Cyprus - is it safe?

[Legend83]

This might sound like a stupid question but I am considering a family holiday in Cyprus, either Limassol or Protaras, in June.

I can't help but notice it is not very far from the coast lines of Syria and Lebanon, and also has issues over Turkey / Cypriot divides.

In the current climate is it possibly one to avoid, particularly with little ones?

[Legend83]

lockhart flawse said:

Jeeeesus........

OP ...People live perfectly normal lives in other countries you know and have children...

Second daft is it safe question this week

I did pretext the question suggesting it was stupid.

Thanks for confirming!

[Legend83]

Muzzer79 said:

Don't go to Limassol - it's a dive.

Oh really? Was looking at the St Raphael Resort which gets great reviews. It's 20 minutes outside of Limassol to the East.

Any particularly aspects of it divish?

[Legend83]

Pyrolysis said:

I live in Cyprus. For a holiday (family) I'd definitely recommend Paphos! It's quieter than the east side with the likes of Larnaca and nappa, but still loads to see and do. l would say limassol is worth a day trip, it's just 50 mins drive from paphos. Limassol has lots and lots of Russian money coming in at the moment, the new marina is thriving and attracts a lot of wealthy yacht owners. The whole sea front/strip is being redeveloped and will look amazing when finished. There are some great restaurants around the new marina and some fancy boats to look at. Limassol has lots of culture, there are some amazing restaurants tucked away in the old town. I'd stick the the west end of limassol as the east is quite tacky/touristy.
Is it safe? As safe as any other European City.

Edited by Pyrolysis on Friday 23 January 18:42

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately the hotel we were looking at happens to be in St Raphael on the East tip of Limassol.

Any views on Protaras?

[Legend83]

Pyrolysis said:

Protaras is actually quite nice, it's not too close to ayia nappa where it's a bit crazy! You could always venture there for a night if you wanted to experience it. I went once last year but it almost ended me. I'm only 34 too and I'm partial to a good night out!

The second hotel (Malama Beach Village) is actually in Kapari, just north of Protaras - don't know if that has any bearing on your thoughts?

[Legend83]

http://cyprus-mail.com/2015/01/24/bomb-explosion-i...

[Legend83]

Pothole said:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus

OP, just go to the source. You're connected to the internet, FGS.

Yeah I did read that cheers.

[Legend83]

themanwithnoname said:

We got married in Limassol in 2008, sadly it sounds like the place has become run down since then.

The area you're looking at is out of town. We stayed in the Hawaii Grand which I think is next door or a couple down from the one you're looking at. If you do go, please head across the road - there are 3 bars, Chesters, a russian bar and a little Cypriot place, there are a lovely couple who went so far out of their way to help out. Their garlic mushrooms are the best.

Have a chat with George - ask him about Famagusta, it used to be his home.

I get the impression Limassol is getting back on it's feet with Russian money (whether a British tourist would consider that a good thing or not is another matter).

Although Protaras sounds nicer, both hotel choices are out of town so I think we plumb for the best hotel and the winner has to be the St Raphael.

The final question - May or June? I read that June can get unbearably hot which would be an issue with 2 young children. On the other hand my wife is worried May will be iffy.