Part of the charm of Cyprus is that each region has a distinctive character, so deciding on what you want from your holiday experience is the first priority. In the south, Larnaka is at the centre of the most tourist-driven part of the island, with nearby Ayia Napa still the clubbing capital.
To the west, sophisticated Lemesos is the restaurant hot spot and is an ideal central base for exploring inland and further afield. Still due west, Pafos is a favourite with families but also provides easy access to the unspoilt west-coast beaches and the Troödos mountains.
The urban flip side is the capital Nicosia (Lefkosia), with fantastic museums, galleries and historic sights. In North Cyprus, Kyrenia has some superb hotels overlooking the harbour while, to the west, the Karpas (Kırpaşa) Peninsula is perfect for those who want to get away from it all, surrounded by stunning scenery, pristine beaches and coves.
Lonelyplanet.com