Cyprus is an exceptional family destination – warm, safe, English-speaking, with a combination of beach, culture, and outdoor adventure that keeps children of all ages engaged. The challenge isn’t finding things to do with kids in Cyprus; it’s choosing between them.
This guide covers the best family activities by district, from glass-bottom submarine rides in Ayia Napa to self-drive boats in the Blue Lagoon, jeep safaris, beach days, cultural sites, and the experiences that children actually talk about afterwards.
Ayia Napa and Paralimni – the east coast
The east coast is the most activity-dense part of Cyprus for families. Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay, the sea caves, and the Ayia Napa harbour all offer family-friendly experiences within a small geographic area.
Submarine and glass-bottom boat trips
For younger children especially, seeing the underwater world without getting wet is a winner. The semi-submarine and submarine boats in Ayia Napa are genuinely impressive – the waters here are exceptionally clear and marine life is abundant.
- Nemo Submarine Ayia Napa – underwater viewing tours. Glass-bottom sections allow children to watch marine life without diving. One of the most popular family experiences on the east coast.
- Yellow Submarine – Ayia Napa. Semi-submarine boat trips. Iconic yellow vessel, memorable experience for children of all ages.
- Dolphin Submarine Cruises – Paralimni. Semi-submarine cruises from the Protaras area with underwater viewing panels.
- Yellow Semi Submarine Larnaca – Larnaca. Semi-submarine experience from Larnaca marina – good option if you’re based on the west side of the east coast.
Boat trips and sea caves
Older children (6+) will love a boat trip to the Ayia Napa sea caves – dramatic limestone formations, turquoise water inside the arches, and stops for swimming. Most operators welcome families and provide life jackets.
- Dolphin Boat Safari – Ayia Napa. Guided sea excursions along the coastline including sea caves. Family-friendly with regular departures.
- Aphrodite Cruises – Paralimni. Scheduled boat trips from the east coast. Good for families wanting a structured group experience.
- Shirley Valentine Boat Trips Protaras – Paralimni. Boat trips from Protaras along the beautiful east coast.
- Ayia Trias Cruises – Paralimni. Family boat cruises from the Protaras area.
- Tefkros Fishing Trips and Boat Tours – Paralimni. Combined fishing and boat tour experiences. Children who enjoy fishing will love this.
Watersports for families
Fig Tree Bay in Paralimni is one of the best family beach setups in Cyprus – calm, sheltered water, good watersports operators, and plenty of space. Most watersports operators offer age-appropriate activities from banana boats (all ages) to jet skis (usually 16+ as driver).
- FigTreeBay Watersports – Paralimni. The most comprehensive family watersports operation on the east coast. Banana boats, paddleboarding, and gentler options for younger children alongside the adrenaline activities for older kids.
- Stavros Water Sports – Paralimni. Family-owned, 50 years of experience. Safe, professional, good for all ages.
- XS & Stephanos Watersports – Paralimni. Full watersports centre with family-friendly options.
Jeep safari
A jeep safari is one of the best family activities on the island – off-road adventure, red earth landscapes, hidden beaches, and village stops. Children love the bumpy tracks. Most operators welcome families and adapt routes for younger passengers.
- Trackers Jeep Safari Tours Cyprus – Ayia Napa. The island’s most established jeep safari operator. Over 20 years of experience, family-friendly tours through the Kokkinochoria villages and Cape Greco area. Highly recommended.
- Niki Travel & Tours – Paralimni. Multi-activity operator including jeep safaris, buggy rentals, and excursions. Good for families wanting to combine several activities.
Paphos and the west coast
Paphos offers a different family experience – more heritage, more nature, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Cyprus. The Blue Lagoon in particular is a highlight that genuinely impresses children and adults equally.
The Blue Lagoon and Akamas
The Blue Lagoon – a protected bay on the edge of the Akamas National Park, accessible only by boat – has water so clear and so vividly turquoise that children refuse to believe it’s real until they’re swimming in it. Most trips take 3–4 hours and include swimming stops, snorkelling, and a coastal tour.
- Atlantis Boat Latchi – Polis Chrysochous. Boat hire and guided Blue Lagoon trips from Latchi port. One of the most reliable operators for family Blue Lagoon excursions.
- Mediterranean One – Blue Lagoon Boat Trips – Paphos. Glass-bottom boat tours to the Blue Lagoon. The glass-bottom sections are particularly good for children who want to see underwater without snorkelling.
- Blue Lagoon Latchi Alkion Glass Bottom Boat – Polis Chrysochous. Glass-bottom boat tours specifically designed for underwater viewing en route to the Blue Lagoon.
- Latchi Pleasure Boats – Polis Chrysochous. Boat hire and tours from Latchi including Blue Lagoon routes.
- Latchi Boat Trips – Blue Lagoon, Akamas – Polis Chrysochous. Mini cruises along the Akamas coastline and to the Blue Lagoon.
- Captain Panikkos Boat Trips – Paphos. Family boat trips along the Paphos coastline and to the Blue Lagoon area.
Self-drive boat hire – older children
For families with older children (10+), hiring a self-drive motorboat from Latchi is one of the most memorable experiences on the island. No skipper required, no fixed itinerary – just explore the coastline at your own pace. The waters near Latchi are calm and the Blue Lagoon is 20 minutes away.
- Rafaelos Boat Hire – Latchi port. Self-drive boats into the Blue Lagoon and Akamas coastline. One of the best-value sea experiences in Cyprus for independent families.
- Trident Latchi Boat Hire & Rentals – Polis Chrysochous. Self-drive boat hire with flexible hourly rates.
Paphos archaeological sites
Paphos has two UNESCO World Heritage sites within walking distance of each other – the Paphos Archaeological Park (extraordinary Roman mosaics, some of the finest in the world, displayed in situ under shelter) and the Tombs of the Kings (ancient rock-cut tombs from the 4th century BC). Both are accessible, manageable with children, and genuinely awe-inspiring. The mosaics in particular tend to capture children’s imaginations – intricate mythological scenes that look like they could have been made last year.
Larnaca
Larnaca is underrated for families. The combination of a manageable city, a lovely seafront promenade, excellent diving (for older children and teens), and the Salt Lake flamingos in winter makes it a versatile base.
- Larnaca Napa Sea Cruises – Larnaca. Sea cruises from Larnaca marina along the coast toward Ayia Napa.
- Fab Private Customized Tours – Larnaca. Private customised tours adapting to family interests and ages. Good for families who want a flexible guided experience.
- Dive-In Larnaca – Larnaca. For teens interested in diving – PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification is available from age 10. The Zenobia wreck is one of the world’s top dive sites.
Limassol
Limassol is Cyprus’s most developed city but less beach-focused than the east coast resorts. For families, the wine trail villages and the medieval castle are the highlights, alongside day trips to the Troodos mountains.
- Relax Cruises – Limassol. Coastal cruises and private charters from Limassol marina. Good for a family afternoon on the water.
- MORE Watersports Limassol – Limassol. Watersports on the Limassol coastline for beach days near the city.
Multi-district day trips
The Troodos mountains
A drive into the Troodos mountains makes an excellent family day trip from any district. The change in scenery – pine forests, stone villages, mountain streams – is dramatic. In winter, the ski slopes at Mount Olympus are an extraordinary novelty (skiing in the Mediterranean). In summer, the Caledonia waterfall trail near Platres is a manageable hike for families with children aged 5+. Year-round, the village of Omodos with its beautiful square and artisan shops is worth an afternoon.
The wine villages
Older children and teenagers who enjoy food and culture tend to respond well to the wine village experience – not the tastings obviously, but the dramatic landscape, the old stone architecture, and the chance to eat meze in a genuine village setting. Combine with Bes Lofou Microbrewery (non-alcoholic options available) for a complete village day.
- A Glass of Cyprus – Nicosia departures. Guided wine village tours with local context. Non-drinking family members are welcome – the villages and landscape are the experience, not just the wine.
Family travel tips for Cyprus
Best age for different activities
| Activity | Suitable age |
|---|---|
| Semi-submarine / glass-bottom boat | All ages |
| Banana boat and gentle watersports | 4+ |
| Boat trip to sea caves / Blue Lagoon | 4+ |
| Jeep safari | 5+ |
| Snorkelling | 6+ |
| Self-drive boat hire | Parent-driven, children any age |
| Jet ski (as passenger) | 8+ |
| PADI Junior Open Water diving | 10+ |
| Troodos mountain hiking | 5+ (easy trails) |
When to go with children
June and September are the best months for families – warm enough for everything, sea temperatures perfect for swimming, but not at the peak August intensity. July and August are very hot (35–40°C) which limits activity windows to mornings and evenings. If you must go in peak summer, start activities early, take a long lunch break in air conditioning, and return to the beach or sea in late afternoon.
Book ahead in peak season
Popular family activities – particularly submarine tours, jeep safaris, and Blue Lagoon boat trips – fill up quickly in July and August. Book at least a week in advance during peak season. Calling directly (WhatsApp works well with most operators) is usually faster than online booking.
Plan your family trip to Cyprus
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Age recommendations are general guidelines – always check with individual operators about specific age and weight restrictions before booking. Safety equipment is provided by all reputable operators.
