The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Cyprus

Tucked away in Tochni, a low-key spot between popular Larnaca and Limassol, traditional, stone-built Danae blends in with its authentic Cypriot surroundings. In grounds festooned with hibiscus trees and potted geraniums, the apartment complex has two swimming pools and charming views of rural Cyprus all around. Rooms are spacious, spick and span, with tiled or simple wood floors, and there’s a petite spa, plus yoga sessions and hiking trails on hand – ideal for a self-guided Mediterranean retreat.

Another picture-perfect village just outside – but easily reachable from – main hub Larnaca, Agia Anna is just a 10-minute drive from the nearest airport. Nevertheless, its Bougainvillea Guest House feels a world away, with a tranquil garden pool surrounded by namesake flowers, sun-soaked balconies and home-cooked breakfasts served on blue-checked tablecloths. Boho rooms are given character by stable doors and whitewashed furniture, topped with pretty ceramics and books to borrow.

Close to capital Nicosia, and the epic scenery of the monastery-topped Machairas Mountains, this agrotourism is a little piece of rural heaven. Hosts will teach you how to make real-deal halloumi or take you out birdwatching; let you pick and eat their homegrown peaches, apricots and figs; and get you tipsy on homemade limoncello. Rooms are slightly spartan but rustic in cornflower blue, buttercup yellow and dark woods. Breakfasts are a cut above, making use of the farm’s olive oil, eggs and home-baked bread.

Not far from western Paphos, this charming stone-built stay is surrounded by verdant, hilly scenery. Its unvarnished wooden shutters and wooden ceiling fans give a time-trapped feel to unpainted stone rooms of four posters and thick, embroidered rugs. Head out hiking to monasteries, peaks and tiny churches; or self-cater courtesy of your mini-fridge and kitchenette. Your hosts make you feel at home with wholesome breakfasts and a resident dog.

This 100-year-old stone house is in remote, historic Agias Elenis, outside of Larnaca. With a smallish, courtyard pool and charismatic, wood-beamed rooms, it feels like stepping back in time – no frills, but full of stories. You can walk to a supermarket, restaurants or a pretty church, but the food here is so authentic and delicious you’ll want to stay in: think spit-roasted meats and farm-fresh eggs.

This stylish guesthouse is in the sunbaked south of the island, a half-hour drive from Larnaca airport. Overflowing with heaving grapevines and pottery – but jazzed up with an al fresco hot tub – its simple stone courtyard and buildings are given elegance by vintage chinaware, embroidered linens and Persian rugs. Host Donna Marie is a glorious cook, whipping up treats with foraged mushrooms, homegrown courgette flowers and lovingly brewed jams.

Deep in a luscious valley outside Paphos, Vasilias Nikoklis is a popular wedding venue thanks to its vine-canopied patio, photogenic pool and verdant countryside all around. Your hosts make their own olive oil and cook with homegrown vegetables. In the rustic rooms, wrought-iron four-poster beds and high, wood-beamed ceilings feel luxurious. Since there are only eight rooms, you’ll feel part of an intimate, exclusive crowd, too.

On the coast outside of well-connected Larnaca, sweet little Villa Elia has cerulean-painted shutters, a tree-shaded patio and chic little rooms, accented in blue, white and wicker. Lounge on stylish woven loungers by the generous-sized lap pool, or walk to nearby Kiti village, with its sleepy tavernas and kite-surfing beaches. Book the Pool Room for a mini-terrace and doors opening right on to the pool area.