Cyprus is a heavenly place to relax with children: a short flight, everywhere they speak Russian, hotels have everything that kids need, from strollers to chairs in cafes, Russian-speaking pediatricians and pharmacists, obligatory child seats on a rented car.
First of all, there is an abundance of sandy beaches, water and land entertainment, healthy air for asthmatic kids in Troodos, affectionate Cypriots who adore children. And also - exciting and stress-free family excursions.
On vacation in Limassol
We are often asked where is the best for children in Cyprus.
We can advise 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 camps), which are quite suitable for parents and teenagers. The children have fun from the heart during the day, and in the evening they return to their parents. Adults relax, and children "come off" among their peers.
The city has an excellent amusement park. In the spring - in May - a colorful and cheerful flower festival is held, and in winter everyone is invited to the fabulous Christmas village.
Limassol has wonderful sandy beaches... Some on the forums write that the sand is kind of gray, not realizing that it is the purest, but a grayish hue due to the admixture of sterile ash from ancient volcanoes.
Zoo in Limassol slightly smaller than in Paphos, but on hot days it is wonderful to walk along cool shady paths, admiring exotic birds, playful monkeys, frightened by fat hippos and toothy crocodiles. It's easy to come here on your own.
Amusement Park Galactica Entertainment Limassol- the largest indoor gaming complex. Here families play bowling, drive cars on slot machines, wander through the maze, relax, eating sweets and fruits, in cafes.
Ice under the Cyprus sun
Where to go if you suddenly yearn for winter in the heat? It is worth going to the coldest place in Cyprus and melting the ice there. V mall My Mall Limassol has a real Onice skating rink where you can revel in the coolness and winter games next to the hot sand of the coast. Skates will be picked up even for the smallest. Around in tiers there are convenient places from where parents can watch their children, breaking through the ice on the hot island of Cyprus in the midday heat.
The city is located between two aero harbors, and the transfer to any place - a hotel or sightseeing attraction - will take no longer than 45 minutes.
Ayia Napa and Protaras
In these resorts you will find a golden sandy coast with shallow waters, where you can tinker with your child. For teenagers - a lot of entertainment and games on the water, excellent programs for walking on the sea for children of any age, wonderful water park... Therefore, many families come here with their children.
Oceanarium of Protaras
On the huge area of the Protaras Oceanarium, there is an aquarium with turtles, sea clowns, a bunch of different fish and scary catfish, and a wonderful bird garden where monkeys live next to 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 colorful fountain show in Protaras starts just after sunset. During a magical performance, guests are either charmed by beautiful music, or by waterfalls of fire or stormy volcanic eruptions... Children, as a rule, just go numb from such impressions against the background of the southern velvet of the night sky.
Dolphins in Ayia Napa
After playing enough in the water park of Ayia Napa, for complete happiness you need to visit the dolphinarium with your child and enjoy the presentation of affectionate and playful dolphins in a fun one and a half hour show.
Over the seas, over the waves
If kids are adventurous, you can take a pirate ship trip that departs from Protaras Beach in the morning. A walk along the coast takes about 3 hours, during which time you can enjoy plenty of beautiful views, swim in enchanting 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 the 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 park of animals - a green home for a variety of animals, exotic birds and venomous reptiles from all over the world. Little ones and adults alike enjoy the show of parrots and fabulous owls, astonishing with 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, murmuring and violent colors. There is already something to see and something to marvel at.
If children adore tigers and lions, lemurs and peacocks, this is a place of attraction that should not be avoided. In addition to them, you can see crocodiles, kangaroos, huge turtles, good elephants and long-necked giraffes, which are allowed to be fed with rolls and apples. Bats are awe-inspiring, very large and black as night. Fluffy rabbits live in cozy small enclosures, with which kids willingly play.
A bus runs from Cyprus hotels 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 the children are very active, it is worth going to Lucky Star amusement park(Larnaca, Aradippou region) 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 - attractions, cars, carousels, games, go-kart races, cafes.
Paphos has play center Kid's Kingdom for kids from two years old.
Where do camels live in Cyprus?
As family fun in Cyprus you can consider and Camel park near Mazotos in Larnaca. It is here that it is very cool to ride a camel on horseback.
The smallest guests are offered a pony ride. A fun activity for everyone - feeding animals, for which special food is sold right on the territory of the park.
You can see deer, ostriches, goats and donkeys and climb on a large playground equipped with slides, swings and merry-go-rounds, trampolines and a whole circuit. In summer, the pool opens, cooling in the heat, and under the spreading trees, in the shade, you can always have a snack.
All excursions in Cyprus are affordable and convenient wherever you are staying. Generally, it is easy to reach many beautiful places on your own by car, not just by sightseeing bus.
Donkey gallop
These wonderful nature excursions carried out 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 funny donkeys, good-natured horses, kids and sheep, fiddle with rabbits and squirrels, chase important peacocks and fat geese. They will see the formidable bulls of Cyprus, snakes and turtles and many birds. Taking pictures with snakes is completely safe, but “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 cute type of transport that 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 drunk with strong Zivania or sweet wine Shushuko, and children - with juices to the accompaniment of live music and ancient Greek dances. This unique adventure simply cannot be missed. At the end of the Greek holiday 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. Around the farm there is a lush garden with magical aromas of myrtle, pomegranate, lemon trees, peaches and cherries, figs and medlar, lilac lavender and royal levant. Children here are interested in horseback riding, delicious food and communication with animals, and for adults - miraculous creams based on donkey milk.
Cyprus water parks
Do not know where to relax actively and interestingly?
Waterworld Water Park is next to Ayia Napa and Fasouri Watermania is next to Limassol. A trip here will delight the whole family. There are wide pools on the territory, where waves of different shapes and heights are created, from which the children run screechingly or, conversely, jump on them.
Park in Ayia Napa is dedicated to myths Ancient Greece, and every fountain, cave, statue seems to have come here from two thousand years ago.
In Fasouri Watermania, you must definitely slide down water slides and jumping from a "bungee", however - this pleasure is more suitable for teenagers, and for little ones (up to 3 years old - free of charge) there is a shallow pool with water umbrellas and a volcano. Everyone will like 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
Park of the Living Dinosaurs (Nicosia)
Jurassic Park was recently opened in Nicosia. Dinosaurs really all, like real ones, growl, move. For children - a lot of impressions and squeals. A lot of children's entertainment in the park is also associated with the roaring scary "Zavras". Everyone is interested in traveling to the Earth's past and getting 100 million years ago.
Kido Farm (Nicosia)
A wonderful place with a bunch of slides, rides, electric cars, carousels and a lot of all sorts of "fun". A bar-restaurant has been set up for parents so that they can relax in peace while looking after the frolicking offspring.
North Cyprus beaches
Most of the beaches in North Cyprus are sandy with the possibility of boating, canoeing, scooter racing, water skiing and jumping on the waves on the familiar "bananas". Here - on the north coast, parents can go windsurfing and diving. And for the little ones, there are many beaches with warm shallow water and different playgrounds- Camelot, Acapulco, Deniz Kesey, Escape Beach.
Private beach of turtles Alagadi (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 reserved place, because it was he who was chosen for family happiness by green turtles with large heads. It is interesting here, but no cafes or sun loungers are provided 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 in a magical time from June to August, you can run after tiny, hatched turtles. To ensure that they are not "eaten" by active tourists, volunteers are watching, helping nimble newborns to safely get to the sea water.
Paintball & Safari
Not only the older and younger men in the family will appreciate this exciting military-sports game. The first paintball center in Northern Cyprus is located in the village of Lapta (in the west of Kyrenia), and for teenagers of any gender it is perfect place to release excess energy. On the outskirts of the village, the ATV Safari center has settled. Individual tours, one-day or half-day excursions can be booked with younger teens who will be taught everything. it active entertainment for the whole family, bright and dynamic.
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On any seaside resort you will always be offered several options 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 for walking, and sometimes swim in the open sea.
Boat trips are also practiced and 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 informative.
Daytime boat trips good because they are carried out on fast motor boats and boats of different capacities. The most interesting and popular routes on the coast are chosen.
You can swim with a breeze to, seeing dolphins, large sea turtles along the way - a lot of impressions are guaranteed for the child. On the way, you will explore rocky caves and grottoes, look into those corners that cannot be reached from the shore.
A separate pleasure is to sail on a boat with a transparent bottom. Children will be delighted to peer into the depths, trying to find turtles and sea fish there. Why, children - adults are also keen on such an occupation.
During the walk, guests are offered soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, fruits, on the boat are provided life jackets for those who can not swim, everyone is given masks and snorkels for diving. There will be enough time not only for viewing the landscapes, but also swimming in the open sea, exploring the underwater world.
The excursion is optimal for teenagers, because everything that happens for them will be new and informative. But three hours in the heat is not a trifle, so stock up on sunscreen and hats in advance. The tour is accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide, so you will also learn a lot of interesting and informative information.
The company offers the following types excursions:
- Dolphin Boat Safari- an optimal walk for children from 10.00 to 13.00, which runs along east coast towards the ghost town of Famagusta. The vessel can accommodate up to 35 people. There are many visits along the way interesting places, the trip plan provides time for swimming and diving, if you are lucky, you can see turtles and dolphins.
- Turtle Safari is also a great choice for a family trip. The journey takes place by boat with glass bottom, accommodating up to 25 people. Chances to see marine life during such a trip increase. The trip lasts from 11.00 to 13.30.
- Sunset Trip- meeting the sunset on the high seas. Discounts are also provided for children, but mostly young people or romantic couples choose the excursion. Therefore, the children will have nothing to do there. In addition, champagne is included in the tour price.
- Deep Sea Fishing and Sport Fishing- two types of fishing. The first is at a depth, the second is closer to the coast. Tackles are issued. You can go with your child if you really want to. But the price for the baby is lower only if he does not fish. Otherwise, pay as you would for an adult.
- Private trips pass along any route you need, are designed for companies up to 10 people. In this case, prices are 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 whales and four species of dolphins. This is evidenced by data from a study that was completed in May this year.
Dolphin sighting was carried out in three phases (August 2016, October 2016 and May 2017) using special equipment that allowed the animals to be tracked acoustically and visually 50 miles west and south of Cyprus.
The purpose of the study was to collect information on the geographic distribution, habits of dolphins and critical areas that may pose a threat.
In addition, the project included visual monitoring and recording of medium frequency sounds in specific areas, and the use of high frequency sounds to locate the beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris).
Until now, the presence of this species in the waters around Cyprus has not been confirmed, since the acoustic data has not yet been analyzed. The Fisheries Department expects that this will be done by the end of August, when the data will be published.
On this moment some results of visual observations became known.
The presence of five cetacean species was visually confirmed. The largest of these is the sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus). Adult males of this whale species reach an average of 16 meters in length. They are found all over the world, but their presence in Cyprus has been officially confirmed only now, although some people have noticed their sea before.
The first dolphin species noted in the study is the Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), named for its distinctive blue and white stripes on the flanks.
Also off the coast of Cyprus was seen the Gray Dolphin (Grampus Griseus), which is also called the Risso dolphin in honor of Antoine Risso, who described this species of mammals in detail.
Both of the dolphin species described above usually live in deep waters off the coast, however, according to recent research, striped dolphins sometimes approach the coast.
The most common dolphin species in Cyprus is the Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncates). It is found both in coastal waters in small groups and in deep water in large schools. This species was observed for the longest time. For many years, groups of 5-10 individuals have been encountered in coastal waters.
Another species is the Large-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), which got its name because of the peculiar kind of teeth that have a rough surface. For the first time this species of dolphins was seen in the area of Lady's Mile beach in Limassol.
V research project 10 people took part, consisting of employees of the fish culture department of the government, Great Britain and Greece. This is the first time the Cyprus Government Department is participating in such a project.
The project was financed by 75% of the European Marine and Fisheries Fund, and 25% by national funds.
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 security, a variety of fresh fruits almost at 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, almost always 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, painting, dancing classes, children's evening discos, and a special children's menu. Particularly interesting entertainment offered to children in hotels and Le Meridien 5 * (Limassol) and Elisium 5 * (Pathos). The cost of the animation program for children is included in the price of your stay at the hotel.
If you are worried about children's meals, then there is nothing to worry about in Cyprus: in almost any restaurant in the tourist area you will be offered several options for the usual salads (Olivier, vinaigrette and others - about 3-5 euros per child's portion) and soups (chicken broth, borscht , hodgepodge, mushroom soup - 5 euros per child's portion).
In supermarkets and small kiosks, a large selection of baby food is provided, and in Russian food stores in and you can buy any kind of breakfast cereals, the usual cereals and sweets.
The most popular activities for children in Cyprus are visits to water parks and zoos, amusement parks and a variety of excursions. And, of course, daily water treatments in the pool or at the 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 the Russian and European counterparts in the capital, but Cyprus itself is not the largest island.
A trip to the Aphrodite Waterpark will be no less interesting. Here are located best entertainment for children in Cyprus: many attractions, cafes and small restaurants. All rides are under the constant supervision of lifeguards, so the visit to the water park will be safe.
The Paphos Water Park is open daily from May to October. The ticket costs about 30 euros for adults and about 16 euros for children under 11. There are attractions here not only for adults and older children, but also for very young guests, for whom a special children's section with a mini-volcano, water umbrellas and shallow pools with warm water is equipped. By the way, children under 3 years old come to the water park for free.
Holidays with children in Limassol
Limassol, like other cities in Cyprus, has significant opportunities for organizing children's recreation. The zoo is smaller, but worth a visit too. On summer days, you can stroll among the shady alleys and admire the representatives of the local fauna. There are also spacious enclosures for various birds, small playful monkeys, hippos and crocodiles and other interesting animals can also be seen here.
A visit to the Fasouri Waterworld water park will bring joy to both children and adults. Here you can ride from high slides, jump from a bungee, stand under the rain from a waterfall, slowly ride along a quiet river on huge cheesecakes, enjoy " by 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 bus transfer (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, a bowling alley, and a cafe. There are also outdoor attractions, but there are not many of them.
Holidays with children in Ayia Napa and Protaras
These resorts are best suited for families with children. Sandy beaches with shallow waters, many water activities for children, excellent entertainment programs in hotels. That is why many families with children come to the city 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 bring your child to school, then 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 20 euros and the cost of textbooks (about 100 euros). Programs for teaching children English in Cyprus are designed for a period of 1 to 3 weeks.
Summer camps for children in Cyprus
Summer camps in Cyprus are an interesting option for children. V summer time schools offer fun 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, bowling or amusement parks, go to zoos, and engage in various crafts. The cost of staying in the 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 educators and educators. 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 program of stay.
Cyprus and children are ...
Concluding our review on, I must say that the island is traditionally one of the most popular places for summer vacations.
As noted above, Cyprus has the cleanest beaches, a very high level of safety is provided for tourists, a wonderful climate contributes to an increase in immunity in both children and adults. Therefore, if you are still choosing a place for summer vacation, be sure to include Cyprus in the list of the most preferred options for families with children.
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 whales and four species of dolphins. This is evidenced by data from a study that was completed in May this year.
Dolphin sighting was carried out in three phases (August 2016, October 2016 and May 2017) using special equipment that allowed the animals to be tracked acoustically and visually 50 miles west and south of Cyprus.
The purpose of the study was to collect information on the geographic distribution, habits of dolphins and critical areas that may pose a threat.
In addition, the objectives of the project included visual monitoring and recording of medium frequency sounds in specific areas, as well as the use of high frequency sounds in order to detect beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris).
Until now, the presence of this species in the waters around Cyprus has not been confirmed, since the acoustic data has not yet been analyzed. The Fisheries Department expects that this will be done by the end of August, when 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 these is the sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus). Adult males of this whale species reach an average of 16 meters in length. They are found all over the world, but their presence in Cyprus has been officially confirmed only now, although some people have noticed their sea before.
The first dolphin species noted in the study is - Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), named for its characteristic blue and white stripes on the flanks.
Also off the coast of Cyprus was seen Gray dolphin (Grampus griseus), which is also called the Risso dolphin in honor of Antoine Risso, who described this species of mammals in detail.
Both of the dolphin species described above usually live in deep waters off the coast, however, according to recent research, striped dolphins sometimes approach the coast.
The most common dolphin species in Cyprus is Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates)... It is found both in coastal waters in small groups and in deep water in large schools. This species was observed for the longest time. For many years, groups of 5-10 individuals have been encountered in coastal waters.
Another view is - Large-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), which got its name because of the peculiar kind of teeth that have a rough surface. For the first time this species of dolphins was seen in the area of Lady's Mile beach in Limassol.
The research project was attended by 10 people, consisting of employees of the fish culture department of the government, Great Britain and Greece. This is the first time the Cyprus Government Department is participating in such a project.
The project was financed by 75% of the European Marine and Fisheries Fund, and 25% by national funds.
