If you look at the map of Europe, then the island of Cyprus seems to be quite tiny, while it occupies a significant place in the world tourism industry. The island has many different resort cities, similar to each other and at the same time radically different. What city to choose for rest, Limassol or Paphos, Russian travelers often ask themselves a question. Let's try to answer it by comparing the resorts by separate positions. We will focus on beaches, entertainment and attractions.
Limassol vs Paphos - beach comparison
Limassol is the first to demonstrate its beach areas, the characteristics are the best - sandy or sandy-pebble beaches, the peculiarity of sand - it is of volcanic origin. The composition contains flint, so the rest goes with a slight healing effect. Almost all beaches have a gentle slope into the sea and a well-developed beach infrastructure: jet skis; boating, boats, catamarans; water aerobics.
The beach areas of Paphos lag behind Limassol, there are sandy, with a convenient descent into the sea, recreation areas by the sea. On the other hand, this resort has a fairly large number of rocky beaches, where it is not very convenient to relax and it is difficult to descend to the water.
This is due to the initial orientation of the resort towards German tourists who preferred swimming in the pools to the sea. The locals call the best beach in Paphos Coral Bay, and tourists who have a rest there agree with them. Romantic beach landscapes can be seen in Lara Bay.
Main entertainment
In Limassol there is entertainment for parents with little tourists, and for an adult company, and for active youth. Young tourists can, in addition to the beach, have a good rest in local water parks, where a variety of slides, water attractions and pools are prepared for them.
Adult tourists love Limassol for the sheer number of festivals organized during the summer. While resting at the resorts, you can become a participant in a large theatrical performance or attend concerts of outstanding musicians. September is not only the "velvet season" in Limassol, but also the time for one of the most interesting cultural and entertainment events - the wine festival.
Sports youth will find their own ways to have fun at this resort - all kinds of clubs, dance halls, discos, various game sports and entertainment. In Paphos, you can have a good rest, have fun and at the same time get to know the ancient sights. To do this, you need to visit the "Odeon", a theater preserved from ancient times. Today it is not only a historical monument, but also an active theater and concert venue. A visit to this open-air theater will leave an unforgettable experience; during the performance, you can almost completely immerse yourself in ancient times.
Another important occupation of the guests of Paphos is a visit to the so-called "Baths of Aphrodite", according to legends, in this place a beautiful goddess appeared from the foam of the sea. Unfortunately, it is not safe for modern beauties to swim here, but you can visit one of the ancient temples erected in honor of the ancient Greek legendary person.
Popular attractions
There are many witnesses of ancient history in Limassol, a walk around the city will allow you to get acquainted with its architectural highlights, the ruins of the local Acropolis and Christian basilicas. In the vicinity of the resort there are the ruins of two more ancient city-policies, the names of which have been preserved in history. Modern tourists can see Amathus and Kourion, or rather, what remains of its former greatness.
Paphos is a place of concentration of ancient shrines, temples and monastic complexes. Many ancient monuments in the city are under the protection of UNESCO. The Royal Graves complex, despite such a sad name, is considered one of the most popular places in the resort. The underground necropolis gives a strange feeling, but the tombstones are made with great skill, almost masterpieces.
A comparative analysis of individual components of rest in Limassol and Paphos leads to the following conclusions. Each of the resorts is good in its own way, any traveler will find a hotel to his liking, entertainment according to his interests, and sights that he dreamed of seeing.
Limassol is chosen by guests of Cyprus who:
- know about its convenient location and the ability to get to any point of interest on the island;
- dream of combining a seaside vacation with a visit to water parks;
- love to participate in various festivals and theatrical and musical events;
- would like to learn about the ancient history of the island, its rich cultural traditions.
Paphos will be chosen by travelers who:
- are not afraid of rocky beaches;
- plan to attend an antique performance;
- prefer pilgrimage tourism;
- dream of meeting Aphrodite or her modern counterpart.
