Ten tips to make your pound go further in Paphos & Cyprus
Everybody wants to enjoy a sunshine holiday. You’ve worked hard and now you want some fun and guaranteed sun!
Here’s ten tips to help you make your holiday money go further this summer in Paphos & Cyprus:
1.Change your pounds into Euros wisely. The Pound to Euro exchange rate is better now than it has been (and it keeps on slowly but surely improving). Change your money in a bank rather than a hotel to get the best rate. If you use ATMs to get your Euros, watch out that every transaction has a service charge applied. You can also contact a currency specialist prior to arrival, some extra work but you will save money. Avoid changing at airports as rates will be vastly reduced.
2.Stay in a self-catering villa or apartment rather than a hotel. Independent research shows that on a per person basis, a villa holiday typically costs 50% of a comparable hotel holiday. Add to that hotel prices in Cyprus have rocketed over the last two years ( do you really want to pay 5 euros for a pint of beer that costs 2 euros elsewhere?), whilst at the same time the cost of villa and apartment rentals has stayed much the same. For value, you can’t beat a villa holiday. Not only will you get more for your money, you’ll be able to cook (or better still barbecue!) for yourself to save a bit more.
3.When eating out, seek out tavernas the locals go to. You’ll enjoy the experience more and it’ll be better value. You’ll be able to enjoy real Cypriot cooking with fresh ingredients rather than another steak out of the freezer. Check our map of best restaurants in Paphos here You can also marvel at the fresh organic produce in the supermarkets which tastes far better than you can get in many other countries.
4.Avoid the cafes in the prime tourist locations when stopping for a coffee. A coffee by the harbour in Paphos will have a great view, but it’ll cost you twice as much as one in the shopping streets of Paphos. And you’ll probably half the cost again in the café’s in the villages like Peyia or Tala.
5.When self catering, buy from the bigger supermarkets rather than the corner kiosks and supermarkets. A trip round Papantoniou, Lidl, Alpha-Mega, Phillipos or Carrefour in Paphos will save you a lot of money and the choices are much better. For fruit and vegetables, try the fruit markets – they’re a fantastic experience and you’ll get some great bargains. See our map of supermarkets here. Be sure to visit ‘the Garden of Eden’ for the most wonderful veg you will find anywhere.
6.Eat like the locals. The Cyprus climate means that fruit and vegetables are in abundance. They taste great in comparison with the products you’ll buy in a UK supermarket, even if they do sometimes look a bit odd! Also chicken and pork are both great value in Cyprus. Avoid the brand labels you buy in the UK as they cost a lot to import and that cost has to be passed on. It’s all better for you anyway.
7.Get around in a hire car. Whilst taxis and organised coach trips have become expensive, renting a car can still be great value. Don’t be put off by stories of Cypriot drivers – use common sense and you’ll be able to explore widely. For great deals visit our preferred supplier Zest Car Rental
8.Get off the beaten track. Kato Paphos is much like any other Mediterranean holiday resort. To enjoy Cyprus at its best, stay in Peyia, Coral Bay, Sea Caves, Agios Georgios or Secret Valley. With a car, you’ll be able to pick your beach, pick your scenery and you’ll save a fortune over the prices in the tourist hot spots. Look for early-bird specials and ask for 10% discount vouchers for return visits as many restaurants offer this now.
9.Bring your suntan lotion with you. Cyprus is an island, so everything that’s not made or grown in Cyprus gets shipped in – and that can make some things expensive. Other things like pool toys, sun hats, mosquito sprays and the likes can be pricey also so weigh up bringing your own.
10.Plan your days out. The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is great fun for kids of all ages but for a family of four expect your day out to cost more than €100. Watch out for discount vouchers in supermarkets, local magazines and other outlets to help with this and take the free shuttle bus which runs from Coral Bay and Paphos every day throughout the Summer. Balance this out another day by taking a walk around the world–renowned Paphos Archaeological Park or fascinating Tombs of the Kings and you’ll get change out of €15 for the same family of four. Always have a good breakfast before you go out.
Check our latest new villas and special offers on villas and apartments in paphos here: https://www.rent-villas-paphos.co.uk/special-offers
Check out the lastest Euro exchange rates at XE.Com
