Welcome to my Jet2 Cyprus Holiday travel diary, where I chronicle our well-deserved holiday to the magical Mediterranean island. In December, my husband, our seven-year-old son, and I embarked on a journey that would leave us with memories to cherish for a lifetime. We chose one of the popular package holidays offered by Jet2, which not only promised a seamless experience and winter sun but also free child places – an offer too good to pass up!
Our destination was the enchanting city of Paphos, where the azure waters meet the golden sands under the winter sun, creating an idyllic setting for families seeking a warm refuge in the colder months. Staying at the King Alexander Hotel, we explored the ancient wonders, savoured the local cuisine, and indulged in the Cypriot way of life.
So, if you’re planning a family trip and considering a Jet2 Cyprus holiday, join me as I discover the magic of Paphos and beyond. With an abundance of joy, adventure, and relaxation, Cyprus is a Mediterranean paradise that caters to every kind of traveller. Read on as I share our experiences, tips, and tricks for an unforgettable family holiday in Cyprus.
AD: This is a sponsored post, but all views and opinions are my own.
Our Winter Sun Getaway: Flying from London Stansted airport to Paphos
Embarking on international travel for well-deserved holidays can sometimes be a daunting prospect, with concerns about airport crowds and check-in queues. However, our experience with Jet2 was seamless from the very start. With their excellent app combined with brilliant customer service and thoughtful provisions for family travel, we were able to relax and anticipate the adventures awaiting us in Cyprus.
Jet2’s Convenient Departure Locations
Jet2 offers flights to Paphos from various locations across the UK, making it convenient for holidaymakers regardless of where they reside. We flew from London Stansted with Jet2, but other UK airports options include East Midlands, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow Intl, Edinburgh, Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool and Leeds Bradford airports. This flexibility ensures that a slice of Mediterranean paradise is never too far away.
Checking in with Jet2: A Seamless Experience
One of the most impressive features of our Jet2 holiday was undoubtedly the ease and convenience of the check-in process. With Jet2, you can check in online anytime from 28 days up to six hours before your departure. This flexibility allowed us to plan our day without worrying about last-minute check-ins.
Jet2 App: Your Digital Assistant
The Jet2 app became our digital assistant for the trip, simplifying the check-in process even further. All we needed to do was enter our booking details and passport numbers, and we could check in right from our smartphone. After checking in, we had the option to print our boarding passes or simply send them to our phones. This meant less paperwork to keep track of and one less thing to worry about!
Twilight Check-In: Baggage Drop-off Made Easy
Jet2 also offers a unique service known as Twilight Check-In. This service allows passengers with early flights to check their bags in the night before their departure between 16:30 and 21:00 the evening before their morning flight. It’s important to note that to use this service, you’ll need to check in online at least 24 hours before your flight. We found this to be a small price to pay for the convenience offered. And with a generous 22 kg luggage allowance, you don’t need to stress about overpacking.
In essence, Jet2’s check-in services are designed to make the travel process as smooth as possible. From their flexible online check-in to their convenient app and helpful Twilight Check-In service, Jet2 ensures that your holiday starts on a high note right from the moment you begin your journey.
Resort flight check-in service
One new standout feature of Jet2’s service is their Resort Flight Check-In Service, so you can spend the final day of their holiday bag-free. This free service allows you to check in your luggage at your hotel on the day of departure for your return flight, letting you make the most of your final day in Cyprus without worrying about your bags. This is available at certain hotels during the summer months and helps Jet2 customers make the most of the last day of their holiday and relax on the morning of their flight home.
Embarking on Our Cypriot Adventure
With the formalities handled efficiently, we could focus on the excitement of our upcoming adventure. The anticipation built as we boarded our flight, ready to discover the magic of Paphos and beyond.
As ever, our flight with Jet2 was enjoyable and trouble-free. We had plenty of foot room, and I sat back and relaxed with my Kindle. When we landed and collected our luggage, we were directed to the transfer coach, where our Jet2 rep greeted us. Before we knew it, we were on our way to our hotel!
In the next section, we’ll share more about our stay at Alexander the Great Beach Hotel, a haven of comfort and luxury that served as our home base during our unforgettable Cyprus holiday.
Alexander the Great Beach Hotel: Our Home Away from Home in Paphos
Our stay at the Alexander the Great Beach Hotel with Jet2holidays was incredible. Just a short walk from Paphos harbour, this hotel served as our home away from home, offering a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and Cypriot charm.
Proximity to Paphos Harbour and Local Attractions
Alexander the Great Beach Hotel with Jet2 in Cyprus is conveniently located within walking distance of Paphos harbour. This meant we could easily explore the local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions at our own pace. The ancient tombs on the hotel grounds also provided a fascinating glimpse into Cyprus’s rich history.
Just a 15-minute walk away, you will find the bus station for Paphos, where there are regular buses taking you all around the island.
Culinary Excellence at Alexander The Great Hotel
One of the highlights of our stay at the Alexander The Great Hotel was undeniably the gastronomic journey we embarked upon. The hotel houses a range of restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience that catered to our diverse tastes and preferences.
Cafe Royal: A Breakfast Haven
Our day would begin at Cafe Royal, where an array of breakfast options greeted us. However, the star of the show was the freshly cooked omelettes. Prepared on the spot with our choice of ingredients, these omelettes were a delightful way to kickstart our mornings.
Roxane Restaurant: Themed Buffets Galore
For dinner, we often found ourselves at the Roxane Restaurant. This restaurant offered themed evening buffets, showcasing a variety of cuisines from around the world. The different themes kept our dining experiences exciting and introduced us to a plethora of new flavours.
Limanaki Tavern: Authentic Greek Meze
If you crave a taste of traditional Greek cuisine, the Limanaki Tavern is a must Their Greek meze was a culinary delight, providing us with a true taste of Cyprus.
Seven Orchids: An Asian Culinary Journey
One of the most memorable meals we had was at Seven Orchids, where we embarked on a culinary journey around Asia. The exquisite dishes, prepared with meticulous attention to detail, were some of the best we’ve ever had. What made our experience even better was their ability to cater to children. They prepared a special spaghetti dish for our son, ensuring he too enjoyed his meal. My son was also super excited to get hios very own delicious mocktail! Special shout out to Raja, our waiter who went out of his way to provide excellent service with a smile.
Garibaldi: An Adults-Only Italian Retreat
Finally, we had the pleasure of dining at Garibaldi, an adults-only Italian restaurant. We enjoyed a romantic meal here while our son was engaged with a movie night at the kids’ club. The tranquil ambience, combined with the authentic Italian fare, made for a truly unforgettable evening.
The dining options at Alexander The Great Hotel truly elevated our holiday experience. From freshly cooked omelettes to themed buffets and authentic international cuisines, we were spoilt for choice every day. It’s safe to say that our stay at the hotel was a gastronomic adventure in itself! We stayed on a half board plus basis, which entitles us to visit the A La Carte Restaurants once each during our week stay, with a glass of wine or beer included with every evening meal. A lovely bottle of the house red costs 17 Euros.
Evening Entertainment: Fun for the Whole Family
The hotel also offered a diverse range of evening entertainment options. Live music, themed nights, and shows at the Alexander Bar ensured that our nights were as exciting as our days. I loved that the All Stars Team performed musicals, which added to the fun and enjoyment. My son couldn’t believe it when Matt from Kids Club was up and singing The Greatest Show. He even placed his hat on my son’s hat and made his day! There’s a great selection of cocktails to choose from.
There were also Christmas movies playing for those wanting to enjoy a family film.
Kids Club: A Haven for the Little Ones
For our seven-year-old son, the Kids Club was a highlight of the hotel. It offered a range of fun and educational activities that kept him engaged and entertained, giving us some time to relax and unwind.They hand you a buzzer so if you’re needed it rings for extra peace of mind. He loved arts and crafts, and the All-Stars team were brilliant. As an only child, it’s also a wonderful way for him to have time with other children. Every time we came to pick him up, he never wanted to leave!
Spa Facilities and Indoor Heated Pool
Alexander the Great Hotel boasts exceptional spa facilities, complete with a heated indoor pool. Whether we wanted a soothing massage or a leisurely swim, the spa offered a tranquil space to rejuvenate.
Outdoor Swimming Pools and Nearby Beaches
The hotel’s outdoor swimming pools were enticing; however, we weren’t quite brave enough to enjoy them as the water temperature was so low. The pools, however, did provide the perfect location to relax on a sun lounger. Moreover, the beautiful beaches nearby offered the perfect setting for building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, and soaking up the sun. The sea was warm enough to swim in. The sun loungers by the beach were the perfect spot for us and there were plenty of rock pools to explore. We caught a crab in our bucket but let him back out soon after.
Exceptional Hotel Rooms and Friendly Staff
Our room at the hotel was nothing short of exceptional. With its comfortable furnishings, modern amenities, and stunning views, it truly felt like a home away from home. The luxurious toiletries including dedicated children’s shampoo, shower gel and soap, and the dressing gown and slippers, added a touch of luxury to our stay.
What made our stay even more enjoyable was the friendly and attentive staff. Their warm hospitality and commitment to customer service added a personal touch to our stay. Flavier, on guest services, couldn’t be more helpful, and Xenia, who greeted us at the restaurants every day, was so lovely. She made such a big fuss of my son and made him feel really special.
Alexander the Great Beach Hotel was the perfect base for our Paphos adventure. With its convenient location, excellent facilities, and friendly staff, it played a significant role in making our Jet2 Cyprus holiday a truly unforgettable experience.
Embracing the Magic of Paphos: Must-Visit Destinations and Attractions
Paphos, a city steeped in history and rich in culture, offers a myriad of attractions that are sure to captivate any traveller. During our stay at the Alexander The Great Hotel, we had the opportunity to explore some of these gems. You can also speak to your Jet2 representative to book an excursion at an extra cost, or you can book via the Jet2 app. The Jet2 rep was super helpful and gave us so much information on where to visit and what to see on our meet and greet on our first morning. They had an information booth by the hotel shop with lots of useful information too.
Here are some of the nearby sites you can enjoy at this popular holiday destination.
Paphos Old Town: A Walk Through History
Our first stop was Paphos Old Town. The old streets, traditional houses, and bustling market gave us a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past and present. Each corner of this charismatic town told a story, making a visit here a truly enriching experience.
Paphos Harbour: A Blend of Leisure and History
Next on our itinerary was Paphos Harbour. This bustling port area is home to an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. The harbour also boasts the imposing Paphos Castle, which added a touch of historical intrigue to our visit. Entance is just 2.50 and our son was free.
Aphrodite’s Rock: The Birthplace of the Goddess of Love
We hired a car for a couple of days and made our way to Aphrodite’s Rock, under an hours drive from the hotel. The rock, with the Greek name, Petra tou Romiou, is believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The stunning views of the rock against the Mediterranean Sea made for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Kings of the Tombs: An Archaeological Marvel
A visit to Paphos would be incomplete without exploring the Kings of the Tombs. This ancient necropolis, adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes, left us in awe of the city’s rich archaeological heritage.
Agios Neophytos Monastery: A Spiritual Retreat
Our spiritual curiosity led us to the peaceful Agios Neophytos Monastery. Nestled in the hills of Paphos, this monastery offered serene surroundings and captivating views.
Coral Bay
We took the bus one day to Coral Bay. It was 1.50 each way and there is a bus every 5 to 15 minutes. Although all the sun loungers were packed up for winter, the soft golden sands were worth the visit (just make sure you bring a towel to lie on). It’s perfect for swimming in the sea and sand castles! The temperature of the sea is absolutely fine to swim in December.
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park: A Mosaic Masterpiece
Finally, we visited the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, where we marvelled at the stunning mosaics. The beautifully preserved artwork, depicting scenes from Greek mythology, was a testament to the city’s artistic legacy.
Our adventure in Paphos was truly magical. From the charming Old Town to the mesmerising mosaics of the archaeological park, each attraction offered a unique experience that enriched our holiday and left us with unforgettable memories.
Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Family Holiday in Cyprus
Planning your next summer getaway to the sun-soaked island of Cyprus? Here are some insider tips and tricks to ensure a memorable family holiday in one of the most beautiful Cyprus resorts.
Choose the Right Tour Operator
Your choice of tour operator can make or break your holiday experience. Look for a reputable holiday company like Jet2 that is part of the ATOL scheme. This will ensure that you’re protected should the travel firm cease trading.
Connect with the Cypriot Authorities
Stay updated with the latest travel advisories issued by the Cypriot authorities. The Deputy Minister of Tourism Cyprus regularly updates travel guidelines that can be helpful in planning your trip. Did you know Cyprus is one of the countries where you don’t need to do the Iris scan if travelling from the UK.
Find a Cheap Flight to Cyprus
Consider flying with an airline offering cheap flights to Cyprus to save on travel costs. Many airlines offer competitive rates on flights to Cyprus, making it a perfect place for a budget-friendly family vacation.
Plan Your Itinerary in Due Course
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your itinerary. Start researching popular Cyprus holidays and attractions well in advance. This will give you ample time to book tours and activities with your tour holiday company.
Get Ready for Much-Needed Sunshine
Finally, prepare to soak up the much-needed sunshine. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the local attractions, remember to pack plenty of sunscreens and stay hydrated.
In conclusion, a well-planned holiday in Cyprus can provide a delightful escape for the entire family. By staying informed about the latest developments and planning in due course, you can look forward to creating unforgettable memories on this enchanting island.
Wrapping Up Our Jet2 Cyprus Holiday: Highlights and Takeaways
As we bid farewell to the Cypriot sunshine and the captivating island of Cyprus, it’s time to reflect on our unforgettable journey. Our Jet2 Cyprus holiday was every bit the dream holiday choice we had envisioned and more.
Basking in the Winter Cypriot Sunshine
The allure of the Cypriot sunshine was a welcome companion throughout our trip. Whether we were exploring historical sites or lounging on the blue flag beaches, the sun added a golden hue to our overall holiday experience.
The Dream Holiday Choice: Cyprus
Cyprus proved to be the dream holiday choice for us. Its blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture kept us engaged and excited throughout our stay. The warm hospitality of the locals made us feel welcome and added to the charm of this beautiful island.
Blue Flag Beaches: A Slice of Paradise
The blue flag beaches of Cyprus were a major highlight of our trip. Their pristine beauty coupled with the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea provided the perfect backdrop for many relaxing afternoons and fun-filled family activities.
The Overall Holiday Experience
Our overall holiday experience in Cyprus was nothing short of extraordinary. From the exquisite cuisine to the fascinating attractions and the much-needed sunshine, every aspect of our holiday was meticulously catered to.
The British Tourists’ Favourite: Cyprus
It’s no wonder that Cyprus is a favourite among British tourists. The island offers a plethora of experiences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a beach lover, Cyprus has something for everyone.
In conclusion, our Jet2 holiday in Cyprus has left us with a treasure trove of memories and experiences. As we look back, we can’t help but appreciate the beauty and charm of this island. It’s safe to say that Cyprus has earned a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to returning to its sunny shores in the future.
