A friend and I would be arriving into ECN on the 29th and departing from LCA on the evening of the 31st. What is the best place for nightlife in the vicinity of these airports (not very far away and accessible by taxi or bus). Also, any good hotels? Thanks!
Without a doubt, (and don't let anybody steer you in another direction)......Ayia Napa.
Ayia Napa also has the best beaches on the Greek side of the island.....Nissi Beach being the most famous.
It's about 45 km from LCA. Buses run directly from the airport, and taxis are readily available.
Given you'll be there in late August, try not stay at any of the more inexpensive hotels near the square in the center of town. You'll run the risk of late night revelers keeping you awake all night.
I would say Ayia Napa, too.
You may stay in Larnaca, which is nice, but by far not the party area as Ayia Napa.
You may also stay in Nothern Cyprus i.e. in Kyrenia/Girne, but again not the same as Ayia Napa.
Keep in mind that Ayia Napa is far from Larnaca and Ercan, too. If you want to be close to LCA airport, your only option is Larnaca itself, which has oceanfront resorts and hotels and a lot of restaurants and a party here and there, but IT IS NOT Ayia Napa.
If you decide for Ayia Napa, you can also have a hotel in Paralimni/Protaras area, which is a short ride away from Ayia Napa.
Last time I was in ECN there were no taxis or busses at the airport. Rental cars will probably not be an option too, as you will need additional insurances for the greek cypriot side and no drop there would be possible.
Your best bet is to have a transfer organized, or you take a taxi to Nicosia/Lefkosa, cross the border by foot there, and then a bus or rental car from there to Ayia Napa.
Inform yourself about immigration issues. I know things have changed, but keep in mind that EU considers the whole island as EU ground and thus there have been issues in the past entering Cyprus in the Northern Part and exiting in the Greek Part. Again, I believe things have changed, but make sure to inform yourself in order to avoid problems when you leave at Larnaca airport and they discover you entered Cyprus through TRNC (in Ercan airpot they usually stamp your passport with TRNC stamps, unlike at the Nicosia borders, where you get a sheet of paper, which is removed when coming back, thus not documenting you have entered TRNC).
Unfortunately, had to scrap this Cypriot tag on to a trip it IST, however I have already worked up a trip for next summer than includes coming in and out of ECN (should solve immigration issues) and I will definitely follow the party advice here. Thanks!
Unfortunately, had to scrap this Cypriot tag on to a trip it IST, however I have already worked up a trip for next summer than includes coming in and out of ECN (should solve immigration issues) and I will definitely follow the party advice here. Thanks!
If you're coming into Turkish Cyprus, you might also consider taking the ferry from Girne (Kyrenia) to Alanya in Turkey. The old town along the Alanya harbor is full of bars and lots of great nightlife.
Don't worry about entering Cyprus at ECN, and exiting at LCA or PFO. I've done it a number of times, and they don't care anymore.
