Gay Cyprus – An island guide
Cyprus is an island rich in culture, where East meets West, the perfect escape for a sun-soaked gay holiday by the beach. The Island has 340 sunny days a year and is a short flight from most European hubs.
Visit Cyprus, famous for its turquoise beaches and year-round warm weather.
Cyrpus is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea offering visitors breathtaking natural beauty with modern cityscapes. Cyprus is a relatively big island. In 2-4 hours you can drive from any town to any destination.
Life in Gay Cyprus
Gay Acceptance in Cyprus is at high levels, and same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1998. The locals are still relatively conservative and many gay people are still “in the closet”. During the Summer season, the Island becomes a melting pot of nationalities looking for fun and romance.
Cyprus is divided into 6 major districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos
The three main cities with a gay scene are Cyprus are Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol, however they are all relatively tame. Most of the action takes place in the Summer beach resorts as tourists mix with locals in the sunshine.
Nicosia has some gay bars and restaurants. An outdoor cruising spot in the National Gardens is popular with Turkish Cypriots. Ithaki Nicosia is a popular gay bar in the city. The port city of Larnaca has a lively bar & nightlife scene along Mackenzie Beach. Secrets Freedom Club is the No 1 gay spot in the city.
Most gay visitors tend to stay in Paphos or Limassol. both are popular with gay sunbathers and nudists. Each city has its own vibe and it is possible to combine a vacation in both destinations. Limassol is especially busy during the weekends when locals go on the hunt for fun!
Gay Cyprus – Paphos
Paphos is famous for it’s sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
Paphos is a seaside city and the home of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. The coast is lined with luxury hotels, great beaches and fine restaurants.
Paphos has some beautiful landmarks and ancient sites to explore, including several UNESCO-listed places of interest. Just 6.5 km from the city centre, Paphos International Airport is the second biggest in Cyprus making this resort easy to reach in just a few hours. Different Bar is a popular gay bar, busy during the Summer Season.
Gay Cyprus – Paphos Hotels
5 Star – For a truly memorable stay, check in to the Louis Ivi Mare hotel, right on the beach. All rooms and suites are equipped with a balcony and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Go for a sea-facing room!
Athena Beach Hotel is a 4-star beachfront hotel in Kato Paphos, within walking distance of the harbour, archaeological sites, shops and nightlife. It offers rooms with balconies and 3 pools.
Great Value – Clean modern design apartments in the heart of the city, close to the gay bars and Zagreb’s major attractions. An old family home that has been lovingly restored.
Apartments & Villas in Paphos
Seaview Luxury Villa
12 guests · 5 bedrooms · 7 beds · 4 baths
Located in Paphos City, 300 m from Lighthouse Beach and 200 m from Kings Avenue Mall, Phaedrus Living: Seaview Luxury Villa Venus provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. This villa also features a private pool.
Villa Paphos centre
Sleeps 14 Guests
The high standard large villa is centrally located close to all amenities of tourist area but still in quite surrounding. The villa offers a detached property set in ground, a swimming pool, stone built BBQ and a tennis court
Luxury Villa
Sleeps 12 Guests
Comfortable and roomy villa with everything you need directly in Kato Paphos, suitable for relaxation, within walking of the city and a beach. Air conditioning, central heating, fireplace, Wi-Fi, billiards, table tennis and a swimming pool
Villa Papaya
Sleeps 8 Guests
Villa Papaya is a spacious private residence house, offering best location in downtown Paphos area! It is located 100 meters from the sea and 5 min walk from the Paphos port , tourist area and the Kings Avenue mall
Map of Gay Paphos
Paphos, Cyprus
The property includes a living room with a flat-screen TV. The air-conditioned apartment also offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a bath. An outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi. A terrace with sea view
Sotiraki Markidi Ave 22, Paphos, Cyprus
Overlooking the pool or the garden, the apartments and houses have a seating area with sofa & a kitchen with fridge. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning, a washing machine & a TV. Bathroom with a bathtub.
Poseidonos Ave 47, Paphos, Cyprus
The villa has 4 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bidet. Private parking available on site and free WiFi.
Ektoros 1, Paphos 8045, Cyprus
Paradise Cove Luxury Beach Villas feature modern architectural design and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open up onto private sun terraces. Each villa has free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a fully equipped kitchen.
3 Pygmalionos street, 8046 Paphos City, Cyprus
Featuring a restaurant, bar, garden and free WiFi, Casa Mespilea is located in Paphos City, 1.7 km from Lighthouse Beach and 500 m from 28 Octovriou Square. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The property is close to popular attractions like Attikon Theatre, Chani tou Ibrahim and Mitropolis of Paphos.
At the guest house, all rooms have a wardrobe. At Casa Mespilea each room has a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
Theas Afroditis Avenue, Yeroskipou, 8101 Paphos City, Cyprus
Athena Beach Hotel is a 4-star beachfront hotel in Kato Paphos, within walking distance of the harbour, archaeological sites, shops and nightlife. It offers rooms with balconies and 3 outdoor swimming pools.
The rooms at Athena Beach Resort have air conditioning, LCD satellite TV, safety deposit box and coffee/tea making facilities. Guests are provided with bathrobes. The rooms’ spacious balconies offer views over the Mediterranean or the hotel’s tranquil gardens.
12 Theas Afroditis Avenue, Yeroskipou, 8204 Paphos City, Cyprus
The beachfront The Ivi Mare - Designed for Adults offers free WiFi and rooms with air conditioning in Paphos City, and is located a 30-minute walk from Medieval Castle of Paphos.
At the hotel, all rooms and suites are equipped with a balcony and a private bathroom with a bath or shower, while several rooms include direct sea views. At The Ivi Mare - Designed for Adults each unit is equipped with a minibar, safety deposit box, wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. A Nespresso coffee machine, a kettle, bathrobes and slippers are provided.
Bar St, Paphos 8041, Cyprus
The bar has a trendy lounge style atmosphere and plays great music consisting of both greek and international hits. Kick off time for the bar is usually 7.30pm closing at 2.30am
Things to do in Gay Paphos
- Stop by Aphrodite’s Rock – believed to be where the goddess of love and beauty was born.
- Visit the Tombs of the Kings – still magnificent despite the passage of time.
- Swim in the Blue Lagoon – the route isn’t for the fainthearted and a 4×4 will be needed but the beaches are stunning offering the clearest waters
on the island. - Take a wine tour – Tsangarides winery in Lemona, Vasilikon winery in Kathikas or Vouni Panayia winery in the village of the same name are all
worth a visit. - For instagrammable moments visit the House of Dionysos with its wonderful mosaics. The charming Paphos Castle is a stunning monument in the
harbour of Kato Paphos. - Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum – stunning car museum with over 90 different classic cars from 1912 to 2004.
Restaurants and Cocktails in Gay Paphos
- Dine with a difference – head to The Seven St Georges where there is no menu! Waiters will bring you whichever fresh dishes are in season. The meze dishes include well-seasoned meats, fresh bread, cooked vegetables, dips and sweet items.
- Take a sunset cocktail with a shipwreck at Oniro by the Sea where you can view the famous EDRO III shipwreck, just a couple of metres away.
- Head to Muse Restaurant – a charming venue, delicious food, reserve in advance. Set in central Paphos, top of a hill with sprawling reviews of the city and harbour.
Gay Cyprus – Limassol
Limassol is a party town and the perfect Saturday night party escape.
If you are looking for an intense party, then you can visit Limassol (about 35′ drive from Paphos), where you can have fun at exclusively gay bars and clubs. The Cypriot town has always been popular with sociable young Cypriots, who flock to its many bars and restaurants during the Summer Season.
Limassol is one of the most open-minded cities in Cyprus, and is host to the Cypriot Gay Pride Parade. Saripolou square with its numerous bars offers enjoyable night outs with a mixed crowd while alternative cafes and bars all over the old part of Limassol are known to be open to diversity!
Drinks and Cocktails in Limassol
- Meze Taverna Restaurant – Authentic plentiful fresh seasonal delicacies.
- Sailor’s Rest – luxury dining for something special.
- La Isla – cool beach club with a chilled vibe.
What to see and do in Limassol.
- Visit the Marina – Experience the height of luxury in Cyprus. It is a cosmopolitan hub with breathtaking views of the sea, shopping
opportunities, dining, cruises, and exclusive beaches. - Omodos Village – experience an old world ambiance in this charming village, a picture perfect place to relax and enjoy idyllic island life.
- Kourion, a UNESCO-protected archaeology park with stunning views.
- Krassochoria – visit the Troodos mountains, filled with picturesque villages with cobblestones and orchards.
Gay Friendly Cyprus Hotels – Limassol
Just metres from the sea, 3 star Harmony Bay Hotel is located in Limassol City and features an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. Great location and good value for money.
Old Port Hotel is situated in the old, historic town of Limassol. The Old Port and Castle of Limassol are right opposite the property, while the city’s marina is 100 m away.
A luxury option, gay-friendly hotel and a member of Small Luxury Hotel offering superior service, satellite TV, Nespresso coffee machine and Molton Brown cosmetics.
Recommended Apartments & Villas in Limassol
Ammos 41 Apartment
Sleeps 7 Guests
Luxurious 4 bedroom beachfront apartment, located on the 4th floor with Elevator, only 1 apartment per floor. Use of a big swimming Pool, Close to all amenities and the beach giving you everything you need for that perfect stay in Limassol
Villa Callista
Sleeps 9 Guests
Villa Callista is in a league of its own. It is undoubtedly one of the best choices in the area. It is a very spacious villa with a private pool in a unique location with breathtaking panoramic views over the coastline
Mansion in Limassol
Sleeps 16 Guests
A luxurious, 10 bedroom mansion set in beautiful gardens just 5 minutes drive from the centre of Limassol. With heated pool, external Jacuzzi, two sauna’s, billiard room, gymnasium, passenger lift & air conditioning
Limassol Gay Map
A luxurious, 10 bedroom mansion set in beautiful gardens just 5 minutes drive from the centre of Limassol. With heated pool, external Jacuzzi, two sauna’s, billiard room, gymnasium, passenger lift & air conditioning
Villa Callista is in a league of its own. It is undoubtedly one of the best choices in the area. It is a very spacious villa with a private pool in a unique location with breathtaking panoramic views over the coastline
Luxurious 4 bedroom beachfront apartment, located on the 4th floor with Elevator, only 1 apartment per floor. Use of a big swimming Pool, Close to all amenities and the beach giving you everything you need for that perfect stay in Limassol
Georgios A Street, Germasogeia, 4048 Limassol, Cyprus
This luxury hotel is located on the beachfront of Limassol Town in Cyprus, just 5 km from the archaeological site of Amathus. Well known for its excellent cuisine, it also has 2 floodlit tennis courts and a sauna. Rooms have balconies with views of the Troodos Mountains or the Mediterranean Sea.
Rooms at The Royal Apollonia have modern furnishings and large floor-to-ceiling windows.They are air-conditioned from May to October and come equipped with satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities, slippers, bathrobes, hairdryer and minibar. Free WiFi is available.
7-9, Dimitriou Mitropoulou street, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus
Featuring free WiFi and air conditioning, Old Port Hotel is situated in the old, historic town of Limassol. The Old Port and Castle of Limassol are right opposite the property, while the city's marina is 100 m away.
The accommodation has a TV. Old Port Hotel also includes a terrace.
74, Georgiou A' Avenue, Germasogeia, 4048 Limassol, Cyprus
Just metres from the sea, Harmony Bay Hotel is located in Limassol City and features an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. It offers accommodation with a balcony.
Offering direct or side views of the Mediterranean Sea, each room here will provide you with a flat-screen TV and satellite. Featuring a bath or shower, each private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Gay Cyprus Beaches
- Cyprus has some great gay and gay-friendly beaches dotted across the island with more than 45 flying the Blu Flag for cleanliness.
- Pissouri Beach is on the south west coast of Cyprus, halfway between the popular resorts of Paphos and Limassol. Pissouri gay beach offers visitors an escape from the busy nearby beaches. The beach is a few kilometres east is Aphrodite’s Rock – the birthplace of the ancient Goddess of Love, making this beautiful beach extra special.How to get to Pissouri Gay Beach From the Highway, just head for the exit Pissouri Bay by driving to Columbia Pissouri Hotel and continue until you get to a small roundabout. Turn left and park in the public car park. From there you can see the beach, once you have reached the beach, continue walking left and go straight until you hit some rocks, behind these rocks is where the very popular nudist beach starts.
- Sea Caves Beach in nearby Coral Bay is another popular beach.
- Governor’s Beach, between Limassol and Larnaca has some breathtaking scenery. On your journey, stop at one of the many restaurants including the Thalassa and Kalymnos. the gay beach is in the south of the island, at White Rocks (Aspra Vrahia), a twenty minutes drive from Limassol. Drive through the car park and go to the right to get to the gay beach.
- Kermia Beach is a smaller beach by Ayia Napa, in the east of the island by Hotel Kermia Beach, and is almost exclusively gay.
Tip: Don’t attempt to visit these beaches wearing flip flops! Pack your sneakers.
Gay Cyprus – Weather
Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid–May to mid–October, and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons.
The best time to visit Cyprus is between May and July. Not only is it one of the driest periods of the year on the island, but it’s also nice and toasty – temperatures hover between 23 and 28 degrees, with up to 13 hours of sunshine a day.
Cyprus actually has the warmest winters in the Mediterranean part of the European Union, with average temperatures of 22–23 °C during the day and 12–14 °C at night.
Gay Cyprus – Getting Around
Larnaca International Airport is Cyprus’ main international gateway and the largest of the islands’ two commercial airports, the other being Paphos International Airport on the island’s southwestern coast.
Buses are the cheapest way to get around in Cyprus. Buses in the south are generally modern and punctual, and services are regular during the peak tourist season.
Travelling within towns is usually cheap via Taxi. In the north and more rural areas, however, taxis often don’t have meters, so it’s important to negotiate a fare before setting off.
If you want to explore the island at your own pace, we recommend renting a car.
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