According to forum posts, preferences for places to stay in Cyprus vary depending on interests. Some travelers recommend Limassol for its proximity to water parks and nightlife, while Paphos is favored by those interested in a quieter environment yet still offering access to beaches and local attractions.

Travelers have called out Ayia Napa and Protaras as top choices for those seeking beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife. These areas are particularly recommended for younger visitors or those looking for a more active holiday experience.

For visitors seeking a more authentic Cypriot experience away from the main tourist hubs, areas like Coral Bay and the village of Kalavasos have been mentioned. Coral Bay is praised for its beach and access to nature, while Kalavasos offers a charming village atmosphere with good accessibility to major cities and the airport.

Limassol's old town is highlighted for those interested in exploring local culture and historic sites, providing a good balance of access to modern amenities while being close to cultural landmarks.

According to forum posts, Cyprus primarily offers bus services for public transportation. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual bus passes are available, which can be purchased at locations such as Larnaca Airport or online. This network covers various towns and offers island-wide services. Intercity routes connect major cities like Larnaca, Nicosia, and Limassol, and the Cyprus by Bus website provides comprehensive route and timetable information.

For travelers looking to move between specific points, such as from Larnaca Airport to Nicosia, options include the Kapnos Airport Shuttle to the outskirts of Nicosia, followed by a local bus to the city center. Similarly, for trips from Larnaca to Famagusta, one must travel to Nicosia first and then proceed to the northern part.

Travelers have noted that there are no direct public bus services that cross from the southern to the northern part of Cyprus. To reach northern Cyprus destinations like Famagusta or Kyrenia from the south, one must take a bus to Nicosia, cross the border on foot, and then continue by bus or taxi in the north.

According to forum posts, travelers wishing to enter Cyprus must ensure their passport is valid for at least three months after their planned departure date from Cyprus. However, there has been some confusion about whether it should be three or six months, with the official guidance confirming three months.

For many users, COVID-19-specific entry requirements include providing a negative test result obtained within 72 hours before travel. This rule applies to travelers from the UK categorized under Cyprus Category B. Additionally, travelers must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before travel and carry a hard copy or electronic copy of the necessary documents.

Some travelers said that crossing from Northern to Southern Cyprus generally requires a valid EU passport if one enters from a point like Mersin or Tarsus in Turkey to Northern Cyprus first.

Some travelers have mentioned that watersports, such as those available on beaches, are popular activities for families. However, caution is advised for activities like quad biking due to safety concerns.

For those interested in more adventurous activities, hiking is recommended. The Akamas Nature Trails were specifically mentioned as great hiking options, complete with beautiful scenery.

Travelers have also recommended visiting waterparks as a fun family activity. The Fasouri Watermania in Limassol was highlighted as a preferable choice due to its proximity and facilities.

Several travelers on the forum have recommended Stevens Car Rentals, noting it for its reliability and positive service experiences. Another local option mentioned is Petsas, which offers specific deals like a refund on a full tank of fuel and included comprehensive insurance for rentals of more than seven days.

Some users have discussed the importance of checking for inclusive deals that offer full comprehensive insurance and a full-full fuel tank policy to avoid hidden costs. It is also advisable to confirm the specific details of the car, such as age and model, before finalizing the rental.

Questions about the possibility of renting specific types of vehicles like campers and cabriolets were also raised, although detailed responses on availability were limited. For those needing to travel from one city to another, such as from Paphos to Larnaca, global operators like Sixt, Avis, Hertz, and Budget are suggested because they provide the option to drop off the car in a different location.

Travelers looking to drive across different regions of Cyprus, including the northern part, should be aware that standard insurance might only cover third-party liability in certain areas, necessitating additional insurance purchase at border crossings.

According to forum posts, Northern Cyprus is generally less developed and built up compared to Southern Cyprus. This difference in development extends to the infrastructure, including hotels and other facilities, which are often simpler and reflect a lower cost of living due to the currency being the Turkish Lira.

Some travelers mentioned that crossing from North to South Cyprus can be complex due to differing entry regulations depending on one's citizenship and point of entry. There are restrictions on what can be brought across the border, with specific references to not being able to bring vegetables and fruits from the North to the South.

Forum contributions highlighted that while both parts of the island share a friendly Cypriot culture, the North is under Turkish occupation and features a lot of Turkish influence in its culture, cuisine, and daily life. Additionally, many properties and lands in the North are subject to legal disputes due to their historical confiscation.

According to forum posts, Paphos offers a wide variety of dining options ranging from reasonably priced restaurants to those offering international cuisines like Chinese, Indian, and Italian. Some travelers mentioned specific spots like The Lodge for steak and Ficardo for a high-quality dining experience. There are also options for budget meals with fixed-price menus including wine.

For nightlife, travelers have described Paphos as having a diverse range of bars from British-style pubs to upscale cocktail bars. While Bar Street was noted to have declined, there are still lively areas throughout Kato Paphos and the old town with upmarket bars. Some users preferred the harbor front bars for a more relaxed evening ambiance.

According to forum posts, Paphos experiences varied weather depending on the time of year. During April, the temperature ranges between 18°C and 21°C, and it's pleasant enough for sunbathing, although the sea remains cold. In October, the weather is generally nice, suitable for swimming, with warm sea temperatures.

Some travelers noted that the weather in February can be the wettest, with severe storms and cool nights around 9°C. December's weather is unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius and occasional brief showers. January sees temperatures from 10°C in the mornings/evenings to 20°C during the day, with a need for a jacket in the evenings due to the cold.

For swimming and beach activities, the sea is described as cold post-winter, not warming up until April or May. Travelers have suggested that though it might be sunny, outdoor pools and sea temperatures remain chilly until later in the spring.