosia

The Old Town of Nicosia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great place to explore with kids.

You can walk through the narrow streets and alleys, visit the historic churches and mosques, and learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Visit a Local village

Cyprus has many picturesque villages that offer a glimpse into traditional Cypriot life.

Some beautiful folk villages to visit are Lefkara, famous for its lace-making and silverwork, and Omodos, known for its wine-making and historic monastery. Kids can interact with locals, learn about their way of life, and try traditional Cypriot cuisine. 

Learn about the Green Line

The Green Line is the UN buffer zone separating Cyprus’ Greek and Turkish sides. You can take a guided tour of the area and learn about the island’s complex political history.

Kids can gain a better understanding of the island’s divided past and present. 

Historical Places to Visit in Cyprus with the Family

Cyprus is a country rich in history and culture, with numerous ancient sites and monuments to explore. Here are some of the top historical places to visit in Cyprus with kids:

Kolossi Castle

Located near Limassol, Kolossi Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century.

This is a fascinating place for children, who can explore the castle’s towers and walls and learn about its history and significance during the Crusades’ wars. 

Kourion Archaeological Site

Kourion is a World Heritage Archaeological Site featuring an ancient Roman city located near Limassol.

Over here, the kids can see the remains of the city’s amphitheater, public baths, and houses with beautiful mosaic floors and learn about life in ancient Cyprus. 

Tombs of the Kings

The Tombs of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Paphos Archaeological Park. It is a necropolis featuring beautiful frescos and lavish, ornate crypts.

Kids especially love to explore the underground tombs on the site and marvel at the intricate carvings and decorations. 

St. Hilarion Castle

St Hilarion Castle is a medieval fortress located near the Kyrenia Mountains. During the visit, let the kids climb the castle’s towers and walls and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Ancient Salamis

Ancient Salamis is an ancient Hellenistic city near the present Famagusta. Kids can see the remains of the ancient city’s theater, gymnasium, and public baths and learn more about the area’s history and culture. 

Bellapais Abbey

Bellapais Abbey is a 13th-century monastery located near Kyrenia. The place is quite interesting for the whole family. You can explore the abbey’s cloisters and gardens and learn about the monastery’s and Cyprus’ medieval history. 

Adventurous Family Activities in Cyprus

Cyprus offers a variety of fun and entertaining activities. Let’s see some of the top places to visit for some adrenaline-infused activities with kids:

WaterWorld Themed Waterpark

Located in Ayia Napa, WaterWorld is a popular water park with over 25 rides and attractions. Kids can enjoy the wave pool, lazy river, and many exciting water slides, including the famous Drop to Atlantis.

What kids particularly enjoy in this water park are the large slides, pools, and kids’ areas all with an Ancient Greece theme.

You can purchase entrance tickets, family passes, and VIP Cabanas and find out more about tickets for large groups and the opening hours on the official website.

Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark

Another popular water park in Cyprus is the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark featuring a range of water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Kids can also enjoy the mini-golf course and the playground.

The park offers a two-day pass which allows you and your family to save money and double the fun. Prices for admittance tickets and opening hours are published here and online booking is suggested.

Limassol Zoo

The Limassol Zoo is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and birds. Kids can learn about the different species and their habitats while enjoying a fun day out.

The zoo is one of the biggest in Europe and hosts beautiful and interesting animals, equally attractive to the public. Pioneering signs are in place for all species and offer interesting information about each animal. Caregivers take care of educational animal feedings daily, thus providing more information to visitors in relation. 

There’s a modern playground and a children’s corner with goats and sheep. In summer, the zoo opens from 9 am to 7 pm. You can find more details online.

Camel Park

The Camel Park in Mazotos is a unique attraction where kids can ride camels, feed them, and learn about their behavior and history.

The park is a home for more than 100 animals, including horses, ostriches, goats, deers, ponies, wallabies, lamas, alpacas, lemurs, turtles, fish, birds, and 60 camels, each with its own name and character.

Their most popular activity is the camel ride, yet can also ride horses and donkeys. There’s also a swimming pool and access is included in the entrance tickets.

The park is only 15 minutes from Larnaca Airport, and centrally located on the island, close to Larnaca, Limassol, and Nicosia. It is the only camel park in Cyprus and the biggest camel park in Europe too.

Troodos Mountains

The Troodos Mountains offer a beautiful natural setting for families to explore. You can take a scenic drive or hike through one of the mountain’s famous nature paths, like Kalidonia Trail and Katarraktis Millomeris Trail.

Check out all the activities that you can do in the Troodos Mountains with kids, including jeep safaris, trekking, and even a picnic! The following are the experiences I recommend:

• Troodos Classic Jeep Safari: Off-road adventure with traditional villages, breathtaking mountain peaks, and cascading waterfalls.
  Click here to book this tour.

• Mountain Towns and Cheesemaking Day Trip: Make traditional halloumi and anari cheeses with a Cypriot family on this full-day trip into the mountain villages of Cyprus.
  Click here to book this tour.

• Caledonia Waterfalls Walking Tour with Lunch: A 3-km hike along the stream through Troodos Mountains to the Caledonia Falls with lunch at a local restaurant where trout is the specialty.
  Click here to book this tour.

Cyprus Food and Drinks for the Whole Family

Cypriot cuisine is famous for offering delicious and unique food that is influenced by Greek, Turkish and other Mediterranean cuisines.

Although there are many dishes to recommend, let’s see the top food and drink experience perfect for a family outing.

Meze

Meze is a traditional meal consisting of a variety of small dishes, including dips, salads, grilled meats, and seafood. Kids can try a little bit of everything and discover new flavors and textures.

Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi cheese is a popular Cypriot cheese made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk. Kids can try it grilled or fried and enjoy its salty and chewy texture. 

Loukoumades

Loukoumades are small, fluffy doughnuts that are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. There’s no kid who doesnt’ love this sweet and indulgent treat.

Traditional Bakeries

Cyprus has many traditional bakeries that offer numerous sweet and savory pastries, including tiropita, a cheese pie, spanakopita, a spinach pie, and tahinopita, a tahini pie. 

Fruit and Vegetable Markets

Cyprus has many colorful and vibrant fruit and vegetable markets where kids can discover new fruits and vegetables and learn about their health benefits.

Commandaria Wine

Commandaria Wine is a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes… and, trust me, it’s delicious.

Although it is an alcoholic drink, kids can try a teeny-tiny sip and learn about the wine’s long history and production. After all, this is the oldest labeled wine in the world!

Best Areas to Stay in Cyprus for a Family Holiday

Cyprus is indeed a fantastic destination for a family holiday with many fun and educational activities. So, let’s see some of the best areas to stay in Cyprus with kids:

Things to Know about Cyprus

Where is Cyprus and How to Get There

Cyprus is located in the southeast portion of the Mediterranean Sea, and southwest Asia. The country stands facing the south of Turkey and the Middle East.

It is just a few hours away from many European cities while several low-coast companies have year-round flights to Larnaca and Paphos, two of the most important towns on the island.

While Larnaca International mostly receives commercial flights from the rest of Europe and is active all year round, Paphos International mostly caters to charter flights during the high season (although some commercial flights arrive in Paphos also in winter).

Moving Around in Cyprus

If you’re bold enough to drive on the left (or you already do it in your country), then get ready for a stunning adventure! Driving in Cyprus is certainly a stunning experience that will take you to discover the best of the island.

We did it and enjoyed several towns at our own pace as well as amazing landscapes that we were really not expecting.

When moving around in the city, remember that bike rental is an affordable and healthy way to move around.

To reach more distant places and in case driving is not what you want, then the local bus network, as well as taxis, are all good alternatives.

There are no trains or metros on the island, so these are about all the options available to move around. Of course, to visit specific sites and attractions, joining tours and excursions is also a good idea if you want to avoid renting a car.

Read more about Cyprus

• Best Hotels in Larnaca for a Memorable Stay in Cyprus!
• Best Beaches in Cyprus: All The Shores You Don’t Want to Miss
• Where to Stay in Cyprus: The Best 5-Star Hotels in Paphos
• One Week in Cyprus: Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary
• Prices in Cyprus: How Much Will it Cost to Go on Holidays in Cyprus?

Pin this Guide to the Best Things to Do in Cyprus with Kids for Your Upcoming Adventures!

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