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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Alternative holiday to Cyprus

31 replies

Prosecco85 · 09/03/2026 18:32

We are due to go to Cyprus in the summer. I am starting to look at alternatives as just don't know at the moment if we will be able to go.
I have been going to Cyprus for several years, so not sure where else to try.
Can anyone please recommend any alternatives?
Ideally no more than 4.5 hours on the plane, minimum 4 star hotel. It will be myself, DP and DD who is 8.
We usually go either bed and breakfast or half board, not really looking for all inclusive as we like to go out and about.

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CeeJay81 · 09/03/2026 18:52

Crete? What is it you like particulary like about Cyprus? Crete has amazing architecture, great food and amazing hospitality. It's probably the most simularnto there, although I've never been to Cyprus.

Prosecco85 · 09/03/2026 18:57

CeeJay81 · 09/03/2026 18:52

Crete? What is it you like particulary like about Cyprus? Crete has amazing architecture, great food and amazing hospitality. It's probably the most simularnto there, although I've never been to Cyprus.

Thank you for your suggestion. I think I just have an attachment to Cyprus and it's familiar to me. I had lot's holidays with my parents there when I was younger and now go there with my DP and daughter.

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Babybirdmum · 09/03/2026 18:57

Any of the Greek islands - they all have something unique to offer with history, great beaches and atmosphere. Greek food is similar to Cyprus and the Greek locals are always very friendly I’ve found

AnnaQuayRules · 09/03/2026 18:58

I second Crete. I much prefer it to Cyprus.

Prosecco85 · 09/03/2026 19:01

Thank you, I will have a look at Crete.

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illsendansostotheworld · 09/03/2026 19:09

I always go to Cyprus but tried Malta last year which was equally as lovely and very easy to get about.

NobodysChildNow · 09/03/2026 19:14

You might like Majorca or Menorca too - pretty little beaches and very accessible to tourists.

Prosecco85 · 09/03/2026 19:27

illsendansostotheworld · 09/03/2026 19:09

I always go to Cyprus but tried Malta last year which was equally as lovely and very easy to get about.

This is good to know, thank you.

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Prosecco85 · 09/03/2026 19:27

NobodysChildNow · 09/03/2026 19:14

You might like Majorca or Menorca too - pretty little beaches and very accessible to tourists.

Thank you, will add these to my list.

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Mcdhotchoc · 09/03/2026 19:38

Nine Muses, Kefalonia, assuming you don't want kids club

Mcdhotchoc · 09/03/2026 19:39

Nine Muses, Kefalonia, assuming you don't want kids club

Prosecco85 · 09/03/2026 19:47

Mcdhotchoc · 09/03/2026 19:39

Nine Muses, Kefalonia, assuming you don't want kids club

Thank you, this hotel looks amazing. Not worried about a kids club as DD happy to stay with us, and pool & beach will keep her happy.

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JazzyAmbs · 09/03/2026 19:51

Croatia? It’s extremely beautiful. Look at Valamar Isabella Island in Porec or any of the Valamars in Lapad.

Prosecco85 · 09/03/2026 22:04

JazzyAmbs · 09/03/2026 19:51

Croatia? It’s extremely beautiful. Look at Valamar Isabella Island in Porec or any of the Valamars in Lapad.

Thank you, will take a look.

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Barnsleybonuz · 09/03/2026 22:05

Malta is horrible.

stomachamelon · 09/03/2026 22:15

@Barnsleybonuzwhat the whole country?

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 10/03/2026 09:35

Barnsleybonuz · 09/03/2026 22:05

Malta is horrible.

I wouldn't go that far, but we found it boring.
We went for 2 weeks, & after the 1st week there was nothing left to do.

AlwaysRightISwear · 11/03/2026 00:13

Sicily or Sardinia?

daphni · 11/03/2026 07:54

Hi there, I agree either Crete or Sardinia/Sicily. For Crete, maybe Chania would be the best option, they have many nice hotels and close to the beach, or the old port for some nice vibes. Maybe you could find good info here and here (they also give hotel selections).
For Sardinia/Sicily, there are different vibes and in my experience Sardinia is even more family friendly, although they are pretty much the same. There is a great blog about which one to choose depending on what you are looking for, I am attaching it here for you as well. And here you can find more info about what to do with family in Sardinia. I hope that helps!

Nosejobnelly · 11/03/2026 07:57

Barnsleybonuz · 09/03/2026 22:05

Malta is horrible.

What?!
I went last year and loved it. Did you go to Valetta or see any of the historical sites or just stay jn St Julien/Sliema?

bittertwisted · 11/03/2026 08:19

JazzyAmbs · 09/03/2026 19:51

Croatia? It’s extremely beautiful. Look at Valamar Isabella Island in Porec or any of the Valamars in Lapad.

I have stayed in that hotel, and rovinj
stunningly beautiful and a great family holiday

toomuchgoingonhere · 11/03/2026 08:26

Don’t cancel yet. Cyprus is not worried. Schools open, locals having concerts on the beach. Flights in and out. Obviously can’t say for sure, but I think Cyprus will still be booming in the summer.

Prosecco85 · 11/03/2026 09:16

AlwaysRightISwear · 11/03/2026 00:13

Sicily or Sardinia?

Thank you.

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Prosecco85 · 11/03/2026 09:17

daphni · 11/03/2026 07:54

Hi there, I agree either Crete or Sardinia/Sicily. For Crete, maybe Chania would be the best option, they have many nice hotels and close to the beach, or the old port for some nice vibes. Maybe you could find good info here and here (they also give hotel selections).
For Sardinia/Sicily, there are different vibes and in my experience Sardinia is even more family friendly, although they are pretty much the same. There is a great blog about which one to choose depending on what you are looking for, I am attaching it here for you as well. And here you can find more info about what to do with family in Sardinia. I hope that helps!

Thank you for taking the time to send these links, they are really useful.

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DappledThings · 11/03/2026 09:18

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 10/03/2026 09:35

I wouldn't go that far, but we found it boring.
We went for 2 weeks, & after the 1st week there was nothing left to do.

I don't get this at all. I've been twice for a week each time and still ran out of time to visit all the places we wanted to. There's so many prehistoric sites and great museums and pretty villages.

It's a fantastic place to visit.