Royal Apollonia Hotel in Limassol. Photo: Amit Cotler All signs point in one direction. This summer, the summer of 2026 for mediterranean vacationers, belongs to Cyprus. The island of sanity.
Alongside the stunning beaches with clear waters, luxurious hotels and affordable prices, Cyprus is also calm and safe for vacationers.
In addition, according to data from the Aviation Authorities and travel agencies, alongside Greece, Cyprus is one of the most sought-after destinations for the summer of 2026.
One of the great advantages of the friendly island is its size. Within a short drive, you can spend time, experience and taste different and interesting sides of Cyprus, even in one vacation.
To get to know the points that many tourists miss, and that you will not miss on your next trip to Cyprus, we have teamed up with the Cyprus tourism board, Louis Hotels and Cyprus Airways for a a fascinating tour.
The main city in the southwest of the island is also one of its most developing. Paphos, which was the European Union Capital of Culture of 2017, combines history with beautiful beaches and rich cuisine.
The clear sea of Cyprus. Photo: Amit CotlerIn Aphrodite's homeland, you will find the archaeological park with its meticulously preserved ancient mosaics (one of the largest collections in the world), the site of the Tombs of the Kings, and a well-developed tourist promenade, taverns with fresh fish every day, and tours following Aphrodite's Rock, which lies in crystal-clear water that looks as if it went through an Instagram filter.
The Paphos mosaic. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKNot far from the city you will find one of the largest water parks in Europe, "Aphrodite", with dozens of slides, tubes, water attractions, waterfalls and other endless experiences that will allow you to spend an entire day in the park, which covers an area of approximately 40,000 square meters.
Aphrodite Water Park. Photo: Amit CotlerEnterance fees are not so cheap, at 36 euros for an adult and 20 euros for a child. Note that you can purchase tickets online and also receive discounts on repeat admissions.
Not far from the city, you can visit one of the most beautiful sights in the area: the Paphos Shipwreck, which is considered an Instagram gem that shouldn't be missed. We didn't skip it either.
The shipwreck in Paphos. Photo: Amit CotlerAs we said, the distances between the cities of Cyprus are one of the island's great advantages, and about a 45-minute drive from Paphos, you will reach Limassol. And what else has not been said about the city that has everything.
Although Cyprus' airports are in Larnaca and Paphos, Limassol is probably the most modern and westernized center the island has to offer. Along with tavernas like in any city, you will also find bars and clubs here (highly recommended. Go out for an evening in one of the local bars with great drinks and authentic music), a wide promenade that invites you to go for a run, but that's not all.
Limassol. Photo: Shutterstock
Traditional dancing in a Cypriot tavern. Photo: Amit CotlerThere are two main airports in Cyprus. The largest is in Larnaca, and in the west is the small airport in Paphos, mainly for low-cost flights. Summer flights frequencies are great. We took Cyprus Airways flight that has quite wide range of direct routes during season.
Larnaca beach promenade. Photo: PassportnewsIf you still prefer to stay in Larnaca, don't miss the wide beach strip, the Pinakothek Promenade, with its iconic palm trees, cafes and local restaurants. In the winter season, you can see flocks of flamingos arriving at the salt lake, an attraction in itself.
But if you're already in Cyprus, do yourself a favor and don't miss the southeast of the island, the most beautiful area that has everything. Let's remind you once again that in this case too, it's a short drive from Larnaca (about 45 minutes) and you're simply in Cypriot paradise.
The dreamy bays of Ayia Napa. Photo: Amit CotlerIn recent years, Ayia Napa has gotten a very bad name due to a number of incidents that have occurred there.
However, in the resort town you will find a modern promenade and the opportunity to go sailing in some of the most beautiful and clear waters in the Mediterranean.
On a cruise, you can meet the "Love Bridges", those iconic rocks in the water that have become a tourist attraction and even sought-after backdrops for weddings, reach breathtaking coves where you will meet fish and sea turtles and spend about a whole day on the water.
The young and the young at heart will encounter a bustling bar and party scene in Ayia Napa, with celebrations until dawn.
Protaras, the southeastern city of Cyprus, is considered the "quiet Ayia Napa". Still stunning in its beauty, but with higher-end hotels and a slightly more mature and established target audience.
Along the southern and touristic coast of Cyprus, you can find hotels at all levels and levels of tourism, from the simplest to 5-star deluxe hotels. In recent years, there has been extensive investment in the luxury hotel sector.
Royal Apollonia Hotel. Photo: Louis HotelsLouis Hotels, which owns many properties in Limassol and Paphos, is taking vacationing one step further. Imperial Island Resort in Paphos opened just last month after a major renovation to become a five-star luxury resort.
It is an all-inclusive hotel of the highest standard, suitable for families (about half of the rooms are family suites) looking for a relaxed, carefree experience, with activities for children, a play area for teenagers and excellent cuisine around the clock.
The lobby of the Imperial Resort Hotel in Paphos. Photo: Louis HotelsAnother Louis Hotels hotel is located in Limassol and is called Royal Apollonia. This is a super-luxurious city break that combines the style of a luxurious resort with the beating heart of Limassol. The hotel features huge pools, a pampering spa and well-equipped rooms, along with easy access to one of the most fun cities in Cyprus.
Royal Apollonia Hotel. Photo: Louis HotelsThe reporter was a guest of Louis Hotels, the Cyprus Tourism Bureau and Cyprus Airways