The best hotels in Cyprus: ten places to stay, coast to mountains

A white village above Chrysochou Bay

Anassa sits near Latchi in the far north-west of the island, built like a small village with whitewashed houses, lanes and a chapel around a square. It runs down to a sandy beach on the bay, with the Akamas peninsula on one side.

It is one of the best-known luxury hotels in Cyprus, and its distance from everything else is the point. Couples and anyone who prefers nature and quiet to nightlife will be happiest here. If you want to see much of the island, expect long drives, though the Akamas trails and the little harbour at Latchi are right on hand.

Bright design by Paphos harbour

Almyra sits on the seafront in Paphos, a few minutes' walk from the harbour and the fort. Rooms are light and modern, and the gardens and pools run right down to the water.

It makes a strong first base because you can walk to restaurants and the Roman mosaics while still feeling like you are at a resort. It works for families and couples alike. The shoreline in front is rocky, so most of the swimming happens in the pools.

A classic grand hotel on the promenade

Annabelle stands next to Almyra along the promenade to the harbour, in large gardens of palms and pools with waterfalls. The style is more traditional, with warm colours and formal service.

It is a strong pick for adults and anyone who likes an established hotel with familiar rhythms and a good restaurant. Families and lovers of modern design will be happier next door. The location makes an evening stroll into town easy, past fish tavernas towards the archaeological park and its mosaics.

The bay at Pissouri

Columbia Beach Resort sits on Pissouri Bay between Limassol and Paphos, with a long sandy beach and green hills around it. The village of Pissouri perches on the ridge behind.

The bay is sheltered and calm, there is a kids' club, and the resort never feels crowded, which is why it is our family pick. Couples who want a beach without a city will like it too. Allow half an hour by car to reach either town.

A big resort on Limassol's east side

Parklane sits on the beach east of central Limassol, with extensive gardens, several pools and a large spa. Rooms are contemporary and pale, with balconies towards the sea.

It appeals to families and travellers who want everything in one place, from a kids' club to a choice of restaurants. The centre is a short taxi ride away. If you are after a small, personal hotel, this is too big, and in high season the pools are busy.

Clean architecture on the shore

Amara stands on the Limassol coast, with crisp, bright architecture and almost every room facing the sea. Inside it is pared back and elegant, with marble, timber and wide expanses of glass.

This is the island's design choice and one of the newest luxury hotels in Limassol. It is well suited to couples and anyone who likes a city hotel on a beach. The mood is grown-up and a touch formal, so it is not ideal for small children.

Service on the seafront

Four Seasons sits on the beach east of Limassol and is one of the city's longest established luxury hotels. Rooms are spacious, and the gardens hold several pools with direct access to the sea.

The service keeps guests coming back, along with the restaurants and spa. It works for families and couples who want reliable quality. The building is more traditional than its neighbours, so if you want the latest look, choose Amara instead.

The view from the cliff

Grecian Park sits on the cliffs at Cape Greco, between Ayia Napa and Protaras, with sea views from most rooms. A path leads down to a small beach below the hotel.

This is our value pick: sea views and a peaceful setting in nature for less than you would pay in Limassol. Couples and walkers will enjoy the clifftop trails. Without a car the evenings feel a little remote, but with one you are ten minutes from Protaras or Ayia Napa, and the sea caves are close by.

A calmer beach in Ayia Napa

Alion Beach stands on a beach in Ayia Napa, away from the centre and its clubs. Rooms have balconies, and the gardens lead straight onto the sand.

It suits families and couples who want the clear east coast water without sleeping in the middle of the party. The centre's restaurants and bars are a short taxi ride away. The style is more classic than contemporary, and it is at its best for a simple beach holiday.

Stone houses in a mountain village

Casale Panayiotis is made up of restored stone houses in the village of Kalopanayiotis in Troodos, with rooms scattered through the village and a spa down in the valley. Views stretch across the slopes to an old monastery.

It shows a different Cyprus and pairs well with a few days on the coast. Couples who want to walk, eat local food and taste wine from the mountain vineyards will love it. The paths between buildings are steep, and the beach is more than an hour's drive away.