Cyprus is perfect for families, with cuisine that is guaranteed to offer something for the fussiest of eaters, stunning sandy beaches, fascinating sights and fun-filled attractions
There are plenty of baby and toddler friendly restaurants and hotels on the island along with activities such as zoos, aquariums and water parks.
You will also be able to find all of your baby and toddler essentials on the island. Some of the resorts in Cyprus are popular with those seeking late nights and parties so do your research and try to find a hotel in a quieter area to avoid being kept awake.
When to Go
The best time to visit Cyprus with a baby or toddler is during springtime and autumn. During the summer, there may be overcrowding and inflated prices. The heat in late July and August can be stifling and should be avoided. If you are visiting then, make sure you’re in an air-conditioned hotel and are driving an air-conditioned car.
Getting There
Cyprus is very accessible by air from most European Countries. During the summer months, package holiday providers run chartered flights. Flight time from the UK and Ireland is approximately four and half to five hours. This can be tricky with a baby or toddler so make sure you prepare well for the flight.
Cyprus’ main airport is Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and is on the outskirts of Larnaka. There is also in airport in the southwest of the island, near the city of Paphos. Its main carrier is RyanAir and it thus serves low-priced flights to destinations in Europe. Cyprus Airport Taxi Transfers provides transport from the airport with a car seat or booster seat. Make sure you pre book a taxi to ensure availability.
Buying Baby & Toddler Essentials
You will be able to find all of your essentials in supermarkets in the larger cities and towns. It is slightly easier to find what you need in the Southern part of Cyprus (Greek) rather than the North (Turkish).
SMA & Aptamil powdered formula is available in some supermarkets as are Milupa, Hipp Organic and Heinz Baby Foods. You will also be able to find yoghurt and purees as well as fresh fruits. The price of baby food is quite high as it is all imported.
Pampers, Huggies Evy Baby nappies are all readily available.
If you will be staying in a smaller area or a hotel away from a town, it would be best to bring your food and formula with you. You will be able to find food options for toddlers in the resorts and in hotels.
There are a number of Debenhams Stores in Cyprus such as in Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia where you will be able to buy nappies, wipes, formula and food. Click here for the addresses.
Swim nappies are few and far between so make sure you bring these with you.
Eating Out
There are also loads of family friendly restaurants in Cyprus also which serve options suitable for older babies and toddlers. If you will be travelling outside of the major resorts it might be useful to bring a fold away high chair and a travel changing mat.
Common foods available in Cyprus include Cypriot meze (similar to tapas) which come in a meat or fish variety but quite often come as a mixed batch. You will also be able to find Greek favorites such as feta cheese, moussaka and calamari along with Turkish mezze, hummus, flatbread and meat dishes. Many of these foods will be suitable for toddlers, hummus and flatbread making for a nutritious and appetizing snack.
Where to Stay with Babies & Toddlers
The Almyra Hotel, Paphos
The Almyra is a luxury hotel set in tropical gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is just a 5-minute walk away from Paphos Harbour. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, 4 freshwater pools and a spa.The rooms have satellite TV. The hotel’s spa offers holistic treatments and massage, together with a sauna and gym. The hotel has 4 restaurants offering international cuisine and local Cypriot dishes and serves a full continental breakfast each day. The Almyra is located 16 km from Paphos International Airport.
For Kids
Family-friendly facilities are an integral part of Almyra’s contemporary resort and the hotel has a specially-designed children’s pool (shaded by awnings on hot days); supervised clubs for guests aged 4 months to 17 years; an indoor playroom and outdoor adventure garden; excellent babysitting service; innovative ‘Baby Go Lightly’ pre-order service; children’s menus in all restaurants and a wide-range of interconnecting room options. Perfect for parents seeking a relaxed getaway in the sun.
Things to Do for Families in Cyprus
Beaches
Kids love the beach and some of the best regions for babies and toddlers include Pafos & the West Coast with its beaches and water based activities. Another good option is Lemesos and the South coast. The city beaches in Lemesos offer shallow waters and plenty of activities. In Larnaca and other resorts on the East Coast, older kids will really enjoy the underwater activities, plus sandy beaches, sea caves, camel rides and a fascinating museum on the sea. There are also Fairy-tale castles, deserted beaches, nature strolls and the fascinating Kyrenia shipwreck in the town’s main museum should blow their little socks off. Famagusta (Mağusa) & the Karpas (Kırpaşa) Peninsula offers the medieval walled city of Famagusta. On the peninsula, you can visit endless beaches, enjoy a cycling trip, visit an eco village and see turtles in the wild.
The Shipwreck Museum
There are plenty of activities in Cyprus that will keep toddlers entertained including a visit to the Shipwreck Museum (Kyrenia) The real-life shipwreck here dates back some 2300 years and is sure to fascinate little ones.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum (Larnaca) is also great for kids, with a good playground and peacocks, pelicans and macaws, plus loads of creepy crawlies.
St Hilarion Castle
St Hilarion Castle (Northern Coast) is the place where Walt Disney apparently drew inspiration from this castle for Snow White Other great options include Parko Paliatso (Ayia Napa); a traditional funfair with plenty of head-spinning rides.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Lemesos Mini Zoo; a recently renovated small zoo with a large aviary; Pafos Zoo, a fabulous zoo and bird park. and Mazotos Camel Park (Mazotos, Larnaca) where you can ride on camels, then freshen up in the swimming pool.
Water Parks
Water parks are another great option for a day out with babies and toddlers. Some of the best parks include Water World (Ayia Napa) which has some huge slides (parents will need to take turns). Octopus Aqua Park (Kyrenia) is another great place to cool down on those dusty hot summer days with plenty of rides suitable for all ages. Fasouri Watermania (Fasouri, Lemesos) is a great waterpark for toddlers with paddling pools for tots and kamikaze slides for teens.
Getting Around
There is a comprehensive network of bus routes all over Cyprus. Use Cyprus By Bus to plan your journey. On the Turkish side, buses are more frequent (and smaller). In Nicosia, they depart from stops at the street north of the northern gate.
Taxis are widely available however it will be difficult to find one with a car seat or booster seat without pre booking. Cyprus Airport Taxi Transfers offer taxi services with car seats and booster seats if you are not bringing your seat with you from home.
Car hire is the easiest (but the most expensive) way to get around the island. Cypriots drive on the left side of the road, however, driving standards are poor. Take care when crossing the roads, and even greater care when driving on them.
In and Emergency
If you need an ambulance, call 119 in the Republic of Cyprus or 112 in Northern Cyprus.
Pharmacies can dispense basic medicines without a prescription. You can consult a pharmacist for minor ailments. Pharmacists will also direct you to a doctor or hospital if necessary.
Citizens of EU countries are entitled to free or cheaper medical care in the South, but not in Northern Cyprus. EU citizens must carry proof of their entitlement in the form of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Cyprus and travel insurance is always recommended.
No vaccinations are required to travel to Cyprus, but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travellers should be covered for diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and polio. There are mosquitos so make sure you bring a mosquito net for when out and about together with other forms of insect protection.
Remember to protect little ones from sunburn, dehydration, heat stroke and sunstroke by covering heads and necks, dressing them in long sleeved/ legged, loose clothing and applying sun block (for babies older 6 months). Babies younger than 6 months should be kept in the shade as much as possible and older toddlers encouraged to play in the shade (if possible). Dress babies and toddlers in UV protected clothing when in the water.
See below for all the information you will need for travelling to Cyprus with a baby or toddler.
